SIT Study Abroad

I initially thought that the experience would be much more academically intense than it actually was. This notion was based on the information in the syllabi. The seminar syllabus listed weekly required readings and even an in-class exam, but neither occurred. In the project class, the weights for each assignment were far from accurate, and the required word count was double what it should have been. I am not complaining that I did not have much work to do, but the syllabi should be updated to represent the classes accurately. The two individuals who led the program did a good job planning the experience and ensuring that students were in the know about the activities that would be done each day. However, some activities and site visits felt like fillers to make sure students did not have too much free time. The dorms and hostel we stayed at were overall very solid. The only negative was the kitchen at the hostel in Akureyri, which only contained a mini fridge, a microwave, and one burner. The food in Iceland is extremely mediocre due to its reliance on imported products. This means that produce and food overall were often below the standards of food in the U.S. On top of this, any above-average food you want to eat will cost you an arm and a leg, so eating out often is impossible if you want to stay within budget. One positive of Iceland is that almost everyone knows English. This made traveling and communicating very easy. Icelanders are known to be very honest and can sometimes be judgmental if tourists are not abiding by the country's norms.

I arrived expecting to learn about public health, but I left with a new understanding of myself, my future, and the world around me. Through SIT’s Public Health in Urban Environments program, I studied Argentina’s health system, epidemiology, and social determinants of health while experiencing firsthand how culture, community, and inequality shape health. My independent research on access to dental care in underserved communities was especially meaningful. As someone pursuing pediatric dentistry, speaking with dentists and families strengthened my desire to make oral healthcare more accessible and culturally responsive. But some of my most important lessons happened outside the classroom. Living with a host family, traveling throughout Argentina, building friendships, and navigating a new environment pushed me beyond what was comfortable and made me more independent and open-minded. Study abroad didn’t just give me memories or academic credits it changed how I see my education, my future career, and myself. As a mentor, I hope to help other students take that same leap and make their experience their own.

SIT Portugal was a great study-abroad opportunity, where I was able to further my academics, gain cultural experiences, and explore new places. The support provided by SIT was wonderful! They were accessible and always answered questions, whether it was about needing help with school assignments or trying to find a doctor. Some of my favorite experiences abroad were the excursions within Portugal, to Porto (and the Douro Valley), São Miguel, and Alentejo. These trips included trying new foods, going for hikes, and exploring scenic areas. The trips were always well organized and action-packed. SIT Portugal also gave me so many wonderful friends; the cohort system allows you to live and go to classes with all of the people in your program. Making it easy to commute, grocery shop, and cook together. I truly felt that SIT Portugal provided us with all the tools to feel comfortable living in another country, making it enjoyable to try new things and explore. For example, in the first week we did a Portuguese cooking class, which helped us work on our cooking skills and learn to make traditional Portuguese food. The academics abroad were serious, but the amount of structured class time forced you to stay organized and plan activities, which I found incredibly beneficial. Additionally, the ISP period (Independent Study Project) is about the last month of the program, during which you have no classes. This period was great for so many reasons; first, it taught you how to manage your time on your own. It was also a great time to take a longer trip or travel to a couple of places since there was less structure (though you have to make sure you plan time to work as well!). Also, the project is completely your own, and you are able to research something that interests you. Overall, I found that SIT Portugal provided me with a wonderful abroad experience where I learned a ton, travelled, and had enough balance to do social things and explore.

This program was truly unforgettable. I learned more than I could ever imagine both inside and outside of the classroom. I made invaluable connections and lifelong friendships and I was supported by incredible administrative staff. I highly recommend this program for anyone who is adventurous, serious about academics, and wanting to learn more about themselves and the world.

Studying abroad in Buenos Aires was one of the best decisions I've made. I learned so much through my classes, internship, and day to day life in the city. Being able to see public health from a different perspective helped me grow both academically and personally. The program staff were incredibly supportive, my host family made me feel at home, and I made great friends along the way. Of course there were adjustments, like getting used to the late dinners and navigating a new city, but those experiences became part of what made the semester so memorable. I came home more confident, more independent, and even more excited about pursuing a career in public health. I would definitely choose this program again and recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful study abroad experience.

During my semester abroad, I developed my Spanish skills and learned a lot about the world of research and conservation. During the final month, students complete a self-designed independent research project of their choosing. For me, this time was the most valuable of the entire trip.

Is it cliche to say abroad changed me? Either way, it’s true. This program developed my science communication skills, confidence in myself as a researcher and scientist, and field skills while keeping cultural connectivity and the natural world at the forefront. Between the oldest rainforest in the world, the Great Barrier Reef (my dream travel destination), and Cairns itself, I kept pinching myself at how beautiful and complex an ecosystem we were constantly emerged in and learning about. The assignments were really interesting and taught me a lot about how to communicate science and conduct research, and nothing beats snorkeling for hours at Lizard Island! My Independent Study Project (ISP) was SUCH a fun and immersive way to lean in to the things I noticed in Australia that interested me most. I was also able to incorporate my major (biochemistry) into my ISP, and to learn about intersections between ecology and biochem! I came back a lot more confident, a lot more knowledgeable about conservation biology, and with the fun party trick of being able to identify all the birds native to the Cairns Esplanade. If you’re thinking about doing this program, this is your sign…

When I left for Chile initially, I will admit to being nervous. Many of my friends were going abroad together to larger programs more endorsed by my school, or to English speaking countries with diminished cultural barriers. However, I knew that I wanted a more unique experience, and one that was also justifiable with my pre-health aspirations. The SIT Chile program was truly that and so much more, and I am so glad I left my comfort zone to pursue it! In this review I will talk about a few of my favorite places we visited. Our journey began in Santiago, but the next stop of Arica was where we spent the majority of our time. In Arica, I had the opportunity to integrate into a loving and supporting host family, with whom I talked for hours over meals, went on weekly ice cream trips, had fun at the beach, went on shopping trips to the mall, grocery store, and corner store, and more. They were the family I spent most of my time with, and by the end of the program I had become incredibly close with them. Near Arica, we visited the city of Putre. Putre was my favorite place of the entire trip, however I will admit this occurred after an rocky start. When I first arrived, while I got along perfectly fine with my host family, I did not feel the strongest of connections. However, when I ultimately decided to return alone for my internship period, the program was exceptionally accommodating in allowing me to change to a different host family with whom I had interacted with. I became very close with my second host mother, who worked at the hospital I was doing my internship at. She would pack lunches for me, watch movies with me, and helped me integrate into the hospital community with whom outside of work I would go out to eat or get pizza and play card games. During my internship in Putre, I was completely integrated into the local community despite being the only white person. In my internship I had the opportunity to go on rounds in the breathtaking surrounding communities and assist the staff in delivering primary care in the rural Chilean Altiplanos. In the community I had the opportunity to partake in the Aymaran Cruz de Mayo festival, which involved singing, dancing, hiking and eating traditional Chilean barbeque. I became very close with the Aymaran indigenous medicine doctor who worked alongside western medical practitioners in the hospital, and during this festival he essentially adopted me into his family. I also had the opportunity to participate in the Aymaran K'illpa in the nearby community of Visviri, who also accepted me with open arms. Being accepted into and experiencing the communities of Putre and Visviri has left a profound impact on me, and I am so grateful to the SIT Chile program for facilitating this. A few of my other favorite places we visited during my time in Chile with our program were Temuco, Entre Rios (near Nueva Imperial) and Pucón. These southern cities were incredibly green, with visually stunning rolling hills, lakes and coastal towns. They also held strong ties to the local indigenous Mapuche culture. In Entre Rios, I was fascinated to learn how an incredibly strong traditional Mapuche indigenous culture works in combination with the western medical system. I also lived with a large family on their farm for week, where I enjoyed banter with my host sister, assisting the middle aged family members on the farm, and being spoiled with delicious traditional Chilean meals by the grandparents. Temuco was a larger bustling town, a capital of the south, while Pucón was essentially an alpine vacation getaway. Separate from the program with a few friends during long weekends we also visited La Paz and San Pedro de Atacama. If you go on this program be sure to make time for independent travel, as the experiences I had in these locations were amazing. Overall, the program provided me with exceptional support from both the directors and host families. The experience and global health minor I gained will be directly applicable to my future aspirations in pre-health. The academics were usually lighter, although there were times which were demanding. However, I always found that putting in effort was enough to warrant good grades, even with my initial difficulties of Spanish mastery. If you are willing to put yourself out there and experience immersion into a beautiful culture, then this is the program for you!

I studied abroad in Cusco, Peru, in Fall 2025 through SIT Peru: Indigenous Peoples and Globalization. I absolutely loved this program! The immersive learning was the best aspect. We visited Indigenous communities, including Huilloc, Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon, and Taquile Island. There is no substitute for actually visiting these places. These experiences helped me understand the course material and develop empathy in a way that classroom learning alone could not. The independent research process was conducted in Spanish, including interviews, the final paper, and presentation. I became close with the family I stayed with during research, and I still have the contact information of Indigenous women textile weavers I met, and have spoken with some of them since returning home. I had an amazing experience with my host family in Cusco. I am still very close with them, and they are like a second family to me! They introduced me to their extended family, took me on day trips, to different restaurants, and really helped me get to know Cusco. I still carry a pendant with their family crest on my keychain. Cusco itself was also a major part of why I loved the program. The city has many museums, Inca archaeological sites, restaurants, and opportunities for hiking and day trips, including Humantay Lake. Living there gave me time to explore both the historic center and everyday life outside the main tourist areas. My neighborhood felt very safe, and the program classes were a ten-minute walk away. Our Spanish classes were held at a local school. Our small class became close with our professor, and my Spanish improved. For the program classes, different lecturers came in, and the material is very interesting, focusing on Peruvian and Indigenous history. Prospective students should know that this is different from a typical university exchange. You are not enrolled at a local university, and classes are only with your SIT cohort. Cultural immersion comes through your host family, excursions, research, and your effort to explore Cusco and meet people. There is less unstructured time for hobbies or travel. However, this structure allows for community visits and direct learning about Indigenous cultures that would be difficult through a standard exchange. Students should prepare for basic living conditions during some community stays. On Taquile Island, accommodations had limited running water, no hot water, and early mornings. These stays were difficult, but also among the program’s greatest benefits. We worked on chacras, participated in local activities, and even attended a wedding! I strongly recommend the program, but students should be ready for unfamiliar environments and moments of loneliness or doubt. Those feelings are normal and should not be taken as a sign not to do the program. For me, it was life-changing. I met incredible people, broadened my understanding of Peru and Indigenous communities, and formed relationships I expect to maintain for the rest of my life. I would without hesitation make the same decision again.

Studying with SIT in Sevilla this summer has been a great experience, and I feel like that was thanks to the structure of the program. Most days, we had one lesson in a traditional classroom plus an additional lesson, activity, or tour out in the city later. Some focused on Sevilla’s history and culture, others gave us the opportunity to learn about social movements and meet with actual community organizers/leaders, while others focused on sustainability in the city.

SIT provides incredibly helpful and insightful staff who are there to help you through the journey. The excursions on this program and made to be fun and interesting while showing all sides of the city of Seville. The residence hall is top notch and allows for social opportunities to meet other students. Over all, Seville is beautiful and the program is a great international experience that gives you opportunities to grow socially and academically.

This program was incredible i would absolutely do it again and recommend it to others. It was eye opening and really solidified my passion towards urban sustainability and social justice and i met so many incredible people!

This program provided me with an experience that was truly life-changing in every way I am incredibly thankful for. As cliché as it may sound, I can genuinely say that I view the world differently now. The program changed the way I interact with people, animals, nature, and the world around me. I learned so much academically, but what made the experience especially meaningful was how reciprocal and personal the teaching felt. The curriculum and teaching styles were adapted to what worked best for each individual student. You could tell that the people who managed the program put their hearts, souls, and so much of their lives into making it a meaningful experience for us. The Independent Study Project was also extremely fulfilling. We were given the tools to conduct field-based research and learned through both guidance and trial and error. That is a skill that will be useful for anything we decide to pursue in academia, whether that is future research, a senior thesis, or graduate school. Every community we visited was memorable, and every person we met left a piece of themselves with me. I still think about the conversations we had, the stories people shared, and the generosity with which they welcomed us into their communities. The homestay and cultural immersion aspects of the program were equally important for me as I learned so much about Argentine culture through the shared meals with my wonderful host family. By the end of the program, and even now as i write this, I truly feel like I found a third home in Argentina.

I'm so glad I went to Nepal for my study abroad semester. As an international studies major with a focus in religious studies, it was a great place to combine these two interests. I learned a lot about the geopolitics of the region and the fascinating religious landscape there. The highlight of the program was our excursion to Upper Mustang. It was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been and I had the opportunity to engage with women in several different villages, talking to them about their experiences with Buddhism. I don't think I'll ever have an experience like that again. It was also lovely to live with my host family and meet local students! They were all some of the kindest people I've met. I am also grateful for the opportunity I had in the final month of the program to intern/volunteer with a women's organization in Kathmandu. I received a warm welcome, learned about the experiences of women in Nepal, and got to know some amazing women who have been working to support women and their rights for decades. The semester was definitely not without its challenges (it's difficult to be in a place where you're clearly an outsider for so long, and I had my fair share of the classic stomach issues), but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Oaxaca clarified my ambitions for the future, made me reflect on my interpersonal relationships because of the depth of kindness that I found in complete strangers, introduced me to lifelong friends and some of the funniest and most dedicated people I've ever met, taught me about what community efforts can humbly accomplish, and brought back a piece of myself that was lost in a lot of rush and struggle that this new pace of life and focus on more pressing issues washed out. The SIT program coordinators and the excursions we took were highlights of the program.

No words can describe how incredible this program is with its passionate academic directors, incredibly planned excursions, and the welcoming host families with whom students live for the majority of the time in Ecuador. During this program, I was taught courses in Quito and took my learning every other week on a different excursion, where we did field-based work. We went on planned excursions to the Paramo Highlands, multiple parts of the Cloud Forest, the Amazon rainforest, and the Galapagos Islands. Overall, the cultural and educational experiences I had here cannot be compared to anything I had experienced in my life until coming to this incredible country with SIT.

I absolutely loved this program. I got to Argentina with pretty moderate Spanish skills, and I improved exponentially. Also, I loved living with a host family and traveling around Argentina as part of the program. Finally, the internship opportunity was incredible. I got to observe in a hospital and learned so much! The people of Argentina are so kind and welcoming and BA is a beautiful city!

SIT Indonesia will have you taking planes, trains, automobiles, and boats around some (though certainly not all) of Indonesia's 17000 islands. You will have lectures outside, visit renowned universities and take classes from their professors, and meet students from colleges in both Bali and Java. Most of the learning, though, happens outside of the classroom. SIT is incredibly experience-driven. Meaning, you will learn about Indonesian culture, language, and history by going to dance performances, hiking to the tops of volcanoes, and wandering the streets on "drop-off" style scavenger hunts. That is not to say you will be overwhelmed or out of your depth; you will be supported by the (amazing!) staff and spend most of your time living with a host family in a Balinese village. This program is best for those who are motivated to step outside, meet new people, and connect with every person they meet and site they visit. Over my semester with SIT, I learned to be adaptable to any situation, to build connections quickly, and to engage anyone and everyone in conversation --- be it academic, ethnographic, or personal. It was incredibly worthwhile and genuinely the best part of my college experience

I had a fantastic time on my semester abroad in Vienna, Budapest, and Belgrade. Based in Vienna, the program took us deep into the heart of European politics, democracy, and diplomatic institutions. Through excellent guest lecturers and site visits, we were introduced to the complexity of Europe. Vienna is a hub of international happenings and a city soaked in history, art, and culture. Staying with a host family was an amazing opportunity to get local knowledge and practice cross-cultural skills. From Vienna, we traveled to Budapest and Belgrade. Through cultural outings, academic discussions, and political events, our knowledge was challenged, changed, and cultivated during the excursions. During the ISP period, I was able to dive deep into the politics of Vienna by exploring the democratic implications of it's excellent public space infrastructure. For anyone interested in international relations, European politics, diplomacy, or democracy, I would highly recommend the program.

