In collaboration with Siena Italian Studies, SAI offers summer, semester and year long programs. SIS's programs are a 'gentle full-immersion' in Italian life for highly motivated beginners, intermediate and advanced Italian language students. SIS offers some of the most innovative programs in Italy that work to fully integrate the education of language, culture and service-learning, in and out of the classroom.

All SAI participants in Siena are accommodated with local host families. Home stay is an integral and indispensable part of SAI's Siena Program, offering students the opportunity to make life-long friends, reinforce the language skills acquired during daily lessons and to experience modern Italian culture from "the inside." Home stays include three meals a day, seven days a week.

Nestled in the rolling hills of the heart of Tuscany, just 70 miles south of Florence, Siena was first settled during Etruscan times and then during the time of Emperor Augustus, a Roman town was founded on the site of Siena. As an important money-lending center, Siena prospered as a city-state and reached its height of importance following the victory against the Florentines at Montaperti in the fall of 1260. With its narrow winding roads and medieval architecture, Siena appears all but untouched by modern times. One can wander through tucked-away squares and tour museums and churches that are home to countless renowned works of Byzantine, Renaissance and High Renaissance art.

SAI oversees and coordinates all aspects of student enrollment, including application processing, course selection and credit, visa preparation, housing, student health insurance, transcripts, and cell phone service. SAI provides comprehensive student services, beginning with pre-departure and leading to our on-site orientation and advising in Italy. In addition, SAI students are provided with an airport transfer on arrival days, wireless and on-line access in the computer lab, and program sponsored field study trips and excursions to fascinating destinations within Siena.