Italy

Italy is a captivating land where history breathes, art pulsates, and flavors tantalize, making it a place that ignites the senses and leaves an indelible mark on the soul. From iconic ruins to romantic canals, Italy's beauty is undeniable. It's a country where ancient traditions intertwine with modern life, creating a vibrant tapestry of culture and history.

Siena

Siena is a walled city in the heart of Tuscany, renowned for its preserved medieval charm, vibrant culture, and rich history. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, famed for its iconic Piazza del Campo, a shell-shaped square surrounded by historical buildings. Siena is also known for the Palio, a historic horse race held twice yearly and its 17 distinct neighborhood districts (Contrade), each with its own unique identities and strong community ties.

Learn

IPSL collaborates with esteemed partners who specialize in teaching Italian to international students. These language experts offer comprehensive courses designed to immerse students in the Italian language and culture. With a focus on interactive and practical learning, students quickly gain proficiency in Italian while experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Italy. The courses are tailored to meet the needs of all proficiency levels - including beginners, ensuring a supportive and engaging learning environment.

Language courses can also be combined with cultural activities focusing on history, museum visits, wine tasting, cooking classes, art history, and more.

In addition, five credit bearing courses are available:

• Travel Literature: The Italian Journey
• The City as Text: Siena, Italy
• Music Appreciation: Middle Ages to Today
• Art Appreciation: Siena to Florence
• Lyric Opera from the XVII-XX Century

​Serve

IPSL's teammates in Siena have established long-term relationships with local nonprofit organizations with which they, themselves, have been involved. Students are highly encouraged to include 10-15 hours per week of volunteer service in their program; doing so greatly increases language proficiency, helps students make friends with locals, and service makes our students more than tourists...they are partners in making Siena all it is.

Live

Students have various accommodation options to suit their preferences and needs while studying and volunteering in Siena. Homestays provide a unique opportunity to live with an Italian family, offering an immersive cultural experience and the chance to practice Italian in everyday settings. For those seeking more independence, the student residence offers a lively community atmosphere with fellow students. Private or shared apartments are also available, providing a more secluded and personalized living space. Each option is carefully selected to ensure comfort, convenience, and a fulfilling stay in Italy.