Siena: Charlottesville in Italy Past Review
By Melanie B (History, Leadership, Psychology, University of Virginia) for
CET Siena
I couldn't have asked for a better program. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about spending three and a half months in a small city, fearing that I would run out of things to do. But in the end, I didn't have enough time to do everything I wanted to! I have been back in the states for about nine months now, and I keep craving anything Italian and every chance I get, I speak about my experience. I go on and on about Italy and everything that country has to offer. Has made me a bit picky on Italian food and good coffee and cappuccinos here in America though....I'm not sure that I would consider myself the type that could stay abroad for an even more extended period of time (say as a resident director), but I think it would be very rewarding for me to dabble in the field of study abroad as a career.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This definitely was not a 'joke' program. In order to receive good grades, you actually had to do work. Very intensive Italian language in the first few weeks really threw everyone into it, even if you were advanced or beginner level in language comprehension. Our program was very small, twelve people, so we always had the chance to speak with our professors, and they often encouraged it. We could even meet outside the classroom and talk about an assignment over a cappuccino if desired. We called them by their first name, something which American students do not do. The grading system was pretty similar. The workload was not too extensive, but again, there was enough for us to do and enough time for us to complete it all, while still having the opportunity to go out and travel or explore the city. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
CET and the Resident Director who was with us in Siena were extremely helpful. I couldn't have gone on a better trip! They were incredibly knowledgeable and very willing to help. We not only had a relationship as student and director, but also a friendship. My expectations were met and exceeded. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
There is a choice between host family and apartment style living with other Americans and Italian student(s). I chose the apartment because I was a little intimidated about living with a family, although those that choose the family seem to love it. Our apartment was the biggest, square-footage wise, and our roommate was absolutely hilarious. He has never been to the US but speaks English fluently. Our neighborhood was very safe, just a few steps from the Campo, which is where most of the nightlife in Siena is located. It took us about ten to fifteen minutes to get to the bus stop and class. We did not need to buy any home items, except if we wanted something that wasn't already there. We were not required to buy anything. |
| * Food: |
FOOD IN ITALY IS AMAZING!!! We were provided with meal tickets to get lunch or dinner at the 'mensa' each weekday, but we also went out to eat many times and cooked on our own in our kitchen. Anywhere on the Campo (a little more expensive) or immediately surrounding it is, in my opinion, the best. However, if you just search side streets you can definitely find some wonderful cafes and trattorias. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I really enjoyed our outings that were included in the price of the program. We went to dinner often, took a cooking class, went bike riding in the clay hills of Tuscany, just to list a few. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I was never afraid to walk around in the middle of the night by myself. Siena is a very safe small city and I felt completely at home. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
We practiced with each other, our professors, our Italian roommates and their friends, and Sienese people. In Siena, not nearly as many people speak English as they do in larger cities such as Florence and Rome, so I felt it was a great place for me to actually learn the language. I believe that's why many people who chose to study in Siena chose it over other places in Italy. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are seriously interested in studying abroad, definitely take a long look into all programs you are considering and review every aspect, the pros and cons, because each one has them both. I am so glad I decided to go to Siena versus a larger city. I would recommend you look into CET's program in Siena even if you think you want to go to a larger city; it will probably change your mind! I also recommend starting the process well in advance to leave time to gather everything you need (applications, recommendations, paperwork, financial information, passport, etc. etc.), especially if something doesn't go as planned. It will give you ample time to make sure everything is in. I started applying a year in advance. Students who will benefit most from CET in Siena are students with a genuine interest in learning Italian and those who are a bit more adventurous and curious. |
