An Overview of Italia …………………………………………………………………...3

Italy, Here I come! .………………………………………………………………….…..4

Siena ……………………………………………………………………………………..5

La Cultura Italiana…………………………………………………………………….…6

Pre-departure Preparations

Language Preparation ……………………………………………………….…7

Housing in Siena …………………………………………………………….….8

Passports ……………………………………………………………………..….8

Airfare…Shop Til’ You Drop ………………………………………………..….9

Student Discount Cards ………………………………………………….…….9

Euro Rail Pass/Euro Pass …………………………………………………….10

Pack Your Bags .…………………………………………………………….….10

Arriving in Italy ………………………………………………………………….……...11

Living In Italy

School Days ……………………………………………………………………12

Official School Business ……………………………………………………...13

Technology ………………………………………………………………….….13

Classmates & Friend ………………………………………………………….14

Free Time ………………………………………………………………………14

Returning to America …………………………………………………………..16

In Closing………………………………………………………………………………..16

Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………..17

Italia. The word itself constructs unique images that hold art, language, food and above all, an original culture that fascinates many. There is a paradox about Italy as it is undoubtedly a land of contradictions in many aspects. To outsiders it is viewed as quaint and traditional, holding medieval conventions. While in reality Italy is quite modern, filled with technology, highways, industrial metal, and incredible works of art.

Each city in Italy captivates a unique portion of the Italian culture. Rome, "the eternal city" and capital of Italy is lined with reminders of all era’s of Rome’s rich history. Landmarks such as the Colosseum and Forum, most famous from the classical period, stand after centuries of existence. Tuscany include small towns such as Lucca, famous for it’s one hundred churches and its robust walls and San Gimignano, known as the "city of beautiful towers", one of the best preserved medieval towns in Italy. Milan, better known as the "fashion capital of the world", is the home of fashion designs such as Gucci and the territory of Ferrari. Venice is a one of a kind city on water, filled with riveting architecture and exclusive gondolas. Florence is the housing facility of Michealangelo’s amazing sculpture of "David" (Italy Profiled, 1999). The countries cities are the envy of the universe for the uniqueness and beauty of Italy cannot adequately be describe in words.

Art is one of the fascinating aspects that Italy is known for. Housing masterpieces from Dante Alighieri, and breathtaking paintings of Raphael, these extraordinary creations contribute to the richness of the Italian culture. The incredible gothic towers and Byzantine churches located throughout Italy are one of the reasons the country is inconceivably breathtaking.

Among Italy’s beauty is the contrast of the country’s division of the north and south. The north is economically more established and urbanized than the south. The south seems to lag on its economical stability and crime rates are vastly on the rise compare of the north (Powell, 1999). Regardless, Catholicism is primarily the country’s religion, holding strong values for family structure. Politically inclined, Italians have a voting population of 90% (Powell, 1999).

You work diligently on the long application applying for a quarter in Siena and wait what appears to be decades for a response from the corporate headquarters. Alas, the moment of truth! As you read the acceptance letter with sweaty palms, the thrill and excitement of knowing you are going abroad is overwhelming. Words cannot adequately express the exhilaration while in the back of your mind a slight glimpse of fear floats within your soul. Knowing you’ll be living in a foreign country with limited language skills can be intimidating. So you begin to prepare for the journey you are about to embark on.

I began my preparation for my experience of a lifetime and realized that resources were extremely limited. Few people were able to give me details about the life in Siena, let alone the education. Therefore, as a returnee of Siena, I have designed this preparation manual in hopes that it will help future EAP students in the transition of becoming a "temporary Italian"…or better yet, to prepare you for an unforgettable and educational experience.

First and foremost, I will begin with helpful hints on making the preparation for your departure from America and your arrival in Italy, less complicated. Then I will explain how to get the most of your visit while I compare various aspects of Italy and its culture to life in America. These include important issues such as cultural differences, education, and "play". Next, I will discuss traveling within Europe. Throughout this paper, I will share details that may help make your transition a smoother process.

As a Siena selectee, abroad, you will be viewed as a representative of the American culture, an envoy of your University. It is extremely important to remember that actions taken abroad have potential to eternally impact your life. The experiences may affect you negatively or positively therefore always carefully consider the actions and decisions you make abroad.

Lastly, it is important that you begin thinking in Italian therefore, I have equipped this manual with topics in both English and Italian to help you prepare for your academic excursion. As you embark on the journey of a lifetime, in bocca lupo (good luck)!

