Completely preparing yourself before leaving for Siena, will make your study abroad experience much more enjoyable and rewarding. The logistical paperwork, packing, etc., is not enjoyable, but it well worth the amazing time you will have in Siena.
Below is a list of some of the most important things you must do before your departure. This is not an all inclusive list, but rather a list of the more important aspects of preparation.
PASSPORT / VISA
Before doing anything to prepare, you must get a passport. The process of getting a passport is pretty lengthy. Even if you haven't applied for the program yet, you should start the application process for a passport - I guaranteed you will use it eventually. You can obtain a passport at the Federal Building located on Veteran and Wilshire.
A Visa is the next thing you will need in order to be allowed in Italy. Don't apply for this until EAP gives you the necessary forms and tells you it's the right time. If you were born in Northern California and your family currently resides in Northern California, then you will most likely have to obtain your visa from the San Francisco consulate. If you were born in Southern California and your family currently resides in Southern California then you can obtain your visa from the Los Angeles consulate. Do be aware that in certain circumstances they will allow you to apply at the Los Angeles consulate, though you are from Northern California.
For out of state as well as Northern California students, you will most likely have to apply for your visa via mail. The EAP office will give you specific directions, but no matter what don't forget to send your passport, to the respective consulate, via insured Fed Ex.
PRE-DEPARTURE PACKET / HOUSING
After being accepted into the Siena program, you will receive a packet of information and various forms. It is vital that you read the information and fill out the forms as soon as possible. These forms are to ensure that you receive academic credit for your coursework, that your financial aid covers your trip, that you receive the essential paperwork to allow you to get a VISA, and that you have housing when you are in Italy.
I advise you to fill out the housing application form and fax it in (you can fax it for free from the EAP office) as soon as you receive it. The sooner you send it to the Siena center, the better chance you will have of receiving your choice housing option.
There are basically four different housing options available:
1 - Home-stay: This gives you the opportunity to live with an italian family. This is a great option if you want to see how an italian family works and have the option to practice your italian throughout the day. Do be aware that this is the most expensive option and gives you the least amount of freedom, seeing as you have to let the parents know where you are going to be at all times. Also, you can't miss dinner without letting the parents know you aren't going to be there and you can't come home extremely late, seeing as you might wake the family up.
2 - Private Apartments: This option allows you to rent a room from people completely unaffiliated with the UC Program. This option allows you to live with either italians, other foreign students, or Americans. This option allows people to practice italian regularly, seeing as this is most often the common language between the roommates.
3 - Dorm-Like Apartments: These apartments are located about a minute from the university. These apartments are occupied by American people only. Some apartments are occupied by students all from University of Washington and University of Oregon, while others are occupied by all UC students. These apartments are a great option if you want to live with other UC students. You have the freedom of your own apartment and the comfort of being surrounded by all Americans. This is not a great option for those who are really serious about learning the language, seeing as you will be surrounding yourself with all California people.
4 - UC-sponsored Apartments: Recently renovated apartments, which are dedicated to the usage of UC students. These apartments are much like the dorm-like apartments, only they are newer.
AIRFARE
The sooner you buy your tickets the cheaper they most likely will be. If you are going to Italy for the summer, be prepared to pay 'top dollar' for your airfare, as this is the "tourist season". For Spring and Winter, the fares are more reasonable. The average airfare is around $600 US. For the summer, fares typically rise around the 15th of June, so be on the look out and shop as much as possible. Be prepared to be flexible in order to save money. One hint is that traveling during the week can often save you a considerable amount.
WHERE TO FLY
Flying into Florence (although a bit more expensive) is your best bet. Florence is only an hour and a half away from Siena by bus. The bus station is located a reasonable taxi ride away from the airport. If you fly in to Rome or Milan, plan to spend a minimum of three hours commuting into Siena. The Internet is a great tool for comparing rates but Council Travel, STA and Bruin Travel are just as competent and less of a headache. They are located on the UCLA campus and walking distance from campus.
