<p>I don't know anything about their program in Paris, but the IES program in Milan is very well-known, and considered a plum, especially for music students (and has ties to Scripps). It is headed by a composer, and students get to take lessons at the Verdi Conservatory. They are also pretty good about setting up internships in the arts and through La Scala.</p>
<p>But you are right - the programs do differ. Smith's programs, for example (since it is the one we know best), require a minimum of two full years of college language study, plus a course in "stylistics" before you are allowed to attend, plus a pledge not to use English while you are there. This is actually quite rare - I don't know of any other programs in Italy with the two-year requirement. Students are required to take courses at the local u. AND a course or two with Smith faculty (on language facility, and, for lack of a better term, exploring cultural idiosyncracies). American students do not live together, but with families, with whom they take breakfast and dinner. They also have internship programs - in Geneva, in the NGO world, in Florence with the schools, etc. They also have a fellowship program for paid research following the year. (One has to go for the entire year - no semester only enrollment. The one in Italy has traditionally been way oversubscribed, and requirements are being tightened even further.)</p>
<p>For us, it is a no-brainer, in that we couldn't afford for my d. to do it in any other way (Smith is also paying most of the costs of her trip to Cambodia/India - she leaves tomorrow night!) She is also thinking about using her Smith-paid summer internship in Italy before the program begins - we have good contacts with the Italian NGO community.</p>