Siena Italian Studies Program

I loved my experience abroad with SIS and I reminisce on my time in Brussels nearly daily. Located in the heart of Europe, my friends and I travelled nearly every weekend. Service learning was very enjoyable and an excellent opportunity to engage with the community. Classes were FUN. I loved everything about SIS. My only complaint is that I had to go home when the semester ended.

What a lovely experience. Everyone does such a good job at making you feel at home and welcome. Wouldn’t trade the experience for the world. Thank you Irene and everyone who made the trip magical. 10/10 recommend.

My time in Brussels was nothing short of life changing. The people I met, the family I stayed with, and the experiences I had will stick with me for the rest of my life. I couldn’t recommend this program more!!!

I had a great experience with Siena Italian Studies. The program had wonderful teachers and I was incredibly immersed in Italian language and culture. Our host family was welcoming, friendly, and supportive. Siena remains one of my favorite places in Italy. I can’t wait to visit again!

Studying in Siena through SIS was the single best decision I’ve ever made for myself. Living with a host family allowed me to truly immerse myself in the culture and - more importantly - make connections that will last a lifetime. My language skills skyrocketed, and I learned so much about history, chemistry, and more. I envy anybody who gets to go.

I feel I truly grew so much as a person from my time abroad. I became more independent, confident, and made relationships to last a life time. Aside from learning a new language, I learned countless life experiences that I will use for the rest of my life.

I can not say enough good things about SIS. It was the best time of my life. I participated in Summer 2022 and it was incredible. It was awesome seeing the events leading up to the Palio and the palio itself. We had 10 people total for the first summer after covid and we all became very close and took weekend trips together. The staff is so supportive and nice. They really challenge you to learn. I will say you need to be a more motivated student to do this program, especially if you do not know Italian because the courses are taught in Italian. However, I really enjoyed this aspect coming in as a beginner as I was able to see myself improve. My host family was so sweet and I loved living with them. I think about my summer abroad every day and am constantly wishing I could go back. If you have the chance to do this program....do it!!

I took the gap year program in the spring 2022 semester. In spite the limitations posed by of the pandemic, SIS' wonderful team staff managed to organize excursions and activities so I feel like I got to know Tuscany and Italy well. really liked our classes as they were extremely hands-on and the topics we learned had much to do with what we were experiencing, like medieval History and art. The service learning/volunteering experience was also great as I got to interact with local vulnerable communities and practice my Italian. My favorite part was the host family. I feel like it really helped me to improve my Italian by a lot, and I created a stronger bond with Italy and learn more about the culture. My host family was always extremely nice, making me feel comfortable 100% of the time, and the food at their home was amazing.

I had a time of life when I was jumping gates to be on time during my internship. It was 3 years ago in China and it was a pandemic situation in China. I got an internship, I was living in campus of university. I got a permission to go out to my internship. But the door was broke and I couldn't go out on time, after I decided to jump gates to go out. Because I like to be on time wherever I go and also I wanted to have this internship, and I was ready to anything to get this internship.

I did Siena Italian Studies about 5 years ago and I think about my experience every single day. I have returned a few times and everyone is so friendly and welcoming even still. It’s really a family. The activities that we did were so amazing like when we went to the alps to ski, had a wine tasting class, and went to the beach. Our program set us up with awesome families that fed us well. Our classes were as challenging as you wanted them. There were some offered for beginning Italian learners and some for intermediate and advanced. In the end you get to take the CILS exam which is really nice because you have some documented proof you actually learned some Italian! This program was one of the highlights of my life so far!

