Academic Program

Orientation

Upon arrival in Italy, students are accompanied to the selected orientation site. this location varies from semester to semester but in the past has included such destinations as: the tuscan coastal region, Pisa and Lucca, Arezzo and the Casentino Mountains, as well as Rome and its surroundings. During the three day orientation, students will get to know each other and the Program staff and start exploring the various intriguing, ever-changing and sometimes contradictory characteristics of Italy and Italians today. Students will also discuss the host family experience and learn about the semester courses and activities that lie ahead of them. After the orientation, the group travels to Siena where they meet their host families for the first time.

Hands On Lessons

In many of our courses, learning is not limited to the classroom Ð whenever possible, we integrate field excursions and visits to enhance comprehension and provide students with a multifaceted experience. For example, art history courses naturally include visits to museums, churches and sites of artistic relevance in Siena, Florence and other towns in the region so that students can see first-hand the masterpieces discussed in class. The archaeology course takes advantage of various Etruscan sites in the area; anthropology students may attend traditional local festivals and visit museums dedicated to aspects of Tuscan folk culture; students studying Italian fashion will have the opportunity to visit museums dedicated to textiles, costumes and individual Italian designers in the Florence/Prato areaÉ and the list goes on

Group Excursions

Each semester program includes several half-day and full-day excursions and an overnight excursion that are designed to give students a wide-ranging and meaningful experience of Tuscany (and other regions of Italy) of the sort tourists rarely have. We walk through the Tuscan countryside from one unspoiled small town to the next, passing along ancient Roman byways and through woods where locals hunt for mushrooms and gather herbs; visit farms that produce wine, olive oil and pecorino cheese; relax in one of the regionÕs many natural hot springs; experience traditional Tuscan festivals such as Carnevale in Foiano della Chiana. Every term also includes a weekend trip to a fascinating, often off-the-beaten path location, such as Bologna, an ancient city that moves to contemporary rhythms and is considered by many to be the Mecca of Italian cuisine; or Padova, site of GiottoÕs renowned Scrovegni Chapel; or the Maremma Tuscan coastal region, home to ItalyÕs best-known "cowboys" and a lovely national park with unspoiled beaches. (Excursions vary from semester to semester; see website or contact us for current details.)

Solo Travel

A 10-day mid-term break gives you the chance to travel and explore Italy on your own, putting your knowledge of Italian to good use! While a multitude of interesting destinations lie within just a few hours of Siena Ð from centers of art history to hill towns and Mediterranean beaches -- the long break allows students to travel farther afield. Popular destinations include the Cinque Terre on the Ligurian coast; the Dolomite mountains for skiing or hiking; the coast of Campania from where you can visit the lively city of Naples, the fantastic ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum and the holiday spots of the Amalfi coast and Capri; as well as ItalyÕs two major islands, Sardinia and Sicily.Whether you choose another destination in Italy or one abroad, the break allows you to meet fellow international travellers, sample different foods and exercise your language skills.