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This program’s signature course, Living Siena: Exploring Historical & Contemporary Tuscan Culture, guides you on an exploration of the region as you develop an independent research project throughout the semester. Customize your academic experience with an Italian language course, English- or Italian taught area studies courses, and an optional part-time internship.
Tuscany Will Be Your Classroom
Visit to Siena’s piazze and Florentine Renaissance art.
Enjoy Student Life in Siena
Enjoy the libraries, cafeterias, and WiFi in University buildings.
Enroll at a Local University
You may be able to take courses at the University.
Gain Hands-On Experience
Add an optional internship placement and accompanying seminar.
Fall 2025
Program Dates:
Early September - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Macey Schondel
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
The enchanting city of Siena is your home base as you explore all that Tuscany has to offer. World-renowned cuisine, more than 120 nature reserves, medieval masterpieces everywhere you turn, and the hustle and bustle of Florence (just an hour away).
History comes to life in Siena, as is most evident in the robust life of the contrade— neighborhood districts that divide Siena into 17 large families with common customes and traditions dating back to the Middle Ages. Through activities of your contrada, you can learn from your neighbors how the contrade have influenced social, political, and religious life for centuries.
It’s been almost two weeks since my time in Siena ended, and while I’m excited to be back home with my family and my cats, I’m starting to miss the life I had...
Share an apartment with other IES Abroad students – and possibly a local Italian student – in the city center. Furnished apartments are single-sex, and two students usually share a bedroom. Apartments have equipped kitchens and you are responsible for your own meals. Internet access and a washing machine are also available. Your Italian roommates can help with improving your Italian language skills, getting to know Siena, and immersing yourself in the local culture. They also serve as a first point-of-contact for housing questions.
Homestay
Choosing to live in a homestay is a great way to experience cultural integration. Homestays generally house one or two students. Accommodations vary, and hosts provide you with light daily breakfasts and one additional daily meal.
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore Italian language, history, and culture, as well as other topics, through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and the opportunity to take courses at Università degli Studi di Siena enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
Partner Institution
Università degli Studi di Siena
Università degli Studi di Siena
Founded in the 13th century, the Università is one of Europe’s oldest universities. The campus is spread throughout the city, including subterranean spaces and crypts.
Get to know local and international students through activities at the Università degli Studi di Siena. You will be provided with a membership to the Erasmus student network – a group that organizes social activities for international students. You will also receive periodical newsletters publicizing events around Siena, and on-site staff will assist you with getting involved in activities, such as clubs or gyms.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components.
You must take 15–19 credits per semester. The course options that are available to you are determined by language proficiency.
IES Abroad Italian language course
4-week intensive Italian (required for beginning and intermediate, 3 credits)
Semester-long beginning or intermediate Italian (optional, 3 credits)
Semester-long advanced Italian (required for advanced students, 4 credits)
English- or Italian-taught IES Abroad area studies courses (optional, 3 credits)
Italian-taught courses at the Università degli Studi di Siena If you have at least 4 semesters of college-level Italian, on-site staff may recommend you for enrollment in one or two courses at the Università degli Studi di Siena. (optional, credits vary)
English-taught Business, Economics, Political Science, or Biotechnology courses at the Università degli Studi di Siena (optional, 3 credits each)
Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
Signature Course
Living Siena: Exploring Historical & Contemporary Tuscan Culture
Take learning outside the classroom as you explore Tuscany in this program’s signature course and develop an independent research project throughout the semester. You’ll visit sites including:
Piazzas and the cathedral inside Siena’s medieval city walls
Famous works of Renaissance art in nearby Florence
Siena’s ancient hospital of Santa Maria Della Scala
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Even though your adventure starts in Siena, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
3 Days
Fall
Milan
Spend three days discovering Milan – world-renowned as the European capital of fashion, design, architecture, publishing, modern art, and music.
Bologna
2 Days
Spring
Spend two days discovering some of the many cultural and historical monuments in Bologna and the Emilia Romagna region — one of the richest and most beautiful in Italy, known for its regional cuisine.
Valdorcia
2 Days
Fall & Spring
Visit the large, Corsini family-owned baking facility and compare it to the small-scale Corsini production back in Siena. You'll also learn about chestnut beer production and tour a facility that produces olive oil using only sustainable energy.
Chianti
1 Day
Fall & Spring
Explore the wine-making areas near Siena and learn about how Chianti wine contributes to the region’s economy and culture. You'll also visit a pasta producer in the region.
San Gimignano
1 Day
Fall
After a visit and lunch in a local agriturismo, explore the small, walled, medieval town known for its skyline which earns the town its nickname of “The Town of Fine Towers.”
Via Francigena
1 Day
Spring
Partake in a hiking outing along the Siena portion of an old pilgrimage route running from Rome to France.
Part-Time Internships
Audrey G. • Temple University
Did you know that, while in Siena, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support.
Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process.
Experience what working in Siena is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness.
Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers.
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.
Placement Examples
Accounting
Education
International Relations
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
Premium Plus - Homestay (14 meals provided per week)
$1,500
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
ACCeSS Fee
$150
Italian Visa Fee (paid to consulate) (estimated costs based on current consular rates, subject to change)
$60
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,200-1,700
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$80
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Apartment (with kitchen access)
$3,200
Premium Plus Homestay (with kitchen access)
$1,200
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$20
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$150
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,200
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
Premium Plus - Homestay (14 meals provided per week)
$3,000
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
ACCeSS Fee
$150
Italian Visa Fee (paid to consulate) (estimated costs based on current consular rates, subject to change)
$60
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,300-2,000
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$160
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Apartment (with kitchen access)
$6,400
Premium Plus Homestay (with kitchen access)
$2,400
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$60-300
Local Transportation
$40
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$150-300
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$4,400
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on February 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Registration to single courses at the University of Siena (optional)
$420
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
Premium - Homestay (14 meals provided per week)
$750
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required consular and visa fees (paid to consulate with application- cost varies by consulate))
$56
Optional ACCeSS fee (if applicable, paid to IES Abroad before arrival)
$150
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$800-1,100
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$150
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Apartment (with kitchen access)
$2,750
Premium Homestay (with kitchen access)
$1,000
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$30
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,100
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad. The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Siena Center is an actual palace located on the city’s most famous plaza called the Piazza del Campo. The palace, called Palazzo Chigi Zondadari, was built in the 18th century and served as a home to many notable people. Wherever you find yourself, the Center is your study abroad hub.
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Home School Authorization – Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Transcript(s) – Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam – Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
If your cumulative GPA is below 2.75, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Professor Recommendation – Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay – Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
Navigating identity abroad as a Mexican-Polish student, I reflect on language, culture, and experiences like visiting Madrid's Museo de América and Día de los...
