Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I fell in love with Siena and I would totally go back every year if I could. Past Review

By (Sociology., Trinity University) for

IES Abroad: Siena - IES Abroad Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad has not only given me a great traveling experience as well as a bit of Italian skill, but it has also taught me to be really independent and fearless when it comes to new situations, a new confidence in asking for help from strangers, and money management.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed the academic component.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I really enjoyed the program, I found the people to be very friendly and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved our apartment, even though we crammed 7 girls in one apartment. Lots of things broke during our stay that was not our fault, but we loved the place regardless. The location was far from the university, but we enjoyed the neighborhood and easy access to amenities.

* Food:

We got many recommendations for where to eat, and we split pretty evenly between cooking our own food to save money and eating out just for the enjoyment of it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went to several field trips arranged by the program, some of them large and all day and some of them small and just for a particular class. All were highly enjoyable. In particular, my Tuscan food and culture professor's husband owned a restaurant, and several times she took us to the kitchen where we got cooking lessons from the head chef.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Siena was a very safe city, me and the other girls in the program never felt unsafe, even when we were walking around the city at night.

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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Have cash on you at all times, you never know when you might find yourself in need of something, and you don't want to be caught with an empty wallet.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I loved the people.
  • I loved the people employed at the Siena office, they were wonderfully helpful and friendly.
* What could be improved?
  • I think the apartment I lived in could have been closer to the center of the city, but other than that I was satisfied with everything.