A semester in the hills of Tuscany Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All students are required to take Italian Language studies and a class about Italian Culture. I found the academics to be less challenging than Mt. Holyoke, but that was part of what I wanted from my abroad experience. I had no prior Italian language experience before coming to Siena, and I found the language component very successful. My professor was Italian and a very good teacher. We got through a year long class in one semester, so you really learn a lot by the end, especially because you are constantly practicing outside of class. I am in intermediate Italian at my home institution and feel comfortable in that level. The other classes are interesting, just not that time consuming outside of class. A lot of the classes have field trips, which is really cool. The professors are knowledgeable but also, not very challenging.

On-site administration of your program

The administration was available and helpful when giving advice, but there was only staff member, and so I felt like I didn't have many options when asking for advice about things to do, where to eat, etc. The school was small, and so was the program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment with 2 Italian students and 3 Americans. I loved the setup, the apartment was really nice. It was a little small, and I did sometimes wish that I had someone else cooking for me. If you live in a homestay you will have a family cook for you.

The food in Siena is amazing. Best food I've ever had. It is easy to eat well and not spend a lot of money, but on the other hand, it is easy to spend a lot of money quickly, too

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I got to know the town, have my favorite spots, and know people around town, but I did feel like an American throughout the course of my stay in Siena.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

- Healthcare was easily accessible in Siena. There are a lot of pharmacies where you can get over-the-counter medicine, or seek advice. Pharmaceutical people speak English. If your problem is more serious than they can provide, you can be referred to a clinic or hospital. CET provides you with a health care plan that will cover anything you run into. They also are helpful in providing personal healthcare advice, and are willing to take you where you need to go. Compared to at home in the US, I found that pharmacies in Italy were very different. You couldn't just go in and get what you want and buy it. You have to explain to the clerk what ailment you have, and they will give you the medicine you need. If you have something more serious, they require a doctor's note until they can give you anything. I suggest getting your prescriptions filled before you leave for Siena, and make sure you bring with you medicines you are used to and prefer (like Advil, etc.) so you are prepared without having to go to a pharmacy in Italy if necessary. No vaccines needed for this program.

I had no problems when I was in Siena. Siena is a small city comprised mostly of college students and older people. I felt safe walking home by myself, but that is not to say that nothing would ever happen. I am a young woman and tried to keep an eye out for myself at night. During the day, I never felt like there would be a problem. Nothing was stolen from me in my time in Italy. As a young woman, it is important to keep alert in cities bigger than Siena.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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• Apartment

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• Local Students
• Americans

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• Americans

• Italian culture
• Language
• Food and scenary

• Size of the program
• Academics
• administration

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