The Perfect Location

Guest Post By: Leslie Cisneros, a Senior studying Marketing. She is a Global Business Center Study Abroad Scholarship Recipient, and she studied abroad through a Foster Exchange and Direct Enroll at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy, during Autumn Semester 2022.

I remember when I was looking for a study abroad program, I knew that I wanted to do an exchange because it is the most independent and immersive experience. I was highly interested in Italian, because coming from Spanish speaking background, I knew that it would be easier for me to grasp the language. I remember when I was initially looking for different programs that were offered in Italy, I originally wanted to study in Rome for its historic landmarks, but the Foster School of Business only had a partner school in Milan, Italy. I thought that it would be interesting to see a city life in Italy and compare it to the city life in Seattle, WA; so, I chose to study in Milan at Bocconi University. I am incredibly grateful that I ended up studying in Milan. 

For one it is such a convenient location when it came to traveling to different cities and countries, it was very affordable because Milan is so centralized. It was very easy to commute and just get around all over the city (once you understand the complex transportation systems, which you will!). I had met a couple friends that studied in Florence, and they would tell me about their struggles with traveling because it was not as centralized as Milan. They would have to do longer commutes just to get to certain locations, in the case of being in Milan it would be a one train ride instead of 2 or 3. I think I was amazed with how efficient the trains are in Italy when I was traveling from Milan to Rome, it was no joke less than a three-hour train ride. Along the way I got to see beautiful countryside’s of Italy. 

Another good point for studying in Milan is that the city has its own beauties in landmarks. Every time I walked by the Duomo I was just in awe of the building. It is gorgeous inside and out and I think anyone who sees it for the first time cannot think they will get used to it, but trust me at the end of the program you just get so used to the building that you just watch how others react to it beauty. Other building worth mentioning is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele (very Instagramable), Sforzesco Castle, Naviglio Grande (at night its best), etc. Of course, there are many museums, theater shows, and live music events to go see! Since I studied there during fall semester, it ends around Christmas time, which is amazing to witness because the city really come to life with all the holiday decoration, Christmas markets and just overall vibes feel nice. If you want to travel all over Europe and you want a good city life I think Milan, Italy would be the perfect location for you too!