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A woman in a black leather jacket observes a large, historic wall fresco in a gallery in Siena, Italy.
Italy

Living and Learning in Siena: Independent Stay and Language Study

Program No. 24536RJ
Participant Reviews
5
Based on 16 Reviews
SHOWING
Lawrence | Ferndale, WA
This was an excellent trip! My main purpose for this trip was to improve my italian language skills and I was able to do that. All that extra trips and lectiures were incredibily delightful. I can not say enough good things about our Group leader Erika. She is a wonderful person and leader. We had room to explore while knowing that Erika was there in case we needed help. All in all this was an excellent trip.
— Review left November 15, 2025
Jill – Class of 2024 | North Hollywood, CA
You will find this to be a life changing experience - the opportunity to live in and participate in the life of the university, the city and the country will give insight and awareness of the greater world. Go!!!
— Review left November 6, 2025
Betsy – Class of 2021 | Carmel, IN
This program exceeded my expectations…i learned something new every single day, met so many lovely people (both in our group and while out and about), and had so much fun! I highly recommend this living and learning program to anyone who wants to immerse themselves into another language/culture/city.
— Review left November 6, 2025
This participant did not give a star rating.
Shu Fang Alice – Class of 2024 | Singapore, Singapore
Amazing experience!!! Erika is a wonderful tour leader - responsive to my every requests, patient and attentive to our needs. The whole trip is well-planned from the start to the end. Only request is to consider an apartment closer to the city centre and the University. Preferably there is more than one washer in the whole apartment building. And could Road Scholar provide feedback to the University. The teacher (Ms Gaia) needs to be more attuned to the students. Markers used on white board too light - not easy to read. Fonts used on computers too light and small. Thank you Road Scholar!
— Review left November 1, 2025
Elizabeth – Class of 2025 | Valley Stream, NY
Top of the line in EVERY SINGLE WAY. It was the experience of a lifetime for me. I will treasure it for the rest of my life, as it awakened something inside me.
— Review left October 31, 2025
Jacqueline – Class of 2014 | Summerville, SC
If you are seeking a true cultural immersion experience, are comfortably independent and curious, and can "go with the flow", Living and Learning in Siena is for you! I highly recommend this program and commend our Group Leader, Erika Cennini, for making this travel dream come true for me.
— Review left July 18, 2025
Sylvia – Class of 2023 | Bel Air, MD
Living and Learning in Siena offered an experience like I never imagined! Siena is a fabulous walled city offering delicious food, great views and beautiful architecture. Our tour director Erika really enhanced the experience with her sense of humor, calm demeanor and exceptional organizational skills. During the trip we visited local cities and toured their sights and experienced unique activities such as lunch at a family owned farm and cheese and wine tasting at another farm. Other highlights of the trip included a private concert by one of our group members and another concert performed by the university students. I saw and learned more than expected during the program. I highly recommend this program because it is like an exchange program for adults where you live like a native in your own apartment instead of with a host family, take Italian lessons and have an incredible "den mother", the fabulous Erika, to guide and help you. I hope to take another Living and Learning adventure in the future!
— Review left November 15, 2024
Jane – Class of 2014 | Altadena, CA
An outstanding way to experience the art and culture of Siena, a medieval city.
— Review left November 8, 2024
Pam – Class of 2014 | Jax Bch, FL
This was such an amazing program! It was an opportunity to really Live and Learn!
— Review left November 5, 2024
Barbara – Class of 2024 | Temple Terrace, FL
Our group guide, Erika Cennini is nothing short of a rock star. She made the trip the remarkable and an experience I'll never forget. From pick up and drop off at the airports, tours, group meals, and dealing with special circumstances that tend to pop up with groups. It was all made easy, informative, enjoyable and fun by Erika. The tours arranged throughout the 45 days were amazing. Several were in Siena and included student concerts, an amazing cemetery tour and Misericordia Social Association. Unique 'Siena' cultural experiences I don't think most don't get to enjoy and learn about. Many special meals, lectures, and times spent. I loved every minute of the trip and would go again tomorrow.
— Review left October 31, 2024
Susan – Class of 2024 | Long Beach, CA
45 days Independent living and learning in Siena Italy, is a fantastic program. It allows you to feel like a "local" and enjoy all that Tuscany has to offer. Plenty of free time to jump on a bus or train and explore many of the lovely small cities and towns within an hour to three from Siena. Amazing food, sites and company with knowledgeable guide(s). This is my 1st Road Scholar trip and look forward to many more!
— Review left July 19, 2024
Carletta – Class of 2024 | Bellingham, WA
I loved the challenge of the language classes, the field trips, the history, and the food!
— Review left July 12, 2024
Alice – Class of 2021 | Ocala, FL
Siena Italy. It's beautiful and the weather in April and May was perfect. The group leader was special and did a great job. We learned a lot about Italian art and history from excellent guides. Siena itself is beautiful and the outside trips were all fabulous. The preservation of medieval towns is amazing. We all loved shopping. You'll have fun, make many new friends as well as learning Italian!
— Review left June 6, 2024
Sharon – Class of 2024 | Palo Alto, CA
Living in Siena, learning the language at the Universita per Stranieri di Siena , weekend excursions with professional and knowledgeable guides, such as Professor Mario (with his enthusiasm and expertise on art and history of the area) and our "leader" Erica, who took us under her wing and problem solved.....all experiences that were amazing. The only "down side" that I would say would be the location of the apartments. I wish that we were closer to the University and/or City Center, as transportation was an issue after 8:00 pm (busses didn't seem to operate after that time, and taxis were difficult to find.) Aside from the accommodation location, everything that I experienced in Siena was incredible. Highly recommend!
— Review left May 27, 2024
Josephine – Class of 2022 | Verona, NJ
Siena is a gem. So much history and art and culture and tradition and religious spirit to experience. The university professors are excellent. The side trips went to absolutely wonderful places, and the lecturers and guides knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The group leader, Erika, is phenomenal. She handled every little thing beautifully and went above and beyond her job description. If the side trips were changed a bit (so I was not repeating everything I did on this experience), I'd sign up and do it again. In a heartbeat.
— Review left May 26, 2024
Barbara – Class of 2024 | Mariposa, CA
Siena becomes your home - you will come to know her streets, her shops, her trattorias, and her people. You'll learn her past and her secrets, and marvel at her timeless beauty, her art and architecture. Living And Learning In Siena immerses you in the city - and the region - and it will become a part of you, never to be forgotten.
— Review left April 13, 2024