<p>Hey guys, I just wanted to weigh the pros and cons of studying abroad for 10-17 weeks in either London or Milan.
I'm having a tough time choosing, anyone have any insight on each and how they stack up? </p>
<p>I will be studying Economics, and the program does not differ in either country. </p>
<p>I am a native English speaker, so I know that Italy may have some form of a language barrier.
However, I was also informed that the classes will be taught in English. </p>
<p>Thanks for all the help!</p>
<p>Will you be studying at a British or Italian university? If not, don’t expect to do much studying - these college run ‘study abroad’ programmes are just an excuse to travel.</p>
<p>Do you want to be a tourist in England or Italy? If you intend to travel around Europe then there’s not a lot of difference, cheap airlines operate out of both cities. London is more expensive, but Milan is very pricey too. Where would you prefer to take day trips? Do you want to explore the British Isles or wander around Italy? Personally I would steer clear of Italy in the summer months (too hot and touristy!) and Britain in winter is very dark and wet.</p>
<p>If you don’t already speak Italian then there’s not a lot of point in going to Milan, you won’t learn any over there because you will be surrounded by English-speakers. You won’t have an authentic cultural experience or make any Italian friends unless you speak the language. Milan is a strange city, it doesn’t feel Italian at all - more like an uglier version of Paris.</p>
<p>Hey nordicblue, thanks for the reply!
I will be studying at a university- I forgot what exact university it was (I have to look at the program pamphlet) so I believe there will be an adequate amount of studying </p>
<p>I will be traveling in the fall, and I intend to immerse myself in the surrounding culture and occasionally travel outside of the city. I really want to assimilate into their (London or Milan’s) culture and not just go bar hopping or be a tourist by jumping from city to city. I want a place where I can enjoy the culture, meet new people and build actual relationships with the people and city itself. </p>
<p>It sounds like Milan sucks haha.
And yes, I am not fluent in Italian. So that should influence where I go, correct?</p>
<p>Sounds like you want a vacation. Nothing wrong with that, just take one. Rent an apartment or stay in a youth hostel in either place for a month or two.</p>
<p>It would be useful to know exactly what university. You said he program does not differ in either country - that sounds a little odd because if you were attending a proper British or Italian university there would be quite a lot of difference between the two. </p>
<p>If you don’t speak Italian then you won’t assimilate into Milan life, meet new people or build relationships. Unless the university in Milan is very good, go to London.</p>
<p>I’d second the ‘diy’ option, too. It’ll be much cheaper. You don’t need to know much of a language to get around and is part of the fun. You’ll meet more Italians or Brits in a youth hostel than in a tour group with other Americans. </p>
<p>To get to know the locals properly, you need to get away from the tourist areas and stay for a few months at least. Have a daily routine. Get to know the man who runs the little shop down the street. Visit the local church or whatever you prefer. If you have a sport, join a local club. </p>
<p>Milan would be good if you are more outgoing and want to have the odd trip into France or Switzerland or down to Rome or Florence. </p>
<p>London is London. But it’s not that ‘British’ an experience. Its amazingly multicultural. Iranian grocers next to a Jewish Bagel shop. Ethiopian restaurants. Street Signs subtitled in Punjabi and traditional Chinese. World Class museums with free entry. Film locations galore. </p>
<p>Go where you want to go most in your heart but take the economics class back in the US.</p>