AHA Siena: The Best Three Months of My Life Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was less intense than at my home university, with less reading and busy work and more emphasis on discussion in class (due to the small class sizes at AHA). I really enjoyed every class, but I thought the attendance policy was too strict. Only one free absence is allowed for Italian courses, which are four times a week, making it difficult to travel far away on the weekends. I understand that AHA does not want students missing a lot of class, but it would have been nice to have 2-3 free absences for Italian, and 1-2 free absences for other classes. However, the value of the Italian classes, and all classes actually, is fantastic. My Italian class consisted of me and other other student, meaning that I basically received private tutoring for an hour and fifteen minutes, 4 days a week. Needless to say, my Italian improved greatly.

On-site administration of your program

AHA is incredibly organized and accommodating, with great excursions and plenty of activities. The program size when I was in Siena was the lowest in the history of the program (9 total), but that allowed for everyone to establish relationships and become friends. AHA exceeded my expectations, I would recommend their program to anyone.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was beautiful, large and clean (maid service once a week), located 30 seconds from the grocery store, a 5 minute walk from school, 8 minute walk from the Piazza del Campo. I lived with two other Americans in my program. Sheets, towels, cooking supplies were all included in the apartment. Better than any place I will be living in while in Eugene!

Don't eat anything on the days when you go out for dinner with AHA. You will be served copious amounts of the best food in the world, so make sure you have enough room to fit it all! Also, go to Pizzaland during the week for a slice, it's located right behind AHA.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

AHA took us to Roma, Firenze, Venezia, and various towns within Tuscany. My favorite were the trips to agriturismos, so incredible and beautiful.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never got sick during my time abroad. I felt very safe, but you have to exercise caution, just like anywhere. Men are especially aggressive towards women in Italy; you learn very quickly how to firmly reject people. Buy your own drinks, watch out for your friends, follow your intuition. Be even more aware in bigger cities like Firenze and Roma, and try not to draw attention to the fact that you are an American (it makes you an easier target!)

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

I spoke Italian every time I went out, in shops and restaurants and bars, and at the University of Siena during language lab. The place with the best practice was Italian class. A lot of people in Siena don't speak English, so there is plenty of opportunity to practice Italian.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

• Excursions
• Small classes

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