Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Siena, an indescribably beautiful city that will have my heart forever. Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Simmons College) for

IES Abroad: Siena - IES Abroad Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The program didn't really affect my academic interests, however, it did provide me with a solid seating for my second semester of junior year. Learning a new language was something that I feel was extremely rewarding and now I can't wait to learn French. I love my host family and hope to stay in touch for years to come. It was a blessing to be able to see my extended family in Torino and Sicilia, and spending time with them is also something I will cherish forever. Studying abroad changed me for the better in ways I haven't even fully realized yet. My mind is more at ease with daily chores and challenges and I feel like I matured 5 years after being there for just 4 months.

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

I loved my program more than anything and could not have asked for better. The size was perfect and my expectations were absolutely met.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I LOVED my housing situation. I did not have to buy any items to settle in. My host family treated me like a family member and I could not have asked for better.

* Food:

I was in italy, the food was outstanding every day.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The field trips were amazing, particularly to Milan and San Gimignano. We were also invited to attend a Contrada dinner in my program director's Contrada. This was an experience of a lifetime that I feel infinitely blessed to have been a part of.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt incredibly safe in Siena whether it was 4PM or 4AM. I did not have any experiences with healthcare, but other students seemed to have great ease in finding healthcare. The healthcare system in Italy is exponentially better than the one in the United States. I did not need any vaccines for the program.

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? I was not aware that I was going to have to spend so much money on books.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I became almost completely fluent in Italian due to the fact that I lived with a woman who did not speak English. Most people did not speak English, except when I was at school. I absolutely needed the host country language in my everyday interactions.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

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  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

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  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The type of student that would benefit most from this program is someone who likes a small-town atmosphere that is constantly bustling with affluent people from all over the world. There is not a great deal of night life like discos or clubs, but along with other students in the program and local young people, you find weekend fun in cozy bars and pubs. It is more of an immersion program and the language comes with ease if you have a bit of a background in Spanish, French, or Italian. I have never felt so comfortable anywhere other than my own hometown. I still think about Siena everyday and wish I could go back this very second. The food is not to be believed, and the history of the city is almost as amazing as the hidden gems you will find there over the course of your visit.