Siena Summer
Spend your summer abroad in Siena
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Siena, Italy during the summertime with SIS Intercultural Study Abroad. Experience the exhilaration of the annual Palio horse race, a unique event that encapsulates the essence of the city’s medieval heritage. As a participant in our 4, 6, or 8-week summer programs, you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to witness and engage with the event alongside passionate locals, gaining a profound understanding of its cultural significance. But that’s not all. At SIS Intercultural Study Abroad, we go beyond extraordinary events. You’ll also have the chance to live with welcoming host families, contribute to local service projects, and earn valuable university credits through our diverse range of courses that span multiple academic disciplines. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Join SIS Intercultural Study Abroad and make your summer in Siena unforgettable.
Overview
For those students that can’t leave their home campus for a semester or full academic year, SIS offers a series of summer study abroad opportunities from May through July. These programs not only allow students to study Italian language and culture in a more condensed period of time, they will also explore Tuscany during a remarkable time of year.
All programs include airport pick-up, program orientation, a series of activities and excursions, family home-stays and the opportunity to perform community service in a variety of areas.
Upcoming program dates and options
SIS Intercultural Study Abroad offers Intensive Italian Language and Culture Summer Programs of varying lengths. These include: Maymester, 4-week, 6-week and 8-week options.
2025 Summer Study Abroad Program Options and Dates
- Maymester: Monday, May 12 – Saturday, May 31
- 8-week summer study abroad Siena: Tuesday, June 3 – Saturday, July 26
- 4-week summer study abroad Siena – Session 1: Tuesday, June 3 – Thursday, July 3
- 6-week summer study abroad Siena: Wednesday, June 18 – Saturday, July 26
- 4-week summer study abroad Siena – Session 2*: Thursday, June 26- Saturday, July 26
Summer Program students take a combination of Italian Language and content courses. The number of courses a student takes depends on the length of the individual program chosen. All students live with local host families and participate in a series of excursions and activities during each term.
*Session 2 of the 4-week summer program is identical to session 1, the only difference being that the activities are different from the first session (it does not include an overnight trip), both programs are present for the Palio festivities.
Please inquire at info@sisstudyabroad.com for price information.
Summer course descriptions
Although course offerings for summer study abroad are fewer, there is still a choice selection for all majors. All Siena summer program students are required to take Italian Language, the Intercultural Dialogue and Reflections Course, and, depending on the length of the program 1-3 academic content courses. Below is a brief description of each program.
Maymester students take 1 credit (15 hours) of Italian Language and one academic course (3 credits) instructed either in Italian or English from among the Maymester offerings.
The 3-week Maymester term includes course excursions and one day trip to a nearby destination. The Maymester program is open to all levels of Italian language learners. Courses must meet a minimum number of students enrolled to be activated, please check with SIS staff about the possibility of activating additional courses in English or Italian.
The 4-week program includes 3 credits (45 hours) of Italian Language as well as 3 credits (45 hours) of Intercultural Dialogue, Democracy and Global Citizenship through Reflection, instructed in English, along with a significant service-learning component over the course of the program. The 4-week program is open to all levels of Italian language learners, though Italian majors should note that only 3 credits of language are provided. Session 2 of the 4-week program is nearly identical to Session 1, with the only differences being that it is slightly longer to allow students to be present for the Palio and the activity/excursion package varies.
The 8-week program begins with two weeks of intensive Italian language (3 credits, 45 hours), so that even beginner-level students of Italian language can participate. All levels of Italian language learners are welcome to this program. After the first two weeks students will select 2 courses from the below Summer Course Catalogue, and continue their Italian language lessons for the duration of the program. Additionally, 1 credit will be awarded for an abbreviated version of the Intercultural Dialogue, Democracy and Global Citizenship through Reflection course, which is required of all students at SIS. The course load for the 8-week program is as follows:
- 3 credits (45 hours) Intensive Italian Language (all levels)
- 3 credits (45 hours) Italian Language (all levels)
- 3 credits (45 hours) course 1 selected from list below (instructed in Italian)
- 3 credits (45 hours) course 2 selected from list below (instructed in Italian)
- 1 credit (15 hours) Intercultural Dialogue, Democracy and Global Citizenship through Reflection (instructed in English)
The 6-week program begins after the Intensive Italian language portion of the 8-week program. Students will select 2 courses from the below Summer Course Catalogue, and take one course of Italian Language for the duration of the program. *This option is reserved for students who have at least one semester of Italian Language experience*. Additionally, 1 credit will be awarded for an abbreviated version of the Intercultural Dialogue, Democracy and Global Citizenship through Reflection course, which is required of all students at SIS. The course load for the 6-week program is as follows:
- 3 credits (45 hours) Italian Language (all levels)
- 3 credits (45 hours) course 1 selected from list below (instructed in Italian)
- 3 credits (45 hours) course 2 selected from list below (instructed in Italian)
- 1 credit (15 hours) Intercultural Dialogue, Democracy and Global Citizenship through Reflection (instructed in English)
Please inquire as to your preferred course. All of the courses at SIS Intercultural Study Abroad are accredited by Portland State University (PSU).
BROWSE THE FULL SUMMER COURSE CATALOG
Service Opportunities
Service-Learning is an integral part of study abroad even in the summer. Participants in all SIS Intercultural Study Abroad programs are encouraged to perform service in or for the community in conjunction with its local partner, Nuova Associazione Culturale Ulisse. Service can range from 1-5 hours a week and opportunities are in a variety of different service sites. Summer offers some particular service opportunities. Students might assist in services to refugees with other volunteers, visit with the elderly at a nursing home, volunteer with city ambulance crews during the famous Palio horse race. Volunteering in the community is an unparalleled way to improve language skills, get involved in the local social fabric and make a genuine contribution to the host community.
BROWSE ALL OF THE SUMMER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES IN SIENA
Activities and Excursions
Siena in the summer is vibrantly full of events and activities for all. Of course, the focal point of the summer in Siena revolves around the Palio, however there is much more to do. We at SIS Intercultural Study Abroad take advantage of local events and guide students through as a way to create fun, interactive learning experiences. Here are some of the activities included in the Siena summer programs.
Palio experience
SIS takes pride in being a locally run, Sienese program. The Palio is just as important to us as it is to the people of Siena. We believe that it’s vital that our students understand the festival and the emotions that are associated with it so that each of our students can experience the incredible Palio in a way that respects the local traditions and people. SIS staff will be your guides during the four marvelous and intense days of the Palio, showing you where to see specific events as well as explaining its historical and cultural significance.
Video credit: Katrina Orr – The Ohio State University – SIS student Summer 2019
2-day trip
All participants in Siena summer programs will go on an overnight trip that includes visits to cities near Siena, museums, wonderful food, and a day at the beach!
Video credit: Katrina Orr – The Ohio State University – SIS student Summer 2019
Excursions
The various SIS study abroad summer options include day trips to places like wineries or some of the amazing villages that surround Siena, as well as a full day in Florence.
Local activities
SIS Staff will guide you through all of the activities offered by the city of Siena as well as many other local organizations. We’ll provide you with everything that you need in order to live like a local during the summer in Siena, Italy.