Home Away from Home! November 17, 2022

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors are very receptive of your needs. The classes are at an intensity equal to a typical American university course. The schedules are adapted to allow lots of time to enjoy Siena, and the workload is light enough to allow for this as well. The beginning of the semester might be a bit busy getting into the swing of classes, but once professors assess what works and what doesn't, they readily and efficiently adapt the course to make it manageable! The Italian course specifically really helps to develop your comfort level with the language and the confidence to practice it in public.

On-site administration of your program

The staff genuinely cares about everyone's well-being and makes sure to make your experience as comfortable as possible. They make sure to check in with you consistently and provide any resources you may need. They also do an amazing job at planning out events to enhance your experience with the culture and history of Siena and Italy.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments are very comfortable and pretty! Most of (if not all now) the apartments have all the facilities you would expect, like dishwashers and in-house washers and dryers, etc. If not, the program makes sure to get you what you need to be as comfortable as possible. The opportunity to live with a local student is an amazing experience and really facilitates the integration into the city, and makes it easier to make friends or simply meet new people! They're also great resources to practice Italian, or go to for advice about where to eat or where to go to for a fun night.

The food is amazing, as can be expected. There are several local sandwich or pizza shops that have great quality food at very convenient hours and locations to the CET classrooms, great for quick bites or on-the-go eating. There are also a ton of incredible restaurants for more fancy dinners or sit-down places where you can take a break from walking around, and of course gelato shops too.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you're looking to learn Italian or become immersed in the culture, Siena is definitely the place to go. English isn't commonly spoken and there is so much uniqueness and character to Siena. It doesn't feel as touristy of a location as Florence or Rome does -- it's quieter and less crowded, which makes you feel like a true local by the time you leave.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My program was the first one right after they opened back up after the pandemic, so COVID was still more or less an issue. The on-site administration was very good at addressing any problems that arose. The health care system in general though is a lot more straightforward and accessible than the systems in the United States -- it's super easy to get an appointment and it's relatively cheap as well.

As a woman, I felt very comfortable walking alone around the town and I wasn't ever approached in any menacing way during my time there. Overall, Siena is pretty safe, especially in comparison to other big cities in Italy as can be expected. People are really nice and willing to help you get around or help in general. Just like any other place though, don't walk alone at night and just always walk through well-lit and open spaces!

I met great people that I am so thankful for crossing paths with. The town allowed for a truly at-home experience as a Latina and provided a sense of comfort and security that I didn't even have in the US. My Italian developed so much during my time abroad which was one of my goals -- I don't think I would have learned as much in another city.

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

Vanderbilt's financial aid transfers over to study abroad, and CET has scholarships available on their website as well so if you think money will be an issue you should check out those resources. In general, the only actual expenses abroad are food and personal expenses, and if you decide to travel or shop. You can very easily manage -- there are tons of spots in Siena with good food for low costs!

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

• Local students as roommates!
• Small town for easier language acquisition!
• Great food and views

• class options are limited for non-CS majors