I participated in the Madagascar Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management program in the spring of 2022. I cannot speak highly enough about the program. My cohort consisted of a small group of 5 students with biological and environmental backgrounds. The experience, from start to finish, was a life-altering one to say the least. The Malagasy advisors and program leads were some of the kindest, most caring, and inspiring people I have ever met in my life. They are not only top-level scientists but also incredibly passionate people who are able to manage the difficulties of supporting a cohort of students in a foreign country. The program strikes a wonderful balance of doing the appropriate amount of hand-holding that is necessary to traverse a foreign environment, while still safely pushing us to navigate on our own. When I entered the program it was the tail-end of Covid restrictions. I had very little outdoor experience, had never been so far away from home and was a lost undergrad student unsure of what to do with her life. The program leads supported and pushed me to pursue things I never would have dreamed were possible, and right into my current career. I fell in love with science and Madagascar, and now 4 years later I am still pursuing my passions in both. I cannot emphasize enough how important this program is. If you have any inkling that this program could be right for you, I heavily encourage you to apply. Madagascar is a spectacular country and through this program you will have the honor of discovering it through some of the most qualified and interesting people possible.

My time abroad in Ushuaia was awesome. Exciting and unique; an extremely outdoorsy and rugged experience. I mean, come on-- I got to go to Antarctica! I got comfortable being dirty and learned to love it. I grew into my capability for doing anything I put my mind to. My host mom was wonderful. I couldn't have asked for a better stay. She took me in as her "daughter" and showed me around, taking me to do local activities, to her favorite restaurants, and on a road trip. Granted, some other students didn’t have as much luck, but if they were truly uncomfortable the program directors found another family to relocate the students to, each time being a large improvement. The program directors were awesome. truly treated us like adults but showed up time and time again, proving beyond doubt that our well-being was of utmost priority. The cohort of students is small (mine was 17 students but I know recent programs have been about ~25); so it’s nice to have a group to do everything with, but if you thrive in crowds or are looking to study at a local university, maybe reconsider how you want your study abroad community to look. The academics were great. Two words: EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING. We learned so much from so many different sectors; tourism, fisheries, biology, culture, economy. We learned in so many different places, too: classrooms, museums, mountains, beaches, plains. I practiced my Spanish constantly. The one critique is that I wish my Spanish language class would have been a little more intensive. I think I could’ve learned more in the time we had. If you want a true adventure, to immerse yourself in Spanish language and Argentine culture, to be outside, and to learn with your senses with a small group, this is the program for you.

The program directors, host families, and every person we met made this experience incredible. I learned so much and felt very supported at every step. I feel like I have a leg up in life having done this program.

The experience of field-based learning and cultural immersion has left a remarkable impact on me that I will undoubtedly never forget. As a Black and queer student, I have developed so much as a person, as a student, a creative, a friend, a community member, etc. I have learned more about myself through exposure to things both familiar and unfamiliar. I am more confident sure of who I am because of this program. Additionally I've developed knowledge of human rights histories and current issues and fostered the skills to articulate effective action items accordingly.

We were able to experience so much throughout the semester through cultural immersion and wildlife observations that went far beyond my expectations. The staff and teachers were all so welcoming and helpful, and I learned so much while having an amazing and fun semester.

I understand that studying abroad in India is unconventional, that it doesn't strike Westerners as appealing as France or England. However, it is India that will teach you more about your knowledge, yourself, and your realities. It will test you, but it is a life-changing experience. Through my experience with SIT, I was thoroughly supported, cared about, and loved by all faculty. I was stimulated academically, linguistically, and culturally. The most incredible learning outcome from this experience was ISP period, doing research and field work was invaluable and is another building block for my career in public health.

Iceland is amazing! I recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a unique study abroad experience full of adventure and lots of moving around (pack light!). We got to hike to waterfalls, visit volcanoes, and tour Europe's largest glacier! We also get a range of living experiences, from living with host families to hostel hopping. There is also a great opportunity to conduct independent research on the topic of your choice, which provided me not only with meaningful research experience, but a greater understanding of and appreciation for Iceland's fight against climate change.

I learned so much about myself, about the landscape, and about how to be by myself in a new space. I loved every second of my semester, not exaggerating. Even in the seconds that I was homesick, I was also eternally grateful for the chance to be homesick at all. I miss the pastries in the city, walking through the forest in the pouring rain, the colors of the houses, the fog, the snow, the twinkle lights. I felt so supported and seen by my professors, who really want you to grow as an individual and explore new things. I miss my peers most of all. The program attracts a very independent, curious, and impressive group of kids. I felt really comfortable with all of them, and I wish nothing but the best for them now. I'm still in touch with the close friends I made there. I loved the Icelandic people, the open and honest conversations, and traveling around the country at breakneck speed, hostel-hopping, and getting to know the landscape. It feels like you're not really a tourist and not really a local, but somewhere in between. I can't wait to go back.

I really enjoyed my time in Iceland with SIT! It's a great way to explore the country since you go everywhere, as well as integrate into the local community as you do a homestay, and the program has very good connections with Icelanders all over the country. I found the academics to be very easy, but you get to do an independent study project for the final 1/3 of the program, where you can really push yourself and do a lot of cool research anywhere in the country you'd like. Outside of class, a lot of people on the program, including myself, really enjoyed hiking and exploring wherever we were in the country, and I think the program would be best suited for people with similar interests. You are given a lot of freedom, and if you put it to good use by exploring, asking questions, and interacting with the local people, you can have a ton of fun and a transformative experience. The program also has a really good stipend that saved me a lot of money and was a big draw for me when choosing a program to study abroad with.

I had a great time studying abroad with SIT India. I was able to apply my interests in Environmental Studies and Public Health, while learning about global inequality from an Indian context. The homestay was a valuable part of my experience, and I would definitely recommend this program to future students.

This program was amazing, and gave me the chance to see many facets of science and life in Madagascar. My host family was lovely, and they had a bunch of really interesting lecturers, from professors, to NGO heads, to government officials, who covered topics ranging from environmental law to terrestrial and marine biology. You get to travel with the program to the Eastern humid forest and down South to the coast to see really diverse landscapes and ecology. The Malagasy course and my host family got me speaking enough Malagasy to do an internship after the program. Everyone in the program was wonderful especially the Professors, Ando and Alida, and my fellow students. If you are interested, I can't recommend it enough!

The program staff and directors made this experience truly wonderful, as well as the incredible beauty and welcomeness of Madagascar and its people. This program is best for students interested in getting outdoors, exploring nature, and unafraid of getting their boots muddy. French language skills are also very useful - even if just basic enough to navigate the market. Our Malagasy language classes were a highlight, as well as excursions to various national parks with Ando and Alida! The fresh fruit in the country is fantastic, but don’t try to order a burger (Malagasy food in Madagascar is good, but American food in Madagascar is not as good). Get to know Tana - there’s so many cool places you can walk within the city. And try to get out to Lake Itasy - where there’s beautiful beaches and villas that (with our USD) are reasonably priced. Finally, get to know your host family. They are such an incredible group of people, and I feel like I learned so much from my homestay experience. They were so interested in getting to know me, in helping me to know Madagascar, and in just hanging out or having tea anytime! If this program is right for your academic interests, I highly recommend going to SIT Madagascar! There’s really no opportunity like this to see and experience one of the most biodiverse and beautiful places on earth.

Studying Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management with SIT was the best decision I could have made when looking at abroad programs. This program cares about each and every one of its students and introduces you to the most exquisite places, people, and animals. Getting to stay with a homestay family was an amazing opportunity for language immersion and creating that close-knit family bond in your home away from home. This program has incredible staff, my cohort became our own little family by the end of the semester, and you'll never forget the beautiful places you visit while being here. I cannot recommend this program more; I would do it all again in a heartbeat. A piece of my heart will always be in Zanzibar!

SIT Zanzibar is the perfect study abroad program for students looking to experience a completely different culture and way of life, all while seeing the best nature of your life. Some of the highlights of my experience include swimming with dolphins, exploring the amazing creatures of intertidal zones across the island, being welcomed into a Swahili home, and conducting a month-long research project on Chumbe Island! Moreover, the academic director and staff of the program are wonderful and will go to any length to ensure students are safe, happy, and engaged. I would choose SIT Zanzibar again in a heartbeat.

Most beautiful place, people, language and vibes ever. 🥭🥭🥭 the SIT staff is so friendly and helpful. The community is tight knit and the program will take you to the most beautiful tropical locations of your life

The SIT program in Durban has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life! One of the greatest gifts of this program is that it would be impossible to recreate on your own or with any other company. The opportunity to meet with so many local people in Durban working to make change, attend book talks/lectures by a variety of professors, hear the experiences of local people working to make change post-apartheid, and about their experiences during apartheid, and living in home-stays is only possible through this SIT program. From day one, the cohort felt like a family, and learning from Dr. Buccus a privilege. The program offers safety, diversity in experience and excursions, fosters community between students, and was responsive to the individual passions and interests that each of us brought. I truly cannot overstate my gratitude towards the staff of SIT for offering such a well-rounded, academically rigorous, and culturally immersive program.

I loved every moment of this abroad experience. From the relationships I built with SIT staff, to the meaningful conversations I had with local community leaders and organizations we worked with, to my fellow students, who are now family for life, to every little moment of learning and laughter. A once in a life time experience that I wouldn't trade for the world. Thank you SIT!

The unique aspects that this SIT program offered influenced my decision to ultimately choose the Switzerland: Global Health and Developmental Policy Program. My favorite academic aspects of the program were the countless briefings at NGOs and IGOs, the week-long WHO model-UN-like simulation, and the Independent Study Project that required students to take initiative on conducting public health research on a topic they found interesting and networking with experts in the respective fields. The Morocco excursion, where we stayed with host families in the city of Rabat and experienced their culture through their cuisine, music, and local markets. We spoke with many local organizations that aimed to serve smaller populations where their impact was truly felt. Living with a host family in Switzerland also provided an immersive experience. Eating with a family, sharing stories of our day, and even going on hikes together were memorable. The connections I made with my host family and my friends in my cohort will last a lifetime, and I am very grateful for the many adventures we took together that made my study abroad so special.

There are plenty of opportunities to engage with the material and tailor the rigor to what you're looking for. The program directors are wonderful, and care very much about their students. Everyone speaks very good English, but speaking Icelandic helps you to engage with the culture and talk to the locals better. There are language lessons covering the basics with this program, and the homestay portion really helps to gain immersion if you're looking to learn more of the language, and engage with the people. I gained an understanding of climate change that I didn't have the same way before--actually being in a place that has experienced great warming and extreme weather of all sorts is very different from learning about it in classes. I also gained some really close friends, colleagues, and a sense of direction for my future. There are active outdoorsy adventures as part of the field work portion of this experience, be prepared for the weather and and these are great fun as well as a rich educational experience. Also beware of the darkness in winter, stay active, stay social, and give yourself grace.

I truly had one of the best experiences in my life in Madagascar. The program was set up so well and the instructors and directors organized everything perfectly. It was a great mix of classroom lectures and assignments and field excursions. I was able to build contacts through this program and return to Madagascar in the summer to do more research. I highly recommend!

SIT did a great job of connecting us with public health experts and showing us the different NGOs in the Geneva/Rabat area. The independent study project was rewarding and prepared me for future academic research. My French skills also developed, thanks to my time with a host family and French classes. Finally, my cohort and the SIT staff were very welcoming and made me feel at home in the program!

In Madagascar, I learned how to express myself in three languages, listen closely, and be open to cultural practices different from my own. The program enabled me to engage directly with the subject matter (Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management) instead of speaking abstractly, build positive relationships, and open myself to new worldviews. Most importantly, the program staff are exceptional! Anecdote: Supported by the nonprofit Planet Madagascar, in spring '24 I camped for two weeks between the rural village of Maevetanimbary and a research encampment in Ankarafantsika National Park, a national park in the northwest. To better understand the impact of fire on forested zones, I compared physical characteristics and species diversity between burned and unburned zones. I wrote a project report and presented my work to the national park’s directors in French. To study natural resource management and the ecotourism economy as a study abroad student and a foreigner is an incredibly complex task. My interactions with local scientists, store owners, and governmental workers; coursework on the Malagasy language and the incredible local biodiversity; and relationships with host families built my ability to engage in a good way in a place far from my home. As such, I am proud of the research I conducted in Anakarafantsika and grateful to have had access to such powerful experiential learning.

This program is great! The program directors and all the staff are incredible, very kind, helpful, and communicative. I learned a lot, both in and out of the classroom. The internship/ISP portion was also very valuable and fun. I highly recommend this program, it was amazing.

The program staff were wonderful. The educational content and professors were wonderful, world renowned scientists were often invited to speak in lectures. Language and cultural immersion were a big part of our experience and one of the best parts. I've made life long friends in Mada that I still talk with regularly. Field work was immersive and there was the chance to extend our stay in Mada pursuing science (a few of us stayed 6 months). Science wasn't my major (my BA is in French), and this program inspired me to pursue environmental conservation as a masters. I honestly have nothing but good things to say about the program. You won't regret going it's worth every penny. Feel free to whatsapp me if you have any questions @L.mikayla

If you are thinking about enrolling- DO IT! The hands on experience with Madagascar's rich biodiversity gave meaning to my biology degree. I now have expertise in field sampling methods, which has opened doors to new opportunities for me. The professors are amazing, wonderful people who will go out of their way to guide students to success. Staff worked day and night to keep us safe, enriched, and engaged in an otherwise unfamiliar country. After I’ve been to the jungle, I don’t want to go back to the way my life was before. There is so much more to life than living a typical 9-5. Get out there. Do research. And go to Madagascar.

This program was an incredible way to experience Madagascar. We stayed with two different host families in Tana and Andasibe. We learned how to do different types of study in the rainforest - of lemurs and of plant life - skills are that some students developed further in their independent studies. The independent study was really monumental for me - through which I learned independence, as well as how to conduct an interview-based study. Beyond academics, the 16 of us American students quickly became close - it was so fun to explore Tana’s cafes and nightlife together. This program combines experiential learning and cultural immersion so well — and you will definitely return with more friends than you started with!