I spent a spring semester with Siena Italian Studies as a gap year student when I was 19 years old and I can tell you that this is the best study abroad program you can attend. I didn't know any Italian when I left for Siena and when I came back for college in the US I chose it as my major and received my degree in Italian Studies. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or already advanced in Italian, Siena provides the perfect setting for learning or improving your language skills. The teaching at Siena Italian Studies is also unmatched. The Town of Siena Siena is the perfect town in which to live. It is relatively small, which makes getting around town a breeze. The people of Siena are also extremely kind and always willing to help you out. Siena is absolutely beautiful and is in the center of Italy's best wine regions. The food and wine is unparalleled and the hospitality makes you feel right at home. Host Families SIS is well connected with many families that host the students. The program has had long relationships with all of the host families, so the families know how to handle exchange students very well. I loved living with my host family and they made me feel right at home. I still keep in touch with them constantly and visit when I can after six years. Host families are also extremely helpful in practicing Italian and learning more about Italian culture, things to do in Siena, etc. Classes The classes are very well taught and the course subjects are extremely interesting. I was able to take a business class that actually introduced me to the business school in Milan where I now attend. The language classes may seem like a lot, but it is all worth it. From knowing no Italian at the beginning, I was able to have detailed conversations with my host family near the end of the semester. SIS Administration Siena Italian Studies makes it extremely easy for students to get their visas, permit of stays, bus passes, etc. In fact, the organization pretty much takes care of everything. These processes are not very easy and now living in Milan and doing them myself, I can see how lucky I was to have had SIS take care of most of the administrative issues for me. As I said before, SIS is also extremely well connected with the Siena community, so if you have any opportunities or worries in mind, just ask them because I'm sure they will know someone in the town to help out! Do not hesitate to study abroad with Siena Italian Studies. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had!

You really don't get any better than SIS. I was I their Siena program, and ever since I left I have been counting down the days until I can go back. I was never left with unanswered questions during the application and pre travel time. The pick up from the airport and transportation to Siena was flawless. Then my actual experience....I could go on and on about my time in Siena and that wouldn't be enough. It's a beautiful city full of beautiful people. The SIS staff was so helpful. I would recommend this program 11/10 times.

My most memorable experiences involved the festivities surrounding the Palio. Seeing contrada life up close is something that not many outsiders have the opportunity to do, so I felt very lucky to be able to go to contrada dinners and parties, etc. I chose this program because I didn't have time for a full semester, and Siena Italian Studies was highly recommended for me by my advisers at Ohio State. I lived with a host family outside the city of Siena. I had a roommate and two host parents. I felt very comfortable in the apartment that I lived in.

So, I throughly enjoyed my two months in Siena, Italy. I would recommend the program to students who are not just looking for a vacation, but want to learn a decent amount about the language and culture of Italy.

SIS was everything I could've hoped for. I was a Gap Year student when I enrolled, and it was initially pretty intimidating to be the youngest in the program. Those fears were swept away immediately when the faculty, other students, and my homestay family made me feel completely welcome. The academics were challenging but not overwhelming, and I felt that my schedule had a well-rounded balance of work and play, which consisted of exploring Siena, travel elsewhere, nightlife, etc. I had the time of my life with SIS and credit them so much with making a Gap Year student feel years older in maturity.

My experience at SIS was so incredible that it now seems unreal. I was a bit weary leaving for Italy with only one semester of Italian under my belt, but the staff at SIS made the transition less stressful. Although speaking Italian was challenging at times, it was amazing how much I progressed in such a short period of time. The most indispensable part of the program was being able to live with host families. My experience would have never been the same without it. Not only did it help with learning Italian, but I honestly feel that I became a part of their family and will keep in contact for years to come. At times I was frustrated with the required courses other than Italian, but the fact that I was in Italy made me see the positive side of everything. The amount of work required outside of class was light, which allowed for more time to immerse ourselves in Italian culture through volunteering, traveling, going out, and spending time with our host families and friends. I wish I could stay in Siena forever!

I had a great time in Siena. I came to the program with a relatively high level of Italian knowledge, but my ability to communicate grew exponentially in the semester I spent there. I loved my host family and all of my teachers, and I would not change a thing about my abroad experience. I also think the volunteering aspect of the SIS program really helps you become more a part of the local community instead of remaining a foreigner for the entire semester, sequestered in dorms with other English-speaking students. I think this program is amazing for anyone looking to really improve their language skills as well as to develop a deeper understanding of the Italian, specifically Sienese culture.

