Excellent Month in Siena! Past Review

By (Visual Journalism, Western Washington University) for

Western Washington University: Siena - Tuscan Summer in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned quite a bit about what I really want from life. Living in another country really puts things in perspective.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: N/A
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Both of my professors did an excellent job teaching the classes. The homework requirements were fair, as was the grading system.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved everything about my experience and I would say it had a lot to do with how great everyone involved was to us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

A mix of locals and my classmates. Wonderful location!

* Food:

Italian food is delicious. Especially the wine!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Siena is located in one of the most beautiful parts of Italy. The saturation of culture and history there is amazing. Everywhere you go there is something amazing to be seen.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Siena is a safe enough city. One student got his debit card information stolen though.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

Italian friends and my peers.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Everything
* What could be improved?
  • Make it longer!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you love Italy and its culture, or are curious to learn more about it, this is the trip for you! Gorgeous city, great food, and history everywhere you look!