SIT Study Abroad

Disappointing, I feel like I paid for my grade

Submitted by Amy - Denver | June 10, 2018

There was multiple instances on my trip where the trip leaders completely ignored our health concerns. It was incredibly concerning and frustrating.
1- My roommate found out she had scabies on the trip. I asked to be moved to a different room, trip leaders refused, saying it wasn't contagious. They did pass out medication, (sulfur soap) to all students but didn't explain why we were supposed to use it.
2- A student presented with parasites, when they asked if they could have antibiotics leaders denied medical attention and said it wasn't necessary.
3 - I had done some traveling in SE Asia in the weeks before the trip. By the 3rd week of the course I had had dysentery for 5 weeks and had already lost 20 pounds. I couldn't keep food or water down and was miserable. I asked to be taken to a doctor, they offered acupuncture and herbs. There was no relief from the treatment they offered. Despite my repeated requests and inquiries they wouldn't help me see a western doctor to get antibiotics.

The fellow students on the trip were primarily trust funders who formed clicks within 2 days. They were disrespectful towards teachers, locals and fellow students. They where an embarrassing example of Americans abroad.

The program apart from language component, is incredibly easy. I feel like the $10,000 price tag of this trip paid for my grade.

Program: China: Community Health and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Disorganized, but built for the independent

Submitted by Hannah - - | March 12, 2018

Overall, I felt the academic director was a bit disorganized. I did not feel he understood the students' needs and concerns, and therefor could not successfully address them. I did not like how all of the courses were taught by guest lecturers. It felt all over the place and I did not feel I took cohesive courses. However, I appreciated the access the program gave me to the major health organizations in Geneva. My favorite part of the program was the ISP. I loved being able to independently research my topic of interest-- the reason why I went on the program to begin with. Switzerland is an expensive country, but the stipend can cover your costs for food if you are paying attention to where your money is going.

Program: Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy

Amazing semester abroad; 10/10 would recommend

Submitted by Elizabeth Millar - Davidson College | March 08, 2018

I had a wonderful experience through SIT's study abroad program in Buenos Aires. The experiential learning component of SIT is especially notable, as it provides a wonderful way to apply what we have learned in the classroom, meet locals, and explore surrounding areas. During this program we travelled to Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil where we got to interact with a lot of local organizations as well as explore the cities.
I also really enjoyed the challenge of taking our classes in Spanish. All of our professors and program directors were very accommodating to all levels of Spanish, and they were available for help when needed. We were placed into a beginner, intermediate or advanced Spanish class based on a written and oral entrance exam. These classes were a great time to really focus on what we as a small group specifically wanted to improve upon. Thus, the agenda was flexible and I think students felt more comfortable in this setting with speaking and asking questions since you are placed with students at the same level of Spanish.
Overall, I had a really wonderful experience. I loved the classes, the city, my host family, the things to do in Buenos Aires, and the trips and activities we got to participate in through the program. I would highly recommend this program!

Program: Argentina: Transnationalism & Comparative Development in SA

Wonderful program with great opportunities

Submitted by Lane Klossner - Tulane University | March 03, 2018

This program provided many opportunities that would never have been possible alone. We were able to meet people and go to places that aren't accessible to your typical tourist, making the program feel very worthwhile. Another wonderful aspect of the program was that it was clearly worth the cost. There was never a moment where anyone wondered where all the tuition money had gone; it was visibly being spent on our experiences and and our time abroad.
The host families were the absolute best part of my time abroad. Each family was carefully chosen and a lot of time and energy went into pairing up students with the best fit.

Program: Chile: Public Health, Traditional Medicine

A++++ field-based experience!

Submitted by Rebekah Katz - Swarthmore College | March 02, 2018

SIT Ecuador: Development, Politics, and Languages could not have been a better experience. I applied to the program on a whim following the advice of my study abroad advisor and it could not have been a more perfect fit, and the hands-on, field-based experience we had was once in a lifetime. From city life in Quito to the coast of Guayaquil and the Galapagos Islands, all the way to the Amazon, we had the unique opportunity of being able to learn first-hand about Ecuador's most pressing socio-political issues from those directly involved in grassroots organizations and those affected by the ever-shifting political climate. Fabian, the academic director, is the most knowledgeable and passionate teacher I have ever had in my life. He and Sofia (the assistant director) were a constant support structure throughout the entire process and were always ready, willing, and able to lend an ear, a hand, or whatever you might need. I was able to immerse myself in Ecuadorian culture through my homestays and consequently improved my Spanish dramatically. The ISP was an incredible experience; I was able to prove to myself that I can, do, and will belong in academia, an aspect I have been doubting about myself for a long time. The opportunity to engage in field-based primary research at that level with the level of support that we had is something incredibly unique. The best part of the program is that you can really mold it to your academic interests- whether you're passionate about the environment, human migration, linguistics, gay rights, etc. etc., you can make the program what you want it to be!

Program: Ecuador: Development, Politics, and Languages