Siena, Italy

Business & Economics of Italian Food & Wine

Study Abroad
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment, Homestay

Credits:

12 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English, Italian

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Our Business & Economics of Italian Food & Wine Program is ideal for Business, Economics, Agribusiness, Political Science, and Agricultural Economics majors, as well as any student with an academic or professional interest in local and organic food and wine. You will explore topics of sustainability and farm-to-table philosophies as they affect the economics and operations of Italian farms and vineyards.

You will live in the welcoming city of Siena, home to many specialty foods, including hand-rolled pici pasta, crostini with chicken liver, and panforte nut and fruit cake crafted by local, quality-driven producers. Enroll in four courses for a total of 12 credits in which you will explore how business and economic concepts are woven into the fabric of the Italian food industry.

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Travel Throughout Italy

Take trips to Bologna, Valdorcia, Chianti, and San Gimignano.

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Follow You Academic Interests

Take courses in a wide variety of disciplines.

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Attend Cultural Events & Activities

Redefine the way you live and learn in Siena through cultural events.

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Join Events at Università degli Studi di Siena

Which introduce international students to local Italian students.

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 14

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
16,180

Program Dates:

Mid January - Mid April

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

Kellie Wallace headshot

Kellie Wallace

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Siena under the stars at night

Why Siena?

The intersection of culture and cuisine is taken to the next level in Tuscany, where traditional food and wine are not only a large part of the cultural identity, but also a primary economic contributor. Tuscany will be your classroom. Our courses take advantage of the region’s many resources that will help you understand key concepts of the food business in Tuscany that you’ll apply to your future career—wherever in the world it may be.

Learn More About Siena

Get to Know Your New City

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Explore the Region

Discover the Tuscan countryside.

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Wander Through the 17 Contrade

The 17 neighborhoods of Siena date back to the Middle Ages.

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Taste Traditional Tuscan Dishes

There’s plenty to taste throughout Tuscany.

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Enjoy the Sights in the Piazza Del Campo

The Piazza is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

The Student Experience

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Housing

A living room with pale yellow walls, a dining room table, and large windows.
  • Apartment
  • Homestay

Apartment

You'll share an apartment with other IES Abroad students. Apartments are furnished, single-sex, and generally accommodate four to six students, with two to three IES Abroad students sharing a bedroom. Apartments offer internet access and a washing machine. Meals are not included, but apartments offer fully equipped kitchens.

Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. We offer unique courses that explore Business, Management, Cultural Studies, and other topics through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.

Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting four courses in any of the following disciplines.

You'll take 12 credits per semester. All courses are taught in English.

  • Business Administration
  • Cultural Studies
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Environmental Studies
  • Global Studies
  • History
  • Italian Language
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Political Science

To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (14)

PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Siena, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

Valdorcia

2 Days Fall & Spring

Visit the large, Corsini family-owned baking facility and compare it to the small-scale Corsini production back in Siena. You'll also learn about chestnut beer production and tour a facility that produces olive oil using only sustainable energy.

Students standing and smiling at the camera in a narrow street in Chianti, Italy. The buildings behind and around them are made of varying colors of brick.

Chianti

1 Day Fall & Spring

Explore the wine-making areas near Siena and learn about how Chianti wine contributes to the region’s economy and culture. You'll also visit a pasta producer in the region.

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2024

Tuition
$
11,910
Housing
$
4,040
Insurance
$
230
Total
$
16,180

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
11,895
Housing
$
4,040
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
16,180

Spring 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

Learn More
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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Siena Center is an actual palace located on the city’s most famous plaza called the Piazza del Campo. The palace, called Palazzo Chigi Zondadari, was built in the 18th century and served as a home to many notable people. Wherever you find yourself, the Center is your study abroad hub.  

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Siena
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Siena. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Intensive Language Learning
During the first week of the program, you will begin your language learning experience and participate in activities to meet and bond with others.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore and discover Siena before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 22 - May 11

Application Deadline:

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 14

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Mid January - Mid April

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age
  • In good standing at your home school
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

Contact an Ambassador
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The Student Experience

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Surf Camp

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How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

Apply Now
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