I spent a week at Saena Iulia in May this year and it was a truly fantastic experience. I was…read morenervous as i was by myself, had never been to Siena before and only knew about the school from reading about it on the internet. Mauro and his staff were so welcoming I soon felt comfortable and settled into my first lesson quickly especially when i met the other students who were in similar situations to me. The standard of teaching was excellent and the classes varied and organised plus we had some outside activities organised for us. I have been learning Italian in Auckland, New Zealand for 3 years and was put in a class at Saena Iulia which was the right level for me. After a week I felt my comprehension had improved greatly because the whole class was conducted in Italian and I also gained confidence in speaking. I would love to return next year for another week and am also trying to talk one or two of my Auckland classmates into coming with me. Siena itself is a beautiful city and I loved the feeling of being a resident for a week rather than a tourist. My accommodation, which was organised by the school, was perfect and right in the heart of Siena and only a 3 minute walk to school. I would recommend Saena Iulia to anyone who wants to learn or improve their Italian and who wants to stay in a beautiful old Italian city while they do it.

I spent a month at this school doing an intensive course on an intermediate level. The school is…read moresmall, and during Feb./Mar., decidedly off-season, there were only a handful of students. But even with a class of one or two students, they maintained the full curriculum, including seminars, lunches and excursions to nearby towns. I've had several teachers over the years, both in the U.S. and Italy, but the grammar teacher here was by far the best. Instead of a standard placement test, the teachers speak to the students to assess not just their memory skills but their ability to communicate, ensuring everyone is at the appropriate level. Just as important since I was traveling alone, the teachers did not check out immediately after the lesson. I was taken to dinner, invited for coffee, and most important, introduced to locals who became dear friends. The school also provides housing connections for home-stays, shared or individual apartments. I opted for my own apartment and through the school found the perfect place for 1000 Euros less than it was listed on airbnb! Students ranged in age from 20's to 60's and everyone was made to feel comfortable and valued. Even in high season, classes are limited to six and they cater to serious students as opposed to kids who just want to fool around. The school is located in the heart of Siena, a gorgeous city, full of cultural activities and teeming with life. I highly recommend Saena Iulia for its skilled teachers, its inviting warmth and its perfect location. You couldn't do better. And like many before me, I intend to return.