204 reviews
4.14 / 5 based on 204 reviews
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1
shadowjr
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Government assistance
Other sources of funding:
Personal savings
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
First of all, the exchange rate at the time was still favorable for the US Dollar. But in a small town in Italy, food and housing just cost less than in the States; to be fair, of course, I was equipped with very modest housing in Siena. Transportation is much more well developped, so travel was so much cheaper and more practical, it's almost silly.
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Telephone:
was more expensive than at home.
Food, Housing, Nightlife, Travel, Overall:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
No significant surprises, really. Try to save any major traveling for the end of the trip, when you can visit the friends you've made in their homes. Thus, you can embark upon the "trip-of-a-lifetime," and spend a minimal amount of funds.
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shadowjr
Academic
Course recommendations
The teachers are sometimes unavailable and self-absorbed, and don't be surprised if you have to wait literally for hours to take an exam. But I liked the way subjects were taught. The approach is highly analytical and critical, and students are encouraged to think and make judgements for themselves, and to participate in class.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
I don't like the system of having just one exam/project at the end of the course, with no coursework before that.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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0
shadowjr
Overall
I wish I had known...
If you think you might need it...BRING IT!!
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In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
I reccomend it very highly. Siena is small, and the university thrives. It's the perfect place to study and meet people from all over. Every day/night is a new adventure! Word to the wise: the Sienese are a fiercely proud and belligerent people. Watch yourself and be respectful where the situaiton requires it.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
If you're ever stressed (the town can make you feel "closed in" from time to time), take a couple days and go by yourself o Assisi. Perfect place to get away!
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shadowjr
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
I spent a number of years as a child in Italy, Italian is very close to a mother tongue for me. I speak Roman dialect. No-one ever knows I'm American until I tell them.
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shadowjr
Housing
Type of housing: On campus
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
The residenze universitarie enforced strict curfews which didn't mesh well with the lifestyles of carefree "erasmus" and study abroad students, therefore some of us ran into some trouble along the way. Furthermore., my last month in Siena, I moved out to a private apartment, and it's a much better way to feel like you're actually, independently, a part of the society.
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Personal comments
The housing was good enough, the prices were very reasonable, the facilities comfortable, and the locations very desirable. In any case, student housing is a great place to start in Siena, even if it is one's intention to eventually move elsewhere during one's stay.
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2
shadowjr
Student life
Describe host city:
Student life dominates the city
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Activities, Nightlife: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
The spot to go, for all the international students, is L'Incontro, right off Piazza del Campo. Great panini, cheap beer, friendly staff. Ask for Saro.
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