SIS was an incredible experience that i had the privilege to be a part of. I lived with a great family, the cultural immersion was beyond comparison, for setting students, such as myself, up with incredible relations with locals through schools, shops, and families.The Art History class I took while in Siena was one of my favorite class to date. SIS showed me everything to love in Siena. I couldn't be happier with the experience i had many thanks to SIS.

I had a blast adapting to the Italian culture. It was a shock, but that was expected. The longer I stayed the more I liked it! The school's professors are unique and work with you to make the most of your experience in Siena. I would return immediately to visit the cool places and hang out with the friends I made there. Definitely worth it!

SIS does an amazing job putting the program together. At first, being fully immersed in the local culture is daunting, but if you are open to it, as SIS understands, it is the most conductive way to thoroughly learn Italian language and culture. SIS provides many opportunities to not only learn through their academic courses, but through interactions with host families, and through community involvement through service. Everyone on the SIS staff is helpful and friendly. If you're looking for the Italian experience, and not the stereotypical American Italian experience, SIS is the way to go.

This program does a great job of immersing students in the Sienese and broader Italian culture. If you put your best effort forward as a student of Italian and try to use the many opportunities around you on the program (the most important of which is your host family) to practice your Italian, you will learn an incredible amount. The Italian teacher I had did a fabulous job. Most of the staff at the program are helpful and passionate about what they are trying to do at SIS. Giovanni the art history professor for my semester is a wonderful resource for the program. Academics: If you are coming here to learn Italian then wonderful! You will learn a lot. All other academics are not very challenging and not that interesting. This is the weakest point of the program. Having said that, I don't think a study abroad program should necessarily be about academics. It is more about immersion and cultural exposure and experience which is what this program is great at.

Past the clichés often used to describe studying abroad, I do genuinely feel like the experiences of this time have genuinely enhanced the scope of how I can understand the world as a result of the change in perspective that I have been fortunate with which to experiment during my time hereFor all my experiences and observations discussed above, my approach throughout the semester has been that of a student. It is a role with which I am familiar, and is the role that I assumed I would be playing when I arrived in Italy. I didn’t expect to be taking a break from my studies – rather, I hoped to use my experience as a traveler as a supplement for continuing study. To my surprise, the role of student was not the role emphasized here. Of course, we all took classes, and participated in the routine of study with which we were all familiar, but the all-consuming experience of scholarship that I encounter and love at college in the United States was simply not present or available here. I do understand that the limitations of place and academic institutions in Italy make it impossible for the same level of study to exist for me here. However, I do wish that I had spent this time, an eighth of my college career, in an environment that forced me to formulate my ideas carefully and support my ideas with the constructions that academia has in place to create civilized, intellectual discourse. In order for these constructions to be practiced, both sides of the discourse must recognize their validity and take them seriously, a reality that certainly was rarely the case here. I have had a remarkable experience, and do not wish to diminish everything that I have learned, but I do believe that if one is participating in higher education as a student, teacher, or administrator, he or she should take seriously the responsibility of exchanging ideas.

The SIS program, from what it seems, has come very far from humble beginnings. However, I feel that the program has a long way to go still. Yes, they are better than most study abroad programs because of the atmosphere they create, which give family like values in a foreign country. However, they do not treat all of their students consistently, and do play favorites. The staff should not separate themselves further from the students, but maintain the same level of friendship with all students. One large way this can be achieved is by not allowing the student body gossip to influence the teachers perspectives. All teachers should be serious while in class with students, and aim for the goal of ALWAYS speaking Italian in order to help students earn the highest level of language development possible while abroad. The place where the language was LEAST spoken was within the SIS program and this should certainly not be the case. With a little more effort and constant support of the students, SIS can become the idealized goal they aim for.

