Hope in Tuscany

This experience is designed to prepare you for the academic challenges and opportunities ahead while fostering meaningful, lasting connections with fellow students. It’s a unique program that adds an exciting, hands-on experiential component to your first-semester curriculum, giving you the chance to learn not only in the classroom but out in the world.

Rooted in Hope College’s mission to educate students for lives of leadership and service in a global society, the program champions experiential and intercultural learning from day one. You’ll build a global perspective during your very first semester—developing the skills, insights, and relationships that will support you throughout your time at Hope and long after you graduate.

You’ll study under the guidance of a Hope College program director, who will serve as your academic advisor throughout the semester. The program director will teach two courses — including your First-Year Seminar.

In addition to these courses, you’ll take classes at the IES Abroad Siena Center. All courses are accepted as Hope courses; your grades will appear on your transcript and count toward your GPA. Some courses may also fulfill major or minor requirements.

At the conclusion of the program, you’ll return to campus and join your classmates for the spring semester. Ready for what’s next — with a truly global start to your college experience.

Program Partnership

This program is offered in partnership with IES Abroad.

Founded in 1950, IES Abroad provides premier study abroad and internship programs around the world. With more than 400 study abroad programs in 85 locations worldwide, the organization creates authentic global education opportunities for thousands of students annually.

Faculty Leader

Pablo Peschiera

Associate Professor of English

Pablo Peschiera, Ph.D., has traveled to four continents, living most of his life in North and South America. During his graduate education and postgraduate appointments, he taught at four different universities. The Department of English at Hope College has been Professor Peschiera’s home for the last 17 years, where he most often teaches creative writing, especially poetry. He received his B.A. from Hope College, his M.A. and MFA. at Western Michigan University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Houston. He’s won awards and residences from the Bread Loaf Writers Conference and the National Endowment for the Humanities, among others. He has written lyrics for choral performance, and has published over 100 poems, interviews, reviews, essays and translations. Professor Peschiera’s artistic and academic foci are poetry and poetics, translation, and the role of art in human life. He loves working with first-year students and teaches first-year courses every semester, especially Hope College’s First Year Seminar, which he will teach at Hope in Tuscany. 

Program Dates

• August 26–December 12, 2026

Location(s)

• Siena, Italy
• Program field trips to Assisi, Padua and Verona, Italy

Why Siena?

The enchanting city of Siena is your home base as you explore all that Tuscany has to offer. World-renowned cuisine, more than 120 nature reserves, medieval masterpieces everywhere you turn, and the hustle and bustle of Florence (just an hour away).

Located on three hills in the heart of the enchanting Tuscan countryside, this ancient city’s historical center has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you study in Siena, prepare to be charmed by the city's medieval history and rich culture.

What to Expect

Courses That Count
You will take two courses taught by a full-time Hope College faculty member who serves as both your on-site program director and your academic advisor. These include your First-Year Seminar — specially designed to support your transition to college life in a global setting.

A Global Classroom
You will also enroll in additional courses through IES Abroad, an internationally respected academic partner. All courses earn Hope College credit, appear on your transcript and count toward your GPA. Several may fulfill major or minor requirements as well.

A Built-In Community
You will live and learn alongside other Hope College first-year students, forming friendships and support networks that will continue once you arrive on campus for the spring semester.

A Strong Foundation for College and Beyond
The program is thoughtfully structured to help you transition smoothly into college while also encouraging personal growth, academic engagement and a broader world perspective.

After a transformative semester in Siena, you will return to Hope College for the spring semester — confident, connected and ready for what’s next.

Courses

All of your courses will be taken at the IES Abroad Siena Center which is an actual palace located on the city’s most famous plaza — the Piazza del Campo. The palace, called Palazzo Chigi Zondadari, was built in the 18th century and served as a home to many notable people.

You will enroll in 15 Hope College credits during your semester in Siena. All courses count towards your Anchor Plan requirements. You will take three of these courses only with other Hope College students in the program. The IES Abroad area studies course will be taken along students from other U.S. institutions.

• First Year Seminar (3 credits)
  This course is taught by the Hope College program director and fulfills your Anchor Plan requirement.
• English 113 (3 credits)
  This course is taught by the Hope College program director and fulfills your Anchor Plan requirement.
• Italian Language Course (6 credits)
  This course is offered by IES Abroad faculty and fulfills your Anchor Plan language requirement. The course will cover levels I and II during the semester. No previous knowledge of Italian is required.
• IES Abroad Area Studies Course (3 credits)
  You will select one area studies course offered through IES Abroad. This course will be taken along with students from other colleges across the U.S. and is offered in English. All courses available are considered as Hope College credit. Course options:
  • Family and Gender in Medieval and Early Modern Italy
  • The Black Death & Its Aftermath
  • Dante's Commedia in Historical Context
  • Living Siena: Exploring Historical and Contemporary Tuscan Culture

Housing

You will share an apartment with other Hope College students and a local Italian student in the city center. Furnished apartments are single-sex, and two students usually share a bedroom. Apartments have equipped kitchens and you are responsible for cooking your own meals. Internet access and a washing machine are also available. Your Italian roommates will help with improving your Italian language skills, getting to know Siena and immersing yourself in the local culture. They will also serve as a first point-of-contact for housing questions.

Field Trips

Even though your semester takes place in Siena, the program includes the following field trips to take you beyond the city and discover the culture and traditions of Italy. Both trips are included in the program fee.

• Assisi (one day)
• Padua & Verona (three days)

In addition, IES Abroad might also provide optional field trips on site at an additional cost. Locations might include:

• Val d'Orcia
• Chianti region

Community-Building Activities

Our program is designed to bring students together through shared experiences that spark meaningful relationships. From historic explorations to hands-on cultural events, each activity is crafted to help you feel connected — to the city, its people and one another.

