- I studied abroad with Yale Summer Session because…
I really desired a study abroad experience, but did not want to take time to study abroad during the school year. I had heard great things about the Siena program, and thought it looked like a fantastic way to study abroad during the summer.
- I would tell students thinking about YSS study abroad…
If you even think that you might enjoy studying abroad this summer in Italy, you should really consider studying abroad in Siena. The program is extremely well organized, and the course is very well taught. I have never taken a class so fun, so interesting, and so rewarding. I cannot imagine a better study abroad program.
- Prior to arriving at the host site I wish I would have known…
Even though the experience is fabulous, ultimately it will become what you make it. One thing I do recommend: have in mind places you might like to visit during the weekends. I wish I had had a better idea of where I wanted to travel. I think the most important thing is to arrive with an open mind and without expectations for the experience.
- I would give prospective students the following advice about the local culture…
Italian life has a different pace than American (and especially Yale) life. Stores open later, close during the afternoons, and are not really open on the weekends. This makes for a wonderful experience, but at times the relaxed pace can make it difficult to study for an exam every Friday morning. Whatever you do, be open to new experiences. Be sure to spend as much time speaking in Italian as you can. It can be scary at first, but over time your language will dramatically improve, and local people will always be eager to speak with you in Italian. If there is one thing I regret, it would be that I didn’t speak with more local people while I was there.
- I wish I would have packed…
more toothpaste, shampoo, and other hygienic products. Everything is expensive in Italy, so buy things in America before you go. I didn’t bring my computer, and I am very happy that I did not. Internet cafes are all over Siena, and are not difficult to find. I did not pack that much, but I certainly could have packed less.
- During my time abroad the biggest obstacle that I had to overcome was…
When I first arrived in Italy, I was very afraid to speak in Italian. After time, however, especially after eating dinner every night with our host family, my fears abated. I also missed my friends and family a lot during the beginning of the program, especially because I was having so many wonderful experiences that I wanted to share with them.
- This experience changed my view of the world…
Before I studied abroad, I intended to take this course and be done taking foreign language classes. After I returned from this summer, I changed my major to Italian, and it has been the best decision I have ever made! The Italian department here is absolutely amazing, and after studying abroad, a major is not hard to complete.
- After the Siena program…
I spent the remaining 5 weeks of the summer with an organization called World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. In exchange for free food and free housing, I worked around 6 hours a day at two different organic farms: an agriturismo in Umbria that specialized in organic vegetables, and a goat farm outside of Florence that made organic goat cheese. Spending even more time in Italy made for an experience that greatly complimented my time in Siena and dramatically improved my language skills. If one wants to spend the rest of their summer in Italy after the Siena program is completed, I would highly recommend WWOOF. CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT WWOOF!
