Written by Molly Isabella (University of Virginia), Student Correspondent for CET Siena, Fall 2024
It’s officially the home stretch: I’m in my last month of study abroad. How have 11 weeks passed since I got to Siena? With such a short time left, it’s sinking in how much Siena has become home, and how much I’ll miss it here. Soon I’ll be saying goodbye to the cobblestone streets, daily coffee stops, and the beautiful, unhurried pace of life that makes this place so very special. My former self was more nervous about studying abroad than she let on; I wish I could tell her how bittersweet it feels now to leave, and how much she has grown.
Reflecting on those early days, I’ve thought of so many small tips I wish I’d known…bits of advice that might’ve helped me dive into this experience with more confidence. So here’s my list! Whether you’re getting ready for your own adventure abroad, curious about CET as a program, or simply wondering why coming to Siena has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, this guide is for you. I chose 11 things, one for each week I’ve spent here, and hopefully this glimpse into my journey heightens your excitement for the growth, joy, and unforgettable moments awaiting you in Siena.
1. Step into Siena’s flow
Originally, navigating Siena’s train system was a mini-adventure in itself. First, I got locked in the bathroom before even leaving my apartment the morning of my first trip. Then, I wasn’t sure if I needed to validate a ticket I had purchased online. There was way too much going on at 6 am, but in the end, I learned that public transportation here is truly a traveler’s friend. People often think Siena is too remote for exploring Italy and beyond, but this is a HUGE misconception. A short bus or train ride can connect you to all the major hubs you need to travel. These long days definitely taught me independence, whether that meant figuring out bus routes or deciphering train station timetables, but going back to Siena always feels calming, so don’t feel overwhelmed!
2. “Buongiorno” Really Does Go a Long Way
On my first day of class, I nervously walked into a café and quietly muttered, “Ciao,” half-wondering if greeting people in Italy was as important as I’d heard. To my surprise, the barista lit up and responded warmly with “Buongiorno” and let me practice ordering coffee in Italian. CET requires half a semester of three different levels of the language, but if you can, take the full semester; it’s been my most useful class. 11 weeks in, I love starting my day with Italian, either practicing new phrases in my morning class or ordering coffee. Siena starts to open up to me more with each new topic learned.
3. Embrace the Slow
I’m from New York, where slow doesn’t exist. Moving to Virginia for college was even an adjustment, so you can imagine how I felt in Siena. Europe in general takes life’s pace to a whole new level: Sundays are serene, shops close for mini breaks throughout the day, and locals always prioritize family time at home. I’ve come to appreciate these slow days; they’re my time to make my way home, do laundry, or catch up on homework. Embracing this rhythm has been unexpectedly freeing!
4. Living with Locals
The first time my Italian roommates invited me out for aperitivo, I was filled with a mix of excitement and shyness. They’re more than local guides…they’re friends, eager to share their slice of Siena with you. We cook together often, and they’ve introduced me to some favorite spots for dinner and gelato. CET pairs you with locals for a reason, and these friendships have been one of the best parts of the program. Shoutout to Valentina and Teresa!
5. Spend Smartly to Live Fully
One of my summer goals was to save money in an effort to have more freedom when spending abroad. Siena is very affordable, especially if you cook at home and budget trips smartly. Sure, it’s easy to blow half your budget in the first month, but I think being slightly frugal and balancing everything has been worth it. Every euro counts, and planning ahead so I could fully enjoy Siena (and treat myself now and then) has been a good life lesson. Think of abroad as another step in learning how to plan financially as a young adult.
6. Adjusting to Academics
I knew the Italian education system was different, but experiencing it firsthand was eye-opening. CET classes are very small, and grades depend more heavily on attendance and participation than exams. At first, a close environment actually felt more intense than my larger classes at UVA, but now, I love it. It has been super rewarding to share ideas with my class, and I appreciate how engaging school feels. My CSO II class has 4 students, and often our lectures involve us students bantering with our professor Davide about whatever coding language we’re currently working in.
7. Eat like a Local!
The food here is unforgettable. Between amazing restaurants and my (almost daily) Conad runs, I’ve learned you do not need to eat out every day to enjoy great food. Italian grocery standards make even simple ingredients feel special, and cooking at home has been just as enjoyable as going out. Check out my last CET blog post for more about food abroad!
8. Turn Homesickness into Heartfulness
Homesickness hits in unexpected ways, like seeing a new city and wishing my family could see it too. I learned to channel this feeling by staying connected, but also remember to embrace my time here as well. Use the time change to your advantage! Early morning bus rides are perfect for texting friends, and look for gifts for your friends while souvenir shopping. Missing home is part of the experience, but Siena fills those gaps with new people and amazing memories.
9. Secret Perks at CET
CET knows exactly how to immerse students in Siena’s culture. We’ve had cooking excursions, museum tours, and even Pilates classes as a group. Tuesdays are usually our activity days with our local roommates, and each one is a perfect opportunity for bonding. These meetups remind me that everyone is also experiencing this journey for the first time, and that our shared experiences bring us together.
10. Hidden Corners Throughout Siena
Have you ever wandered around a new place just to see what secret spots you’d find? Siena is made for this, where every winding street leads to a new discovery. On a run one weekend, I stumbled upon my favorite city view by accident, a hidden pathway with a piazza that I now often frequent. Siena’s nooks and crannies are best discovered with no agenda. Remember to embrace the slow and find your own personal hideaways.
11. Capture Every Moment
I want to remember everything about my experience abroad: the café receipts, photos of funny memories and majestic places, sweet notes written in postcards. I’ve tried to journal every day and have saved trinkets from Siena and also my outside travels. It’s like preserving tiny pieces of my semester, and when I tell friends and family back home about studying abroad, I’ll have every detail saved in the pages of my journal. These tangible memories will also be my lifelong keepsakes to revisit my time in Siena whenever I miss the new home I found here.