SItE VISITs

• Cultural & Historical Tour
  Discover Siena’s medieval streets with a local guide and get to know the city you’ll soon call
  home.
• Duomo Pass
  Explore Siena’s stunning cathedral, crypt, and baptistry — an unforgettable group experience inside one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks.

CULTURAL EVENTS

• Italian Cooking Class
  Prepare a full Italian meal together, learning new skills and sharing a homemade feast as a group.
• Contrada Museum & Community Dinner
  Visit one of Siena’s famous neighborhood Contrade, meet residents, explore their traditions and join a lively community dinner — an experience that builds genuine connections.
• Thanksgiving Meal
  Come together with classmates to celebrate the holiday abroad and reflect on your shared
  journey in Siena.

Program Costs

Program Costs

• Hope College Tuition: Cohort-specific to incoming students
• Housing: $3,250 (standard double room in apartments)

Additional Expenses (approximate)

• Student Visa Processing: $175
• Round-Trip Airfare Estimate: $1,200–1,500
• Average Cost of Meals: $2,700
• Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets, Course Materials: $125
• Rental/Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees): $30–150
• Local Transportation: $60
• Additional Personal Expenses: $1,700 

FAQs

Who is eligible to participate in the Hope in Tuscany: First Semester Abroad program?

The program is open to all incoming first-semester students who have been admitted to Hope College and are 18 years of age before the start of the program. 

Will the courses I take in Siena count toward my degree?

Yes. All courses taken through the program are Hope College courses. They appear on your transcript, count toward your GPA, and may fulfill general education or major/minor requirements.

Can anyone participate in this program and still graduate in four years?

All students can study off-campus for a semester regardless of major or minor and still graduate on time. However, due to the sequence of courses required for some STEM majors and pre-health paths, students considering degrees in these areas are encouraged to study off-campus their sophomore or junior year.

Do I need to know Italian to participate?

No prior knowledge of Italian is required. Most courses are taught in English, and you’ll have plenty of support navigating daily life in Siena.

Who will be with me in Siena?

You’ll be accompanied by a Hope College Program Director (a full-time faculty member) who teaches, advises and supports you throughout the semester. You'll also be part of a cohort of other Hope first-year students. IES Abroad local staff will also be available to support you throughout the entire semester.

Who is IES Abroad?

IES Abroad (Institute for the International Education of Students) is a trusted, nonprofit study abroad organization with over 70 years of experience delivering high-quality international education. They partner with colleges and universities across the U.S. — including Hope College — to provide academically rigorous and culturally immersive programs. In Siena, IES Abroad provides classroom instruction, housing coordination, on-site support services and local expertise to ensure a safe, enriching, and well-organized study abroad experience.

How long has Hope College partnered with IES Abroad?

Hope College has enjoyed one of the longest-standing partnerships with IES Abroad. In fact, Hope became the second-ever member institution, joining the consortium back in 1964 — a full 14 years after IES Abroad (formerly the Institute of European Studies) launched its first program in 1950. This long history reflects the deep trust and commitment between the two institutions.

Is Siena a safe place to study and live?

Siena is widely regarded as a safe and welcoming city, especially for students. The program is designed with student safety as a top priority. Hope College partners with IES Abroad, which provides you 24/7 on-site support, thorough orientation and trained staff who are familiar with the local area. In addition, the Hope Program Director will be with you throughout the semester, serving as both an academic and personal resource.

Where will I live during the program?

You will live in shared apartments in Siena arranged through IES Abroad. Housing is safe and designed to enhance your cultural immersion experience.

Does my financial aid apply to this program?

The cost of the First Semester Abroad program is comparable to a semester on campus, including tuition, housing, and program fees. Additional expenses such as airfare, meals, and personal travel are not included. Financial aid applies.

I am a Hope Forward student, can I participate in this program?

Yes! Hope Forward students can participate in this program.

Why should I consider this program as a first-year student?

The Hope in Tuscany program gives you a unique, supportive start to your college experience. You’ll live and learn with a group of Hope College classmates, build friendships quickly and gain confidence before diving into your first full semester on campus. Through hands-on activities, cultural experiences and close support from staff, you’ll develop independence, discover new interests and start your college journey with a strong community already behind you. It’s an unforgettable way to begin your first year feeling connected, prepared and excited for what’s ahead.

How will I be prepared for my semester in Siena?

We’ll make sure you feel ready and prepared before you go. Throughout the summer, you’ll get updates and info about the program, plus a few online meetups to help you get to know what to expect. In late July, you’ll come to Hope College for an in-person orientation where you’ll meet the program director and the other students going with you. It’s a great chance to connect, ask questions and start building your Siena community before you even leave.

Will I feel disconnected from campus life if I spend my first semester abroad?

Not at all. FSA students return to campus in the spring already connected through shared experiences, friendships, and a strong academic foundation. While your first semester will be spent in a different setting, you’ll gain a unique global perspective and enter campus life with confidence, curiosity, and lasting connections from your time in Siena.

How will I adjust to being at Hope in the spring semester?

Your transition to Hope will be intentionally supported. When you return from Siena, you’ll enroll in a 1-credit course with the other students from your program. This class helps you settle into campus life, reflect on your fall semester abroad and continue building the friendships you formed in Italy. You’ll also get tools to connect your Siena experience to your academics, campus involvement, and future goals — making your adjustment to Hope College smoother, more meaningful and more connected.

How do I apply?

First, complete your Hope College application and receive admission. Once admitted, contact your Hope Admissions representative to express your interest in the Hope in Tuscany program.

Do you have other questions?

For more information, reach out to the Hope College Admissions Office or the Fried Center for Global Engagement.