This Program is Directed by
Ansley Rubinstein
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
Tuscany
Join us in Tuscany for an insider’s experience of Italy on this Pre-College summer program for high school students. Based in Siena—a stunning, walled medieval city in the heart of the Tuscan countryside and home to the University of Siena—broaden your horizons with in-depth, field-based seminars ranging from Italian Language to Farm-to-Table. Choose a seminar and—with the nooks of Piazza del Campo or golden hills as your backdrop—dive deep into your subject matter through engaging discussions, site visits, excursions to Florence and Rome, and hands-on projects that immerse you in Italian life.
- Highlights
Practice your Italian language skills with vendors at the local market
Visit an olive farm and learn from local agrotourism experts as you sample delicious oils
Take a cooking class and learn how to make pici, a pasta that originated in Siena
Learn crafts from local artisans like paper marbling, leather making, and ceramics
Visit an olive farm and learn from local agrotourism experts as you sample delicious oils
Take a cooking class and learn how to make pici, a pasta that originated in Siena
Learn crafts from local artisans like paper marbling, leather making, and ceramics
“Her exposure to the food and culture of Siena, past and present, are significant and we continue to hear about what she learned.”
—Gouri & Alexander E., New York, NY
Seminars
Choose a seminar and explore Siena and the surrounding Tuscan countryside through the lens of your chosen subject. Putney seminars combine experiential learning and global perspective, and are intentionally designed to deviate from classroom-centered and text-heavy learning, which many students are used to. Instead, Putney students learn by doing. Begin with discussions that frame your seminar concepts and identify key issues. Take the learning beyond the classroom with site visits, meetings with local experts, guest lectures, and field trips. Siena’s rich historical, architectural, academic, and cultural background makes it the perfect setting for our field-based seminars. Cap off your studies with a final project to share your work with your instructors and peers.
This hands-on seminar begins by examining the economic players and the playing field where firms operate, with discussions of supply and demand, regulations and free trade, international trade, and currency flows. Through guest speakers and case studies,...
Dive into the fine arts and explore a multi-sensory artmaking approach as eyes and hands join to capture the beauty of Siena and Tuscany. Engage with Siena’s rich culture and heritage as you make discoveries about your own perceptions and the drawing...
Immerse yourself in Italian cuisine and food culture, considering issues of sustainability, preservation, innovation, revenue, and communication. Meet local farmers and producers, from small niche biodynamic orchards to major agribusiness protagonists,...
Experience firsthand the rich artistic heritage of the Italian Renaissance in all its forms, from painting to sculpture, from architecture to music. In the living classroom of Siena and Tuscany, understand not only the genius and craft of storied artists...
Whether a principiante or maestro, beginner or whiz, learn how to better communicate in words and gestures just like Italians. In this seminar, build a solid foundation in phrases, expressions and cultural customs, with plenty of active onsite practice...
Immerse yourself in Italian cuisine and food culture, considering issues of sustainability, preservation, innovation, revenue, and communication. Meet local farmers and producers, from small niche biodynamic orchards to major agribusiness protagonists,...
Whether a principiante or maestro, beginner or whiz, learn how to better communicate in words and gestures just like Italians. In this seminar, build a solid foundation in phrases, expressions and cultural customs, with plenty of active onsite practice...
Dive into the fine arts and explore a multi-sensory artmaking approach as eyes and hands join to capture the beauty of Siena and Tuscany. Engage with Siena’s rich culture and heritage as you make discoveries about your own perceptions and the drawing...
This hands-on seminar begins by examining the economic players and the playing field where firms operate, with discussions of supply and demand, regulations and free trade, international trade, and currency flows. Through guest speakers and case studies,...
Experience firsthand the rich artistic heritage of the Italian Renaissance in all its forms, from painting to sculpture, from architecture to music. In the living classroom of Siena and Tuscany, understand not only the genius and craft of storied artists...
Featured
Instructors
Our Pre-College instructors are accomplished academically and professionally. They bring to each seminar deep content knowledge and experience in their field, as well as enthusiasm for their subjects, a passion for teaching, and a proven capacity to connect with and inspire students. They are dedicated and caring individuals who also live in dormitories with students, sharing in their lives and fully participating in extracurricular activities.
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Featured
Instructors
Our Pre-College instructors are accomplished academically and professionally. They bring to each seminar deep content knowledge and experience in their field, as well as enthusiasm for their subjects, a passion for teaching, and a proven capacity to connect with and inspire students. They are dedicated and caring individuals who also live in dormitories with students, sharing in their lives and fully participating in extracurricular activities.
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What to Expect
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
Our Siena Campus
In the historic Tuscan city of Siena, education and academic excellence have been woven into the fabric of daily life for centuries. Founded in 1240, the University of Siena is a prominent part of civic life. Immerse yourself in city and academy life, meet with artisans and professionals, venture for field visits to surrounding towns and areas, and find inspiration in Siena’s global, inclusive community.
Outcomes & Final Projects
The Pre-College Tuscany program is designed to immerse students intellectually in their chosen seminar topic as they prepare academically and socially for the college experience. Over the course of a two-week Pre-College seminar, each student develops a final project based on their particular interests, which they present to peers and instructors at the end of the program. Prepare an Italian feast to share with your group, present a case study from your business seminar, or display your photography of Siena’s architectural wonders.
Afternoons & Excursions
Head to neighboring Florence to visit the Medici Museum and the Uffizi, attend a classical concert in the Piazza del Campo, or explore local vintage and antique shops. Taste as many flavors of gelato as your heart desires and climb the iconic Torre del Manga. Cool off in the Mediterranean Sea on a day trip to the coastal town of Sea Castiglione della Pescaia. Cap off your Tuscan experience with two days in Rome.