Siena was founded by the Etruscans and became a Roman colony known as Saena Julia (Powell, 1999). During the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries it flourished as one of the major cities of Europe, growing rich from banking and the wool trade. The fourteenth century witnessed the creation of the Duomo, Palazzo Pubblico and the Campo that remain today. They begun then, but in 1348 the Black Death struck and this, together with subsequent political upheaval, saw the beginning of a drastic downturn in Siena's fortunes (Powell, 1999).

Today, Siena remains a product of its original works including medieval narrow streets that range across small hills. The beautiful brick streets create an endless labyrinth in which one easily becomes lost. Since the thirteenth century, Siena has been divided into three terzi, arranged around the splendid Campo. These terzi are in turn subdivided into contrade, seventeen in all, which play a hugely important role in the world's most renowned folk horserace, Il Palio (Italy Profiled,1999). The beautiful medieval city of Siena comes alive for this festival held in July and August. Loyalty to one's contrada is total, and the rivalry between the districts reaches fever-pitch in the run of Siena's famous horserace.

Medieval and all, Siena is no bigger than the UCLA campus and is enclosed in a surrounding brick wall. After a few weeks of roaming the streets of Siena, you will begin to recognize faces around the small town. Similarly, you will become fairly acquainted with the lady at the corner deli and the guy that serves your ice cream at the gelateria. Loyalty to a local business is huge and before you know it, you too will be treated like one of the family.

I shall begin by emphasizing that the Italian culture is diversely unique and much different from the American way of life. In Italy (and I’m sure in many other countries in the world) Americans have a reputation that money is the most important aspect of life thus creating work driven individuals. Family for Italians is of the essence and work is simply to live. Life in Italy is very relaxed. Family and friends are a priority and interaction amongst them is a daily ritual. It is quite common that Italians meet daily at the local bar in the morning to have a cappuccino and return in the evening for a cup of coffee simply to continue the unfinished conversation from the morning. "Giros" are also rituals where people stroll around the city looking at the latest fashions or seeing which friends roaming the town.

Italians do not spend the day "on the go" as we do in America. In fact many businesses close during lunch hours (noon until 2:00 pm) for what is known as a "siesta", a brief afternoon nap. With the exception of restaurants, the end of the business day is typically 6:00pm. Be prepared for Sundays because every one is like a "holiday" as predominantly every business is closed. Only some restaurants may open in the evening.

A common myth of Italians is that they seem to be very "touchy-feely". I will assure you that this is no myth! Italians are very passionate people and have a constant "desire" to have physical contact with one, an issue often misinterpreted by an American. Upon meeting a new acquaintance, a simple kiss on the cheek is a form of introduction. By no means are they trying to cross their boundaries. However, ladies must watch out at the disco-tech. Italian men have the misconception that American girls are "easy". After a few minutes of requesting a dance with you, their hands will be all over your body. It is up to you to establish your boundaries.

Italy is a very homogeneous country. There is a definite Italian look and the spectrum is not that broad therefore, be prepared to handle not fitting in immediately. Blending in will make your daily interactions with Italians smoother and Italians will be more receptive towards you. I would recommend to get rid of the Southern California flip-flops as in Italy these are only appropriate for the beach. Denim overalls are not an Italian favorite. Sticking to snug jeans and getting rid of that old favorite t-shirt definitely will make blending in easier. (I will discuss attire in the "packing" section).

The Italian cuisine is something natives boast with pride. Pasta plays a substantial part in Italian recipes as nearly all regions have developed their own special dishes. I assure you that after ten weeks of pasta, it may start to get on you nerves so learn to vary your meals. Fortunately, Italy hasn't been totally Americanized hence fast food is not as common as in the states. Although Italians have adopted the conveniences of Mc Donalds and Domino’s, they are nothing like the fast food chains in America.

Smoking in Italy is as common as walking… everyone does it, so get accustomed to it! Italy is not equiped with the non-smoker protections that you're used to in the States. While you can find a non-smoking section in a restaurant, people usually smoke in them anyway. In fact, a non-smoking sign in Italy is usually considered a good excuse to light up.

Another Italians obsession is calcio, better known to Americans as soccer. It is the most popular spectator sport and Italians lives for these matches. It’s no surprise that Italians know the detailed information about their favorite team (Powell, 1999).

