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.
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...
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.
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)
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:
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
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.
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS/AH/CU 390 - Living Siena: Exploring Historical and Contemporary Tuscan Culture | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| AH 331 - Renaissance Art and Patronage: Comparing Siena and Florence | Spring | English | 3 |
Highly regarded courses are available in the following disciplines, and are taught in Italian unless otherwise indicated:
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.
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.
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.
Spend three days discovering Milan – world-renowned as the European capital of fashion, design, architecture, publishing, modern art, and music.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Partake in a hiking outing along the Siena portion of an old pilgrimage route running from Rome to France.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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