A few weeks ago, several of our international programs including the IM4, BABD, AMIE, MSPME and International MBA Full-time kick-started in Milan with the first semester students arriving to attend the official welcome ceremonies. This was followed by endless parties and aperitivos and eventually classes, exams and assignments.

Right at the outset, the students look amazingly enthusiastic, curious and ready to take on challenges. Amidst the ginormous logistics planning involved to settle in Milan (housing, residence permits, health care registration, bank account opening), one central thing is all pervasive – everyone trying to help each other feel at home! Sounds like a big task that, thanks to the 72+ nationalities currently under one roof at MIP now!

Check out some interesting descriptions of the ‘first month in Milan’ in the words of our students:

“Excited about the international environment that helps you grow personally and professionally and that brings value to the project management profession.† (Cristina Ornato, Italy – MSPME 10)

“True representative of multiculturalism in a professional setting, first weeks are being spent discovering Milano with new international friends.† (Sinead Bidgood, Canada- MSPME10)

“Significant experience of art and history in Milan and excellent academic background at MIP and colorful social environment.† (Elif Kasap, Turkey- BABD1)

“Being involved in the AMIE programme is just great. So many people from different backgrounds and different countries with the same vision, making a change, is a once in a life time opportunity. For me is a gift from God.† (Rita Isabel Sanz Agero Luna, Guatemala- AMIE2)

“Experience in MIP and Milan is nothing short of exhilarating. Thoroughly enriching to say the least.â€(Zeeshan Qureshi, India- BABD1)

Along with academics, I got deeper insights into Italian culture. The program schedule allows time for travel around different regions adding value to my stay in Italy.†(Ferizzat Jussupbekova, Kazakhstan – MSPME10)

“Discovering stories hidden in every corner of Milan, I have realized how enriching and challenging this experience is going to be for my life.†(Laura Rojas Munoz, Columbia- MSPME 10)

“Its like a dream come true! Being an architect, Milan is a heaven. It feels like a home away from home considering the generous hospitality offered by the people of Milan, MIP and its staff.†(Zainul Abidin Farrukh Makhdumi, Pakistan- MSPME 10)

“MIP has been wonderfully accommodating, both in and out of the classroom. I’m thrilled to be a part of the program and looking forward to the rest of my journey.†(Stephen Calicchio, USA – International MBA Full-time 37)

“Milan is the city of fashion, there are lots of beautiful boutiques all around the city. Before I came to Milan, I didn’t know about aperitivo. The first time when I went to Navigli for a drink, having seen huge open buffet almost as the same price of the cocktail was amazing. Now I am addicted to aperitivo.†(Aysegul Parlar, Turkey – IM4 2)

Evidently, students are getting used to the Milanese lifestyle and building a personal and professional network to last for life.