SPI in Siena From a Parent's Perspective

SPI Siena is truly a terrific program. I feel you really cannot go wrong with an immersion-based experience, but SPI surpassed both my and my daughter's expectations. She was able to be completely enmeshed in Italian culture, and her language level improved greatly in the four weeks she was there. She greatly, greatly enjoyed the chance to participate in Il Palio, the horse race and festival that takes place in Siena every year. Her homestay was with a a loving, caring older woman who cooked every meal for her and her roommate -- the most delectable authentic Italian food you can imagine! SPI offers some great day trips and excursions with this program; the chance to see Orvieto was a favorite of my daughter's. Perhaps most importantly, as a parent, I felt completely comfortable with the level of supervision that SPI provided.