Learning from Living

My time in Siena was nothing if not unexpected. You can prepare for days, weeks, or months on end before embarking on your adventure but once the time arrives, you have to be able adjust to the rhythm of wherever you are living. Siena was a beautiful and unique city to study abroad in, nothing like I have every experienced in the United States. The city is filled with passionate people who know their history like they know their own families. My experience in Siena barely scratching the surface with customs of day to day livings and traditions such as the Palio, but it was enough time for me to feel energized by the city and the people residing there.
If you choose to attend this IES program (which I highly recommend), then take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. One of my closest friends on the trip was a girl from the city and we saw a Rampage in their movie theater. Even though I could barely understand anything they were saying, it was one of my most favorite memories from my time abroad. Cliche movie plot lines are just funnier with Dwayne "the rock" lib dubs over them.