This program was incredibly immersive and the faculty and staff were lovely. Everybody that I met was so welcoming and lovely, and Madagascar is a beautiful country with incredibly diverse cultures and ecosystems! As a student in the program, you live with a host family in Antananarivo, within walking distance of the program center, where you take classes. I practiced my French daily, which was a great experience and definitely helped me improve my conversation skills. I also really enjoyed our Malagasy class! I loved the excursions to the eastern rainforest (we saw lots of lemurs!), the southwestern coast (coral reefs!), and being able to complete an independent study project. The ISP was an incredible experience — for my project, I traveled to a protected area and worked alongside a conservation organization to measure the post-fire regeneration of tapia forest fragments (an endemic ecosystem). I also got to interview local communities about their reliance on tapia forest products, such as medicinal plants, fruit, and wild silk. I really appreciated the effort that Ando and the program staff put into helping us figure out the logistics to make our projects possible. Each of my classmates had wildly different ISPs, and it is very much a choose-your-own-adventure program!!

I did the problem last fall and I had a blast. I made a lot of friends on that trip and learned a lot about different cultures, identities, a methods of environmental protection. My only complaints were that sometimes the living situations were uncomfortable, and my class often didn’t feel heard by the administration, when creating changes in plans or important decisions. This only applied to the over arching super attendants, as our local teachers that actually taught the courses were always there for us and we ended up being very close with them. I am happy with my decision to go on this trip, I feel like I had a few bumps, but over all it was an amazing and unforgettable experience that few people get to enjoy. I saw so many places and met so many people, and I truly think I learned more from this experience than my 12 years of schooling.

This program is run by Ando Rakotoarison, a tireless, friendly and incredibly accomplished scientist. Under Ando’s guidance, I discovered three new species of frogs in the coastal rainforest. I am now a published scientist and have fielded interviews with NPR, BBC, and others. That life-changing experience could not have happened without the mentorship of Ando and the deep immersion in Malagasy culture and ecosystems that this program offers. Madagascar is the most beautiful country on earth, go experience it!

I had an incredible time during this program. Beyond seeing species I never imagined seeing, like lemurs, chameleons, and even a hedgehog, this trip taught me so much about Malagasy culture and people around the world. Getting to live there with families allowed me to walk in their shoes and see their struggles and joys first hand. One of my favorite nights was our goodbye party at our rural homestay. Everyone danced so hard! Dancing is one of my favorite things to do with people, and it was so special to dance with friends and families on the opposite side of the world from my home.

An incredible experience full of hands-on learning. The staff is incredible: kind, communicative and supportive. Madagascar is beautiful, you will truly never experience another place like it. It opened my mind to new environments and communities. You learn so many practical skills from field work, research writing and giving presentations. You’re joined by other academically motivated peers who you bond with on countless adventures. Choose SIT Madagascar!

SIT Madagascar continues to be an experience that has helped shape me, and I'd do it again and again. My worldview has expanded, I feel more and more gratitude for who I am and what I have, as well as feel even more of a desire to help others. The entire SIT Madagascar program is an adventure-- from the walk to school to traveling the country, connecting with your peers and building relationships with your homestay family, and to choosing an internship or research project, and spending the last month of your program in the area of your research. Every ounce of this program is laced with opportunity, such as to expand yourself and your understanding of the world, to realize how much more there is to learn about the world, to create lasting connections, and to build mutual understanding. I am a better person for having experienced and complete this program, and so if you enjoy traveling and being outdoors, I encourage you to do this too. Additionally, I completed this program with Cohen Manges, who wrote his review below, and I agree with each of his words. Experienced-based learning is challenging to put into words, but trust us when we say that SIT Madagascar has been a fantastic experience.

I had never traveled abroad before choosing this program and I was worried that I would be completely overwhelmed. This couldn't be further from what happened. After a week I felt incredibly comfortable with my homestay family who were (and continue to be) warm, welcoming, and patient. The staff are incredibly helpful and encourage the students to seek unique opportunities be it in the community, in research, or elsewhere. They'll do whatever they can to make your study abroad experience amazing. Beyond that, Madagascar is a cultural whirlwind with delicious food, amazing community, and natural experiences you won't find anywhere else in the world. The team at SIT Madagascar are experts at guiding you through unfamiliar situations and helping you appreciate what's around as much as possible. I cannot recommend this enough!

This program was one of the best decisions of my adult life, and changed my life. The program directors were excellent, and I felt comfortable going to them for guidance with anything. They were crucial mentors to my college experience and I'm so grateful for their role in the program. The connections I made there were some of the most kind and welcoming and meaningful of my life, and it is my dream to return for work or school or research one day. The science and field work and community engagement was sent valuable to me in deciding what I want to do with my life, and I can't recommend this program more. It is definitely not your typical European study abroad, but it was perfect.

This was absolutely the most incredible experience I’ve had. Madagascar is a beautiful and welcoming country, and the program directors take you in with open arms. They were there for us through every difficulty and we always felt safe talking to them about anything. Even when we were unfortunately relocated, they stayed on our side and were a comfort in all of the stress. Ando and Alida are also both wonderful biologists, an inspiration to me as a scientist, and taught us so much about everything Madagascar has to offer. I feel so grateful to have been able to witness the diversity and beauty of the wildlife and plants, its magic you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Every day we spend in the forest was easily one of the best days of my life. The food is delicious, the fruit is the best I have ever had, and SIT staff and home stay families make sure we have plenty of food and snacks. The homestays were life-changing. Both of my families were kind and generous and thought me so much about the world and importance of community. Leaving them was very difficult, and I will always be so grateful for being a part of such loving families. While we didn’t get to see as much as we would have, what we did see was amazing. We experienced different towns and cultures and habitats, and were able to participate in immersive cultural experiences throughout. Obviously my program was the one that was evacuated, and while it was very unfortunate because our experience in Madagascar was cut short, I don’t think this is a reason to stop anyone from going. The likelihood of that happening again is slim, and you take a risk anytime you travel. Additionally, while it was a stressful experience, in the end it was incredible either way. Our experience was still fantastic, and as I said our directors were rocks through everything. Overall, this program was undoubtedly worth it and I recommend it to anyone who wants to see and learn about the special wildlife and communities of Madagascar.

My semester with SIT was one of the best of my life. My class on queer and feminist theory grew my comfort and knowledge within the subject, both academically and practically. The hands-on experiential learning component is central to the SIT curriculum and allowed us to continuously apply what we learned in the classroom to the real world. I've learned so much about the Netherlands and its history, peoples, and politics. From classes to my homestay to the people I met when I explored the city, I have grown significantly in my understanding of myself, the Netherlands, and the world at large. The homestay was absolutely a highlight of my time with SIT. I felt loved, cared for, and greatly supported. I was able to continuously work on my Dutch language skills with my homestay, too. Overall, I could not recommend this program enough.

This study abroad program has impacted me tremendously. It has been almost two years now since I returned and it remains the coolest thing I have done. I learned so much inside and outside the classroom and experienced so much. The cultural immersion is unlike any experience I have ever had and probably will ever have. From this program I developed an interest in the field I now have a career in and I am so thankful for it. The program was very well organized, despite some of the unpredictability in the country, and homestay families (and their surrounding neighborhoods) were very protective and caring. In many other countries, one can sometimes feel as though the world was becoming increasingly homogenous. I never had this feeling in Madagascar with SIT and I am forever grateful for this experience. Kachow!

This experience was nothing short of life-changing. The nature of a program like this is to learn as much about yourself as you do the environment & climate change. Why is this? The nature of a program like this attracts independent, curious, and ambitious students who don't want a typical abroad experience, and brings them to one of the most sparsely populated and barren countries on Earth. If an experience like this sounds up your alley, it will change your life. I was heading into this abroad semester hoping to get some direction on where I wanted to focus my broad education in environmental studies, and getting exposed to so many disciplines and professionals across niches really gave me some idea of where to go. The students I studied with were wonderful, all independent like me, which was nice because we were all there for our own personal reasons, but we enjoyed each other's company and had so much fun together. On the homestays: If you are hesitant about the idea of living with a host family, I challenge you to embrace it with open arms. The Icelandic culture is so warm and humorous, and my host family filled me with so much laughter (and candy). The program director and assistant director were some of the warmest and most thoughtful educators, and I really can't say enough pleasant things about them. Overall, I learned so much during my semester abroad in Iceland and would recommend this program to anyone who is not afraid to spend some time alone with their thoughts, excited to seek out knowledge (this program requires you to be high agency to extract the most value), and ready to immerse themselves in a new and different culture. Overall 10/10.

This program is more thoughtful and well organized than I could have possibly imagined. The people were loving and supportive, the environment was beautiful and safe, and there was so much to learn. I made memories for a life and even wrote a book! I could not recommend it more.

In one word, this program was amazing. Madagascar is a beautiful country with rich biodiversity (lemurs sitting on your shoulder, night hikes with chameleons) and rich culture (deep conversations with your host family, the most delicious rice you could possibly imagine). Every day was filled with awe at the beauty of this country, and I was always intellectually stimulated by the guest speakers discussing the relationship between climate change and socioeconomics in the country. I truly feel as if a part of my heart still lies in Madagascar. The personal growth made this program truly worthwhile and has directed my career goals of socio-environmental justice. I plan to return as soon as I can to continue learning from this special place.

I really cannot say enough amazing things about this program, it truly was a life-changing experience. From the moment I arrived in Tanzania, the teachers and staff made me feel immediately welcomed and at home. Their knowledge and expertise in the field were extremely impressive and helped create an engaging and supportive learning environment. One of the most impactful aspects of the program was the hands-on, immersive experience. We spent 30 nights camping and participated in daily game drives, where I saw more wildlife biodiversity than I ever imagined. These experiences brought the course material to life and deepened my understanding of wildlife conservation in a real-world context. The homestay is another unique immersive opportunity and was one of my favorite parts of the program! I felt my homestay family quickly became like my real family and I am still in touch with them today. It was also incredibly meaningful to engage with and learn from local Maasai communities. Through these interactions, I developed crucial skills for ethical social science data collection and gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of community perspectives in conservation work. The independent study project is another amazing opportunity to conduct research on a topic you are passionate about. I studied the impacts of climate change on the predominantly women-run seaweed farming industry. The program offered a great balance of independence to explore a topic of interest while also providing valuable on-the-ground connections and support from faculty.This program had a lasting impact on my academic and personal interests, and I am currently in the process of publishing my research through the Middlebury Journal of Global Affairs.

SIT was one of my favorite parts of my college experience, and probably my life. I met some of my best friends to this day on this program. You get to know your classmates and professors very well and they become a second family. From camping in the Serengeti and seeing the Great Migration pass by my very eyes, to living with a host family that takes care of you as their own, I had the study abroad experience of a lifetime.

I would recommend the SIT Tanzania program to anyone. It is a perfect mix of having interesting lectures, often with guest speakers, learning how to do your own research project, cultural immersion, and just having an amazing time with so many new friends!

I recently completed the SIT Nepal: Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples program and am so grateful for the experience, connections made, and time spent in Nepal. While there were so many highlights to my experience with SIT in Nepal, among my favorite memories/takeaways were my homestay (whom I am still in contact with), fabulous and welcoming Tibetan gen-las (teachers), and excursions to Dharamsala, India and Manang. Throughout this program I felt the SIT staff encouraged me to challenge myself but were also incredible resources for my overall well-being. I felt especially supported by SIT as I embarked on my ISP where I spent 19 days in the Solukhumbu (Everest) region conducting ethnographic research on the Sherpa population. I am so grateful for this truly once-in-a-lifetime experience and know it will shape the remainder of my life. I cannot recommend this program enough and look forward to remaining connected with friends/teachers from the program for years to come.

From this program, I was able to make close connections with my teachers and staff, people who are so kind and always open to listening to any questions you have. The four homestays were amazing, as each one allowed me to learn something new. And while staying in Cape Town for the ISP period, the area was nice, and there was always something to do in the city. And my cohort was amazing as well, as they were an essential part of my learning outside of the classroom. This program was life-changing, giving me the chance to learn about the history of South Africa and the racial discrimination policies that were put in place to divide the country. And while you would think that only occurred during Apartheid, by being able to live in South Africa currently in a democracy, you will begin to see that these policies are still in place. From this, I learned and gained a new critical lenses, which address how systems don't change, it's just the name that does. For me, this has helped me look at things in my day-to-day life with a deeper analysis and questioning of things, which is essential to have when looking at systems that have existed forever. And as a Black person, gaining these lenses and learning how to decolonize my ways of thinking is something I'll carry for the rest of my life. For those thinking of doing this program, do it! You won't regret it.

This program gave me all I could ever want in an abroad experience; my host family was so loving and welcoming, and my academic experience was unparalleled. We visited hospitals all around the country, and spoke with many types of professionals in the healthcare field. My favorite part of this program was the traveling. We took multiple week-long trips as a group, each with a different academic focus, and we also had the opportunity for solo travel. I made it to six Argentine provinces, as well as Chile and Uruguay! Our program leaders were intelligent, organized, and kind, and they worked so hard to make this an unforgettable experience.

Nepal taught me so much about myself and what I want even after my study abroad experience. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to connect so deeply and closely with a culture so different than mine. It is a gorgeous and endlessly surprising place. Similarly, although the ISP can sound a bit daunting, it was such an incredible experience for me. I got to immerse myself even more in the local people, customs, and attitudes as well as consider more deeply the kind of work I want to do in the future.

SIT's Comparative Ecology program was a life changing experience that I will never forget! Due to the nature of the program, including living with host families and going on trips to different ecosystems so frequently, every second was an opportunity to learn, grow, and laugh. Each of our excursion destinations holds a very special place in my heart. From the biodiversity of hummingbirds in the Paramo to swimming with sea lions in the Galapagos, each day in Ecuador inspired me more. In addition to the time spent experiencing new cultures and biomes with a great group of new friends and our professors, I had the opportunity to complete an individual research project. With this I had the chance to live and work in the Amazon Rainforest, completing research that has implications on my current position post-grad and being lucky enough to experience life with a Quichuan family. If you're considering this program, my advice would to be to get lots of rest before you go and prepare to trust in the process of things, but to definitely do it! I love and adore this program and everything it taught me, and hope you do too!

Studying abroad in India was the best choice I could have made! India may not be a "traditional" location, but it should be with its historical monuments, diverse culture, delicious food, and generous people. I was surrounded by love and supported from the second I was picked up from the airport by program staff. The academics are engaging with many site visits and excursions. There is also built-in time for additional travel. I learned a lot about myself through moments of discomfort, unfamiliarity, and adaptation. There is also an opportunity for a month-long research project, which could include clinical exposure--great for pre-med students!

I was originally so nervous to take on this experience. It was my first time living abroad and even my first time living in a city, since I come from rural Ohio. I wanted to join this program because the academic topics matched my interests perfectly. When I got here, I was scared as anything, but the SIT staff and faculty became the best support system I could ask for. The academics are rigorous, but they don’t take up all of your time. Much of the coursework builds on itself, and it will prepare you so well for your ISP. In Delhi, you’ll spend most evenings with your homestay families, but during excursions you’ll have plenty of time to explore, hang out, and grow close with your fellow students. Most of my time was spent with the other students, since opportunities to make friends with locals were limited. This is an incredible program, but it’s also what you make of it, you’ll have to push your boundaries and step out of your comfort zone, but that when I learned the most about myself. This experience will stick with me for the rest of my life, and I honestly wish I could do it again. The program gives you the perfect balance of independence while still being a safety net whenever you need it. Also, you will never go hungry here. If I could give one last piece of convincing evidence to join this program, let the food be it!

