Study Abroad in Siena, Italy

A Study Abroad in Siena, Italy program places you in an ancient Tuscan hill town which was first settled by the Etruscans around c.900-400BC. Located about 35 miles southwest of Florence, Siena is a beautiful medieval city with spectacular views of the Tuscan countryside. With its own unique cuisine, tradition, artwork and history, studying abroad in Siena offers you the opportunity to earn valuable undergraduate credit while you immerse yourself in Italian society and culture.

Why Consider a Study Abroad in Siena, Italy?

If you are considering study abroad program in Italy, studying in Siena is worth considering. If you have grown up in a very urban or metropolitan city, A Study Abroad in Siena program is likely to prove quite a culturally eye-opening and memorable experience. How many times does one get the opportunity to study in a UNESCO World Heritage Site?[i]

FUN FACT: How do you say “vineyard” in Italian? Say ‘vigneto’. (web)[ii]

A Day at the Races

If you choose a summer Study Abroad in Siena, it might give you the opportunity to watch the Palio di Siena which is a traditional medieval horse race that is held twice annually in the Piazza del Campo. 

Romanesque-Gothic

Siena is also known for its art and architecture. The Siena Cathedral (Duomo) is a 12^th century masterpiece is something special to see and much of the artwork you want to visit is inside galleries and churches. Referred to as an “open-air museum”[iii] really anywhere you look is a captivating building or monument, but go to the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo to see Duccio di Buoninsegna's striking Maestà. 

Plugged In

You may be thinking that studying in Siena means no TV or Internet. One of the interesting things about this historical city is that in the last decade, Siena has been completely wired with fibre optic cable.[iv]

Getting Around

Siena is a train ride from Pisa and Florence, a bus-ride to Rome, Milan and other towns in Tuscany, so it is central for side-trips and school excursions. You will likely want to walk the old streets, and anyway, almost no cars are allowed within the city centre[v]. 

Cuisine and Culinary Arts

If cooking class is where your heart is at, Tuscany is a feast for the senses. Cuisine in Italy is based on regions – local produce, wine and different traditions. Tuscany is known for its simple and delicious fare; seasonal foods, locally grown foods and meat. An agricultural area, Tuscan food is based on ‘peasant cooking’ in that simple, fresh and high quality ingredients are used instead of elaborate preparations. If you study abroad in Siena during the winter, you will likely try ribolitta, a soup made of vegetables and bread. Tuscans also love to use cannellini beans, truffles, pasta, local pecorino cheese and other hearty foods.

How the Cookie Crumbles

Also famous are the classic Tuscan catucci which we call biscotti. Usually they are dunked in a glass of sweet dessert wine.

Wine Country

Tuscany is wine country, and students who are studying the region’s food traditions may get a chance to visit some vineyards. Montalcino, Montepulciano, Chianti are some regional wines to enjoy.

Italian Language and Culture

Students interested in studying Italian language and culture might find Siena particularly fascinating; the city’s artistic and cultural heritage brings whatever you learn within the classroom to life as you explore important sites within Siena’s walls.

Find a Study Abroad in Siena program

To find a Study Abroad in Siena, think about when you want to go and what type of courses you are interested in then browse through sponsored listings. Siena is truly a charming city with so much to offer.