Testimonial

The University of Utah is very proud of its partnership with DA Siena. We have continuously sent students every summer for over 25 years, and would, without reservation, recommend this program to our international colleagues around the globe. Recognized as one of the leading Italian language institutes in the world, Dante Alighieri – Siena is our standard of excellence when selecting intensive language programs.
Bill Barnhart, Director of International Center, University of Utah

As a representative of a U.S. institution of higher education, I have worked with Dante Alighieri in Siena for several years. My expectations have been surpassed in the quality of academic program and logistical support they offer my students.
Aaron Rose, BYU Program Coordinator.

Having organized several summer study abroad programs across Europe with Embry-Riddle over the past 12 years, it was a real pleasure to bring my students to Dante Alighieri in beautiful Siena this year. Their friendly and helpful staff and faculty, top-notch academic programs, and comprehensive logistical support made our program the very best I have experienced, and a truly life-changing experience for my students. The very highest recommendation.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

“I have been taking students, from the University of Illinois, to study abroad for the past ten years. This upcoming year 2011, will be our fourth year working with Dante Alighieri in Siena. We have (and I speak on behalf of my students and other faculty members that help me organize this program each year), the most magical and wonderful time for our five week program. We are there in the heart of the summer during the Palio. The Dante teachers are fantastic, the administration is awesome, the director Mr. Luca Bonomi is out of this world and the Principal Mrs. Sonia Di Centa is so very gracious, witty, and makes everyone feel at home. The welcome lunch and farewell dinners, the out of school excursions, the daily encounters, the availability of everyone is what makes Dante Numero 1. Come to Siena for the culture, art, food, gelato, people, vino, the history, the Palio. Come visit the Real World Siena!”
Maria Iusco, Teacher of University of Illinois.

Siena… A Place where all Your Senses are Satisfied
As any other individual, the minute you step into a place all the human senses start operating; smell, sight, hearing, taste and touch, all these experience many unexpected situations. Siena, a new place where all these senses are vulnerable and await new experiences…
Siena aside from being a wonderful place to visit, it has grown in me; it’s a place where I can really call home. After experiencing three and a half weeks it has also impacted me with its wonderful culture and many beautiful details it hides only for those who seek to see the true beauty it holds. Siena has a distinct smell, its neither salty like Daytona due to the ocean, nor humid, it’s more of a fresh smell brought by the smooth breeze that caresses your face each time you step outside. This smell makes me feel rejuvenated, as if each time the breeze reaches my face I become much closer with Siena’s culture, I feel as if “I am” Siena. Sight, so much more that I feel there is to see. Siena aside from its buildings and its historic locations it provides you with a wonderful sight. People laughing, helping each other, talking and hugging; this is what I have observed in Siena. Siena is filled with wonderful people, people that care about each other which is something that you not see very often. Compared to the United States where everyone is in a rush, trying to get somewhere every time; instead, in Siena, each person seems so relaxed just enjoying each day as it comes with its good and its bad it doesn’t matter Sienese always have a great smile ready to have a good chat. Now onto the hearing part of my senses, although it’s hard to understand at times hearing tights in with sight; When I walk to school or around Siena, I hear people chatting, having good conversations, laughing and from their face expressions its seems to have a good time. Taste has been really an enjoyment for me during this trip to Italy. It is quite different I should add, but never a bad experience has gone by. The food here is definitely a lot better that the United States, although I still do not understand how much a person eats here, with the “aperitivo, primi pliatti, secondo piatti” it has been wonderful. The pasta is really different from what I’ve been used to, it is cooked a lot quicker therefore the pasta is not as soggy as it is in the USA. Also I noticed that a lot of the food is cooked with olive oil. The food in Italy is very fresh, which is something that will be truly missed, since in the USA pretty much everything is canned or frozen. Touch. It’s fairly difficult to explain how this has impacted me these past weeks in Siena. I can definitely tell that it’s a rough feeling every time I touch a rock, stone or building. It shows me that Siena is a strong place, full of strong people that are willing to fight no matter the circumstances. I absolutely love when I sit at Piazza del Campo and I feel the roughness of each stone, but then the softness experience at the fountain. As everything was set with a specific meaning, love and dedication; something I will never forget.

Siena, you have my heart, soul and mind. With each sense in my human body I have experienced I cherish every moment you have given me. From smell, sight to hearing your wonderful language, tasting your food and touching your story you have inevitably embedded yourself in me.
Angela M. Garcia, Aerospace EngineerEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University