Summary

The language and culture program in Siena, Tuscany, is designed for UC students with zero to a maximum of five quarters (three semesters) of university-level language instruction. The program is taught by expert faculty who specialize in teaching Italian using curricula designed to correspond to UC Italian departments. Language instruction and cultural education take advantage of the surrounding opportunities for conversation and aural comprehension in the small medieval city of Siena.

Beginning and intermediate students attend all classes with UC students only. Advanced students may take some courses with Italian and international students at the University of Siena’s Department of Humanities.

For an inside look at monthly events, program excursions, and language class activities, check out the Siena Study Center newsletter.

Duration

Go to Current Participants to see current or past calendars.

Summer quarter: mid-June to late August
Fall semester: early September to mid-December
Spring semester: late January to early May

Extension to EAP immersion semester programs in Italy may be possible for students who meet the language requirements for the immersion program. The requirement is a minimum two years of university-level Italian or completion of the intermediate levels in Siena (Ital 6).

Academic Focus

Beginning, intermediate, and advanced Italian language and culture. You will take a placement exam upon arrival to determine your level of language proficiency. You will then be assigned to Italian language and culture courses at the appropriate level. The curriculum includes lectures in Italian art and history and tours with local experts focusing on such topics as cuisine, opera, and film.

A strict attendance policy is in effect for this program.

Use the following resources to learn about EAP courses:

• Subject Area Chart to find general areas of study.
• MyEAP Course Catalog to search for courses previously taken by UC students.
  

Language of Instruction

Italian. The culture course is taught in English, except at the advanced level.

Language Study

Language-based curriculum. All language course work must be taken for a letter grade.

Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Internships for academic credit and independent study projects may be possible in this program. Arrangements are generally made at the Study Center after arrival at the host institution.

Units

You are required to take a full-time course of study on EAP.

Semester: 24 UC quarter units comprising three sequential language courses and one culture course
Summer quarter: 16 UC quarter units comprising two sequential language courses and one culture course

Housing

Most students live in private residences or apartments with other UC students. Homestays are also an option. Housing is prearranged.

On-site Support

EAP students are supported by UC’s network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. UC faculty and local staff abroad help students integrate into the culture of their host country and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.

See the EAP Student's Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).

Host Institutions

• UC Center Siena

UC Center Siena

The language and culture program at the UC Center in Siena is taught by expert linguistic faculty who specialize in teaching Italian using curricula designed to correspond to UC Italian departments. Language instruction and cultural education take advantage of the surrounding opportunities for conversation and aural comprehension in the small medieval city of Siena.

Visit the UC Center Siena website

Estimated Cost

The cost of study on EAP can be close to the cost of studying on campus and is typically far less than the cost of non-UC study abroad programs. You can also take your UC financial aid abroad! If you do not currently receive UC financial aid, you may qualify for aid while on EAP. Each year, EAP students receive $1.3 million in study abroad grants and scholarships.

The estimated total cost for options in this program are listed below. Future costs will vary due to currency fluctuation, etc. All estimated totals include:

• UC fees
• program-specific fees
• room and board
• mandatory insurance
• incidentals
• transportation
• books
• on-site orientation
• predeparture expenses
• intensive language program expenses where applicable

Application Requirements

Program-Specific Requirements

• Class level: sophomore, junior, senior, graduate
• Language prerequisite: Zero to a maximum of five quarters or three semesters of beginning to intermediate university-level Italian
• GPA: 2.0 cumulative GPA and good academic standing, as defined by your UC campus, at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

In addition to program-specific requirements, all applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student’s UC degree program
• Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and a new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
• Willingness to abide by program regulations
• Endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines selection and final admission.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office.

In addition to your campus deadlines, there are deadlines by which the Campus EAP Office must submit the completed applications and accompanying materials to the Universitywide Office of EAP (UOEAP). For participation in the Program, it is critical that both campus deadlines and UOEAP deadlines are met. If the application is incomplete and not accompanied by the required materials noted, it will be returned to the Campus EAP Office.

Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but are not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information:

• UC Berkeley
• UC Davis
• UC Irvine
• UC Los Angeles
• UC Merced
• UC Riverside
• UC San Diego
• UC Santa Barbara
• UC Santa Cruz