I enjoyed this program very much. This program has a major focus on "cultural immersion." Because of this, I was still able to have a good time since I did not grow close to many of the students. I was on my own a lot of the time, so because of the focus on immersing, I was able to go out and meet other Europeans, and act more like a European. I also made friends from the service opportunities the school had. The program did a good job providing ways to become part of the culture, which I think is a major part of being abroad. The program truly helps you to grow as a person, whether or not you are alone. Academics: I learned fairly well in my classes that I took, but I was not offered the classes I wanted. Before becoming a part of this program, I saw the classes offered, and there were many I wanted to take. When I got to Italy, none of the ones I wanted were offered, and I ended up taking very few courses. Living Situation: I really wanted to live with a family, but I lived with one elderly woman, and another student in the program. I was a bit upset at first, but I did enjoy my time with her. My roommate did not. The other students absolutely loved their housing arrangements. Overall, the program did a good job putting the students into a welcoming home, but I believe they could still do better. Cultural Immersion: This was a primary focus of the program, and they did a very good job trying to get us to be a part of the Italian culture. We went on various trips to different cities which helped to learn about the culture. Program Administration: They were all very kind, and very knowledgable when it came to transportation, and any other question you may have. They were very helpful when it came to offering places to go, and how to get there.

I had the most incredible experience abroad. I came into this program with a background in Spanish and absolutely no knowledge of Italian. By the end of the semester I'd like to think I was at an intermediate level of speaking. I successfully wrote the 10 page papers in Italian and speaking in Italian was just second nature. I was very close with my host family and made many Italian friends. It was a big adjustment being in Italia and I loved every minute of it. You don't really realize it while you're there, but you grow so much as a person. You are put in tons of situations that you never would have been otherwise and you learn a lot. Do not stress the fact that all of the classes are in Italian, do not stress the fact that you can't really understand your host families at first. One day you're going to realize you can speak Italian and communicate, maybe not as well as others, but it happens. I'm so proud of myself and all that I accomplished because of this program. Also, everyone on staff is so great. Mi mancate tutti! Grazie mille. Living Situation: Shout out to everyone in Acquacalda Health and Safety: I never, ever felt unsafe. Sometimes I would walk home a few miles at night. There were never any issues. Social Life: Definitely nothing like America and college life.

In short this was my semester ever being in college and I had the absolute time of my life. SIS was not only welcoming and helpful I actually believed they cared about everyone of us. The staff was great and really taught me. Before I did this program I knew no Italian and after 3 and a half months I was not fluent but I could communicate.

My experience in Siena was incredible, eye opening and transformative - it showed me true meaning of community. My home stay family was amazing and through them and their involvement in the contrada of the caterpillar I experienced the palio, a tradition which predates the medieval period, not like a tourist but like a Sienese. My study abroad experience provided me with unprecedented access to a beautiful culture that is still very much alive to this day. In the day's preceding the palio I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner with the Senese and participated in the cultural duties which belong to the contradaoli ( the people of the contrada). As tourists lined the streets to watch the processions which lead up to the historic cultural event they watched in amazement from the outside with the cameras in hand, and I as an American was in their pictures. I too was in amazement with the singing, parading, flag tossing and drumming but my amazement came through participation.

It's an amazing program in which students are able to become part of the Italian culture through a full immersion experience. I'd recommend Sienna b/c you live with a host family and the staff is very helpful. I learned a lot of Italian because of the home stay and because the staff was helpful.

My experience in Siena during Summer 2012 was amazing and really gave me the opportunity to get immersed in the Italian culture. Staying with a host family really made me feel like a part of the community and gave me a chance to use my Italian in a real-life setting. The service opportunities in Siena also really gave me insight into the lives of the Sienese people. SIS took us on some great excursions and gave us the opportunity to see so many things in and around Siena, including the Palio, which was amazing. Our classes were laid back but very interesting. I felt like all of the experiences I had with SIS really helped me to gain confidence in my Italian skills while learning so much about the Italian culture. Overall, this was an amazing summer and an incredible first time in Italy. I wish I could have stayed longer!

Enjoyed all my experiences with SIS!