Electives
In addition to your in-depth seminar, explore other interests and topics in elective workshops offered by instructors and students alike. Tap into the unique knowledge, skills, and abilities of your peers and instructors to expand your Pre-College experience, learning on topics ranging from the regional differences in Italian cuisine to the architecture of Siena.
Guest Speakers
Gain inspiration from the experiences and perspectives of industry leaders and professionals. Guest speakers bring to the program diverse backgrounds with high-level, real-world experiences and insights. Whether a renowned chef or a professional photographer, each speaker structures their workshop or lecture to relate to the seminars and their area of expertise.
Community
Find a community of like-minded peers, invested in personal and intellectual growth. Like you, they are curious about the world and eager to have a positive impact on it. Everyone attends Community Meeting each evening, where the group shares ideas, successes, and goals, and sets plans for the coming day. Become part of a community that supports and nurtures your interests, and make lasting friendships along the way.
Accommodations & Meals
Students and residential faculty stay together in Siena, based in a small locally-run hotel in private doubles, or triples, each with bathrooms ensuite or on the hall. Faculty and staff members reside with students throughout the program. We begin each day with breakfast at our residence. Lunches are taken in the array of restaurants, cafes, and markets among the cobblestoned streets, and dinners are served at the University of Siena dining hall or out in the restaurants around the city. Please note that lunches are not included in the tuition.
What to Expect
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
Our Siena Campus
In the historic Tuscan city of Siena, education and academic excellence have been woven into the fabric of daily life for centuries. Founded in 1240, the University of Siena is a prominent part of civic life. Immerse yourself in city and academy life, meet with artisans and professionals, venture for field visits to surrounding towns and areas, and find inspiration in Siena’s global, inclusive community.
Outcomes & Final Projects
The Pre-College Tuscany program is designed to immerse students intellectually in their chosen seminar topic as they prepare academically and socially for the college experience. Over the course of a two-week Pre-College seminar, each student develops a final project based on their particular interests, which they present to peers and instructors at the end of the program. Prepare an Italian feast to share with your group, present a case study from your business seminar, or display your photography of Siena’s architectural wonders.
Afternoons & Excursions
Head to neighboring Florence to visit the Medici Museum and the Uffizi, attend a classical concert in the Piazza del Campo, or explore local vintage and antique shops. Taste as many flavors of gelato as your heart desires and climb the iconic Torre del Manga. Cool off in the Mediterranean Sea on a day trip to the coastal town of Sea Castiglione della Pescaia. Cap off your Tuscan experience with two days in Rome.
Electives
In addition to your in-depth seminar, explore other interests and topics in elective workshops offered by instructors and students alike. Tap into the unique knowledge, skills, and abilities of your peers and instructors to expand your Pre-College experience, learning on topics ranging from the regional differences in Italian cuisine to the architecture of Siena.
Guest Speakers
Gain inspiration from the experiences and perspectives of industry leaders and professionals. Guest speakers bring to the program diverse backgrounds with high-level, real-world experiences and insights. Whether a renowned chef or a professional photographer, each speaker structures their workshop or lecture to relate to the seminars and their area of expertise.
Community
Find a community of like-minded peers, invested in personal and intellectual growth. Like you, they are curious about the world and eager to have a positive impact on it. Everyone attends Community Meeting each evening, where the group shares ideas, successes, and goals, and sets plans for the coming day. Become part of a community that supports and nurtures your interests, and make lasting friendships along the way.
Accommodations & Meals
Students and residential faculty stay together in Siena, based in a small locally-run hotel in private doubles, or triples, each with bathrooms ensuite or on the hall. Faculty and staff members reside with students throughout the program. We begin each day with breakfast at our residence. Lunches are taken in the array of restaurants, cafes, and markets among the cobblestoned streets, and dinners are served at the University of Siena dining hall or out in the restaurants around the city. Please note that lunches are not included in the tuition.
Program Structure
Seminar groups meet each morning to introduce and frame key concepts for the day, then head out into the city of Siena or surrounding areas for field-based learning, putting the day’s ideas into practice. Seminar activities are supplemented by fun excursions and immersive cultural experiences in Siena and around Tuscany, including a day in Florence.
- Morning
8:00am
Enjoy breakfast with your group at the residence
10:00am
Dive into morning seminars to discuss the day’s topics
- Afternoon
12:00pm
Break for a picnic lunch or find a restaurant or cafe along Siena’s medieval streets
2:00pm
Explore Siena or the surrounding countryside for an experience-based seminar session
4:00pm
Join an optional excursion, or enjoy some free time at the residence
- Evening
6:00pm
Eat dinner out in small groups, or at the University of Siena canteen
8:00pm
Convene for a community meeting to discuss the day and upcoming events
Program Structure
Seminar groups meet each morning to introduce and frame key concepts for the day, then head out into the city of Siena or surrounding areas for field-based learning, putting the day’s ideas into practice. Seminar activities are supplemented by fun excursions and immersive cultural experiences in Siena and around Tuscany, including a day in Florence.
- Morning
8:00am
Enjoy breakfast with your group at the residence
10:00am
Dive into morning seminars to discuss the day’s topics
- Afternoon
12:00pm
Break for a picnic lunch or find a restaurant or cafe along Siena’s medieval streets
2:00pm
Explore Siena or the surrounding countryside for an experience-based seminar session
4:00pm
Join an optional excursion, or enjoy some free time at the residence
- Evening
6:00pm
Eat dinner out in small groups, or at the University of Siena canteen
8:00pm
Convene for a community meeting to discuss the day and upcoming events
“Cecelia left with an understanding and inspiration of how to be a caring positive leader, a deeper love for Italy and the Italian language and a desire to return and experience more.”
—Gianna & Lee A., Longmeadow, MA
This Program is Directed by
Ansley Rubinstein
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
