In Siena, history lives right alongside the present—in its medieval streets, rich traditions, and tight-knit contrade (neighborhood districts, dating back centuries). This program guides you through Tuscany’s culture past and present with hands-on learning, local site visits, and community activities. Dive into a topic of your own interest with guidance from esteemed local faculty, and round out your experience with Italian language, area studies, or an optional internship.
Siena, Italy
Study in Tuscany








At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Fall 2025: August 25 - November 21
- Spring 2026: January 21 - May 09
Credits:
Estimated Cost:
Housing:
Language of Instruction:
Language Prerequisites:
Part-Time Internship (Optional):
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
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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?
The enchanting city of Siena is your home base as you explore all that Tuscany has to offer. World-renowned cuisine, more than 120 nature reserves, medieval masterpieces everywhere you turn, and the hustle and bustle of Florence (just an hour away). Tuscany is also the birthplace of the Italian language, making Siena the ideal location to study a pure Italian dialect.
The Student Experience
A Guide to My Unforgettable Weekend Trips
This blog recounts the highlights of my weekend adventures across Europe while studying abroad
Program Dates
Fall 2025
Program Dates:
Application Deadline:
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
Application Deadline:
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 Italian language, history, and culture, as well as other topics, through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and the opportunity to take courses at Università degli Studi di Siena enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
Partner Institution

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.
Courses
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components.
You must take 12-15 credits per semester. The course options that are available to you are determined by language proficiency.
Mandatory IES Abroad Italian language course
4-week intensive Italian (required for beginning and intermediate, 3 credits)
Semester-long beginning or intermediate Italian (optional, 3 credits)
Semester-long advanced Italian (required for advanced students, 4 credits)
- English- or Italian-taught IES Abroad area studies courses (optional, 3 credits)
- Italian-taught courses at the Università degli Studi di Siena If you have at least 4 semesters of college-level Italian, on-site staff may recommend you for enrollment in one or two courses at the Università degli Studi di Siena. (optional, credits vary)
- English-taught Business, Economics, Political Science, or Biotechnology courses at the Università degli Studi di Siena (optional, 3 credits each)
- Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
Signature Course
Living Siena: Exploring Historical & Contemporary Tuscan Culture
Take learning outside the classroom as you explore Tuscany in this program’s signature course and develop an independent research project throughout the semester. You’ll visit sites including:
- Piazzas and the cathedral inside Siena’s medieval city walls
- Famous works of Renaissance art in nearby Florence
- Siena’s ancient hospital of Santa Maria Della Scala
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
Art History (2)
Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
---|---|---|---|
HS/AH/CU 390 - Living Siena: Exploring Historical and Contemporary Tuscan Culture | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
AH 331 - Renaissance Art and Patronage: Comparing Siena and Florence | Spring | English | 3 |
Partner Institution Courses
Please note: Due to current visa restrictions, no Partner Institution courses will be offered for the Fall 2025 semester.
Università degli Studi di Siena
Highly regarded courses are available in the following disciplines, and are taught in Italian unless otherwise indicated:
- Anthropology-Ethnology
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Biotechnology (English-taught)
- Business (English-taught)
- Economics (English- or Italian-taught)
- Engineering
- History
- International Relations
- Law
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Political Science (English- or Italian-taught)
- Sociology
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)
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 possibly a local Italian student – in the city center. Furnished apartments are single-sex, and two students usually share a bedroom. Apartments have equipped kitchens and you are responsible for your own meals. Internet access and a washing machine are also available. Your Italian roommates can help with improving your Italian language skills, getting to know Siena, and immersing yourself in the local culture. They also serve as a first 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:
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.
Placement Examples

Accounting

Education

International Relations
Program Cost
Fall 2025
Academic Year 2025
Spring 2026
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.

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.
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.

Frequently Asked Questions
Identity Resources
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.

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