STUDENT DISCOUNT CARDS
Don't waste your money buying discount cards in the US. Students in Siena (at many local businesses) automatically get a discount by showing the Universita per Staneri ID card, which is issued to you by the university upon arrival. This same ID card can be used around Europe for discounts (although many places are limiting the acceptance of any student discount card).
EURO PASS/ EURO RAIL
If you are planning to travel around Europe by train after you've completed your studies in Siena, purchasing a Euro Pass or Euro Rail Card may be beneficial for you. It may not only save you money, but will also save you the headache of having to stand in the long ticket lines to purchase a ticket every time you hop on a train. The passes can be purchased in different denominations based on the amount of days you plan to travel and the countries in which you visit.
Traveling within Italy is very inexpensive. Therefore, if you plan to mainly travel within Italy, it is not worth it to you to buy a EuroRail Pass. Be aware that the passes can only be purchased in the United States. Bruin Walk, Council Travel or STA can provide you with all the details.
MONEY
You will definitely want money in Italy! All the food, clothes, and trinkets will tug at your wallet. Currently (6/01) the exchange rate in Italy for US dollars is great (approx. 2000 lire = $1 US), so you will be getting great deals on your purchases.
ATM card is the most recommended way to obtain money while in Italy. Make sure you have a four number pin before leaving. This will allow you to use your ATM card for accessing money anywhere in Europe. Using your ATM gives you an especially great exchange rate, seeing as your bank buys money in bulk, meaning they get lire and other European currencies for cheap. Be aware that you are charged by the bank every time you withdraw, so make a minimal amount of withdrawals for large sums of money.
Credit cards are accepted throughout Europe, but the problem is paying for the bill. If the bill is sent to your parents, and they pay for it, then use your credit card as much as possible. Visa and Mastercard get an even better rate than your bank for European money. Note: Don't have your credit card bill sent to your address in Italy. You wont receive it on time.
It is recommended to bring a couple hundred dollars in travelers checks as a safety measure. If you lose your ATM, you can cash these checks while you wait for your new card. Be sure to store the receipts for the travelers checks in a different place than the actual checks.
PACKING
Rather than a large suitcase, I recommend bringing a backpacking backpack. Another highly recommended item is a "money belt" or a small bag that straps around your waist, which is big enough for your passport, tickets and money. Carrying everything in there at all times is very important while traveling in Italy and all of Europe, seeing as pick pocketers often times target tourists.
A compactable umbrella is a great idea, because rain falls unexpectedly during spring, summer & fall. (Raincoats not necessary)
Many students question whether to pack their lab-tops. Quite honestly there is no academic need for a computer. While your lab top may come in handy when e-mailing friends and family back home, telephone lines for computer access are not common in Italian households. As a result, you may end up taking your computer for no reason.
Bring all of the drugs that you will need during your trip. If you have prescriptions, it is very difficult to have them filled while abroad. There are actually drugs (EX: certain asthma medications) which are legal in the United States, but illegal in Italy. Check with your pharmacist/doctor before leaving. Also, bring some basic medications: Advil, Tylenol, Nyquil, etc.
I recommend to people to pack some basic favorite pieces of clothing, while also bringing some old clothes that you would like to get rid of. This will allow you to buy new clothing when you are in Italy, and throw out the old clothing. This will ensure that you have enough space in your backpack to pack everything.
Remember, Italy is not a third world country. If you forget your shampoo, you can go to the store and buy some!
If you love peanut butter, you should bring some with you, because it is scarce in Italy! Also, if you love Mexican food, you wont be eating it while in Italy! Some people have brought cilantro with them in the past, in order to give food a more Mexican flavor while in Italy.
You want to have some things that remind you of home. Bring some pictures, but don't go overboard. The key to enjoying your time in Italy, is to get your mind completely into "Italy mode." Always staring at pictures from home, and thinking about the United States, is not going to help you in adapting to the Italian lifestyle.