This program caught my attention because of the home stays and high level of cultural emersion. What I was not expecting is the new family I would have, both with my host family, and the other students. Still to this day three years after I still talk to my family and friends I made doing this program! I truly felt a part of the culture of Siena Italy.

I was looking for a program which allowed me to really see Italy and learn Italian. This program did just that. They offer all courses in Italian (even for beginners!) and ample opportunities to immerse. Through homestays and service opportunities (I taught English in the Elementary Schools), my Italian improved rapidly. Not only that, I felt like I was part of a community. Cannot say enough good things. This program really allows you to step outside your comfort zone, learn a new language, and see the world from a completely different perspective! Academics: I came in with about 1.5 yrs of Italian instruction and came away speaking Italian not fluently, but comfortably. I learned a ton during the Intensive Course (having only four students in my class meant I was able to practice a lot!). My only comment would be that because content courses are not separated by skill level, it can be difficult to find a language level which all the students understand. That being said, absolutely loved the two content courses I took (Emigration and Italian Cinema). Living Situation: I had two wonderful host brothers (7 and 10) and great parents! Living outside the city center was really no problem - buses are fairly simple! Cultural Immersion: I chose a small program and a small city so that I would be immersed and I was not disappointed at all! Siena and SIS allowed me to fully immerse. Health and Safety: Location wise - Siena is perfect! Very small and safe-feeling!

Siena Italian Studies was a paramount part of my collegate experience. Fall 2008 was my first time in Europe, and coming from Italian discent, I was very excited. The program exceded every expectation. I got to know my peers very well and traveled a buch with them. My classes were intimate, fun, and valuable. Although immersion may be rigorous at times, in hindsight it was a transformative experience that has made a lasting impression. My time spent living in Siena, Italy while studying with this expert group proved to be an invaluable and irreproducible experience. Academics: I leaned such wonderful things in class as a direct result of the small groups of students and discussion-based lessons taught exclusively in Italian. Living Situation: My host family was so warm and encouraging. I was consistently surprised and delighted by their charisma, engagement and joy. They made me feel like part of the family. Cultural Immersion: Authentic. It was equally as intense as it is rewarding. This is no Mickey Mouse operation. This place is real. They people are real. The best kept secrets of everything Tuscan / Italian are shared openly. Nothing has really come close to my semester at SIS. Program Administration: Wonderful people. It was obvious that everything was thought-out, planned and executed keeping in mind theory and academic goals. I still keep in touch and have already visited once since. I'll certainly be back again. They made a lasting impression on me.

My time at SIS was incredible. I ate great food, learned about the language and culture, saw awesome places, and made amazing friends. Siena is a gorgeous Tuscan town, and the program gives you a great mix of organized excursions and free time to travel on your own. The professors and staff will become your friends, and they truly care about you and your experience.

I sent my daughter to Italy with some trepidation, and all my fears were unfounded. She had a great time, learned so much and was safe the entire 4 months. Thanks SIS for giving my daughter a truly unique experience that she will never forget.

Amazing way to spend half of my gap year. I got to learn so much Italian and make some life long friends. All of the staff, professors, and other students were absolutely amazing. I cannot say enough great things about my experience!

This program is well structured, the host families are amazing; it really is experiencing Italian culture at its best. I made lifelong friends from across the country, Siena's central location gave me the ability to travel anywhere, and the program coordinators/professors are the friendliest, most helpful, warm people. I really had the best experience studying in Siena, Italy.

I participated in the summer of 2011. Working on my Italian was so much easier because I was completely immersed in the culture. I was working on my language skills and I didn't even notice it! I had a fantastic host family and experience with the program. The staff at SIS did all they could to make sure we felt welcome so we could enjoy Siena. I still consider Siena my home away from home.

