Home Institution: Hamilton College
Program: Spring Semester 2008

I conceptualized the ideal study abroad experience as a complete immersion: a head-first dive into Italian language and culture so that I might deepen my understanding of and connection to my Italian  heritage.

While I I knew my older sister had enjoyed an unspeakably fantastic semester with The Siena School, I was convinced to experience some different study abroad program. Research failed me. Too many programs seemed like displaced American University experiences: American dorms picked up and dropped overseas. Eventually, I realized that years after the semester had ended my sister still sifted through photos and shared stories and Italian-isms with us almost every day, and I had to admit that The Siena School seemed to offer the perfect abroad experience. Her heart was forever tied to those windy Senese streets, and I decided I wanted to be tied to them, too.  

...I am forever connected to Tina, Ennio and Mary (my host parents and sister), the Italian (and American friends I made), our cafe' (Bibo).  I have spoken to almost all of the students who were on my program since we departed in May, and each of them (and I) have expressed an almost painful desire to return to Italy, to relive the semester that challenged and taught us, enlivened our minds and hearts, physically distanced us from everything we knew and tied us intimately to the foundation on which our American upbringings lie.
I sometimes can't believe it's over:  I think when I wake up in the morning I'll again be met by a smiling Tina, asking me if I want honey in my tea, and if un panino is okay for lunch, and when I return from school Ennio will tell me another story about his world travels. I still use those italian-isms every day, I still often think in Italian, I still can taste every spoonful of gelato, hear every conversation, smell that fresh-baked bread that filled my street every morning.

I owe The Siena School so much; yes, it helped me navigate the Italian language and culture, but I also have acquired an inescapable feel for the Italian essence: that that inexplicable thing that sets a people and a memory ablaze.