This program was absolutely incredible! While studying in India is less common and there are many prejudices against the country, I’ve found it to be the most welcoming, safe, and impactful place that I’ve visited. The classes are engaging and are integrated into day- and week-long field excursions across India. The opportunity to live with a host family is a rare chance to truly experience the culture outside of the classroom setting. While the experience was daunting at first, I found myself becoming a part of their family and community. The Independent Study Project, which I completed at the end of the semester, was a great way to get hands-on experience with research and working in a clinical setting (as I partnered with a healthcare organization). This program challenges you in all the right ways, pushing you to learn about yourself, step outside your comfort zone, and truly become immersed in the Indian culture. You should absolutely apply!

Thank you, SIT India, for helping me learn and grow during my semester abroad! From the moment I arrived in Delhi, I felt supported and loved by the entire staff. They helped us navigate this new country seamlessly and introduced us to all of India's wonders. I enjoyed shopping for new kurtas and jewelry, learning Hindi, trekking in the Himalayas, tasting delicious meals, living with a wonderful host family, strolling on the beaches in Goa, visiting the Taj Mahal, volunteering at a rural health organization in Maharashtra, exploring Ellora Caves, and conducting independent research on a topic I’m passionate about. I will never forget my experience in India or the beautiful people I met and the amazing places I was fortunate enough to see.

I truly evolved and grew as a person during this semester abroad. The program staff were my favorite part of the program. I would do it 1000 times again. Don’t let anyone stop you from traveling the world! India is so diverse, expansive, and I truly felt so safe during my program year. You are well equipped, prepared and even have the opportunity to travel around India during your time there! On top of that, you get to delve into a research topic of your choice that you’re passionate about for the last month of the program. I made so many connections and friendships that I will cherish with all my heart. It was academically thought-provoking and I look at the world with bigger heart and more curious mind. Don’t second guess it, apply to this program with SIT in India!!!

Transformative experience! I learned so much about what people are capable of. I saw so much, travelled so much and suddenly writing my college essays just came so easily because we were living all of those experiences.

The program is well-designed for those who want to have an in-depth exploration of public health. In addition to providing good academic structure and thoughtful site visits, my favorite aspect of the program was the independent research project. I had support from staff to research my interest in infectious diseases that I wouldn't have been able to do otherwise. For my project, I was encouraged to interview professionals and collaborate with those directly working in infectious disease prevention which was a dream come true! All in all, the staff are very supportive and the connections/partnerships they have with those in public health make this program unique and well worth it!

Coming into this program, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. However, it very quickly became one of the most fun and immersive experiences of my life. The people you meet and the places you visit are truly one of a kind. There is simply so much to experience and enjoy, from field trips to Mui Ne and Dalat, to extensive food exploration--no matter when or where. You will love your host family, and they will love you--as long as you eat all their food, and gain the required 20 kilos by the end of the program. Food aside, you will be learning so much about Vietnamese culture and language through a variety of in class-and out of class activities. There is no shortage of immersion on this program, and the amazing staff and faculty of SIT will guide you through your journey each step of the way. This is truly a special program, and an opportunity to definitely be capitalized on. Also, shoutout to my buddy and soccer star Jun Reiss: thanks for all the memories!!

My trip to Madagascar was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was challenging, rewarding and fulfilling all at the same time. Unlike other study abroad programs, your time spent in Madagascar will be extremely immersive, and nothing like the usual European study abroad trip your university prepares you for. We travel to different parts of the country, such as rural and more urban/modernized areas so prepare yourself accordingly. There are large scheduled shifts and dietary changes, so ask for help and support in whatever areas you need. Despite all of the challenges I experienced on this trip, it is an enlightening one where you get to have direct contact with the locals to broaden your understanding of traditional medicine, colonial history and cultural legacies. Prepare yourself to learn Malagasy, experience an "African winter" and see Madagascar's rich biodiversity.

This program was incredible! Not only are you traveling to some of the most beautiful and unique ecosystems, you also get to experience them with a deeper understanding of the environmental and social issues at play. This course felt like a great balance of classroom academics, hands on experiences, and also the individual freedom to explore what interests you. It also is an excellent way to become more confident in your Spanish and your skills at adapting to new cultures, especially with the amazing experience of living with a host family. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves the outdoors, adventuring, and trying new things!

Studying abroad in Jordan was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. From the very beginning, the faculty and staff prepared us thoroughly through pre-departure orientations, cultural guidance, and constant support during the program. Their efforts made the transition smooth and gave us the confidence to fully embrace the experience. In Jordan, the faculty and staff became much more than teachers and program coordinators; they have become my mentors, friends, and family. Their warmth and dedication created a strong sense of community that made Amman feel like home. The country itself was extraordinary with rich history, stunning landscapes, and welcoming people. Beyond the academics, SIT offered us the chance to live and learn in a way that was immersive and deeply meaningful. What made the experience truly unforgettable was the combination of outstanding faculty, strong preparation, and the incredible kindness we encountered. I left Jordan not only with new knowledge but also with lifelong connections and a second family.

The program was well organized and communication from the staff and professors was reliable and helpful. The two class components (Bioregion/Sustainability and the local internship immersion) worked well together to flesh out our understanding of the community we were inhabiting; Professor Luca Trazzi has a strong teaching style, and proactively went the extra mile to facilitate better understanding of topics that students were interested in learning more about. He showed a professional command of his topics, and struck a great balance between teaching in a formal, academic context (readings, discussion) and organizing activities or more hands-on experiences to illustrate the real-world impact of the concepts discussed in class. Professor Bruno Grazioli was a perfect counterpoint, facilitating the Italian language immersion and internship components. I particularly enjoyed Prof. Grazioli's talent for encouraging us to engage with content on our own terms, centering joy and curiosity in the exploration of the classroom. The assignments were sufficient to make the class components feel worthwhile and academic, but not overwhelming in a way that restricted time to explore Bologna or make weekend plans. I want to express gratitude to Prof. Grazioli for going out of his way to make time for an advanced Italian course for me and another student who came into the program with a strong language foundation, so we were not forced to spend time in a beginner class and still benefitted from that component of the program. I specifically want to credit the program for organizing the class excursions: I rarely if ever felt like we were spending time unnecessarily or being forced to engage with things we did not enjoy, and it was a fantastic way to get a tailored exploration of cities like Venice and Turin. I also want to mention that Ellen and Elena Giulia were wonderful and efficient with the aid they provided us, and all four were marvelous for suggestions when we wanted to travel or were searching for something in the city. This program was a fantastic use of both my time and money, and I would highly recommend it to future students.

I think I was perfectly underprepared for this experience in that the best way to approach this program is to have no expectations, to leave Western perspectives at the door, and to exist as a perpetual student in and beyond the classroom. As an American, one of the most important things to me is learning and experiencing life from completely different perspectives and positionalities. The beauty of this program is that for every difference, there are at least 3 similarities of shared humanity across cultures that made my 3 months of school and work transform into a period of introspection and changemaking that will impact me for a lifetime. I learned a lot about concepts like development theory that help my aspirations of a career in peacemaking, conflict resolution, and diplomacy. Furthermore, I got to begin this career by interning at the #1 continential NGO working on peace and conflict resolution: The African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD). It was the experience of a lifetime that has directly impacted my future plans academically and professionally.

No words can ever fully express my love and gratitude for this program and what it has provided me. The cultural experience alone was nothing like I ever could have imagined. I was matched with the best host family and everything else fell into place. The people I met, and the memories I made are priceless. I was able to conduct research that helped me learn so much about the community at hand but also myself as a student and person. I would chose this program again in a heartbeat and am forever grateful for the friends and memories I can hold in my heart forever.

I chose SIT Study Abroad’s Public Health, Traditional Medicine, and Community Empowerment program in Arica, Chile because of its focus on immersive experiential learning. The program incorporated several extended field visits to many places across Chile where I was able to learn about public health in both urban and rural contexts, as well as improve my Spanish-speaking abilities. The program staff are very organized and incredibly kind and welcoming- they took great care of us. I was also able to travel outside of Chile: one of my favorite experiences was traveling to Peru with a few friends during our spring break to see Machu Picchu!

I absolutely loved this study abroad program, and would recommend it highly to anyone considering exploring public health in a meaningful way! The coursework was very manageable with LOTS of real world experience, and the program really integrates you both into Chilean life and traditional medicine practice. My host family was incredible, I loved the cohort of students I was privileged to study abroad with, and I have zero regrets about the experience! If you want to get out of your comfort zone and come away with a life-changing public health experience, this is the program for you!

I loved my time in Ushuaia, Argentina, with SIT! The academics were specific to the region, while being able to be applied to different areas of the world, if you think big picture. The trips were carefully planned and highlighted what we were learning in the classroom, while also just being fun. I spent a lot of time on the trails nearby, both hiking in groups and also on solo hikes! Ushuaia has something for everyone, and I highly recommend this program!

This study abroad deeply changed my perspective and thinking in terms of the Global South position in International Affairs. My positionality in which I approach academics and my professional trajectory has been deeply informed by my time here. Dr. Imraan Buccus, the Academic Director, is an amazing source of information and connections for whatever you are curious about. The program also allows for lots of time to explore the natural beauty of the country through hikes, a safari, and spend time at Durban's beaches. This program allows you to explore the major cities of SA, thoroughly travel the Province of KwaZulu Natal, get to know Durban, and also visit Mozambique. During the program, you will take 4 courses plus an internship or research project. On the program, you live with 3 homestays and then also move around a lot with travel and independent accommodation. The program emphasizes experiential learning with field trips, activities, and speakers. Truly an amazing time abroad!

My time in Argentina truly changed my life. It might sound corny and repetitive, but I don’t have any other words to perfectly sum up my experience with the SIT: Social Movements and Human Rights program. Living as a local for four months in Buenos Aires and being able to explore different parts of Argentina in ways out of the ordinary was the most fulfilling experience I could have asked for.

This program, beyond being so incredibly fun, bringing us to amazing locations, and having some amazing people, makes an experience that is more culturally immersive than I could have possibly imagined. Beyond the homestay, which already has immersed me so much in local culture, I am also playing soccer on a local team, went to a vacation location that had no tourists with a host family, go to speak to Vietnamese students at English classes, and have multiple friends who were born and raised in Vietnam. The academics are very interesting and taught by lecturers who are very well versed in their subjects. I cannot recommend this program enough!

The SIT Nepal: Gender, Development and Social Change program is an experiential program, designed to immerse a student in the culture of Nepal, and give them access to important issues that local advocates, academics, and policy makers are grappling to address. We were given access to incredible staff, guest lecturers, and inspiring NGOS/ SDOS in Nepal that changed the game in terms of our perspectives on what we perceive development to be. The program's emphasis on cultural immersion is solidified because of our access to homestay families, which was one of the biggest highlights personally.

Passionate, committed students looking for an immersive and meaningful study abroad experience look no further! I can confidently say that this experience changed my life. From living in a homestay to traveling the entire country on field trips, from learning from leading professors in social movements, law, and history to completing an incredible internship, I can't think of a better way to deeply engage with this wonderful country. Plus, the local staff is so supportive – I truly felt at home here...so much so that I changed my summer plans to continue working at my SIT-assigned internship, and am planning to return next year!

My time in Nepal was the most important experience of my life thus far. While I was always pushing the limits of what I thought I was capable of, I was never disappointed in the end result. From close calls with monkeys and dogs throughout the city to trekking through the Himalayas to learning a new language, I have never grown so much in my life as I did during those three and a half months in Nepal. My capacity for change drastically expanded and my appreciation for other cultures and their belief systems increased tenfold.

The SIT program was an awesome experience. I was constantly encountering new things—whether going on excursions, living with my homestay family, or trekking- and I was always immersed in the local culture. I appreciated how the learning in the classroom directly connected to the situations we experienced outside of it because it helped me understand concepts in a deeper, more practical way. It wasn’t always easy or comfortable, but that discomfort was part of what made it so valuable. Being pushed outside my comfort zone helped me grow and learn in ways I never expected. Along the way, I met so many incredible people and gained knowledge that goes far beyond a typical classroom. If you’re ready to take on a challenge and open yourself to new perspectives, SIT is truly unforgettable.

SIT Switerland was academically rigorous, immersive, and rewarding. The program blends classroom learning (guest speakers) with experiential learning, such as site visits to WHO and MSF, fieldwork in Morocco, and an independent research project that spans the entire month of April. The ISP was especially demanding and required strong time management, self-direction, and critical thinking as we conducted interviews and produced a 30-page research report. The classes were interdisciplinary and interesting. While Switzerland was experience and integrating into Swiss culture/norms took time, the program's location in Geneva (global hub for health/the world capital of humanitarian aid) made the experience uniquely place-based offering access to international organizations that shape international health policy.

I had an amazing time living in Buenos Aires and I felt very immersed in Argentinian life! I also greatly appreciated the opportunities we had to visit various indigenous communities— I learned valuable lessons that I will apply throughout the rest of my life!

SIT Social Movements and Human Rights is an immersive and educational program that helps you build incredible relationships with new people and places. I loved living with my homestay and learning the city of Buenos Aires.

I loved my study abroad experience! The program leaders did an excellent job orchestrating immersive learning experiences through visiting indigenous communities, grassroots advocacy initiatives, and international rights organizations. Between our excursions to Patagonia, Salta, and Jujuy, I gained a comprehensive understanding of Argentina as a vast, diverse country. Living with my host family was a wonderful and enriching experience that I will always be grateful for. This program attracts the most interesting, passionate students with whom I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to form connections.

This program was a really unique and immersive experience, and very different from most study abroad options. What first drew me in was the chance to live with a host family, which made everything feel more real and personal. It helped me connect with the culture in a way that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. The program team is super supportive and genuinely cares about you. They’re around the whole time and make sure you’re getting the most out of your time abroad. Academically, the classes were really interesting. We dove deep into topics about Argentina with professors who are experts in their fields and clearly passionate about what they teach. There’s also a lot of time to explore Buenos Aires, which is such a fun and exciting city. One of the coolest parts of the program is the group trips. We traveled to different regions, including places where we met and learned from indigenous communities, which was something I hadn’t experienced before. At the end of the program, you choose between doing an internship or a research project. I chose research, and the program connected me with great resources and mentors to help guide my work. Overall, it was a super meaningful experience, both academically and personally.

The academic and program directors are amazing and really provide an immersive experience. You get to learn from experts across various disciplines and community members. You become very familiar with the program location and the province in general. Antarctica alone makes the whole experience worth it! The internship was very research focused and gives you the opportunity to exercise your project management skills and conduct an independent study. Public transport in the city was reliable and safe. Hiking was mind-blowing.

Before applying, I had doubts about whether I should study abroad and whether or not it should be with this program. Now that I have completed it, however, the thought that I might have gone elsewhere haunts me. I am so thankful to have been a student in Ecuador with SIT, and it has had major positive impacts on my plans for the future. As a student of Environmental Biology in St. Louis, this program gave me field research experiences I couldn't have gotten anywhere else that perfectly complemented what I had already learned in school. After numerous trips to conduct research in some of the coolest places on Earth (cloud forests, the Amazon, the Paramo, and the Galapagos islands), I spent a month studying spider populations in the Amazon for an independent research project that I was able to bring from initial concept to a completed research paper. If this seems intense, fear not! The lovely professors of this program will help build your confidence over the semester and teach you the skills necessary to do something similar yourself (I certainly felt that way). On top of all of this, I met lovely people along the way and felt truly comfortable and informed within the Ecuadorian cultural context. If you are interested in gaining field research experience, seeing some of the most gorgeous parts of the world, and applying theoretical ecology concepts that you've learned in school, look no further. This program is perfect.

