IES Abroad Siena – Study in Tuscany

This program is fantastic for those who like small personable experiences and a strong sense of community. There were only six students in my program (study in Tuscany) and fourteen in the total IES abroad program. The size of the city itself adds to the feeling of community and closeness to those around you (especially if you're living in a homestay). The IES abroad staff offer resources outside of class for those who desire to be involved in the community, however these are completely optional and depend on the student to actually commit to these activities. I believe that this program can be fantastic for those willing to fully immerse themselves as well as those who just want a fun study abroad experience with American students. The cultural aspect is really up to the student.

Siena was the perfect place for me to go abroad. It is a small enough city for someone who was nervous about living in the city for the first time and perfectly located to go explore other parts of Italy. I got to improve my language so much and I got over my fear of public transportation. The Siena IES program is a wonderful group of administrators and professors who really love what they're doing and are always willing to answer your dozens of questions. Over two semesters I learned so much on Siena's colorful history, made friends with the wonderful people there, and had dozens of new experiences. I recommend this program to those who don't mind having a less touristy experience.

I chose to study abroad in the quiet city of Siena, Italy. Siena is everything I could have wanted in my abroad experience. Having studied the Italian language for quite some time, living in a city with very few english speakers and living with a host family allowed myself to really enhance my language skills. Siena also has a rich culture with their Contrada history and the Palio. Overall, Siena really allowed me to immerse myself in authentic Italian culture and enjoy some amazing food at the same time! Don't forget to visit Caribia Gelateria located right off the Piazza for the best gelato ever!!

I chose IES Abroad Siena because an advisor at my study abroad office told me that I wouldn't benefit as much from studying in a major city like Rome, Florence, or Milan. I am so glad that I followed that advice because Siena is an incredible, unique city. The program is smaller than most programs I heard of but that allowed all the students to get a highly individualized experience. Because of this program I learned more Italian in less than 4 months than I had in 4 years of high school and 2 years in college. Overall I thought that the program was amazing and had a lot to offer.

Siena, Italy is a wonderful town for both tourists and settlers. There are delicious cafes and restaurants on every street and the locals are nothing less than welcoming. Siena is in a prime location for traveling to other cities in Italy, especially to Florence via bus. Even though I enjoyed traveling throughout the country, I don't think any other location in Italy would have suited me as well as Siena.

My time in Siena, Italy was truly life changing. I got to explore many aspects of Italian culture during my time abroad. The city was the perfect size for a student looking to immerse himself in Italian culture and learn the language. Siena had a good mixture of tradition mixed with an environment that was welcoming to the current generation. I was fortunate enough to live in a homestay with a wonderful couple that helped me adjust to the cultural differences I experienced when I first arrived in Siena. If I had to chose a city to study abroad in all over again I would still choose Siena, Italy!

I had such a blast on this program! It's small size made it a very personal experience and I enjoyed getting to know all of my classmates and professors throughout my time abroad. The administration were really supportive especially when I was sick and Siena is an amazing city full of history and culture. I would highly recommend this program to anyone!!!

Oddly enough, my favorite memory is from the last week I was living in Siena. Siena has a large tour in the middle of the main square (Piazza del Campo) that you can climb. My roommate and I had never climbed the tour, so on the last Monday of the program, right before one of our last classes, we climbed up it. It was incredible--we could see all of Siena, laid at our feet--the beautiful winding roads and the rolling hills of Tuscany beyond Siena's walls. The structure of the city final made complete sense to us, and we were able to reflect over all the wonderful memories of the semester, pointing out our favorite views, restaurants, and other sites! I wanted to live in the Italian culture, while having the opportunity to learn Italian and see as much art as possible. That's exactly what I got out of Siena! I chose a smaller city so I would have to speak Italian and could really get to know the city. I also chose Siena due to its proximity to Florence. I chose IES due to its great reputation. I lived in a 2 bedroom apartment with 1 American and 2 Italians. One of the Italians worked with IES, and the other was a student at the University. We had a big bathroom, entry hall, living room, and large kitchen with dining table. We also had Wi-fi. We lived 2 blocks from the main piazza--in a perfect location!

Of all the things I did while abroad, my favorites times were probably spent in Siena. Just meeting the locals and Italian and foreign students was amazing. Exploring the city and making it feel like home instead of just a city I leave every weekend. I wanted to learn Italian and Siena was recommended as the best city in Italy to do so. I would have to agree. My italian improved drastically. I lived in a 2 floor 2 bathroom 3 bedroom apartment right in the city center with 3 other guys on the program. I loved it. It was great to have somewhere to relax so close to all the events in Siena and for the people in the program to hang out.

Siena is a perfect Tuscan city to completely immerse yourself in Italian life, while having the opportunity to travel easily and meet lots of other students at the University of Siena. This is a small program, so you also get to know the other Americans very well. Siena is the perfect place to go if you truly want to live as an Italian, but be completely supported by a really great program!

Going to Siena was the best decision I've made since I started college. The people and the program were amazing. When dealing with the professors and employees of the program I felt like I was talking to my friends not my superiors. Siena is small but I felt like every day I stumbled on a new restaurant or statue that made my day. Of all the things I did in Europe, hanging out in the Piazza del Campo at night was the thing I'll remember most. People think Siena is a city you can see in a day. I don't even think a semester was enough time. Academics: The professors were perfect for an abroad program. They understood that the students were in Italy to experience the culture and travel but the curriculum and class discussion did not suffer. My ability to speak and understand italian improved drastically and that is mainly because of the classes. Living Situation: Awesome 3 bedroom apartment 50 feet from the Piazza del Campo, the center of Siena. Cultural Immersion: There were a lot of programs that IES set up to help with immersion. You can be paired up with an Italian student, volunteer with children's volleyball and basketball, among other things. Program Administration: The administration is very understanding and will do whatever they can to help the students. Health and Safety: Siena is ranked as the safest city in Italy.

The IES program in Siena provides students with a unique opportunity to learn about a culture unlike any other. Siena is a city of character and a city that becomes a second home to those studying there. The people and culture are incredibly unique, and the location of the city is a gateway to so many other places. I want to go back every day.

Everything that I ever expected to get out of a study abroad experience I received and so much more. My time living in Siena was remarkably unforgettable.