Educational Approach

Service Learning

Service is a fundamental component to the study abroad experience at Siena Italian Studies. All students are required to participate in projects that benefit the local community.

The service requirement for students is a minimum of 5 hours a week and there are many different opportunities in varying fields.  Some examples are: setting tables and serving food at the city soup kitchen, visiting with the elderly at a nursing home, teaching English to local elementary school children or volunteering with Siena’s ambulance service.

To provide service in the community is an unparalleled way to improve language skills, be a part of the local social fabric, and make a genuine contribution to the host community.