Going into my study abroad experience in Siena, Italy, I truly had no idea what to expect. Never in my life had I been outside of the country for a full month, let alone going without anyone I know! While I had a general idea of what the program and classes would be like, and what to expect from Siena itself, I still struggled to picture what the upcoming month would actually entail. Naturally, I was nervous. However, any doubts or fears I had going in quickly dissolved once the experience began. What I found was nothing short of a brand-new family. Although many of us came from completely different backgrounds, had different interests, and had our own reasons for studying abroad, we all shared a commitment and passion for trying new things, exploring as much as possible, and making memories together.
Studying abroad can be daunting, especially when you're going somewhere unfamiliar without the people you're used to having around. However, the people in your program can make all the difference. Being surrounded by such a welcoming and supportive group made my experience infinitely more rewarding. By leaning on one another, we were able to make Siena feel like home. While I absolutely loved our classes, our experience in Siena extended far beyond the classroom. In fact, many of our classes took place in art museums, cathedrals, and even out in the streets of the city itself. Whether I was enjoying some of the best food in the world, spending time in the beautiful Piazza del Campo, or simply wandering through Siena's medieval streets, every moment felt unique and memorable.
One of the coolest experiences we had was witnessing the Palio di Siena, a famous horse race that has been held twice a year for centuries. Siena is home to 17 historic neighborhoods, known as contrade, which compete in the Palio, and during our time there, we lived in the Contrada della Torre. In the days leading up to the race, each contrada hosts celebrations, communal dinners, speeches, and other events that bring its members together. Living within the city walls allowed us to experience these traditions firsthand, and we were even invited to join one of the contrada's dinners just a few days before the race. It was remarkable to witness the deep history, pride, and sense of community behind these traditions and, more importantly, to feel welcomed into that community ourselves. Experiencing the contrade and then watching the Palio was one of the highlights of my time in Siena, making an already incredible experience even more meaningful.
-Ben Winjum