Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Unique Experience in Siena January 15, 2024

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/30/2023 to 12/16/2023 with

CET Siena

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience gave me the chance to be immersed in Italian culture in a really special way that I would not have access to without the program. It was definitely worthwhile and I recommend it!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I really loved the city and the professors were excellent and super kind. Having no classes on Fridays really helped give me the opportunity to travel which I really appreciated.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

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

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian 20b
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The professors!
  • Location/city
  • Ability to travel
* What could be improved?
  • Some organization and communication from the program
  • Flexibility with attendance due to travel delays
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The level of language immersion is completely under your control! Since many people in Siena speak English, it is up to you to start a conversation in Italian instead of defaulting to English because it's easier. If you really want to learn the language, you have to take that initiative, but once you do, people are generally nice and forgiving if you mess up a little. Often they're just excited that you want to learn.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.