This is a great program for both the people who have never been to America Latina and the people who have traveled to the region before. The program directors do such a great job of introducing new people to the culture while helping those already familiar with it grow in their knowledge of South America’s political, social, cultural, economic, and religious landscape. Please consider this for your study abroad option; you won’t regret it <3

I had a wonderful time in abroad with SIT Argentina: Social Movements and Human Rights. This program is truly unique, in its ability to not only immerse you culturally and linguistically in Argentina, but also to expose you to all of the incredible organizing, resilience, and friendliness of Argentinian people from across the country. If you are looking to know Argentina as a country (not just Buenos Aires) this program is for you. The program directors ensure that you have enriching experience filled with field-based learning exposing students to different grassroots organizations, introducing them to notable Argentinian scholars and activists, and allowing students to culturally immerse and challenge themselves through living with a host family. This program was incredible to me because it allowed me to immerse myself in the social and political of Argentinian people across the country and connect and build my own community away from home. My experience with my host family was unforgettable and I built a bond that I will treasure for the rest of my life. It gave me the opportunity to connect, to accompany, and to be in community with others. If you're looking for a country and a program that knows community and how to be in community with each other this is the program for you.

Before going, I knew very little about Spain's political history or social movements, but the courses gave me a strong foundation. One of the biggest highlights was the excursion to Morocco. It expanded my understanding of Mediterranean culture and helped me see the global links between identity and politics. I also really enjoyed our visits to different human rights organizations.

I loved SIT: Social Movements and Human Rights in Argentina. They are wonderful at matching students with host families and great at building a community within the study abroad program. The trips to Salta, Jujuy, Rosario, and Patagonia were a wonderful way to see the mountains and other parts of Argentina while still spending the majority of the time in a big city. I highly recommend studying abroad in Buenos Aires!

My favorite part of the program academically was the ISP--I was able to study a topic I was passionate about, and spoke with a number of high-level professionals in the field regarding my topic. I also really loved my homestay family, living in a small, idyllic town, yet being so close to bigger cities. It was so freeing being able to hop on a train and travel anywhere in Switzerland, there was never a dull moment, and every day was filled with a new hike, destination, or activity!

I had a really valuable experience studying abroad in Portugal. The program staff and people in the program are so supportive, warm, and welcoming. I learned so much from the classes, experiential learning, and from moving to a new place in general. The program allows students to see the country in a unique way by introducing us to Portuguese academics and people in the field, and through the research opportunity, allows students to take learning into their own hands. The experience allowed me to build crucial life skills and gain perspective, in turn enhancing my passion for what I study. It was an amazing semester, and I couldn't recommend it more!

SIT Ecuador was an incredibly challenging, but incredibly rewarding semester. I am an ecological and evolutionary biology major in New York City, so I had not had many field experiences before this program. I have now stayed on an island in the Amazon River Basin for 3 weeks by myself researching monkey behavior. Throughout the program I learned how to conduct my own research, write papers, and analyze data. I had a heavier work load than typical semesters, but the field excursions that caused them were well worth the late nights. The professors are incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely care about the students. I could not have asked for a better program.

I had an amazing experience during my study abroad in Iceland. I felt very supported by program staff, learned so so much, and felt so lucky to be able to learn and live in Iceland. The program enables its students to take charge of their own learning and build crucial life skills along with increasing our knowledge of and passion for the study of climate change. You see the whole breathtaking country of Iceland in your four months there. It was an incredible semester.

No regrets! I wouldn't have been able to have the experiences I had without the facilitation of the program. It was a great semester especially because of the homestay and thoughtful, meaningful travel and visits.

I had a fabulous time studying abroad in Switzerland with SIT. Top features that stand out to me are the homestay experience and the opportunity for travel. Living with a homestay family is so incredibly valuable. Not only is it a home away from home, but it gives the the amazing opportunity to learn more about Swiss culture and to practice language skills. Additionally, travel was a highlight of my time abroad. The program gives students a GA travel card on the swiss travel pass which means you can ride all the trains in Switzerland in for free. It is actually hard to overstate how amazing this was. With the swiss travel pass I could go on excursions without having to stress about money. The academic side of the program is very solid. Compared to other study abroad programs, the level of workload is relatively higher. However, compared to my home university, the rigor of the courses was not very intense. If you manage your time, there is plenty of time to travel every weekend. Just know that for the first few months of the program you have class five days a week. The independent study project in the last month of the program was great! There are no course classes during this period, so you can travel and work on your project simultaneously. While people may be tempted to travel to foreign destinations, I would really encourage people to travel within Switzerland as much as possible. The program size is relatively small, so it is easier to make friends than in the massive study abroad programs. You take all the same classes with your classmates so you get to know everyone very well. I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to live in such a beautiful place as Switzerland for a semester.

When I first applied to the program, it was because I was rejected from another one, and I had to quickly pivot if I wanted to get outside of the United States. I had a friend who had studied in Amsterdam the year prior and had amazing things to say. I chose this program because being part of the queer community, I wanted to learn more about it. I never really threw myself out there, and what better place than Amsterdam? From the orientation week we had, I was already making conversation with both students and admin alike, it was a nice transition from the United States to something completely new. Once classes started, it felt like a nice ritual. Wake up, take the metro, go to class, see your friends and classmates, and learn about theories you have never even thought about before. In between classes, the amazing diva program coordinator, Emily Bulato, would take us on site visits or bring guest lectures, which would further our understanding of what it means to live in the Netherlands. Ahmed will cook meals twice a week and provide such delicious tastes to your palate. Jonathan will always look out for you, and have so much to say on queer theory and film. Fiona helps with resources, but also has so much to say. Also, you get to go on a two-week excursion to Morocco? I feel like this was actually my favorite part of the whole program, being able to be with your cohort and explore a country much different than the Netherlands. From the beaches, to the food, to the guest lectures and site visits, it was a break that gave me so much emotion. In the four-week period, I was able to work on my own time, watch plays on the SIT dime, and write a paper I could have never even imagined writing. All of this culminated in what was the best 104 days of my college experience, and if I could do it all over again, I would. Granted a huge part of it was the students who were with me as well, but it was amazing. I truly am glad I was rejected from that program, because had I known what could have been... I would have been devastated.

I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the SIT Social Movements and Human Rights program in Buenos Aires, Argentina! This program facilitated invaluable educational experiences, helping each student immerse themselves in the culture and the material in countless ways. The program coordinators were some of the most wonderful people I've ever met. They were welcoming, compassionate, knowledgeable, and always went above and beyond to support me and my classmates throughout the semester. The same can be said for the host families we all lived with. I know my parents were relieved when they learned I was in such good hands! Also, the program coordinators believed deeply in the material, and genuinely cared about helping us develop a similar passion for social movements and human rights. Perhaps my favorite part of the program was the Independent Study Project that each student got to complete at the end. We were each encouraged to take our project in a direction that was unique to our particular interests, and we received as much support as we needed while the projects developed. During my project, I had the chance to live with an indigenous community, where I met and interviewed community members, shared meals and laughs, sat in on some classes at the elementary school, and learned about their spiritual identity. This semester was one of the most formative times in my life. I returned home more curious, compassionate, connected to the world around me, motivated, and inspired to use my life to help others. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything!

I absolutely loved my experience, from the programs staff, to my host family to our planned; trips, classes and activities, all were fantastic! I entered the program with; a fair amount of exposure to spanish emersion environments, questionable but consistent background in spanish from high school, 2 semesters of college spanish and a year break between when I took spanish and when I went abroad. I also am dyslexic, so learning language in a classroom is more difficult for me. I was unique in my SIT student cohort, because almost everyone had more spanish credits then I did. At first the full emersion aspect of the program was overwhelming because it used so much energy to translate everything, while adjusting to learning my new day to day schedule. But it was definitely worth it to stick it out and probably my favorite aspect of the program. By the end of the semester I left feeling confident navigating and communicating in full emersion environment, a skill I’d abandoned mastering in a classroom due to my dyslexia. I would recommend this program to any and all!

Dear reader, do yourself a favor and apply! This study abroad opportunity was so phenomenal. I had previously studied abroad and this experience was by far the better experience due to the incredibly wonderful professors and staff in Buenos Aires, my wonderful host mom (and the wonderful host parents of my friends too), the fabulous city and wonderful friends I met. I had the opportunity to do the ISP option which was so rewarding -- I am so proud of what I came up with and grateful for all the support I received along the way. You will learn so much and have so much fun. DO IT.

The SIT Argentina program was an incredibly formative academic and personal experience. With a strong foundation in Spanish, I found the coursework to be intellectually engaging and well-paced, though even students with less language experience were able to succeed thanks to the supportive and accessible teaching environment. The small cohort size allowed for deep discussions and consistent interaction with professors, and the classroom component was enriched by two weeks of fieldwork, which brought our studies to life in a powerful way. The local staff were one of the program’s greatest assets—deeply caring, present, and helpful long after the program ended. While my individual housing situation was not ideal and my host family did not provide great meals, I believe that was an exception rather than the norm. Outside of that, Argentina offered fantastic and affordable food options, though being vegetarian was a bit limiting. Socially, I enjoyed exploring the city through daily swims, café hopping, and public transportation, even if I didn’t prioritize making local friends. Health services, including therapy and acupuncture, were easy to access and well-coordinated by SIT. I felt safe throughout my time there by using common sense and being aware of my surroundings. Financially, the favorable exchange rate made it easy to live on a student budget. Ultimately, this program launched two thesis projects and laid the groundwork for my Fulbright application and master’s degree. I would absolutely choose it again.

The SIT program in Cusco offers an extraordinary immersion into the Andes—an experience that is at once academically rigorous, intellectually generative, and deeply human. Over the course of just a few days, we moved from high-level institutional briefings to intimate conversations with rural cooperatives, from formal lectures on extractivism and globalization to storytelling sessions with weavers and community leaders in Huilloc. The pacing is demanding, but the richness of the experience more than rewards the effort. One of the most powerful moments for me was the rural homestay in Huilloc. It was not simply about staying in an Indigenous community; it was about encountering knowledge systems embodied in daily life. Our group was welcomed with such grace and generosity, and the conversations about weaving, land use, and autonomy gave texture to broader themes of Indigenous resistance and adaptation. I came away with a renewed sense of what field-based learning can be. SIT’s team in Peru is extraordinary. Their ability to move between Spanish and Quechua, and between academic and community settings, models what it means to be an engaged scholar-practitioner. The program doesn’t shy away from complexity—in fact, it leans into it. The conversations on extractivism, mining conflicts, and intercultural health (especially the visit to the Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco’s ethnobotany program) were thoughtful and challenging. Students are invited not to consume knowledge but to co-create it with those they meet. Also worth noting: the logistics are handled with care, which allows participants to be fully present. The group sessions back at the hotel—many of them debriefs or structured reflections—are where so much of the integration happens. And in a city like Cusco, that holds its own tensions between tourism and tradition, the chance to reflect collectively is crucial. In sum, SIT’s Spring 2025 Cusco itinerary offers more than a study abroad experience—it cultivates relational, embodied, place-based learning. I’d recommend it to any student ready to engage Peru not as a destination, but as a dialogue

Studying abroad can be a scary process just because of how new and broad everything is, but in my humble opinion, SIT Netherlands does a damn fine job. This semester wasn’t obscenely easy, but it wasn’t terribly difficult either, which is what you want in a study abroad program! It challenges you to learn even more, but also leaves plenty of space for exploring Amsterdam as a city and to just live in that space. I personally was nervous about the home-stay experience, but I genuinely have loved it and joining them has been one of the highlights of the semester. I cannot wait to visit again someday, both my family and the program staff. For me, they were the ones who made this program so special, because they are all so passionate and knowledgeable about the city and the experiences that you’re having, because they’ve been there and seen it before! As you and your classmates/friends are growing in the space together they are definitely a resource to lean on. Finally, some food recommendations! Chun lives up to the hype, De Winkel 43 has the best apple pie I’ve ever had, I’m addicted to stroopwafels, I’ve swapped eating fries with ketchup to with mayonnaise, and McDonald’s is… just McDonald’s. PS: Ahmed on staff is a fantastic cook!

Studying in Amsterdam with SIT was so much fun. The courses were interesting and well organized, we built an amazing community with students and dedicated program staff, and I loved getting to explore Amsterdam which is such a cool and interesting city. Living in a homestay immersed me in Dutch culture and allowed me to form close bonds with a Dutch family. I really loved the ISP period which allowed me to chose my own research topic that I was super passionate about and create my own schedule which gave me free time to travel and get to know Amsterdam. Also the program staff always provides delicious snacks and Ahmed (the office coordinator) is an amazing cook. I highly recommend this program!!

SIT's Social Movements and Human Rights program in Buenos Aires far exceeded my expectations. The second I arrived at the airport in Argentina, I was greeted by incredibly kind, thoughtful, and organized staff that completely set the tone for the rest of the semester. All the program coordinators are amazing, willing to help with anything and everything and completely dedicated to ensuring that all students are happy and comfortable. The orientation is incredibly helpful to orient yourself in the city, learn how things work, and tips for safety in a big city. My home-stay situation was also better than I could have imagined. My host parents were wonderful and welcoming and understood that I needed to balance creating relationships with them, exploring the city, classwork, and friends. I was able to visit my host family after I left and imagine that I will do so in the future too! The academic side of the program was thoughtful and organized. The directors really help clarify the differences between expectations of students in the US and Argentina—schoolwork during this program felt rigorous, but not competitive, with flexibility from professors. The trips to the north and south of the country complement the coursework and break up time in the city. The pace of the courses can feel very quick and the trips can be tiring, but it is entirely worth it to be able to take advantage of all that the program has to offer. My favorite part of the program and the city of Buenos Aires was the people. Everyone is incredible kind, inclusive, and patient with language-learners. There are tons of opportunities to get involved with different communities or explore the city. You have to take initiative to engage social events outside the program, but it is incredibly easy to find things to do! I feel so grateful that I ended up in Buenos Aires and with SIT specifically—I felt welcomed, engaged, and comfortable during my semester in Argentina. I did not personally have medical needs, but I know program staff was incredibly attentive when issues popped up. Local healthcare is easily accessible. The program does not require any specific vaccines, although I got a few for purposes of travelling after my program ended.

Oh where do I start? This program is densely packed with content. You go from exploring museums, to city tours of old history, to chatting with various underground, above ground, and indigenous leaders! There is a vast amount of cultural enrichment within this program, many, many visits to differing places with the goal of teaching you about various social movements and history of human rights. You are given the opportunity to do an internship, or qualitative research project which both set you up for success following your time in the program. Additionally, the various places you'll visit in this program are beyond beautiful and the cities and towns have a lot to offer! I very much recommend this program for so many reasons. It helped me gain in-person experience in my field, enrich my Spanish speaking skills, meet amazing friends and collaborators that I wouldn't have otherwise got the chance to meet. Many of my peers in my program have also gone on to get accepted to Fulbright programs due in part to their time in this program. Don't regret it! Choose Social Movements and Human Rights!

