Description

Explore how geography, politics, and culture affect whether people can thrive in cities.

The Cities in the 21st Century program examines the intentional and natural forces that guide the development of the world's cities. It combines an innovative urban studies academic curriculum with fieldwork involving public agencies, planners, elected officials, NGOs, and grassroots groups in important world cities where exciting changes are taking place.

Students learn how to "read a city" an iterative process that hones the ability to observe, question, document, research, and communicate leading to a better understanding of the interconnected social, physical, economic, environmental and political systems that affect urban environments.

Students examine how the structure of a city enhances or impedes growth. They learn who exercises power in cities and where power comes from. And they examine the role of state and local government in formulating development policies in a changing world economy, and the challenges public policymakers face in light of increasing inequity.

IHP's comparative approach enables students to analyze and contrast major issues across cities, and track how concerns manifest themselves in the planning process, and ultimately, in a course of action.

Highlights

Key Questions
Though human needs may be similar around the globe, why does a city's ability to satisfy those needs vary?

How do people create a sense of place, of community, of urban identity?
What historical and socio-cultural contexts frame the opportunities, constraints, and uncertainties of urban life?

What must be done - and by whom - to move toward ecologically sustainable cities?
What are the opportunities for political action by individuals, community organizations, social movements, or even local government to shape city life?

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Program Fees Include:

SIT Study Abroad program fees include all courses, educational excursions, health insurance, and full room and board (all meals and accommodation) for the entire program period. Fees and additional expenses are based on all known circumstances at the time of calculation. Due to the unique nature of our programs and the economics of host countries, SIT reserves the right to change its fees or additional expenses without notice.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 20

Scholarships are Available

Each semester, IHP offers a limited number of grants to eligible students. These grants are awarded based on financial need. The grant funds are administered and made possible by IHP. Unfortunately, IHP is unable to provide full financial support to students. IHP grants, which generally range from USD 500 to 10,000, with average awards at USD 2,000, are meant to help defray the costs of international study and to assist students for whom a small amount of aid may mean the difference between studying abroad and staying home.

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

3 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement

A pioneer in experiential, field-based study abroad, SIT offers semester, summer, and academic year programs for undergraduate students in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as comparative programs in multiple locations.

Programs focus on critical global issues in specific geographical and cultural contexts using an interdisciplinary approach. Studying with host country faculty and living with families, students gain a deep appreciation for local cultures and become immersed in diverse topics ranging from the politics of identity to post-conflict transformation, from global health to environmental policy. 

Year Founded

1932