For those of you not knowing a word of Italian, I will give you advice I wish I had prior to departure. Try to take at least one quarter of Italian (Italian 1 or something equivalent). If this is impossible, then I would recommend purchasing audio tapes or a CD for your computer that teaches you the basis’ of Italian. Although you may think this is an unimportant detail, I cannot tell you how much of a difference this makes when you’re abroad.

Determining your choice of housing is probably one of the most difficult decisions of your application process. Housing is critical because your living accommodations have the potential of "making or breaking " your experience in Siena. Therefore, I would recommend thinking about you decision and choose wisely. Living arrangements in Siena are limited, so act as soon as possible because selections are done on a "lottery, first come, first served basis". Siena’s choices of housing are as follows: 1) Living with other UC students in the dorms or apartments. 2) Living with foreigners in the dorms or apartments. 3) Living with a family. The decision of housing should be based on your purpose of studying abroad.

Housing in Siena is not like "housing in America". Upon arrival your housing accom-modations have already been arranged. Living with a family in Italy means respecting their home, meaning coming home at wee hours of the night or staying out all night is not acceptable. However, this option has its advantages as one can benefit from fully emerge into the culture and getting home cooked Italian cuisine every night!

Unlike the UC campuses, the dorms in Siena have curfews and partying is prohibited. The apartments in Siena are much like those in America as they have their own individual landlords and no curfews. Living in the dorms and in apartments with fellow UC students allow the comfort of resorting back to the English language, thus limiting your Italian experience. If you want to grasp the language I would advise to live with other foreigners where the common language is the one you are learning. Living among your peers will no doubt limit your opportunity to fully submerge yourself into the language and culture. Respect in Italy is a crucial, so regardless of your housing choice, you must always respect other tenants.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of your passport! It is absolutely vital that you make sure your passport does not expire while you are abroad. Expiration of your passport while abroad will create ungodly problems for you. For those of you planning to travel after your quarter is over, it is equally important to make sure you passport has not restricted your dates abroad. Often, the embassy will only allot you time for your studies which may not include "travel" time. Therefore, if you plan on traveling, make sure when applying for your visa, to advise them that you plan to travel.

If you are going to Italy for the summer, be prepared to pay top dollar for your airfare, as this is the "tourist season". Fares typically rise around the 15^th of June, so be on the look out and shop as much as possible. Be prepared to be flexible in order to save money. Often, traveling during the week saves you a considerable amount.

Flying into Florence (although a bit more expensive) is your best bet. Florence is only

an hour and a half away from Siena on the 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 competing rates but Counsel 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. A word to the wise: buy your ticket as soon as possible to avoid having to settle for "what is available" and to also help you save some money.

Don’t waste your money buying discount cards from the states. Students in Siena (at many local business) automatically get a discount by showing your 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).

If you are planning to travel 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 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. They are most beneficial if you plan to travel outside Italy. Traveling within Italy is fairly inexpensive therefore it may not be cost effective if you plan to travel only within the country. The passes can only be purchased in the United States. Bruin Walk, Counsel Travel or STA can provide you with all the details.

Make sure that you inquire about the weather BEFORE you start packing and pack as light as possible (especially if you are planning to travel). Remember, summers in Italy (especially Siena) are really hot and humid and winters are very cold. I do not recommend taking clothes for "just in case" as they may result staying behind. I do recommend however, rather than taking a suitcase, a huge backpack type a suitcase may be more "suitable" for the occasion. Another highly recommended item is a "money belt" or a small bag that straps around your waist, big enough for your passport, tickets and money. Carry everything in there at all times and keep it turned towards the front of your body

Italy sense of attire seems very uniform and the range is limited. It is often the case that you will be treated by the manner in which you are dressed. As previously mentioned, if you want to be treated like a tourist, than your everyday over-alls and flip-flops will not be a problem. Keep in mind that your favorite ripped up jeans and faded t-shirts are not as acceptable as in the states. Also, it is vital that you pack a good pair of walking shoes for Siena as the brick streets are quite uneven. Girls, high-heels are not recommended for the medieval streets of the city. And boys, Italian men seem to wear extremely tight pants so your baggy pants may be way too baggy! Taking your snugger jeans may avoid you having to rush out and buying a pair while abroad.

Also, take a compactable umbrella as rain falls unexpectedly during spring, summer & fall. (Raincoats not necessary)! During the winter, warm gloves are not out of the question.

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 however, telephone lines for computer access are not common in Italian households. As a result, you may end up taking your computer for nothing. (I will tell you more about computer access in the "technology section").