I honestly can say this program changed my perspective of the world. The title lives up to its name, "International Relations in the Global South," as you learn about South Africa's apartheid history, how its history shaped its relations with neighbors, and how those inform a Global South view of international relations. You learn all about these things through both lectures from incredible guest speakers as well as field trips/site visits to various NGOs and political offices around Durban. The program starts with a week in Johannesburg, spends the majority of the time in Durban, and ends with a few days in Cape Town. During the semester you also have excursions to Mozambique and the South Coast in South Africa. You also spend a week in a rural town where you use the isiZulu language you've been practicing during the semester. Every day is filled with activities and opportunities to learn as much as possible. I highly recommend this program for people interested in international politics and history as well as an interest in learning about South African cultures. It's an adventure everyday, so be flexible and have fun!

I absolutely loved my semester abroad with this program and would recommend it to anyone that is interested in learning about public health in a Spanish-speaking context. I learned so much from an academic and professional perspective, but I also learned a ton about myself. I adore my host mom and learned so much from her and I hope to keep in touch with her for many, many years. I loved the group of students in my program, and we had a perfect balance of time in Buenos Aires and time spent traveling—either with the program or independently. I am a much more confident and independent person now, with interests and insights that I would not have gained if it were not for this experience. I am immensely grateful!

I cannot recommend this program enough. For anyone deciding between this program and another, I will say that this program provides opportunities for community, connection, and exploration of yourself and your interests, that I doubt you can find anywhere else. The program staff is incredible. The professors become like family. They are so warm and welcoming, and provide overwhelming support when any challenge arises. They are also primarily concerned with students learning and growing, so you get to have a learning experience where you can truly focus on following your interests and passions rather than just worrying about your grades. The curriculum in Delhi is a combination of language, lectures, and visits with NGOs and other groups. The combination of courses basically provides an education in the basics of public health, as well as public health issues specific to women and gender and sexuality minorities, and learning about how to conduct fieldwork. The lectures are interactive and you have the opportunity to learn specifically about your interests, whether they are more related to culture, community/public health, women and children, or queer issues. The combination of issues that are explored and the media through which they are explored- lectures, visits, and excursions- mean that you get a real understanding of the cultural, social, and political nuances generally and as they relate to public health. Also, because there are so many field visits and excursions that are based in connecting with community groups, you get the opportunity to really connect with local people who you share interests with. Many times throughout the program students would find ourselves talking with lecturers or visit hosts outside of class, looking to go deeper into topics or just talk about our lives or local culture. Many of them are such unique and courageous agents of change, and it was really exciting that SIT provided the opportunity to connect with so many incredible and progressive people. The excursions and ISP also provide the chance to travel around the country in a way that you would never get to experience by traveling alone. By going to different locations for the purpose of meeting with organizations or groups, Visit hosts often brought us around outside of meetings, so we got to explore with locals, and be part of their communities. Outside of having Delhi as a base location, I spent time in at least 8 different cities and towns as part of SIT. The ISP also provides the opportunity to dive deep into the area of your passion in anything you choose within the realm of health or gender/sexuality. I know that every year there are a number of students who return to India after this program because they have developed such a connection to the place and to the work that they have done. I highly recommend this program. It changed my worldview and the way I think about the impact I want to have, and how to go about it — not simply in the sense of having been exposed to a very different culture and environment, but even more because of the people I interacted with, and the nuances of the cultural context that I was pushed to grapple with, as a result of this program.

My time in Ushuaia, Argentina was a highlight of my college experience. If you are looking to improve your Spanish, expose yourself to a new culture, and live in one of the most beautiful small cities in Patagonia along the "end of the Earth", this is the program for you. Ushuaia itself is like a big small town nestled between the end of the Andes mountain range and the ocean. So, there's plenty to do as long as you like hiking, skiing, and immersing yourself in local culture. For example, with other students from the program, I went skiing, horseback riding along the beach, and hiking (sometimes with our host families, too!) in my spare time. The people you will meet are kind, friendly, and warm. Beyond your course programming — which does a wonderful job introducing you to local history, sites of interest, and activities — taking advantage of your stay with a host family can open up lots of doors for you as well. For example, my host sister was around my age and with her, I felt included into her friend group and her family. I joined a local rugby club and experienced everything from the movie theater and mall to nightlife. Doing all of this in Spanish with my host family and friends helped me improve my language in a way that felt natural and fun. Of course, there are challenges to any experience like this, but in my opinion, SIT sets you up for success so long as you are ready to take advantage of all that Ushuaia and its people have to offer.

I had an absolutely unforgettable time during my Summer in South Africa! This was my first time ever leaving the United States, and I feel so unbelievably lucky that this was my first destination. I met such wonderful people, those within the program and locals alike. The staff at SIT Durban were incredible and provided us with an incredibly comprehensive overview of the country so that we felt at ease. There was a perfect level of structure and free time, allowing us to explore on our own and with the help of those with experience living in the Global South. I learned so much here, and I will truly never forget it. I will definitely be back one day!

My time abroad was truly an unforgettable experience, both academically and personally. Dr. Ashraf was an academic guide and professor who made learning enjoyable and manageable. His approach to coursework was well-balanced, ensuring we had time to for our personal and social life while still excelling in our studies. He encouraged us to stay engaged and participate throughout the classes. He added basic Arabic lessons and explained the local customs. Dr. Ashraf and Farah are incredibly caring and approachable individuals. I always felt comfortable reaching out to them for support, and I’m truly grateful for their kindness. Living with my host family was another unforgettable part of the experience. They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home from day one. My host mom, in particular, was exceptionally kind and took the time to teach me Arabic, which was incredibly helpful. My host siblings were kind and energetic. I also had the opportunity to make some great friends, and we shared many memorable moments together. As part of my internship, I gained hands-on experience in applying psychological principles to real-life crisis situations. The training I received allowed me to work with different mental health issues and broadened my understanding of the field. I would definitely recommend this experience.

This program is a great opportunity for people who want to gain on-the-ground public health experiences. I felt myself challenged by all aspects of the program and definitely improved my Spanish skills as well as my understanding of public health systems outside the United States. That being said, keep in mind that this is a very intense program that is not comparable to a classic European study abroad trip. You will either be in class or on a field visit from 9:00-5:00pm most days. While this presents great learning opportunities, it may take a little bit of time to get used to the Argentine teaching style, which includes 2-3 hour lectures with little discussion. Overall, be prepared to find yourself being pushed outside your comfort zone. It may be uncomfortable at first, but the program provides great academic and professional experience that will no doubt benefit you upon your return.

I had such a unique experience studying abroad with SIT. Argentina is an awesome place and the program takes you all around the country to make sure you see it. There was time for trips separate from the program too which were memorable. The experience was more academic than I was expecting but still was not too much work. The professors/directors are very accommodating. The people who choose to do this program are such characters. You won't regret it.

I cannot recommend a study abroad program in South Africa enough especially in a location like Durban in KwaZulu Natal. Durban’s rich history and evolution of the city provides an environment which is incredibly fertile with knowledge and significance. I saw the opportunity of traveling to South Africa as both an academic and personal challenge. Starting in Johannesburg, moving to Durban (our home base) and ending our semester in Cape Town, I enjoyed getting a brief glimpse into different areas of South Africa. I quickly became acquainted and aware of the country's history of struggle and liberation movements that led to apartheid ending through conversations I had with activists as well as the many museum visits the program entails. South African people are very funny and the Bolt adventures enroute to different places were when I met some of the most entertaining people. Durban’s location on the coast allowed easy access to the beach and shops near the beach. While it did get very humid towards the end of the semester, the weather was nice for most of the program which I enjoyed. Additionally, with visits to the US Embassy in Mozambique, public policy think tanks and engaging lectures, I became informed on South-South Relations through these experiences and understood South Africa's position on the global stage from a non-western perspective. The home stays were extremely rewarding and enlightening, especially the rural homestay, where we became exposed to life that was separate from the connectivity and hustle, we are used to. I loved this homestay so much and wished it had been longer. Homestays were some of my favorite experiences on the program because I truly understood how different families operate based on their circumstances and differing values. I cannot overstate how good the support from program staff was through emotional, logistical, and academic challenges. They took care of us and our academic director and program manager made themselves available to talk about different curiosities and problems we had. We were informed by them of book launches, historical talks, and other events we could attend on our own time, some which I took advantage of. The ISP portion of the semester was by far the most stressful and the most academically rewarding experience of the program. I chose to research a former female activist and combatant within the underground armed wing of the African National Congress. This project took me to different parts of KwaZulu Natal, where I was able to meet prominent activists and learn from them firsthand, what it meant to make history and hear about their relations to my subject. I cannot recommend this program enough and all of the amazing memories that I gained because of the choice to go to South Africa. The cohort I traveled with will remain lifelong connections and friends, and I will always remember the kindness I received from South Africans I became close with.

I did this program in Fall 2022 and still think of it often. I am now living in a Spanish speaking country and feel grateful more than anything for the way the program structure fostered my language abilities — the homestay structure and all-Spanish classes were a perfect way to push my language learning without being overwhelming, because I was not thrown into Spanish-speaking academic or social situations without support. The program administrators were also a highlight — they are so passionate and caring and you get to know them so well, which makes the experience way better. The traveling classes were also fantastic — so great to be able to experience different parts of the diverse country with expert guidance and through the lens of an interesting academic topic. It was perfect because our academic schedule didn’t allow for too much personal travel (until the independent period in the third month, when we had time) but I didn’t feel the need for any additional travel, because we spent a total of about 2-3 weeks traveling as a group, and Buenos Aires is such an incredible city that we never nearly ran out of things to do there on the weekends. It’s hard to really remember any complaints I had about the program now, but the one warning I will give is that for people who already study public health, the social determinants of health class was pretty basic. I loved the policies class because it was all new information about Argentina, as well as the independent study project, however. I recommend this program for people who are looking for real language improvement and interesting academic travel, and would not recommend it if you’re hoping for a lot of independent travel or a social living situation with other students.

This program has left me with amazing relationships and memories I will cherish forever. The program was incredibly impactful in my academic and personal life. After returning to my home country, the USA, I feel a profound connection to a country and set of people outside my original circle.

I absolutely loved my time during this program in Ushuaia, Argentina. Studying during my U.S. fall semester (Patagonian spring), I will be forever grateful for the three months I got to immerse myself in Fuegian culture. First, the program's academics are very relevant to your time in Ushuaia. They helped me gain more from the immersion, such as the geological processes that led to the formation of the area, the marine and terrestrial biology, and the history of the Tierra del Fuego Indigenous peoples. I will say that the Spanish classes are less so about grammatical concepts and more about practicing conversation. However, the professors are very open to feedback and will tailor lessons to your wants early in the semester. Second, the directors' support is extremely helpful, starting from your orientation week and all throughout the semester. I had a lot of fun getting to know them and experiencing the wonderful trips and experiences they plan alongside the SIT group. They are all very knowledgeable about Ushuaia and are full of recommendations/ share information about cultural events that are happening throughout the city. Third, the nature around the city is extremely accessible and it's very possible to do a day hike almost every weekend when there aren't excursions planned! I used AllTrails for navigation and trail reviews before heading out on trail. Lastly, I had an amazing time staying with my host family. They accepted me on the spot and were very accommodating to my language level and interests throughout the program. The program puts a lot of thought into the matches for host families and students, but if you are struggling with your host family, the directors are very receptive to solutions for any problems. They want to help you be as comfortable as possible and support you for a successful and enjoyable semester. And, of course, who wouldn't want to go on a trip to Antarctica?? I cannot recommend this program enough and all of the amazing memories that come from just one semester in Argentina.

This program was an incredible experience from start to finish. The classes were super interesting and relevant, covering important public health topics that felt even more meaningful thanks to the immersive activities and trips around the country. Everything we learned in class was reinforced by real-world experiences, making it such an engaging way to study public health. The homestays were hands down the best of any program in Buenos Aires. While other students in different programs had mixed experiences, everyone in SIT raved about their host families. It was the perfect way to practice Spanish, experience daily life in Argentina, and feel truly at home in the city. The SIT team, professors, and partner organizations were all amazing—super knowledgeable, supportive, and passionate about their work. They made the program not just educational, but also really meaningful. And of course, Buenos Aires itself is the perfect place to study abroad. There’s so much to see and do, from exploring neighborhoods to enjoying live music, great food, and cultural events. People are warm and welcoming, and the city has an energy that makes every day exciting. Overall, this program was enriching, inspiring, and just an all-around amazing experience. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for an immersive and impactful study abroad experience!

Traveling to Africa was always an experience I was looking forward to, however, I never thought that I would be able to immerse myself in the culture for a whole semester. I was able to learn a completely new language, live with a host family, see animals I have dreamed about since I was a little kid, and I made so many lasting connections. We were also pushed academically to complete and independent research project. Mine was on wildlife veterinarians so I was able to interview veterinarians and even got to shadow a sanctuary veterinarian. I would do it all over if I had the chance.

Studying abroad in Madagascar was a transformative experience that blended field research, cultural immersion, and personal growth. I conducted an independent research project on chameleon thermoregulation in Marojejy National Park, designing my methodology, collecting data in remote rainforest environments, and presenting my findings at a symposium. This hands-on approach to learning deepened my understanding of conservation science and ecological research. Beyond academics, living with a host family allowed me to engage with Malagasy culture, improve my French language skills, and gain perspective on the challenges of conservation in a developing country. I adapted to a new way of life, from navigating bustling markets to taking bucket showers, and built lasting relationships along the way. This program pushed me outside my comfort zone, strengthened my resilience and adaptability, and reinforced my passion for environmental research and global engagement. Madagascar’s beauty, biodiversity, and people made a lasting impact on me, and I highly recommend this program to students interested in field-based learning, conservation, and cultural exchange.

I absolutely loved my time in Jordan and my experience with SIT. The program director is one of the most accomplished and wise people I have ever met. He was a pleasure to work with. I was able to intern with IFH, an organization that helps refugee families with health services of all kinds. I learned a bit of arabic. I saw many different historical and natural sites and rode a camel. I also integrated myself into the culture and community every day. I stayed with a host family, who helped me learn the local ways in Amman, as well as went to festivals, explored town and many coffee shops, bought from local vendors, joined a running club, met international students, played pickleball, and attended multiple worship services. Perhaps my favorite part of this study abroad was learning about different cultures and religions. I had a lovely view into the Muslim faith and learned the Arab history of the middle east area in a new way. I grew as an individual and as a citizen of earth and of the United States. I am forever grateful for the people I acquainted and the things I experienced.

I seriously cannot recommend this program more. From this experience, you will be better equipped for the world, the job market, applying to grad school, or whatever else lies ahead more than anyone else who didn't do this program. This program is extremely intense, not only the time commitment but it is long hours during the hot tropical days. Some will appreciate the academic rigor in this program, but if you're looking for a vacation (despite it being in one of the most beautiful vacation spots in the world!) this program might not be for you. That being said, anyone doing this program will get the absolute most out of it. The academics were interactive, field based, usually based on doing hands on research that you're physically doing, then writing reports, having discussions, presenting, and doing analysis with the data. You learn through field trips, snorkeling, learning Swahili interactively, working with animals, people, doing interviews, and all the while you don't even know how much everything has built up piece by piece so that you can finally do a month long research project, speaking a language you didn't know when starting the program: A project that means something to the people of Zanzibar. And you can walk away knowing that you can ask better questions, you can know what its really like doing a field based research project and what's not included in every scientific methods section, how ingenuitive people in the developing world when managing resources with little economic means to do so can be, as well as doing it through an amazing cultural learning process in one of the most beautiful countries on Earth.

