*Final Budget, Housing Description, and Dates will be posted in mid-October.
Art, Mind, and Brain in Siena gives students the chance to explore the fascinating connections between psychology, neuroscience, and art, all while living in one of Italy’s most beautiful historic cities. Taught by Ulrich Mayr, Professor and Department Head of Psychology at the University of Oregon, the program combines two courses—Cognitive Neuroscience and Art, Mind, and Brain—that together fulfill upper-division requirements for Psychology and Neuroscience majors.
What makes this program especially exciting is the way Siena itself becomes part of the classroom. Instead of just reading about how the brain processes perception, memory, or creativity, you’ll step directly into museums, architectural sites, and historic spaces to see those ideas come to life. The city’s art and architecture provide vivid examples of how artists have tapped into human psychology for centuries to create powerful experiences. Living and studying in Siena not only deepens your academic learning but also immerses you in Italian culture, offering the kind of perspective and inspiration you can’t get from a lecture hall back home.
Beyond academics, this program offers the chance to experience daily life in Tuscany—sharing meals, exploring winding streets, and engaging with the vibrant traditions of Siena. It’s an opportunity to grow not only as a student, but also as a traveler and global thinker.
