General Information

Accepted Students

Student Visa Information

Once accepted to study with the Siena Italian Studies Program (SIS), you will need to begin applying for a student visa. Even though students must apply individually for student visas, please contact us with any questions and we'll do all we can to assist you.

A valid student visa is required for all American citizens studying abroad in Italy. In order to obtain it you will need to make contact with the Italian Consulate nearest to your permanent address as soon as you receive your SIS acceptance packet. Please visit the following website for visa information: www.esteri.it/visti/index_eng.asp

It is important to consult the website of the specific consulate at which you will be requesting your visa to confirm the necessary documents and procedures. The consulate office can be strict with its requirements so please be sure to have your paperwork in order.

*You may begin the process not more than 90 days prior to departure.

The official SIS acceptance packet will contain an acceptance letter in Italian and one in English. You will need this acceptance letter when requesting your visa, as well as our Pre-Departure Handbook. In addition, you will also most likely need for your visa:

• Passport-sized photos
• Your flight itinerary
• A signed and notarized statement from your parents assuming financial responsibility for you
• A personalized letter from your health insurance provider with account number, date, and name of card holder that specifies that you will be covered in Italy during program dates
• A personalized letter from your college or university study abroad official and photocopies of each document
Please note that at times there are problems with the proof of health insurance documents and, instead, you may be asked to sign a notarized statement declaring that you'll purchase Italian health insurance when you arrive from the INA insurance company. If this is the case, we will be happy to assist you when you get here. Again, check the site of the consulate you will visit to be sure of what you need. Once the consulate has accepted all of your documents, your visa should be ready to pick up within a week.

The visa process can be frustrating and involved as each consulate has a slightly different process. The key is to start gathering your paperwork early because a missing document can slow down or halt the visa process. Although the process can be challenging, it is rare that a student is unable to acquire a visa to study abroad.

Medical Insurance

It is essential that you have medical insurance that will cover you while abroad.  Consider the various insurance options and choose a plan appropriate to your needs, but be sure you will be covered at all times during your stay.  All students should bring a copy of their policy, insurance claim forms, in addition to their insurance card. If you do not have medical insurance or if you would like to purchase supplemental coverage, companies such as HTH worldwide (www.hthstudents.com) offer international student health insurance and medical assistance services.

Information we'll need from you

Within 8 days of arrival in Italy, all students are required to apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (Permit of Stay). In order to assist you in this process, we require that you complete the form below. You will need your passport and visa information to complete the form. You will also need a file of a scanned copy of your passport page and one of a scanned copy of your visa page in order to complete the form.

• Click here to fill out our form.

• Permit of Stay Data Form/ Modulo per Permesso di Soggiorno (PDF)

Italian Language Placement

Students that have studied Italian Language prior to coming to Siena should complete an Italian Language Placement Exam. Please select the exam below that is most appropriate to your level and email it back to info@sienaitalianstudies.com.

• Intermediate Placement Test (PDF)
• Advanced Placement Test (PDF)

Course Selection Process

Although, preliminary course selections are made on the SIS application form, it is important to keep in mind that all courses are not offered every semester/term. Final course selections will be made following the course introduction sessions given at the start of the semester/term.