Ghana was incredible! The warm staff, delicious food, and stunning landscapes made my experience unforgettable. I really enjoyed the experiential learning aspect of the program, as getting to interact with locals, go to museums, and travel around the country deepened my understanding of Ghanaian culture in a way a classroom wouldn't be able to.

I learned so much in this program! I was fully immersed in Indian culture with my homestay and incredible academic staff. I gained so much knowledge and expertise in public health in a local and global context. It was the most rewarding semester of college I’ve ever had! I’m so glad I got this experience and I would 100% recommend this program to others.

I found this study abroad program to be an invaluable experience that I can carry over to both my academic and professional endeavors. It also reinforced my values of inclusivity and compassion, encouraging me to explore more into humanitarian action as a field and even intern with other non-profit organizations in the future. Our academic advisor, Dr. Ashraf Alqudah, was an amazing mentor; very knowledgeable, accommodating, and kind. Amman as a city was also such a cool experience. It was my first time in the region so I loved becoming familiar with the local customs and people. One thing that I think could have been better though was the internship placement. Many of my peers had great placements, but for me personally I wish it was more structured and that there was a translator since many of the staff only spoke Arabic.

This was a terrific study abroad experience! The short version was my Spanish improved, I had a wonderful host family, learned about city of Ushuaia and the Antarctic ecosystem, and fell in love with the Patagonian land scape. Also I got to research penguins in the field! In longer form: Arriving in Ushuaia was intimidating, and it took a bit to mesh with my cohort, but once I found my footing, I had some of the best months of my life. I was impressed with how educational the classes were, pleased with how much my Spanish improved, and felt immensely lucky to have such a supportive and loving host family. Classes focused on the local ecology and landscape which generally kept me interested. I started with a good sense of Spanish and ended the program with really good conversational Spanish. I ended up traveling in Patagonia after and was easily able to make friends and rapports in Spanish by that time. I would highly recommend doing this if you have the chance! I think Patagonia is the most beautiful place in the world. My host family was a really good time and I’m still in touch with them over a year later. I truly can’t believe how fortunate I was to have such a social, sweet, and generally loving host family. I had two host brothers who were roughly my age, and I had great and very different relationships with each of them. Antarctica was phenomenal – there is not much to say besides it was a once in a lifetime experience. The boat was luxurious, the landscape was magnificent, and the polar plunges were loads of fun. Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my Independent Study Project. For m ISP, I studied the foraging habits of Magellanic Penguins. I got to go into the field, and take a boat to an island where three species of penguins were nesting and do field work with them multiple times. Once I even picked up and weighed the baby penguins. Interestingly the research paper I produced was able to direct some of my advisors future research and seemed to really play a role in her scientific process. I had some of the best times of my life during this study abroad program and wholeheartedly recommend it. It was wonderful. And if at all possible go on to travel throughout the region – you won’t regret it.

This program was the highlight of my college experience! The semester began with a week-long orientation that allowed me to get to know the other students, understand some basics about Argentinian culture, and get aquatinted with Ushuaia. The SIT staff was incredible throughout this period, planning a variety of activities that helped us all adjust to our new surroundings. After that first week, we met our homestay families. My homestay was with a single woman who was very welcoming. She eagerly introduced me to her family and was always excited to bring me along for a drive around the city. She practiced my Spanish with me every night over dinner and helped me improve significantly. I loved the city of Ushuaia, its relatively small size made it easy to navigate on foot and on public transportation. I never felt unsafe walking around the city alone. It’s location between the water and the mountains was not only beautiful, but allowed for some incredible hiking on the weekends. The city also held parades and other events on holidays that were exciting to experience. I enjoyed the academics in this program. Each class was taught by a different local expert and assignments were created and graded by the SIT staff. This format allowed us to learn about a wide variety of local environmental, social, and research topics ranging from the unique ecosystems of Tierra del Fuego, the history of indigenous groups and the politics of Antarctic exploration. The classes could feel very separated from each other, but the assignments allowed us to fit them together. We also had several class sessions focusing on research and data analysis which culminated in a final group project. The Spanish classes were held at a local language school. While my group had some issues with our teacher, I enjoyed the culminating project where we made a podcast as a class. These classes were complemented by several excursions that allowed us to explore other parts of Tierra del Fuego while getting a different view of the topics we were learning about. We also had a 10 day excursion to Antarctica which was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and complemented our learning about climate change, Antarctic exploration, and Antarctic politics very well. After the classes and the Antarctica expedition, we completed month-long research projects. These allowed me and my peers to get hands-on experience in a topic that interested us, which I felt was incredibly valuable. This was an amazing program and I highly recommend it. I learned a lot and really enjoyed my SIT group (I’m still in contact with several of them). To anyone who is interested in environmental science, Antarctica, the outdoors, and Spanish, this is the program for you!

My time abroad with SIT was absolutely amazing, from the vibrant cultural immersion to the insightful academic journey, every moment exceeded my expectations. It's truly a wonderful program with many opportunities for growth not only academically but also professionally and personally. 

This program was as culturally immersive as I think you can get. The host family experience is an absolute necessity if you're serious about quickly becoming proficient Spanish and getting to actually know the area. Since the curriculum and itinerary is the same for all students, our group became very close over the course of the semester, resulting in friendships with people who I still keep up with today. That being said, some of the most interesting and rewarding relationships I formed were with locals, either through being introduced to them by my host family or meeting them around town (if you see a group of guys slacklining in the park, please say hi). The coursework itself is absolutely unique. The lectures are taught by a variety of different local professors, scientists, fishermen, and other super knowledgable professionals. The various excursions (obviously including the one to Antarctica) are incredibly well organized, directed, informative, and fun. This program is definitely best suited for people who enjoy being outdoors, with lots of really great hikes around town. Overall, if you're looking for a blow-off semester to party on the beach, this isn't for you. This program is a challenge academically, mentally, and sometimes physically, but I guarantee you won't regret it.

People, Environment, and Climate Change in Patagonia and Antarctica is a phenomenal program that facilitates profound cultural exchange and academic discovery. I'd recommend this program to anyone interested in studying the environment, excited to learn about Argentinian culture, and interested in gaining a deep familiarity with an incredible city that most foreigners just pass through for a couple of days. To name a few of my favorite experiences: 1) I got really into Argentinian rock music, saw a local band from Ushuaia in concert, learned Argentinian songs on guitar, and jammed with the crew on the boat to Antarctica, 2) I co-authored an archaeology paper with a professor from the Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, 3) I went on an overnight backpacking trip to the Laguna del Caminante in the wilderness of Tierra del Fuego, 4) I learned a ton of Argentinian slang and started defaulting to voseo, 5) I made friends at the local rock climbing gym and became close with my host family. The program coordinators, Maria, Viole, and Lida, along with all of the lecturers are awesome (Pauli's jazz band is fire), the host families are overall wonderful, and Ushuaia is a beautiful city to spend a few months. My few gripes: 1) while all classes are taught in Spanish and students are fully immersed in the language with their host families, the American students inevitably ended up speaking a lot of English among ourselves, which somewhat reduced immersion, 2) Ushuaia is pretty remote, which I loved, but someone expecting a European city experience with train lines all over the continent may be disappointed.

They say that nothing worthwhile is easy and this is definitely true of this program. My time in Buenos Aires with SIT was incredible. I watched my Spanish fluency go from intermediate (like a 45 Spanish score on Duolingo) to advanced (101 on Duolingo)! I made lifelong friends in my cohort, at my internship, and with locals. I loved learning about human rights and social movements in the context of Argentina and Latin America as a whole. The meals and laughs I shared with indigenous families in the South and North were indescribable. The village of support around you is immense and I recommend that you advocate for yourself upfront (before the program starts). You will be challenged with what I call the "Spanish overload" mentally and physically. However, stick with it and remain optimistic. I struggled at times with my Spanish abilities, but then there were moments of gold. For example, I went from pretty basic conversations with my host mom to interviewing locals about identity in complete Spanish. The program staff (or the "girl band" as I call them) will be your greatest cheerleaders if you let them. Embrace the ambiguity that comes with your time abroad. Live in the moment and immerse yourself as much as possible. You truly do not know how resilient and capable you are of achievement until you throw yourself in a different country and culture.

I studied abroad in Ushuaia two years ago, and I am still telling everyone and anyone who will listen about my amazing experience. The program kept a very busy schedule, but because of this, I experienced so many unique things in just one short semester. For example, visiting many of the National Parks (Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Parque Nacional Monte Leon, etc...).The whole program was the perfect Spanish immersion I was looking for and the professors were excellent! The whole team was so helpful and understanding. Thank you SIT: Ushuaia team-- it was truly an experience I will never forget!

To anyone considering this program -- the answer is yes. Do it. Studying abroad in Ushuaia was truly a transformative experience that exceeded all my expectations. The program provided an incredible balance between academics, cultural immersion, and personal growth, making it one of the most enriching opportunities I’ve ever had. The courses offered were well-structured, engaging, and directly tied to the location. Professors were knowledgeable and brought unique perspectives to the classroom. I especially appreciated the emphasis on experiential learning -- field trips, guest lectures, and hands-on projects made the coursework come alive in a way that I personally had never experienced. Moreover, one of the program's highlights was the effort to integrate students into the local culture. From language classes to homestay options, I felt connected to the community. The excursions were thoughtfully planned, allowing us to explore both popular landmarks and hidden gems. The program also encouraged us to engage with locals, attend cultural festivals, and volunteer, which enriched the experience even further. One of my favorites was attending the local international food and cultural festival, where a friend and I were able to try dancing and food from around the world! The program staff were exceptional -- responsive, approachable, and genuinely invested in ensuring our success. From pre-departure orientations to on-site support, they were always available to answer questions or address concerns. They made navigating a new country much easier, from handling logistics to offering tips on adapting to cultural differences. Living in a new country pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I developed independence, confidence, and cross-cultural communication skills. It also gave me the chance to explore and adventure through Ushuaia's natural wilderness, with hikes every weekend to everything from glaciers to mountains to beaches. If you’re considering studying abroad, I cannot recommend SIT Study Abroad Argentina: People, Environment, and Climate Change enough. It’s more than just academics -- it's an opportunity to grow as an individual, expand your horizons, and create unforgettable memories. Because of this program, I was able to get into graduate school at Duke University and pursue projects in the environmental sector that I am truly passionate about. My time abroad left a lasting impact on me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the experience.

This program was an amazing experience and I'm so grateful and glad I was able to be a part of it. The academics of the program are rigorous, but I learned so much and gained a mass of new skill sets. The setup of the program is a mix of lectures and fieldwork. The professors of each module are passionate about what they do and it is clearly reflected in the way they teach the materials. It's hard to say which module was my favorite, all were so unique and I learned so much. My biggest takeaway from the modules was to not procrastinate the assignments, and try to get them done in a timely manner as you move around a lot. Aly, Yari, and Yuri are amazing! It's definitely nerve-wracking going to a new country with people you've never met before, but everyone is in the same position and you get close to one another quickly. A recommendation, based on my group's general experience, is to bring a hefty amount of over-the-counter medicine, especially for stomach-related issues, and Tylenol instead of Advil! As for the homestays within the program, that was my favorite part of the program! They helped my Spanish speaking skills so much and it was so special to be apart of different families homes. All my host families were so sweet and all had pets, which helped immensely whenever I got homesick. Regarding dietary restrictions, I am lactose and gluten intolerant, and for the most part, the homestays were very accommodating, but you do have to advocate for yourself and let your host parents know your dietary restrictions. Overall, this program is amazing. It definitely can be draining at times, as you move around a lot and almost always have homework, but it is so worth it in every way and I hope to go back to Panama one day!

Through this program, I improved my Spanish language skills a lot, saw many beautiful parts of Peru, ate delicious food, and had the unique opportunity to learn about relevant social issues from indigenous leaders and communities throughout the country. These experiences broadened my worldview and shaped my future interests. I had a great time living with my host family and acquainting myself with Cusco during my free time. My experience abroad was safe, well-run, and interesting, and I made friends with everyone in the program. It was incredibly special!

SIT Study Abroad Peru offers an incredible exploration of Peruvian history, culture, indigenous identity, and contemporary challenges. Through academic excursions that facilitate meetings and discussions with incredible leaders and scholars, immersive language learning, and interesting topics, there is a lot to learn on SIT's Peru program. It was an incredibly worthwhile experience—and as with all study abroad, remain openminded, accept that things are different, and lean into the experience!

For any student who is looking to go into any sort of healthcare related field and is interested in improving their spanish speaking skills, I can't recommend this program enough. The staff and program directors are incredible! They were always willing to help with LITERALLY anything and were just overall great people! The opportunity to live with a host family was great for improving my spanish (even though it might seem scary) and the homestay program director does a great job of matching you to a family that fits your needs/lifestyle and supporting you if things aren't working out. There were a TON of program organized trips and events that were great for both school related stuff and just the Argentinian experience and exploring the country! I had the best semester ever and, like I said, I can't recommend this program enough to students- the people, staff, city and culture were all just incredible!

This program was more than I ever could have hoped for. The program staff were super supportive and they went above and beyond with planning events for us. In particular, they gave us lots of opportunities to connect with the scientific community in Tierra del Fuego. We had 3 excursions outside of Ushuaia, and they were all incredible. One of those was a trip to Antarctica, which was a crazy opportunity. Ushuaia itself was also an amazing place to be. It is definitely on the smaller side, but I felt that that made it easier to connect with the community. The people in Ushuaia are generally very friendly and accepting even as you are still improving your Spanish. Also, it is right in the mountains and on the ocean, so there are all sorts of outdoor activities that are very accessible from the city. The classes and internship component of the program were both really interesting, and I learned a lot from them. Also, my Spanish improved a ton during this program. Furthermore, the host family experience allowed me to experience Argentinian culture in a way that I never could have if I was living on my own in a dorm or apartment. On the whole, this program was an incredible, once in a life time experience, and I would highly recommend it.

High-quality people: peers, host family, and professors. Amazing landscapes/scenery/field trips (I mean, Antarctica?!)Thoughtfully created academics with a focus on regional, relevant and experiential knowledge. So worthwhile! I became more confident in who I am and what I want at a more profound level/pace

I gained an incredibly amount of knowledge and understanding inside and outside of the classroom. I felt challenged to look beyond the curriculum I'd been presented with at my home institution at the people and environments at the heart of tropical ecology. I was immersed in both local communities in Panama and in a community of SIT students which not only made me feel at home, but also safe and supported. There was a great mixture of rigor in the classroom and experiential learning! The first excursion (3 weeks of travel) is dedicated to the human ecology class, where you have a lot more free, unstructured time. The second excursion is geared towards comparative tropical ecology, which is very very structured but still integrates experiential learning well! Living arrangements varied WILDLY during the program-- there were four total homestays and I don't know how many hostels and hotels. Even when the living conditions weren't what we take for granted in the U.S. (no AC, no hot water, shared rooms, no showers, etc), we were typically staying in the best living arrangements available in an area. The homestays were all wonderful and contributed to my integration into different areas, especially the homestay in Panama City. Integration was good throughout, though it definitely depended on the person. Some people made a big effort to integrate and practice their Spanish, which helped with integration, while others struggled more. I would definitely recommend studying Spanish before arriving (I did not), because most of my homestays were majority/all Spanish speakers.