When you arrive in Italy, the feeling of stepping off of the plane is undescribable. All at the same time, you are overwhelmed with excitement, disbelief, happiness, and fear to say the least. Put those overwhelming feelings aside and keep your eyes on your bags at all times. In obvious "foreigner hangouts" like the airport and train stations, be wary of anyone who approaches you. Thieves often work in pairs.

Hopefully, you have arrived in Florence so take a taxi to the bus terminal and take a bus to Siena. (You can also take a train, but you must change trains so the commute is much longer and not as scenic). There are two buses per hour. One route is called "Directa" which travels directly to Siena and the other is called "Rapida" which makes up to four stops prior to arriving in Siena. Once you arrive in Siena, you will be dropped off in Piazza Gramsi only meters away from the hotel you will be checking in to, Cannon Di’oro. The hotel has English-speaking attendants in case your Italian is not to par. I advise you to become comfortable with the idea of traveling on bus or train because you will not have the luxury your car. As stated earlier, it is important to remind you that Siena’s streets are one-of-a-kind brick roads, unlike the paved streets of Los Angeles. It will take you a few days to accustom yourself to them. Until then, "Watch your step!"

Once you’ve checked into the hotel, you will immediately notice that the accommodations are quite different than those from the states. The rooms are not equipped with phones and room service or elevators are not available to help with your journey to the third floor. Don’t expect bellboys to help you carry your luggage to your room and be prepared to leave your keys at the reception every time you leave the hotel. Your passport will remain with the hotel until checkout.

The orientation dinner will be your last opportunity to hear English. After this dinner, EVERYTHING will be in Italian.

The students never exposed to the Italian language will automatically be placed in Italian

One. A placement examination will be given to those students that have previous exposure to the language in order to determine their level of Italian. During this time, placement of housing will be conducted for the students placed in the first level of Italian.

La Universita per straneri in Siena lacks organization. There is no Murphy Hall where you are able to get a print out of your schedule and URSA is not at your fingertips to tell you the time and date of your final exams. Be prepared to have your classes at different times each week. Field trips are also part of the curriculum and are mandatory.

Another mandatory aspect of school is attendance. Roll is taken every morning and you’re your attendance is required. Unlike the UC system, classes are quite small so your professor acknowledges your existence. Unexcused absences will definitely count against you.

Final exams are also quite different from those given at UCLA. You will be given an appointment for your final examination that will be conducted before a panel of staff and faculty. Your final exam will be oral and questions will be directed to you in Italian. This may be a brutal experience, so prepare well in advance. Midterms (if your professor decides to give them) are not as horrible. They may constitute writing a short paper or taking a "fill in the blank" test.

The grading system in Italy is quite unique. The point system for grades range from zero to thirty, thirty being an A+. The program director is the person in charge of the grade transformation. That is he will be converting your number grade into a "UC letter grade. For this reason, I strongly advise against being on directors "undesirable list".

To the student’s advantage, the EAP office has arranged an on site counselor to be at the university office a majority of the time. This "counselor" is not only available to help when emergencies arise, but hours are posted allowing students to seek assistance on class assignments. Take advantage of all the help you can get. The EAP staff abroad goes out of their way for your every need so use it to your benefit, yet be considerate.

Cell phones are extremely reasonable in price and the calling plans are equally feasible. You can purchase a cell phone for as low as $120.00 (US dollars) that can be used all over Europe. Upon departure the phone can be sold to incoming students for about $100.00 (US dollars). Calling plans are not like Verizon or Pac-Bell. In Italy, you must purchase a "sceda telefonica" (much like a calling card). The card is equipped with a code that must be entered into the telephone. The secret code will load your telephone with minutes that will be deducted as phone calls are made. Charges vary by the destination of your call and time of day your call is placed. If you receive phone calls, your minutes will remain in tact.

Public phones are conveniently placed throughout the city although not always in working condition. A different type of "sceda telefonica" must be purchased in order for access public phones. Public phones have a mind of their own and tend to get complicated from time to time, hence causing unnecessary frustration. A helpful hint: Italian telephone numbers can include 4, 5, 6, 7, or even 8 digits, so don't automatically assume you have the wrong number if it looks strange.

Friends in Italy are of vital importance. For the most part your classes and required field trips will be conducted with other UC students. By the time you departure from Italy, you will have developed an incredible bond with the students in your group. Although this may seem as an advantage, it may serve as a disadvantage to you.

