Why Study Abroad at CET Siena?

Written by Molly Isabella (University of Virginia), Student Correspondent for CET Siena, Fall 2024

When asked why they chose to study abroad, many students enthusiastically share dreams of traveling across Europe to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and meet new people. While this is a valid goal, the reality can be more challenging than expected. Language barriers, hidden local gems, and the pull of famous tourist attractions make it difficult to truly connect with a new place. That’s where CET Siena shines! Through its local roommate program, CET ensures we don’t just visit Italy, but that we live it.

Living with Strangers, Finding Family

Crossing the ocean to live with strangers can be intimidating, especially with the legendary roommate horror stories we’ve all heard. You know, the cleaning habits that leave much to be desired or differings interests that causes clashes. However, CET’s approach is different. Each apartment is paired with one or two local roommates to help us not just survive in Siena, but thrive. In my apartment, four American students share space with two Italian sisters, Valentina and Teresa, who have redefined this experience for me.

Within 24 hours of landing, our kitchen buzzed with the sounds of clattering pots and rapid-fire Italian slang as Valentina and Teresa invited us to a family dinner featuring their favorite dishes. This was no typical tourist experience! We bonded over food and shared stories about our homes and cultures while practicing the little Italian we already knew. Since that night, Siena has felt less like a foreign city and more like home.

My adventures here have included local outings to the Wednesday market with Valentina, where she insisted I try her beloved porchetta sandwich (spoiler alert: it’s life-changing). We’ve gathered on Tuesday nights to watch “Temptation Island” with Teresa, who introduced us to the chaos of Italian reality TV. Thanks to their insider tips, I’ve discovered my favorite gelato spot in Siena. I now refuse to pay more than 2.80 euro for a cone and learned to avoid places that charge extra for whipped cream.

Discovering Siena Through Adventure

One of the best parts of CET Siena’s program is our weekly roommate activities, where we explore the city beyond the classroom. Last week, we participated in a scavenger hunt, darting through Siena’s alleys like contestants on “The Amazing Race.” Clue booklet in hand, we asked locals for help spotting a hidden engraving on the Duomo and ended up at a breathtaking farm just outside the city, with views so stunning that I’ve claimed it as my new hot girl walk spot.

There are definitely quieter moments too, like a picnic at school filled with European snacks and a game of Italian telephone. CET has given us not just opportunities to explore, but moments to connect with each other in ways that will stay with me long after I leave Siena.

A Global Network

Beyond our Italian roommates, CET’s collaboration with Erasmus has opened up another world within Siena. Through this program, we’ve met students from across the globe, each studying here for their own passions. At one event, I found myself explaining American college road trips to a wide-eyed German student, who couldn’t fathom driving eight hours just to move into a shoebox dorm. From gala dinners to casual conversations in Piazza del Campo, Erasmus events have expanded my circle far beyond Italy.

The best part? Erasmus also offers perks like discounts at local spots, including my favorite kebab place, where I can now grab a massive sandwich for just 4 euro. Meeting other international students has added another layer to my experience, making me feel less like an outsider in Europe each day. I look forward to these CET-sponsored events and am excited to continue building my network of international friends. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll want to return to Europe and will need a place to stay in every city!