Experiential Learning,
Global Pillars Courses,
Part-Time Internship
•
Length:
Fall,
Spring,
Academic Year
+1
IES Abroad Milan
IES Abroad Milan
Rachel L. • DePauw University
Wofford College
Wofford College
Emma G. • Penn State University
Gabriella H. • St. Olaf College
Gabriella H. • St. Olaf College
Charlie C. • Northwestern University
Charlie C. • Northwestern University
At a Glance
Program Dates:
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
Our Psychological & Behavioral Sciences Program offers an academic experience grounded in both clinical and cognitive approaches. The curriculum explores a wide range of topics, including individual and organizational behavior, cutting-edge trauma studies, and more traditional coursework on adult development and aging examined through the distinctive cultural context of Italian society. You'll learn from local experts and practitioners, gaining a global perspective on human behavior while expanding your academic and professional skills in one of Europe’s most dynamic cities.
Follow Your Academic Interests
Take liberal arts and social science courses, too.
Study at a Local University
Take courses at one of eight local universities.
Gain Hands-On Experience
Participate in an internship or experiential learning placement.
Join Cultural Events Around Milan
Redefine the way you live and learn in Milan through cultural events.
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!
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
About the Destination
Why Milan?
Dreaming of studying abroad in Italy while honing your understanding of the mind? No complex interpretation needed there! Milan is the place and IES Abroad Psychological & Behavioral Sciences is the program. Milan, Italy offers a dynamic population hub including an IES Abroad Center where you'll find top notch instructors and the opportunity to study human behaviors across cultures.
Overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork you have to complete? The deadlines? The cost? Don't fret! I was too, but by staying calm, organizing a checklist, and...
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
UCSC
Bocconi
IES Abroad Milan
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Liberal Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC), located in the heart of Milan’s historic city center, is one of the largest private universities in Europe. It is widely recognized for its academic excellence and interdisciplinary strengths across a broad range of fields. The university consistently ranks highly for both teaching and research, earning international recognition for its quality and impact. Cattolica offers a wide selection of English-taught courses. It offers a range of undergraduate Psychology courses in English in both the fall and spring semesters, as well as in areas such as Education and Social Work, Humanities, Economics, Political Science, International Relations, and Communication. The university is also known for its strong alumni network, which includes influential professionals and leaders across various sectors in Italy and around the world, reflecting the lasting value of a Cattolica education.
Voted “number one worldwide in the specific category of value for money” by Forbes, Università Bocconi (Bocconi) is one of the most prestigious European schools of business, economics, and finance. The Università Bocconi also has AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. Università Bocconi also offers English-taught course in Behavioral Sciences, such as Behavioral and Experimental Finance.
After acceptance to IES Abroad, you must complete additional steps to be eligible to enroll in courses at Bocconi:
Bring an official, sealed transcript, issued by your home university, to Milan.
Complete an online application for Bocconi prior to arrival in Milan. Course selection can still be modified once on-site. This application is released inmid-May for fall students and early to mid-November for spring students.
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.
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
Application Requirements
Passport & Visa 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
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
If your cumulative GPA is below 2.75, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Professor Recommendation — Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.
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.
IES Abroad Milan Staff
Roberto Andreoni
IES Abroad Milan Center Director & Italy Cluster Dean
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.
Homestay
Placements are available in Milanese homes. This is a priceless opportunity to learn about Italian families firsthand and engage directly with Italian culture. You have a private or shared bedroom at your homestay, where you receive breakfast and dinner daily, and you can eat your other meals at the university cafeterias, restaurants, or bars. Commuting time from a typical homestay to the IES Abroad Milan Center can range from 10 to 40 minutes.
Honors Residence Hall
This residence for Italian and international honors students offers single rooms with private bathrooms and balconies. The facilities include a computer room, library, small gym, private park, security system, kitchenette, laundry facilities, a music practice room, a studio room for art projects, student lounges, and an auditorium for special cultural programs. At Collegio, breakfast and dinner are provided daily and lunch is available on weekends. Space is limited, and students are chosen by the Collegio based on academic merit.
Live in a furnished residence hall located in a safe and lively district. Located on main public transportation routes, residence halls are within a 40-minute commute to the Center, and each residence hall 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. Residential 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.
1 Day ($)
Fall & Spring
Parma & Vineyards
Want to find out the difference between "parmesan cheese" and Parmigiano Reggiano? A trip to the wonderful city of Parma, in the Emilia Romagna region, will teach you that and more. Guided tours of the Duomo, Baptistery, and the Farnese Theater will follow a visit to a state-of-the-art vineywards, in the rolling hills west of Parma.
Luxury Cars & Food of Italy
1 Day ($)
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!
Turin
1 Day ($)
Fall & Spring
Experience the city of cinema, royal palaces, and chocolate. Once the capital of Italy, Turin is a refined, elegant metropolitan city of great historical interest, with a touch of contemporary, cosmopolitan buzz. Explore its baroque architecture and some of...
Lake Maggiore
1 Day ($)
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
1 Day ($)
Fall & Summer
Get inspired while hiking the trails of this UNESCO World-Heritage site and visiting its picturesque towns overlooking the Mediterranean sea. If that wasn't enough, you'll also get to enjoy a boat tour to see the colorful villages from the sea.
Verona
1 Day ($)
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."
Part-Time Internships
Kristen W. • Villanova University
Did you know that, while in Milan, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support.
Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process.
Experience what working in Milan is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness.
Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers.
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a mandatory 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.
Placement Examples
Psychology
Education
Human Resources
Experiential Learning
Community-Based Learning
Participating in a community-based learning experience in Milan is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and society. Working alongside local people toward a common goal, you experience first-hand some of the social issues that affect Milan, while contributing your skills toward a community-driven solution.
A community-based learning placement consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by a weekly academic, for-credit community-based learning seminar. Through the seminar, you have structured time for
reflection, discussion, and research on the issues of your host community.
IES Abroad Milan partners with the local city government’s immigration department to provide a range of community-based learning opportunities from working to grant asylum to migrants to developing job-training programs.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:
$4,602
• Option 1: Apartment (no meals provided)
+$0
• Option 1: Homestay (12 meals provided per week)
+$0
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)
+$0
• Option 2: Apartment (no meals provided)
+$1,100
• Option 2: Residence Hall (no meals provided)
+$1,100
• Option 3: Residence Hall (no meals provided)
+$1,800
Health Insurance
$300
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)
$20,995-$22,795
+
Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Textbooks for DS300
$36
Textbooks for LT/CU340
$30
Course related trips for IT/CU370
$175
Course related trips for CU270
$175
Course related trips for IB380
$116
Course related trips for HS330
$46
Technical equipment fee for MS300 (professional wired headphones)
$64
Technical equipment fee for Istituto di Moda Burgo
$136
Technical equipment fee for PG300 (price ranges from a used camera to a new one)
$425
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)
Visa application
$55
ACCeSS Fee (Optional, paid to IES Abroad)
$175
European Travel Information and Authorization System, if applicable
$8
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$600-1,000
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$35
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Apartment (no meals provided)
$1,930
• Option 1: Homestay (12 meals provided per week)
$830
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)
$1,930
• Option 2: Apartment (no meals provided)
$1,930
• Option 2: Residence Hall (no meals provided)
$1,930
• Option 3: Residence Hall (no meals provided)
$1,930
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
$360
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$90
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$50-830
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,200
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
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