Siena, Italy

Summer - Tradition & Cuisine in Tuscany

Study Abroad
Length:
Summer

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment

Credits:

6 per Summer

Language of Instruction:

English, Italian

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

This program offers you an opportunity to get an insider’s view of the Palio—a famous horse race which occurs every summer in one of the most recognized piazzas in the world, Piazza del Campo. You’ll discover how the Palio is not simply a horse race, but a combination of rituals, rules, and traditions that have roots in the Middle Ages. 

Enroll in a course on the history and tradition of the Palio and Contrade of Siena or study Tuscan culture and cuisine. By combining coursework with study outside the classroom, you will experience the rich cultural heritage of Tuscany.

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Tuscany Will Be Your Classroom

Study the economic and socio-historic aspects of Tuscan food.

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Improve Your Italian Language Skills

Enroll in an Italian language course at beginner or intermediate level.

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Travel Throughout Italy

Travel to Naples, Pompeii, or Populonia.

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Study in the Heart of Siena

The Center is located in the famous Piazza del Campo.

Summer 2024

Program Dates:

June 17 - August 01

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
8,193

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

Siena under the stars at night

Why Siena?

Nestled in the Tuscan countryside, Siena is a beautiful medieval city located 35 miles southwest of Florence. Immerse yourself in Italian society, cuisine, and culture while enjoying easy access to the Tuscan capital, the sea, and the renowned Tuscan landscape. Prepare to get swept up in the excitement and passion the local people of Siena have for this event as they prepare and celebrate within their contradas, or local communities —who will ultimately compete for the win in the Palio horse race.

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

Apartment

Live with other IES Abroad students — and possibly local Italian students — in the historic center of town. Furnished apartments are single-sex and include fully-equipped kitchens. Meals are not included.

Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible — which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.

Courses

You are required to enroll in 2 courses for a total of 6 credits. You can take 2 area studies courses or 1 language course, plus 1 area studies course.

Past disciplines have included:

  • Culture & Cuisine
  • History
  • Italian Language (beginning and intermediate)
  • Sociology

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 (4)

Cultural Studies (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
SO/CU/HS 250 - History and Culture of Food in Italy and Tuscany Summer English 3
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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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.

Summer 2024

Tuition
$
6,234
Housing
$
1,824
Insurance
$
135
Total
$
8,193

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.
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.
On-Site Staff Support
Our experienced, trained, and dedicated local staff are on-site throughout your entire program to ensure you have the support you need during your abroad adventure.

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

Summer 2024

Program Dates:

June 17 - August 01

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age
  • In good standing at your home school
  • 2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 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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