Experience both the historic traditions of the birthplace of modern science and cutting-edge trends in biotechnology. In addition to advanced courses in medical biotechnology at the University of Siena and IES Abroad Siena Center courses, this program will also expose you to on-site learning with visits to places such as the Anatomical Theater of Padua and the Natural History Museum, la Specola, in Florence. This unique program allows you to pursue your own research passions while gaining knowledge about the rich cultural heritage of Tuscany and its impact on influencing Western medicine.
Biomedical Technologies
At a Glance
Program Dates:
- 2027 Fall: Late August - Mid December
Credits:
Visa Required:
Housing:
Language of Instruction:
Language Prerequisites:
About the Program
Program Advisor
Riley Villhauer
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!
About the Destination
Why Siena?
For more than a century, Siena has been at the forefront of vaccine research and biomedical innovation. From pioneering serum and vaccine production in the early 1900s to playing a key role in Italy’s polio vaccination campaign, Siena has a remarkable legacy of advancing public health. Today, that tradition continues through leading biotechnology, research, and diagnostics organizations, making Siena a uniquely inspiring place to explore the future of health and medicine.
The Student Experience
Travel Tips from a Frequent Weekend Flyer
This post shares travel tips and lessons learned from last-minute trips across Europe to help you save money, stay organized, and enjoy stress-free adventures.
Program Dates
2027 Fall
Program Dates:
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.
Partner Institutions
Università degli Studi di Siena
Founded in the 13th century, the Università is one of Europe’s oldest universities. The campus is spread throughout the city, including subterranean spaces and crypts.
Get to know local and international students through activities at the Università degli Studi di Siena. You will be provided with a membership to the Erasmus student network—a group that organizes social activities for international students. You will also receive periodical newsletters publicizing events around Siena, and on-site staff will assist you with getting involved in activities, such as clubs or gyms. Click here to view a list of partner university courses offered at the University of Siena.
Courses
Create your own academic experience by selecting four courses in any of the following disciplines.
You'll take 12 to 18 credits per semester. All courses are taught in English.
- PH/HU360: The Legacy of Scientific Inquiry and the Practice in Italy from the Medieval Period to the modern Era (required, 3 credits)
- Enroll in 1 to 3 IES Abroad area studies courses (required, 3 credits each)
- Enroll in 1 to 2 courses at the University of Siena (required, 3 credits each)
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 Student Portal. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
IES Abroad Courses
Art History (2)
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH/CU/HS390 - Living Siena: Exploring Historical and Contemporary Tuscan Culture | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| AH331 - Renaissance Art and Patronage: Comparing Siena and Florence | Spring | English | 3 |
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)
About the IES Abroad Center
The Center is your home base, where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. You'll take classes here, meet up with friends between classes, and have access to resources like the library and computer lab.
The IES Abroad Siena Center is located in a palace on the city’s famous Piazza del Campo—a large, sunny plaza that is the center of social life in Siena. 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.
IES Abroad Siena Staff
Housing
Apartment
Share an apartment with other IES Abroad students and a local Italian student in the historic center of town. Furnished apartments are single-sex, with generally two students sharing a bedroom. Apartments have equipped kitchens and you will be responsible for your own meals. Internet access and a washing machine are also included.
Your Italian Housemate can help with improving your Italian language skills, getting to know Siena, and immersing yourself in the local culture. They also serve as a point of contact for housing questions.
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.
Part-Time Internships
Did you know that, while in Siena, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
- Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support.
- Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process.
- Experience what working in Siena is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness.
- Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers.
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.
Program Cost
2027 Fall
$7.9 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.
Orientation
Health & Safety
With 75 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 your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Identity Resources
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.
Related Programs
The Student Experience
Building a Home 5,000 Miles Away: 5 Things That Helped me Fight Homesickness
These past couple of weeks settling into Dublin have been a whirlwind, with homesickness especially on my mind. As the days go on though, I find more and more...
Beyond Seoul: A Weekend in Gangneung
One of my favorite parts of studying abroad has been realizing that Korea is so much more than just Seoul. As much as I love exploring the city, I was excited...
Tropics Meets the Tropics: A Hawaiian’s Experience in Rarotonga
Spending time as a tourist in Rarotonga gave me a new perspective to why so many people love to vacation in the tropics. Rarotonga, Cook Islands is one of the...
How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.