Elaina Binkis '24 Major: Marketing Minor(s): Management with Concentrations in Digital Marketing and Marketing Communication Why did you choose to study abroad during J-term? I found the duration of the j-term program to be ideal for my schedule and commitments. It struck a balance between experiencing a new culture and maintaining my academic progress back home. The course I took resonated deeply with my career aspirations and academic interests. The topics covered were not only intriguing but also directly relevant to my chosen field. I liked how the curriculum was designed to provide practical insights and hands-on experiences that I could apply to my future career endeavors. Where did you study abroad? Describe the culture of your study abroad location. Siena, Italy has a vibrant culture and much history within its walls. Siena is known for its medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. During my time in Siena, I found the people to be very friendly and foster a strong sense of community. Families and friends enjoy meals at restaurants, cafes, or at home and enjoy each other's company and socialize. Traditions play a significant role in Sienese culture. In the summer time, Siena holds the Palio di Siena, which is a historic horse race held in the Piazza del Campo and attracts thousands of people from all over the world. This tradition connects the city's medieval past and spirit of competition between contradas. What was your favorite cultural tradition that you learned or took part in while you were abroad? During my time abroad, one of the most fascinating cultural traditions I learned about was the Italian approach to coffee consumption. In Italy, it's customary not to have coffee with milk, especially cappuccinos, after 10-11AM. I experienced this firsthand while staying with a host family in Italy. Each morning, they would prepare a stovetop pot of espresso, which became a cherished ritual for me. Even after returning to the US, I've continued this tradition of enjoying espresso in the mornings, reflecting on the wonderful memories of my time in Italy. Did you experience culture shock? I experienced culture shock primarily in relation to meal times. In Siena, dinners typically occurred quite late, around 8 or 9 PM. On my first day, after a long travel day, I was taken aback by the duration of dinner. What kind of classes did you take abroad and tell us a little bit about them. I took one course, Art History: Italian Costume and Fashion. The course consisted of 2 classes taught by two instructors. The first class typically consisted of learning basic Italian vocab and later transitioned to learning different fashion words over the course of the three weeks. The course delved into the evolution of Italian fashion from ancient Rome through contemporary times, exploring influences, societal shifts, cultural significance, visits to museums, and discussions on contemporary trends and the role of media in shaping the fashion industry. What was it like studying in a non-English speaking country? Did you pick up on any words or phrases? During my time in Siena, I relied heavily on Google Translate to overcome the language barrier. Its photo feature, which allows you to point your camera at text and translate into your desired language, helped so much in deciphering street signs and reading menus. One word/phrase that Italians frequently use is 'Allora!' It's an Italian filler word, similar to 'um' in English. The intonation and the way people used it made it my phrase to hear and say during my time there. What did your housing situation look like while you were abroad? I lived with a host family! They reside just outside of the main city walls, about a 20 minute bus ride. I lived with one other Siena student and we each had our own bedrooms with a shared bathroom. SIS provided the students who live a non-walking distance with a free bus pass in order to commute to the school and also city center. Buses stopped at most stops every 10-15 minutes, and there are also taxis that run pretty late which were convenient as well. Let’s talk about the food in Italy! Did you eat any typical Italian dishes? As a lover of Italian cuisine, I eagerly tried various traditional dishes during my time in Siena. Potato pizza, or "pizza con patate," is a unique twist on the classic pizza. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered atop a crispy, golden crust along with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of rosemary- it's amazing! I was able to try this pizza first in one of the in-class activities that SIS has to offer. The other course being offered was Italian Cuisine: A Historical and Chemical Tour. This course had different tastings that me and the other Art History students were able to participate in as well. After trying it in class, I got it several times at multiple pizzerias in Siena and quickly became one of my favorite foods. I also had the opportunity to learn how to make pasta during a cooking class organized by SIS program and all the students got to participate in it. We made gnocchi, ravioli, and pici! It was a ton of fun. What is one restaurant or café students visiting Siena should go to? Stop at Il Campo located in the Piazza del Campo! It's a great spot to sit outside and enjoy people watching and a tasty meal. Did you travel at all while you were abroad? If so, what was it like? I traveled to Florence for a weekend with friends from the program. The bus ride from Siena to Florence was about 1.5 hours and easy to navigate. I stayed in a hotel near the Duomo for around $100 per night, which included breakfast. The hotel was in the middle of a market selling leather goods and many other souvenirs. In Florence, we spent the day shopping and exploring the city. We had lunch at the Sophia Loren Restaurant Firenze, enjoying authentic Italian cuisine and the charming atmosphere. What skills or knowledge do you feel you gained through studying abroad? Studying abroad helped me become more independent. It taught me how to navigate new situations, make decisions, and adapt to unfamiliar environments on my own. This experience also broadened my cultural awareness and understanding of different perspectives. Overall, it enhanced my ability to thrive in diverse settings. How do you think study abroad will impact your future? My study abroad experience has instilled in me a sense of curiosity, open-mindedness, and appreciation for the richness of global diversity. What advice would you give to any students studying abroad? I HIGHLY recommend doing the j-term program if you are interested in studying abroad, but don't want to or can't commit to doing an entire semester. For students interested in studying abroad, I have a couple of pieces of advice: 1. Consider participating in a J-Term program if you're intrigued by studying abroad but can't commit to a full semester. J-Term programs offer condensed study abroad experiences that can be just as enriching and immersive as longer programs and cost effective. 2. Prioritize learning some basic language skills before your study abroad experience. Having a foundation in the local language can greatly enhance your ability to navigate daily life, interact with locals, and immerse yourself in the culture. Even simple phrases and greetings can go a long way in fostering meaningful connections and making the most of your time abroad. Name one item you absolutely should bring while studying abroad.
Comfortable shoes for walking (especially for the hills in Siena). What is one last thing you’d like to share? Be prepared to be flexible! One memorable experience I had was traveling early in the morning from Siena to the Florence Airport with another student to go back home. Little did we know, we would end up changing trains three times due to unexpected breakdowns. This meant navigating through train stations with two suitcases each, maneuvering up and down stairs, all while everything around us was in Italian. It was a whirlwind of confusion, with moments of frustration turning into laughter as we sprinted to catch our trains. In the end, it was a testament to the unpredictability of travel and the importance of embracing the journey, no matter how chaotic it may seem at the time!
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AuthorShowcasing international experiences of the Siena community. For more info, visit the Center for International Programs in Foy Hall 301 or check out our website, siena.edu/studyabroad Archives
March 2024
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