Students from SAF China and SAF Korea recently landed in Milan, Italy’s vibrant capital of business, fashion, and music, ready to embark on an unforgettable global education experience.
The students participated in the IES Abroad Milan Study Tour on Career Readiness, a hands-on program designed to equip them with the skills and confidence to thrive in international workplaces. Tailored for students looking to sharpen their oral communication, understand workplace cultural differences, and refine their interview and networking skills, the program was the perfect launchpad for cross-cultural career development.
And what better place than Milan? Home to Italy’s stock exchange, powerhouse brands like Giorgio Armani and Bugatti, and the Italian headquarters of global giants like Amazon and Coca-Cola, the city offers a dynamic environment where business and culture intersect.
Before even stepping foot in Italy, students kicked off their journey with a three-day virtual course, helping them build a solid understanding of cultural differences and workplace expectations. Through interactive role-plays and discussions, they strengthened their communication skills – including business English and professional etiquette – ensuring they were ready to hit the ground running.
Once prepped and eager for the adventure ahead, it was time to take off. Upon arrival, SAF staff greeted students at the airport and escorted them to their hotel, conveniently located just a 30-minute commute from the IES Abroad Milan Center.
Speaking of the IES Abroad Milan Center – since 2024, it has been housed in a stunning historic building featuring classrooms, an auditorium, an onsite gym, and plenty of cozy study nooks. Nestled in the heart of the city, it’s just steps from charming trattorias, al fresco cafés, hidden gardens, and iconic landmarks like the Duomo Cathedral and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.
After a quick walking tour to get their bearings, students dove straight into their studies. Their classes were led by Dr. Brandi DeMont, an expert in intercultural communication and career development. With years of experience guiding students through international internships, she provided invaluable mentorship and an engaging classroom environment.
Over the next two weeks, students balanced classroom learning and Italian language classes with immersive experiences, including business visits to some of Milan’s top companies. Through these guided site visits, they gained an insider’s perspective on workplace culture, global business strategies, and what it takes to succeed in international careers.
Students got a rare behind-the-scenes look at leading global companies, from Asian giants Haier and Huawei to Kotra and iconic Italian brands like Campari. One standout visit was to Hyundai, where 12 SAF Korean students explored how this esteemed Korean automotive brand operates in Italy. They toured Hyundai Italia’s headquarters, gaining insights into the company’s structure, history, and product range.
The visit was so impactful that Hyundai even gave the cohort a shout-out on LinkedIn, underscoring the value of initiatives like these – not just for students, but also for the companies eager to hire and nurture the next generation of global talent.
“We are proud to have taken part in this initiative, which is part of a program aimed at training young professionals, preparing them to challenge the world of work in a global and multicultural context. It was an opportunity to share our corporate culture, our approach to innovation, and a great moment of discussion with the professionals of tomorrow.”
Beyond these professional experiences, students also immersed themselves in Milan’s rich culture. A highlight was the “Twinning” event at an open-air market, where SAF students paired up with international students studying in Milan to practice their cross-cultural communication skills. On weekends, they were free to study at the Center, explore the city, or hop on a train to nearby picturesque destinations like Lake Como.
The study tour wrapped up with students presenting their capstone projects, a culmination of everything they had learned, providing a glimpse into their future career aspirations. And to cap it all off? A hands-on pasta-making class, giving students one more enviable skill to take home with them.
With new skills, fresh perspectives, and lasting connections, these SAF students left Milan ready to take on the world, proving that experiences like these are more than just study tours; they’re stepping stones to global careers.
To learn more about this and other innovative study abroad opportunities, reach out to an SAF advisor today.
