Hello!

My name is Mike Addis and I am a junior accounting major at Penn State who will be studying in Milan, Italy during the Spring 2011 semester through the IES: Milan program. I am originally from Greensburg, PA (approximately 30 miles east of Pittsburgh) and I’m really looking forward to traveling internationally for the first time.
Some of my interests include sports such as baseball, snowboarding (my program features a trip to the Alps!), and football (yes, the European version too. Go Barca!), as well as hiking
and fishing
 

This blog will contain entries throughout the semester regarding my daily life, classes, the language barrier, cultural differences and challenges, exciting trips throughout Italy and Europe, and tips for students studying abroad in the future. This blog will be especially helpful for any interested future students with concerns over not having previous experience with the native language of their intended destination. For these students, please follow along with my entries throughout the semester as I have had virtually no experience with the Italian language and have never traveled to Europe (I have to admit I’m a bit apprehensive myself!). Also look for information about various destinations throughout Europe as some of my intended trips include Rome, Barcelona, Paris, Switzerland, Munich, Athens, and Amsterdam. Helpful tips about various European travel options will also be included to help you better plan your trip in the future.

Look back for weekly updates throughout the semester. I can’t believe I leave in month!

Location: State College, PA