Milan, Italy

Italy Today

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Experiential Learning, Global Pillars Courses, Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Program Dates:

  • Spring 2026: January 19 - May 09
  • Spring 2027: Mid January - Mid May
  • Fall 2026: August 31 - December 16
  • Academic Year 2026-2027: Early September - Early May

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Estimated Cost:

$20,995

Visa Required:

Yes

Housing:

Apartment, Homestay, Residence Hall

Language of Instruction:

English, Italian

Language Prerequisites:

None

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

No matter what level of Italian you speak, we welcome you to study here, all while exploring and living immersed in the rich culture of Milan. You will be placed in an IES Abroad Italian language course that’s been designed for you based on your language level so you can make the most of your time in Italy.

Background Image Mask
Follow Your Academic Interests

Take liberal arts and social science courses, too.

Background Image Mask
Study at a Local University

Take courses at one of eight local universities.

Background Image Mask
Gain Hands-On Experience

Participate in an internship or experiential learning placement.

Background Image Mask
Join Cultural Events Around Milan

Redefine the way you live and learn in Milan through cultural events.

Fall 2026

Program Dates:

August 31 - December 16

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
20,995

Program Advisor

Advisor Photo for Group Advisor Programs

Chrissy Tyndall, Kaylee Brezinski & Rachael Grochowski

Once you’ve applied for a program, one of us will be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, we're here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Why Milan?

Ciao! Pack your bags and get ready to indulge in the culture of this modern city that is known for its world-class art, architecture, design, business and finance activities, and fashion. Absorb everything that Milan has to offer through IES Abroad Milan’s wide variety of courses, internships, and unforgettable cultural activities.

Learn More About Milan

Get to Know Your New City

Background Image Mask
Climb the Duomo

Make your way to the top for the best views of the city.

Background Image Mask
Meet People & Get Involved

Make friends with Community Assistants.

Background Image Mask
Enjoy the Milanese Aperitivo

Happy hour in Milan means, when you buy a drink, you get dinner for free!

Background Image Mask
Root for Local Teams

Cheer on A.C. Milan and Inter Milan!

The Student Experience

A photo from the window of a plane showing a vast city.
Adelaide Miller,

Two Weeks and Counting

It has been two wonderful weeks full of adventure, orientation, and exhaustion. Milan has so much to offer, and I have attempted to seize the city by exploring...

View All Blogs

Program Dates

Spring 2026

Program Dates:

January 19 - May 09

Application Deadline:

Spring 2027

Program Dates:

Mid January - Mid May

Fall 2026

Program Dates:

August 31 - December 16

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2026-2027

Program Dates:

Early September - Early May

Application Deadline:

Academics

Partner University Disclaimer

Due to recent changes, we will not be able to offer partner university courses at Istituto Europeo di Design during the Spring 2026 semester. We are currently working with Milano Fashion Institute (MFI) to determine if partner university courses will be available during the Spring 2026 semester. More information regarding MFI will be available later this Fall.

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. 

Partner Institutions

Politecnico di Milano

Founded in 1863, Politecnico is Milan's oldest university and the largest technical university in Italy. One of the top design and engineering schools in the world, notable alumni include Nobel laureate Giulio Natta and renowned architect Renzo Piano. Students will have the option of taking English-taught engineering courses at the Leonardo campus, located roughly 30 minutes away from the IES Abroad Milan center. For a sample of course offerings, click here. For more information, view the website below.

Visit Website

Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. 

You take 15–19 credits per semester. 

  • IES Abroad Italian language course at your proficiency level (required, 4 or 6 credits) 
  • English-taught IES Abroad area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each) 
  • English- or Italian-taught IES Abroad elective courses (optional, 3 credits each) 
  • Internship and seminar (optional, 3 credits) 
  • Community-based learning placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits) 

To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the  IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (31)

Architecture (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
ES/AT/US 315 - Urban Design and Sustainability Fall, Spring English 3

Partner Institution Courses

Enrolling in a partner university course is a great way to meet Italians and experience the Italian education system firsthand. As a study abroad student in Milan, two partner university courses are included in the program cost, provided that you meet the institution’s requirements. Any additional enrollments will carry an extra cost. 

Most partner university courses are worth 3 credits. Specific course listings and descriptions are not available on the universities’ websites until shortly before the beginning of the term and may be updated frequently. The IES Abroad staff will assist you with this process. 

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins - some local university courses may not be available to sophomores 
  • No Italian required 

About the IES Abroad Milan Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

Our long-standing presence in Milan got an upgrade in 2024: welcome to the brand new IES Abroad Milan Center. It has architectural history, over a dozen classrooms, a 280-seat auditorium, onsite gym, plenty of study spaces, and more. This cutting edge center will be your study abroad hub. 

 

Housing

Apartment

Live in a furnished apartment located in a safe and lively district. Located on main public transportation routes, apartments are within a 40-minute commute to the Center, and each apartment offers fully equipped kitchens, Internet access, a dishwasher, and a washing machine. These apartments are single-sex. Premium location units may carry an additional cost. Apartment life can be enhanced by a live-in Italian roommate called a Community Assistant (CA). These Assistants can help you improve your Italian language skills, get to know the city of Milan, and integrate more fully into the local culture. Meals are not included, so you normally eat lunch at a local café or a university cafeteria, and prepare your own breakfast and dinner at home.

Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Milan, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

Students eat pizza in Italy

Luxury Cars & Food of Italy

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

Learn what's behind these two cornerstones of the Italian economy. How did Enzo Ferrari build such iconic sports cars and balsamic vinegar become a World-renowned delicacy? You'll find out from the source!

View from the window of the Museo Nzionale della Montagne

Turin

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

Experience the city of cinema, royal palaces, and chocolate. Once the capital of Italy, Turin is a refined, elegant metropolitan city of great historical interest, with a touch of contemporary, cosmopolitan buzz. Explore its baroque architecture and some of...

A student stands in front of Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore

1 Day ($) Fall, Spring, & Summer

Visit the charming city of Stresa on Lago Maggiore. Get the full scenic tour on a private boat that will take you to see the three marvelous Borromean Islands, along with their museums and botanical gardens, situated in the heart of the lake.

Cinque Terre cliffside in Italy

Cinque Terre

1 Day ($) Fall & Summer

Get inspired while hiking the trails of this UNESCO World-Heritage site and visiting its picturesque towns overlooking the Mediterranean sea. If that wasn't enough, you'll also get to enjoy a boat tour to see the colorful villages from the sea.

A group of diverse students smiling at the camera atop a balcony in Verona.

Verona

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

Take a trip to the Veneto region to see the famous location of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, also known as the "City of Love."

bologna trip

Bologna

1 day ($) Fall & Spring

Explore with us the beautiful city of Bologna; home to the most ancient university in the western world. A guided tour with a specialized guide and a pasta cooking class in the Bologna city center awaits you!

milan alps

Ski Trip in the Alps

2 days ($) Spring

Enjoy a two-day trip in the charming city of Bormio in Alta Valtellina, the best place for those who want to experience the Alps in winter. Have fun skiing through the breathtaking landscapes on top of Europe! A snowshoeing activity is also included.

milan tuscany trip

Tuscany Trip

3 days ($) Spring

Tuscany, a region with a one-of-a-kind cultural heritage that has fascinated visitors for centuries. Join us for a Tuscan weekend with special experiences including a winery, farm visit, and the chance to walk up the Leaning Tower of Pisa!

Part-Time Internships