Wine Tasting, Cheese Tasting, Skiing in the Alps, Festivals, & Family Dinners... are just part of the great experience SIS offers. The program is small so they are able to tend to your academic needs as well as properly introduce students to the Senese Culture as well as other famous areas of Italy. Siena truely becomes a home away from home and I recommend any who is looking for an amazing experience in Italy to go through this program Living Situation: I was placed with a host family and absolutly loved it!!! The family I was with was so nice and understanding. Also, they did not speak english so I was able to practice my italian on a daily basis and learn about their traditions. Cultural Immersion: Siena is full of deep routed tuscan culture. Through this program you get a true sense for the city and people. Also, the program takes the students on small trips and one big one to experience different parts of Italy and culture.

I had a truly amazing experience with SIS in the summer of 2009. It was my first time abroad, and I left feeling as if I had experienced the "real" Italy, not just some idealized version of it that you would find while vacationing. Living with a host family was by far the greatest part of the program. Although challenging at times, the host family really put things into perspective and empowered me to use the language in and out of the classroom; afterall, I wouldn't have been able to communicate with them otherwise! Even though the experience was challenging, I never felt alone- I had tremedous suppport from staff, as well as my fellow SIS'ers. The bond between us was unimaginably strong given the short amount of time we were there together- I continue to keep in touch with several of my peers from the program today. Not to mention how breathtakingly beautiful Siena is. I have since traveled extensively throughout Italy and have yet to find a piazza as timeless and magnificent as Piazza del Campo. There's nothing to lose by spending a semester with SIS, but there's so so much to gain from the experience. SIS provides it all- an authentic Italian experience, language improvement, social understanding through service projects, the opportunity to travel and explore, and relationships with peers, staff, and host families that will truly last a lifetime. I'd give anything to re-live my summer with SIS!

My study abroad experience was one of the best times of my life. Living situation: I stayed with a host family who lived 10 minutes walking distance from the nearest bus stop in the Tuscan hills. The location and the relationships I built with my host dad (Mauro) and host mom (Lella) were something out of a movie. The house was this big villa overlooking several farms. Lella cooked excellent and authentic Italian meals. I gained 5-7 pounds during my 4 month stay there. Admin/Faculty Every single need was met by the admin. They were responsive and competent. The instructors treated us like family. I got close with each and every one of them. Siena: The town of Siena is a quaint little place with immense personality and character. My study abroad experience would not have been the same if it were in any other city. Siena was just right in terms of size, geography relative to other parts of Italy, and people. Classes: The Italian language portion was quite good. The other courses weren't as serious but who does a study abroad program in Italy for the coursework.

I tell people that my experiences in Siena, facilitated by Siena Italian Studies, was the best time of my life. I was exposed to different places, people, foods, language, and ways of living. All this could have been a daunting experience without Siena Italian Studies. They set me up with a wonderful host family, gave a comprehensive tour of Siena, and taught me the language well enough in all of about 3 weeks so that I could make my way around the Siena and the country. A must for anyone who truly wants the full Italian experience.

SIS is a really wonderful experience in Italy. I had never taken Italian, and was in a technical field at school so the language and cultural classes at SIS were something new for me. The teachers were all very knowledgeable and helpful. They go beyond just teaching a subject, and really get to know the students. The host families are amazing - I immediately felt like I had a new family in Italy, and I still keep in touch with them to this day! The activities and travel with the program are great, and I especially liked the volunteering aspect of SIS. Overall, the people at SIS are doing a fantastic job giving students in Siena a memorable experience.

Siena Italian Studies was fantastic in all areas. The people make it incredibly fun and constantly hilarious, the academics are in-depth and personalized, and the setting couldn't be better. If you're looking for an authentic experience abroad as well as a great time, this is a stellar choice.

If you are looking for a cultural immersion program, awesome food, great teachers, an excellent program director, and to learn another language, SIS cannot be beat. I had the best time and learned so much Italian, about Italy, and about myself. It is one of the things I am most happy I did during college. It can be challenging - immersion is difficult at first, but it is well worth it. I highly recommend this program to everyone I know. Academics: Classes were awesome. Having things taught in Italian was a challenge at first, but I was amazed how fast I learned. My teachers were knowledgeable and dedicated. Living Situation: I loved my host family. I still keep in touch with my host mom after 6 years. I consider her like family. Cultural Immersion: You are totally immersed in it - speaking Italian, living with a host family. It was great. Program Administration: Lavinia and Roni are amazing.

