I'm doing a college semester abroad (early January-end of April) and am really tied up as to which place to choose. If I go to either Florence or Siena, it will be my third time in Italy (I've spent two previous summers there). I haven't taken Italian, but I will take a semester of Italian classes before I leave so that I have some Italian going in. Both of these programs involve living with a host family. I've been to Florence before and have some Italian friends/acquaintances at the Universita di Firenze, but my main concern with Florence is the prevalence of American tourists. Is it possible to really have an authentic, integrated study abroad experience here? How might the experience compare to living in Siena, where there are fewer American students?

The other option I have is Amsterdam. I've never been to Holland before, so that's a plus in my book (although getting to know a place more in-depth is really nice, too). I know the weather is colder, but can anyone who's been there also speak to the presence of American tourists there? Would I be welcomed and integrated as an American student or be just one of many Americans with a very long stay? The Amsterdam program involves living in an apartment, rather than a homestay.

Thanks for your opinions!