Saying Goodbye To Siena & Study Abroad

There are so many ways to say goodbye: a hug, a kiss, a handshake, a smile and a see you later. A wave. Ciao, arrivederci. Until next time. A whispered don’t be a stranger or a hopeful keep in touch.

My IES Abroad program in Siena, Italy, ended on May 10, and it came with some of the hardest goodbyes I’ve ever experienced. Reflecting on my time in Siena, I’ve come to realize that life, in many ways, is a series of goodbyes—to places, to people you love, to moments you wish could last just a little longer. But it’s also a series of hellos, of meeting new people and places that you’ll love just as deeply. 

The night before we left Siena, we all gathered at our favorite pub, The Irishman, for one last drink together. We shared a lot of long, tearful hugs. Many of us stayed until closing, reluctant to let go of a night that felt too final. None of us were quite ready to say the real goodbye. So we drifted out together and found ourselves at the heart of Siena: the Piazza del Campo. The place where all roads in the city seem to lead. It was a beautiful spring night. The air was cool, with just enough of a breeze to warrant a jacket. We all lay down on the stone tiles of the piazza, arms wrapped around one another, gazing up at the stars. I tried not to blink too much, afraid that tears might slip out if I did. We shared a bottle of sparkling wine between us and gazed up at the Torre del Mangia. 

These last four months have meant more to me than I can put into words. I fell in love with Siena the moment I arrived—the kindness of the people, the stunning architecture, the food, the culture, the history, and the sense of belonging. For a long time, I thought the hardest part of leaving would be saying goodbye to the city itself. But I’ve learned that it’s the people who make a place unforgettable. And it’s them—my friends—who are the hardest to leave.

If you're reading this blog and about to begin your own study abroad journey—know this: I’m so envious of you. If I could do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat. The time passed so quickly. It felt like I was constantly trying to catch it, to slow it down, stretch it out just a little longer. But time, as it does, slipped through my fingers no matter how tightly I tried to hold on.

So here’s my advice: make the most of every minute. Every second. Be present. Be open. Let yourself fall in love with where you are, who you’re with, and who you’re becoming. Put yourself out there. Be intentional about making friends and fostering connections.

This semester gave me memories I’ll carry forever—and friendships I know will last a lifetime.