University for Foreigners of Siena

About: 

Founded in 1917, the University for Foreigners of Siena (UNISTRASI) is a public university specialising in the teaching of Italian and modern languages. It is also known for its research on the diffusion of the Italian language and culture around the world. As a university dedicated to the teaching of foreign students, UNISTRASI is an extremely international campus with students from all over the world. 

Highlights: 

Located in the beautiful city of Siena, Tuscany, UNISTRASI is nestled deep in Italian history and culture. The city centre of Siena has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the nation's most visited attractions. The Tuscan city is known for its cuisine, art and medieval landscape. Studying alongside a large international population, students can expect a diverse and exciting experience at UNISTRASI.

Location: 

Siena, Tuscany, Italy

Courses / Modules: 

To find out about the courses on offer, please take a look at the UNISTRASI course catalogue. 

Credit (Full-time Load per semester): 

You must take a full credit load while on exchange.  UNISTRASI uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values.  30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.  

Teaching Periods: 

The academic year is divided into two semesters. The first semester starts at the end of September until the beginning of January and the second semester runs from the beginning of February until the end of May.

There is a month for exams in each semester. The exam period for the first semester falls throughout January and throughout June for the second semester.

Language: 

B1 Italian is required. 

Accommodation: 

The university will help students find  suitable accommodation and the university accommodation page outlines some of the options available.  These include some rooms in  university halls of residences, located in different areas of the city,  and also private sector accommodation.

Orientation / Welcome week:  

UNISTRASI organises an Orientation Week for incoming international students at the start of each semester. This is a great opportunity to meet other exchange students, get to know the campus, ask any questions about your studies or living abroad. This is also when students will receive their student cards and login to access the student web portal. 

The university recommends students arrive around two weeks in advance of the start of the semester so that they have time to settle in, attend the orientation days and navigate the city and campus. 

Support Services: 

UNISTRASI has services in place to support students with disabilities, such as administrative, financial and teaching support. To find out more, take a look over the Disability Support page.

Visas: 

You may need a visa to study in Italy.  If you are a UK National you must refer to the  Travel Advice page for Italy and its Living in Italy guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate.   If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.

Travel insurance:  

If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries.  You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange. 

Health insurance: 

Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).

Information about health care is also provided by UNISTRASI in their guide for incoming students.

Katie, Year Abroad in Italy, 2018/19

"During this time I learned a lot about the Italian culture that I never would have learned in lessons. I feel like my language skills have improved a lot. My language level in June 2018 in Italian was B2 (according to the Erasmus test). After this stay it is C1. By the end of this year abroad I can easily and spontaneously change between languages."

Kitty, Year Abroad at University for Foreign Students, Siena 2019/20

"I really enjoyed my time in Italy, both in Siena and at the university. I have had so many new experiences, met lots of new people and improved my knowledge of the Italian language. My confidence in talking to people in their native language has definitely increased and I feel like I can hold a conversation with someone well and deal with problems when they arise."

Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website! 

• Incoming Students Welcome Guide

• Numbeo - cost of living comparison site

• Expatistan - cost of living comparison site

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk

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