The IES Milan Center is located at the Istituto Universitario di Lingue Moderne on the southwest side of Milan. With a population of 2.5 million people, Milan is the commercial and financial capital of contemporary Italy. In addition, Milan is also rich in history and culture, and is home to Da Vinci's The Last Supper, the famous opera house La Scala, and many other cultural treasures. Both Rome and Florence are easily accessible from Milan for weekend trips. Upon arrival in Milan, students participate in an orientation program consisting of a class on the history of Milan, informational sessions on getting around the city, and three weeks of intensive language instruction.
Field trips both within and outside of the city are also organized.
No previous language study is required for the beginning level, and two semesters of college-level Italian or the equivalent for the intermediate level is needed. Generally, one to two IES students live with at least two Italians. The apartments are furnished and the students share the cleaning and cooking responsibilities. The students are responsible for their own meals and may prepare their own meals or dine at cafeterias or restaurants. Students may make their own housing arrangements.