I loved, loved this program. If you want to experience Italy and learn Italian, this is the program you need to go on. Stop looking at the other ones and email Siena Italian Studies right now. Academics: If you want to learn Italian, this is a great program. You are fully immersed in the language and they give you specialized help depending on your language level. Living Situation: I loved my host family! They were so nice and helpful with anything and everything. Living with a host family is definitely the best way to live on study abroad. Cultural Immersion: The staff at SIS give you so many opportunities to experience the culture in Italy, first of all by living with a family and also through trips, events and tours around the city. I was there for the summer semester, so I got to experience the Palio like a local, which is the most Sienese thing you could ever experience.

Picking Siena Italian Studies was the best decision I could have made. The program was filled with students from universities across the U.S., most of which I am still extremely close with today. The complete cultural immersion was the best way to improve my Italian speaking skills and understanding of this amazing little town in Tuscany.

Great Program!

... that I had it tattooed on my ribcage! In all seriousness, I had the time of my LIFE studying abroad in Siena a few years ago. Being an Italian major, the program was PERFECTLY suited to my degree requirements and the professors were amazing. Classes are very project-oriented and there were so many cultural immersion activities that they all blur together. I'll try to paint a picture for you: Tuscan hillsides. Medieval palaces. Amazing dinners with host families. Hot-spring spas. Opportunities to volunteer locally. Wine tastings. Vineyard tours. I could go on and on, but I don't want to lose your attention. I met some of the coolest people in my life doing this program, and I'm certain that I'll stay in touch with them forever. People always ask if I have any regrets about studying abroad, and unfortunately, I do: I regret only studying abroad for a summer instead of an entire semester! Seriously, if you have the opportunity, DO NOT PASS UP THIS PROGRAM! It will show you a side of Italy that you will not otherwise be able to experience.

If I could do it again I would! They are such a fantastic group of people with a love of their culture and sharing it. Academics: I wish there were more class options :) But the ones they offer are fantastic Living Situation: The host families are warm and welcoming! Health and Safety: I always felt really safe walking around Siena. I never felt particularity unsafe. I always did worry about forgetting my house keys though.

Loved this program. I am kind of shy but everyone there made me feel welcome. Opportunities there are awesome and the classes are not bad at all! I am really wanting to go back right now!

I went on the SIS program in the Fall of 2010, and loved it so much that I had to stay for the Spring of 2011. I loved everything about it, from the staff, who were more than encouraging and uplifting, to the host families, who were experienced and welcoming, to the food, which was the best I've ever had, to the classes, which taught me more Italian than I thought I'd ever learn. As one would expect, I was nervous leaving the country for the first time alone, and going to live with a host family that didn't speak English. It didn't take long before I got comfortable with everything because of the efforts of the staff, and my host parents had hosted many American students before me, so even when I didn't know what I was doing, they did. And the entire Italian culture is just so laid back, that I couldn't help but feel at ease. The classes were interesting, the teachers knowledgeable and attentive. My favorite part of the entire experience was the evening dinners with my host parents. My first semester host parents were alive during the second world war, and when they took an evening to share with me their memories of that time, I knew I'd made one of the best choices I could have made for the advancement of my college experience by choosing SIS. Where else would I have had that one of a kind conversation? Where else would I have taught English to Italian 3rd graders? Where else could I have learned so much Italian so quickly? See so much Art? Try so many different foods? Surely no other program offers such diverse opportunities all in one program. I would recommend SIS to everyone and that you go with an open mind and a will to try and experience new things. Given the opportunity, I'd choose SIS time and time again. My time with them has really changed me as a person, as well as my life. Academics: My area of study included both Italian and art history, and the staff made an effort to work with the needs of my major requirements for my university, which was very much appreciated. Living Situation: Living with host parents that didn't speak English was probably one of the best features of the program - it makes you use the Italian you're learning, which I've found more effective than any other method of learning a foreign language. I enjoyed my host family and still write them now that I'm back in the States. Cultural Immersion: With SIS you're immersed in the language and culture, but can dive as deep into it as you please. The city of Siena itself, along with the staff of SIS, provide many opportunities to delve even farther into the local culture. There are volunteer opportunities, musical events, festivals, etc. Program Administration: The staff is like a family, they communicate well and they have very useful resources. They make it a priority to help their students and I always felt that I could approach them about anything from host family topics to grades to extra curricular activities. They're welcoming and open, and one of the most involved staff I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Health and Safety: Siena is so safe - I felt completely comfortable walking around at night by myself. Social Life: You get to know your fellow students pretty well, but also get the chance to get to know locals, especially through language partners and volunteering.

