Academic Year Abroad Siena at the Università degli Studi & the Università per Stranieri

AYA Siena Director, Maria Viñas Sestini

The AYA Direttrice, Maria Viñas Sestini, served in Siena at the initiation of the program in 1984, but has been Director of AYA Madrid as well. She has a degree in journalism from the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, a diploma in Italian language and culture from the Università per Stranieri di Siena, and a masters degree from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Originating in Burgos, Spain, Signora Viñas Sestini is married to a native-born Sienese and has lived, with her family, in Italy for extended periods of time.

The role of the Director is to guide AYA students through the maze of study possibilities and see to the organizing of tutorials and the transmission of grades. She maintains contacts with the professors and helps with housing, orientation, and cultural activities. AYA students come to regard the Direttrice as teacher, adviser, and friend, their most important link during their period of study in Siena to the city and the universities.