Home Institution: Carnegie Mellon University
Program: Fall Semester 2007

What attracted me to the Siena School was the fact that it was a locally-run, small school in a charming and historic city. I was interested in the opportunities for immersion it offered, including living with an Italian family and working with children and the deaf in the area. And through my experiences at the school I was able to do just that - I connected with community members at many levels, made friends in and out of the school, taught English to younger students, and created the program for the annual conference for the deaf.

Above all else the aspect of my experience that I valued most was developing my relationship my host family, the Valentis. Pia and Mario are truly two of the most amazing, warm, accepting, beautiful people. They really took me in and made me a part of their family. I loved just coming home to them. During the summer 2008 - on my return to Siena for my summer job - I even spent a week at their house again, just catching up with them. Furthermore, they always offer encouraging assistance with the language and insight into their culture.

From my time at the Siena school I honed my skills at being comfortable and confident while living abroad. I learned how to be open, embrace, and feel uplifted with the experiences all new situations offered.