SIS is a great way to be truly immersed in Italian culture. Living with a host family and speaking Italian in class and at volunteer sites means that you are constantly forced to speak and interpret the language and culture. I started the program knowing only the words "ciao" and "spaghetti" and left fairly conversational! The staff is very friendly and helpful and Siena's a prime location. It's a great program!

I wish I could go again! SIS was the best program with the best people. It really improved my Italian language skills. Also, the administration was very involved which really enhanced the experience.

My experience at SIS is one that had a significant impact on me. It was a wonderful experience. The staff is very supportive in helping students learn and immerse themselves in the Italian culture. I returned to Siena after studying abroad to work on a research project and even though I was no longer a student the staff at SIS was extremely helpful to me with my project. If I could do it all over again I would have stayed the full year! If you want to have an authentic Italian experience and learn Italian then there is no other choice but Siena Italian Studies. Academics: Classes were challenging and conducted all in Italian. Living Situation: My family was very kind. My Mother and Aunt came to visit me and they hosted us for a dinner. They were good to us even though there was a very large language barrier at times. Program Administration: The staff at SIS is helpful and friendly. Health and Safety: I never felt worried about my safety while in Siena. But it's important to do what you would do in America, stay in numbers and be aware of your surroundings. Social Life: I had a good social life in Siena but it is a small city and there are limited varieties of bars. Being out and about is a big part of Italian culture. That is something to keep in mind. But being out and about doesn't mean being falling down drunk every night. Which is a mistake I saw other study abroad students from other programs making.

Siena Italian Studies is a tremendously successful full immersion program based in Siena, Italy. It stands out from other programs based on its effort to completely immerse its students in Italian culture while boasting an incredible staff of administrators and teachers.

This was a great experience full of cultural experiences and trips all over Italy!

Siena Italian Studies is an amazing and life-changing study abroad experience! The program is small and very personal. The activities and excursions they plan are really unexpected and show you parts of Italy you wouldn't see otherwise. Host families are phenomenal and the professors and staff are really great and care about what they do and the community service options let you experience the real Italy. I would do it all over again if I could!! Academics: I had a great academic experience. Courses are taught in Italian using their special instruction method called FICCS. They introduce more and more Italian every day in classes so you really learn by the end of the semester. I came as a beginner Italian student and left feeling fluent - I wrote all of my final papers in Italian - it was a challenge but you get a lot of support throughout the semester. Living Situation: I had the most incredible host family! I've been back to visit many times and I truly feel part of their family. The food was incredible and so were the conversations with my host mom. They made my experience unforgettable and I still miss them every day! Cultural Immersion: SIS makes sure students meet and interact with as many Italians as possible. The program is very small and the professors are all Italian. We were matched with Italian Language exchange partners, spent tons of time with our host families and they encourage everyone to volunteer in the community. I taught at an elementary school and that was a true highlight of the experience. I feel like I had a very authentic Italian experience. Health and Safety: Siena is a super safe city - I never felt uncomfortable or in danger, even at night. Social Life: Siena is a small city but there are bars and pubs and when the weather gets warm, most people just hang out in the central square - Piazza del Campo - and drink wine - it's a really great atmosphere.