The advantage of being surrounded with American students is the reassure of knowing that a peer may be encountering the same unpredictable experience as you. They will understand your feeling and perhaps share your homesickness. Unbeknownst to you your classmates become a comfort zone because you are aware that reverting to English is an option when the Italian language becomes frustrating. Similarly, the simple fact that they are your comfort zone serves as a disadvantage. You will always have the option of resorting to English at anytime, hence limiting the acquisition of the Italian language. It is in your best interest (needless to say, fun) to make Italian friends. You must definitely make the first move and locals may be receptive. Creating Italian friendships is incredibly rewarding.

Remember your time abroad is limited so imagine that time is of the essence and take advantage of over free moment. While certainly you must set aside time for studying (a couple of hours a day is ideal) you also must also allocate time to wander. On your free time, getting lost within the city walls is the ultimate. You will discover incredible sights and extraordinary places.

Dinner parties are infamous in Italy and they will begin to grow on you. One person will bring the wine, another the cheese, you supply the bread…before you know it, it’s a dinner party! These are great ways to practice your Italian while having a good time and saving money.

You’ll find that you will spend a lot of time at bars and local pubs. A "bar" is a coffee shop offering a variety of coffee and pastries. They are very common and frequented daily by locals. Loyalty to you bar is grand so find one you like and stick with it. Pubs seem to be the evening hangout for locals. American mixed drinks are not common so start getting used to beer.

Traveling within europe / viaggiare in europa

Siena is in the center of Italy so traveling is especially easy. Although the university is strict about attendance, Friday’s schedule usually entails dismissing class early and encourages weekend travel. For your weekend excursions, I would recommend to travel extensively in Italy, taking a city a weekend at a time. However, if you have your heart set on traveling to Paris or Prauge, I would wait for you quarter to be over to take your time in each country. Despite your decision of traveling, live every minute to the fullest because before you know it, the quarter is over. Regardless of what your itinerary may entail, be sure that you plan ahead and consider the schedule of trains or buses. This avoids losing valuable time.

Also, It is in your best interest to advise the university office of where you are planning to travel and if possible your hotel/hostel information. Doing so will make it easier for the office to reach you if an emergency should arise.

It is of vital importance to address that you should never travel alone. Remember, you are easily targeted as a tourist therefore groups of three or four are idea. Lastly, if you are traveling in overnight trains, especially across the Swiss and French borders, be aware that there are gangs that have keys to the compartments.

Just when you start becoming comfortable with the Italian language, the quarter is over and it is time to return home. You will most definitely look back and wonder how time elapsed so rapidly. I assure you that you think that you are leaving Italy and there are still a million things you have not seen. Immediately, you decide on returning to Italy. This will not help the culture shock you will experience when you arrive in America.

I assure you that both the jetlag and the culture shock are equally bad, but the culture shock last longer. When you arrive, you will analyze every aspect of America with different eyes. You will appreciate the American things that you once took for granted. The no smoking environment, toilet paper in public restrooms, and fast food restaurant will be newly appreciated. Similarly, you will miss dinner parties, nights at the piazza drinking wine, and listening to Italian radio. It is a combination of all the things acquired abroad that will make you experience, incredibly unforgettable.

As a returnee of Siena, I have done my best to enclose helpful information that would assist in making your experience in Siena remarkable and smooth. Although the information is brief, it is information that I had to discover on my own. I must commend you for your courage of taking the challenge of traveling abroad. It is not an easy task, yet the rewards are astounding. Not everyone is giving the opportunity to spend a quarter in another country, but for those fortunate few that do, I assure you it will be an experience you will never forget. You will reveal aspects of you, you never even knew existed. You begin to discover something new inside. Studying abroad will enhance you mind, spirit and soul like you never imagined.

By all means, a quarter in Siena creates an incredible thirst for wanting to experience more of Italy. It may even trigger a bug within your soul creating a natural urge to keep traveling. For the voyage you are about to take, I will share one final yet valuable piece of advice: travel with an open mind and take everything as a learning experience. Remember, you are about to embark on a journey of a lifetime…and journeys don’t happen every day!

.

Italy Profiled: Essential Facts of Society, Business, & Politics (1999). St. Martins Press. New

York.

Henshaw, J. (2000). Lets Go Italy. St. Martin’s Press. New York.

Powell, J. Italy (1999). The Bookwright Press. New York