Studying abroad in Siena through CET was one of the best experiences of my life, and I mean that without exaggeration.

There's something about being dropped into a foreign country and having to figure it out that no classroom can replicate. But what made this specific program special was Siena itself: a city with more going on beneath the surface than most people realize.

Learning about the Contrada system, the rivalries, the identity people build around their neighborhood from birth. It made me understand that some cultures run so much deeper than what tourists ever see.

We traveled most weekends. Bologna's food scene and student energy hit different from anywhere else in Italy. Venice during festival season was something I'll remember for the rest of my life, same with Rome and its history. Every city taught me something different about how people choose to live.

But the thing I'm actually taking back home with me is a concept I had no word for before this trip: dolce far niente. The sweetness of doing nothing. Not laziness. Not wasting time. Just being present without needing to optimize every moment. That quietly changed something in me.

The friendships this program built are the other thing I didn't see coming. When you're navigating foreign cities together, missing trains, finding hole-in-the-wall restaurants at midnight, you bond with people on a different level entirely.

If you're debating whether to go: stop debating.

Studying abroad in Florence was one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. As a student from Vanderbilt University, I was looking for a program that would allow me to immerse myself in a new culture while continuing to take meaningful courses related to my academic interests, and CET delivered exactly that.

One of the biggest strengths of the program was the support from the CET staff. They were always available to answer questions, help navigate life in a new country, and organize activities that helped us engage with Florence beyond the typical tourist experience. I especially appreciated how easy it was to connect with other students while still having the independence to explore on my own.

Florence itself was an incredible place to live. Walking past historic landmarks on the way to class never got old, and the city's central location made weekend travel throughout Italy convenient. At the same time, Florence can be extremely crowded with tourists, especially during peak travel seasons, and it is easy to spend time in an American study-abroad bubble if you do not actively seek opportunities to engage with locals and practice Italian.

Overall, I would highly recommend CET Florence to students who want a balance of academics, cultural immersion, and travel opportunities. The experience challenged me to become more independent, adaptable, and confident while creating memories and friendships that I will carry with me long after returning home.

I loved how staff was invested in their students and took time to get to know us, it made the culture shock less intimidating! The housing situation was great and I appreciated the program coordinating it for the students. The program sponsored activities were always fun as well and there was a variety of things to choose from! Florence was an amazing city with something for everyone and I liked how our school curriculum was always hands on and aligned with our environment! The program also provided lots of helpful tips for the city and navigation.

For anyone interested in Italy; come to CET. It was truly such an immersive, fantastic experience for me. I was able to take courses that genuinely piqued my interests, as well as learning Italian and getting out of my comfort zone. My neighborhood was perfectly central and not too far from my two class buildings, but it was definitely still amazing to walk everywhere I needed to go. Building a community of roommates and friends both new and old was just what I needed, and it doesn’t ever hurt that Florence has some of the most incredible food and gelato in the entire world.

Studying abroad with CET Siena has been one of the most meaningful academic and personal experiences of my college career. Siena offered a rare balance of rigorous coursework and deep cultural immersion that pushed me to grow far beyond the classroom. Living in a historic city where daily life unfolds among medieval streets, local markets, and centuries old traditions made my studies feel tangible and alive rather than abstract. CET’s academic structure encouraged critical thinking, discussion, and direct engagement with Italian history, politics, and culture, while the small class sizes allowed for close relationships with professors who were deeply invested in our learning.

Equally impactful was the way CET emphasized integration into local life. From language practice and housing to excursions and community engagement, the program consistently encouraged us to step outside our comfort zones and build independence. I gained confidence navigating a new culture, communicating in another language, and forming connections with people from different backgrounds. CET Siena did not just offer a study abroad experience, it provided a transformative environment that reshaped how I learn, travel, and understand the world.

Studying abroad in Siena has been one of the most rewarding experiences I could’ve hoped for. As someone who prefers a small city where you can truly soak in the history and culture, Siena felt like the perfect fit from day one. Every walk through the medieval streets feels intentional, and the rhythm of life here makes it easy to slow down and appreciate where you are.

The food alone could justify coming. Good meals are abundant, whether it’s fresh pasta from a neighborhood restaurant or a simple sandwich or pizza enjoyed on a quiet piazza. Living with local Italian roommates has made the experience even richer; they’ve quickly become good friends and are always eager to share their favorite spots and traditions.

As a university town, Siena has a great energy: lively but never overwhelming. The class offerings are both engaging and relevant—Sienese Art and Architecture, in particular, makes you feel so much more immersed in the city itself. And no matter the day, there’s always something to do or not do. You can be out and active, grab a glass of wine with friends, or stay in and enjoy relaxing with friends.

I studied abroad with CET Florence in Spring 2025 and now in my senior year, I can confidently say it was one of the best and most impactful experiences of my entire time in college. Prior to coming to Florence, I had never left the U.S., so in every way my expectations were exceeded. Florence is a beautiful city with a rich history, and the professors do a great job of revealing the deeper history and culture with the many classes on area topics. It's a great home base; don't take it for granted. Examples of classes I took included Renaissance Art + Architecture, the Medici, and History of Modern Italy, many of which involving field trips to museums and churches. I stayed in an apartment but doing a homestay is also an option, and by the end I became great friends with my roommates and have kept in touch with them and other friends I made abroad since.

Three-day weekends were very conducive for personal travel, if you so choose. There is much to see within Italy and much of Europe is easily accessible. Italian is helpful to learn in advance but the program was all in English so fluency is not a requirement (I'm only a high A2/low B1 speaker after three months in Italy + a year of prior study). My only caution is that Florence is very touristy, especially in the warmer months, and there are many other study abroad programs, so it is easy to spend a few months there and not interact very deeply with the local culture, but if you are intentional you can certainly achieve this and the program can help you with events like getting dinner with a local family. Italy is known for its food for a reason, and cooking at home as well as going out to restaurants were an absolute joy - everything is so fresh.

Overall, I recommend CET Florence if you are considering going abroad. The on-site staff is incredible, and when else might you get the opportunity to spend multiple months living in, not just visiting, another country?

Studying abroad in Siena was one of the most transformative experiences I’ve had during my time at UVA. Academically, it broadened my perspective beyond the lab and classroom, helping me connect scientific thinking with history, culture, and everyday life. Learning about Renaissance art and the structure of Italian society gave me a deeper appreciation for how interdisciplinary learning can be.

Socially, it pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, navigating language barriers, living in a new environment, and building relationships with locals and fellow students. These experiences made me more confident, open-minded, and adaptable. It also reminded me that growth often happens in unfamiliar, even uncomfortable moments. I've built relationships and connections in Siena that I will remember for a long time.