u/GiraffeNo4678

I am debating between Aix-en-Provence and Milan for study abroad. I don’t really drink or care much for partying, but I do care a lot about atmosphere, cafés, meeting people, and being near a big airport for cheap weekend flights around Europe. I love the South of France vibe and weather, but I’m worried Aix-en-Provence might eventually feel a little boring or too small after a few months. Milan seems more connected and energetic, but I don’t know if it would feel too busy for me either. Honestly I have no idea which one fits me better and need help lol

Hey everyone, I’m potentially studying abroad at Unicatt in Milan next spring and was wondering how attendance works there. Is attendance usually mandatory or does it depend on the professor/class? Also is it realistic to travel on weekends as an exchange student?

Be honest should I choose Milan over every other city in Europe?

I’m currently deciding between studying abroad in Milan at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore or Aix-en-Provence at Aix-Marseille Université for Spring semester and would love honest opinions from people who’ve lived/studied there.

A little about me:

- I’m from the U.S. and studying political science
- I care more about cafés, atmosphere, meeting people, and having memorable experiences than luxury shopping/fashion
- I don’t drink much, so I’m not choosing based on club culture
- I LOVE warm weather and being outside
- Weekend travel around Europe is really important to me
- I want a place that feels lively and social but not overwhelming

- I like slower café days but also don’t want to get bored after 2 months
- Big airport access is definitely a plus

What attracts me to Milan:

- Huge airport and easy travel
- International city
- More energy and opportunities
- Seems easier to meet people/travel constantly

What attracts me to Aix:

- South of France lifestyle
- Better weather
- More relaxed and aesthetic day-to-day life
- Close to Marseille/Nice/coast

My biggest fear with Aix is getting bored eventually, while my fear with Milan is maybe feeling too busy/expensive or less “relaxed.”

If anyone has studied abroad or lived in either city, which do you think fits me better?

Hey everyone, I’m trying to decide between studying abroad in Santander, Spain or Milan, Italy and would really appreciate advice from people who’ve been to either.
For context, I’m not really into shopping or fashion scenes. What matters more to me is overall experience, travel access, and the vibe of the city.
I’ll likely be studying at:
Universidad de cantabria (Santander)
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Milan)
My priorities:
Being in or near a major international airport so I can travel a lot on weekends
Easy access to other countries (cheap flights, trains, etc.)
A city where there’s always something going on (I don’t want to feel stuck or bored)
Good student life and meeting people
Not super focused on luxury, shopping, or fashion
From what I’ve seen:
Santander looks beautiful and more relaxed, but maybe smaller
Milan seems bigger and more connected, but maybe more expensive and business-focused
I really want to make the most of being in Europe and travel as much as possible while still enjoying day-to-day life where I live.
If you’ve studied abroad (or lived) in either place, which would you recommend and why?

Hey everyone, I’m trying to decide between studying abroad in Santander, Spain or Milan, Italy and would really appreciate advice from people who’ve been to either.
For context, I’m not really into shopping or fashion scenes. What matters more to me is overall experience, travel access, and the vibe of the city.
I’ll likely be studying at:
Universidad de cantabria (Santander)
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Milan)
My priorities:
Being in or near a major international airport so I can travel a lot on weekends
Easy access to other countries (cheap flights, trains, etc.)
A city where there’s always something going on (I don’t want to feel stuck or bored)
Good student life and meeting people
Not super focused on luxury, shopping, or fashion
From what I’ve seen:
Santander looks beautiful and more relaxed, but maybe smaller
Milan seems bigger and more connected, but maybe more expensive and business-focused
I really want to make the most of being in Europe and travel as much as possible while still enjoying day-to-day life where I live.
If you’ve studied abroad (or lived) in either place, which would you recommend and why?

I feel like our study abroad options are honestly really limited unless you go through ISEP or CIEE, which are both way more expensive, especially for Europe. Most of the programs our school offers are in Germany, and no offense, but I don’t feel like the experience there is that different from the U.S. Our Spain options aren’t great either. It’s mostly northern cities that are smaller and colder, which isn’t really what I’m looking for. I’m trying to go Spring 2027 and want something with more of a social atmosphere, better weather, and easier travel opportunities. Has anyone here done CIEE or ISEP before? How much more expensive is it actually compared to the regular exchange programs?