SIT Public Health in Urban Environments was an incredible program that facilitated growth and learning for me and all my fellow participants. Through immersive excursions and the homestay living arrangements, I was able to get to know Buenos Aires and Argentina through diverse and qualified perspectives. It had a profound impact on my worldview and understanding of healthcare-- both as a global and necessarily local phenomenon.

This experience was one of the best things I could have done for myself. I grew so much during this experience and enjoyed every moment of the program. I am incredibly thankful to the staff of this program for showing such love and devotion to not only the students, but also to the community that the care for.

I cannot emphasize enough how important this program has been in my personal and academic development. The classes with Argentinian professors, visits to local organizations, and trips to Patagonia and the northern provinces combined to create a holistic understanding and knowledge of Argentina. The classes challenged my beliefs about the world and international relations, and conversations with locals made me more empathetic and cognizant of the world and people around me. The final month dedicated to doing an internship or a research paper pushed me academically and culminated in a final research paper of which I am extremely proud. The host family experience was truly amazing, and I am sure I will maintain contact with them for many years to come. The on-site Argentinian staff members are lovely and incredibly supportive throughout the process. I also found time to travel around Latin America, which added so much to this experience. I cannot say enough good things about this program, and I just have to say thank you to Argentina for all that it has taught me about the world and myself.

As cliche as it sounds, studying abroad in Argentina through the Social Movements and Human Rights program was one of the most transformative of my academic career. Academically, the incredibly knowledgeable staff and once-in-a-lifetime experiential learning combine to present a unique opportunity to challenge your point of views and world understanding. From visiting indigenous communities, social movements, and participating in an internship (or research project) the experience allowed me to think in new ways and develop as a global citizen. Furthermore, living in a homestay was one of the best part of my experience. Through eating dinners, watching television shows and movies, and my homestay mom constantly correcting my grammar, the homestay component not just helped me improve my Spanish but connect with my family personally. I have no doubt that we will be in contact far past the conclusion of the program. Finally, living and truly getting to immerse yourself in a new culture pushed me to reflect on my own assumptions about the world. Together, the semester was truly was on the most incredible I have had.

I found SIT Panama to be exactly what I was looking for in a study abroad program. The excursions let us see a wide array of biomes across the country and introduced us to tons of wonderful people. SIT Panama is heavily experience-based in the teaching style, which worked great for me, and I'll never forget my time wading through streams looking for frogs at night or spending days snorkeling in the reefs of Guna Yala. The student culture in my cohort was always quite positive which made for a great community. Even as an introvert I felt that I was able to connect with my fellow students, host families, and other local Panamanians. The ISP (independent study project) at the end of the program is pretty intense but I found it to be some of the happiest weeks of my life. I loved getting to spend hours on end snorkeling, learning to ID marine invertebrates (the focus of my specific project), and completing my write-up while staying with a bunch of my SIT friends. Overall this program was excellent and if I could go back in time I would definitely choose to do it again.

I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to study abroad in Argentina with this program. Through this program I was able to learn more about the health care system in Argentina from various professionals in class and then travel to different regions in Argentina to learn directly from various communities. Along with academics, I had the opportunity to visit the mountains in Mendoza and Iguazu Falls in Misiones! During the last month I completed an internship with a neonatologist. My host mom and the staff were incredible and extremely supportive. Lastly, I developed close friendships with the other students in my program. I would recommend this program to any student that is interested in health care and furthering their Spanish skills!!

This program was very well-run. The faculty at the program site were amazing, kind, and caring. Almost all of the home stays were great fits for the students, and when anyone had a problem they could easily be moved. The best part of the program is the internship/independent study period. My internship was fantastic and important for making most of my Chilean friends.

Would highly recommend this program to anyone who truly wants to challenge their cross-cultural understanding and learn what it truly means to be a global citizen. This study abroad program truly immerses you in the culture in a unique way. I learned so much about myself, the host country and its politics. I got some insane opportunities like working with the Comprehensive Rural Health project in Jamkhed and visiting Tibetan refugees in Mcleod Ganj. Came out of the experience with a good understanding of conversational Hindi.

This was one of the best experiences of my life - Nepal and Kathmandu has so much to offer. Having learned the language it was so fun to meet so many people in the city and have so many new experiences along side my new friends in my program. I would do anything to be able to do it again.

I learned so much in this program! I was fully immersed in Indian culture with my homestay and incredible academic staff. I gained so much knowledge and expertise in public health in a local and global context. It was the most rewarding semester of college I’ve ever had! I’m so glad I got this experience and I would 100% recommend this program to others.

I loved my time in Chile! The people I met definitely made the semester! The SIT staff was very friendly and supportive, and they did a great job assigning host families. I loved my host families both in Valparaiso and on the excursions. I felt very comfortable and got to know them very well despite the partial linguistic barrier. I also found many Chileans around my age to be really friendly, and I was able to make a few great friends who I still talk with every week. The group dynamics within the program weren't great, in part, because our homestays were so spread out that it encouraged cliques to form. The staff maybe could have done more to improve group dynamics especially during our first few days in Chile where we were all staying at a hotel together for orientation. I have mixed feelings about the program's academics. I appreciate that we weren't assigned much work, so we got to use our time outside of school to explore and spend time with our host families. I thought my Spanish class was interesting, and it helped me to learn Chilenismos and improve my grammar. The classes about cultural identity, social justice, and economics were disappointing though. They were taught by different guest lecturers every class, so there was no continuity or clear learning targets. Some of the classes/lecturers were great, but most were boring and didn't teach me much. The research methodologies class was a bit dry but did a good job of preparing us for our ISPs. I was not excited about doing an ISP as I don't like research, but ended up finding a topic I was excited about and got a lot out of it! The SIT staff did a great job supporting me through the ISP period, even as I traveled outside of Valparaiso for it. I loved Valpariso/Viña and Chile in general. The pace of life in Valpo/Viña (and its public transport) is a lot slower than where I'm from (MA), but once I got used to that I loved exploring the city (going to dance classes, bars, markets, ect.) I also went to visit friends in Santiago on the weekends and have touristy days with them. I also loved our excursion to the south. I loved getting to spend time outside in a rural area and go to family parties with my host family. Our trip to the north was kind of a wash since so many people got sick (largely due to the altitude). I would have loved to travel around Chile and the Southern Cone more, but we didn't have any breaks and weren't allowed to travel without the program. I didn't think the program's schedule, nor its policy that students can't travel on their own was made clear on the website which frustrated me.

This program provides a unique experience to dive into the Malagasy culture and the environment of Madagascar. The program offers hands on learning, cultural immersion with living with host families and Malagasy language learning, and new perspectives on global health. The program directors become like a family to you and provide tremendous amount of support and comfort. The host families are kind and welcome you with open arms into their lives/homes. This program will provide new ideas, passions, and new opportunities.

My experience in Amman with this program was incredibly transformative and enriching. The program staff put so much love and effort into the program experience including excursions, site visits, and overall cultural emersion.

Overall, studying in Madagascar with SIT was one of the best decisions I've made. It is a really unique country, and I don't imagine my experience could be replicated anywhere else. I had very little exposure to international travel before this program, so being able to explore Madagascar with trusted locals and in group of American students made the experience far less intimidating. The program instructor, Nat Quansah is an incredible person and teacher. He is clearly very passionate about his work and fostering curiosity, compassion, and enthusiasm in his students.

I participated in the Amman, Jordan IR program and it was the most amazing and transformative experience. The on-site staff’s coordination of the homestays, excursion trips, and our overall experience was incredibly professional and thoughtful. I felt very taken care of, safe, and comfortable during my time in Amman. I will never forget my time in Jordan and I will be back in the future!

This study abroad opportunity was absolutely amazing. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by the program staff. The program offered opportunities for group travel that included both cultural immersion and some opportunity for tourism as well. Additionally, I really enjoyed the field learning - many normal classroom activities were instead in local clinics or other areas. The program was almost completely in Spanish, which made me very nervous, but my Spanish improved more in 4 months than it had in the past 4 years. The opportunity was amazing and I would do it again.

This program pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way! I grew so much as a person and as a scientist. The people truly made the place. The excursions and adventures were so much fun. Disconnecting from my life at home and social media allowed be to take in the experience. Panama is a beautiful country. I was exposed to traditional ecological knowledge.

This program was amazing! We traveled all across Iceland, learning from various professors about renewable energy. We also visited several hydropower and geothermal power plants across the country and got to hear from the operators there as well. We covered the engineering of renewable energy, every types' pros and cons, and policies that different countries have used to incentivize transitioning to renewables. This program has a great work-life balance and you get super close to all of your classmates as well. Along the way we saw lots of waterfalls, glaciers, puffins, and even got to climb an inactive volcano. Highly recommend to anyone majoring in environmental science or a related field.

My experience with SIT Study Abroad: Chile: Public Health was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Upon arrival to Chile, I immediately felt so welcomed and comforted by the staff and other students in the program. I learned so much in the classroom, but also about Chilean culture, improved my Spanish immensely and learned so much about myself. As the program went on I developed connections and friendships with my peers and host families that I never would have had the opportunity to create had it not been for this program. The program asks a lot of students, both physically and mentally, but if you give your all to everything that you do you will not be disappointed.

I'm so glad I went on this program! I loved being able to see so many areas of the country, practice my Hindi language skills, and get to know my peers, instructors, and co-workers during my 1-month internship. As a queer person of Indian heritage myself, having the opportunity to intern at a queer community-based organization was particularly affirming and educational.

If you're considering applying for this program, especially if you're a biology or environmental science major, I highly recommend it. While the academic rigor wasn't as intense as some of my courses at my home university, the content and research opportunities were exceptional and unlike anything I'd experienced before. We worked on several research projects, including one on Lizard Island that examined habitat degradation and fish species—something that was especially meaningful to me as a biology major. The Independent Study Project (ISP) was a different experience altogether. Although finding an advisor was a bit stressful and time-consuming, I was incredibly fortunate to end up working at a sea turtle rehab center. That month was not only incredibly enjoyable but also a tremendous learning experience. By the time I had to write the 40-page paper at the end, it felt almost effortless. I also made lifelong friends through this program, as we often shared close living quarters in hostels or cabins. It felt like we became a big family, taking excursions and sharing experiences together. Overall, the combination of the other students, the academic advisors, and the program itself made this one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.

This is a intense academic program where you will learn a lot about the health system in Argentina if that is your goal. Almost every week we would travel to different provinces to learn different aspects of the health system. In these excursions, we sometimes had the opportunity to explore the cities and enjoy dinners with classmates. Which brings me to my next point: you will get super close with your classmates because you will share so much time and experiences together. There's definitely opportunities to explore more places but you have to be strategic about planning these outings (because nobody will plan them for you). Overall, I loved how academic heavy this program was and I loved the amazing and beautiful people I met while on the program.

If you are even considering Oaxaca and it falls in your area of interests (or not specifically, but does grab your attention)I would highly recommend! One of the first things you are told is to be open with each other because you will build life long connections, which couldn't be more true. You will experience a great deal of culture and heavy topics that will bond you closer with each other as you all learn how to navigate being abroad, being immersed in immigration, local indigenous communities, and transnational communities in excursions. Outside of classes, you'll have amazing meals with your families and families of you friends, which adds so much to the experience as you meet their families and they let you into their culture. While the topic of immigration is very heavy and a difficult topic to prepare someone who has never witnessed the situations of the borders, the teachers and speakers do a great job of preparing us for what we are going to see and how we may feel. Most importantly, you are not alone in any of the experience while in Oaxaca.

I can't express how much of a life-changing experience I had while studying abroad in Argentina on the SIT Argentina: Social Movements and Human Rights program. Read on for more detail, but overall highlights: the wonderfully supportive four core members of the SIT team in Buenos Aires (the "chicas"), the (included!) travel on 2 week-long learning excursions to Patagonia and northwestern/Andean Argentina, the opportunity to live in a sprawling and historic city like Buenos Aires, practicing Argentine Spanish every day in an immersive setting, and unbeatable opportunities and connections with important human rights organizations in the country. I was really grateful for the administration within the country. From the very first day when all four of the primary program admins met us at the airport and brought us to our hotel, where we would all stay together for the next couple of days, I felt so supported. Even though we were across the world from my house, I felt at home with the “chicas” (the term they call each other and we adopted to refer to them collectively — the work they do goes way beyond their individual titles). Not only was the program layout very straightforward and planned-out, but they really made the effort to create a tight-knit community within our group. I felt very comfortable going to them with any problems or even feedback when things were not going well. The main vibe was that everything felt very taken-care-of, for the most part. One of the more important components to SIT Argentina is the homestay aspect. This was something I was excited and nervous about going into the program, and one of my favorite parts of the experience once I left. It feels anxiety-inducing at first that they won't let you know your homestay assignment until after you get there; I still don't really get why this is. However, it seems like they want to get to know us in-person for the first few days of the program to make sure they made the right choice. For me, it was the perfect choice. I got to stay with a young queer family with a cat in a neighborhood which I grew to adore (go, Boedo!) I felt so seen by them and both integrated in their lives and able to do my own thing. We would eat dinner together every night and they were great cooks who made sure my vegetarianism was taken care of. Integrating myself into their family was really easy for me -- but if it hadn't been, I could always have reached out to Gri, the homestay and student affairs coordinator, who was always supportive and ready to lend an ear. This was so important for my cultural immersion and feeling like I had the support of a family while I was abroad (they even came with me to my doctor's appointments!) I also felt super well-integrated with the local culture! I think having a homestay was a big part of that, as was taking classes in Spanish with Argentine professors, visiting many Argentine organizations, and being given a stipend for lunch to (presumably) eat out. We drank a lot of mate and ate a lot of milanesa, and we had multiple excursions as a group. I truly love the Argentinian culture! If you are ready to integrate yourself, the support from this program is here to help you do that. Classes and academics are not the most challenging I've ever experienced; however, because everything was in Spanish, and there was just a lot of reading material to cover, it was a lot at times. I also wrote the longest paper I've ever written while in Argentina -- 35 pages!! However, the grading is on the forgiving side and I felt very supportive throughout the Independent Study part of the program. It's about the experiential learning as a whole more than it is the academics and grades. However, definitely do the reading -- you will get called out on it.

This is an excellent program if you are passionate about public health topics and are looking to improve your Spanish. It is language intensive and can be intimidating at first, the academics are intense, especially if you are not confident with your Spanish skills, but the professors are patient and understanding and will accommodate your levels to help you learn and grow. We traveled almost every other weekend, and while it is a program that focuses on urban environments there are many opportunities to explore and visit lots of the beautiful natural sites across Argentina!!! I highly recommend taking trips to the amazing Patagonia, El Calafate and Bariloche! This is not a Europe-like clubbing and partying study abroad experience and can be challenging at times, but rewarding at large. Argentinians are extremely loving and warm people and this program will allow you to make connections and meet many interesting people. I am studying public health and looking to pursue a career in health care and have felt that this program helped me an incredible amount not only with improving my Spanish and understanding another country's public health system, but also with understanding the importance of how the social determinants of health shape not only the individual's, but community's experiences with health.

Over the course of this program I saw just about every part of Iceland that I was able to. The program began in Reykjavik (~2 weeks), then we went northwest to Ísafjörður where we stayed with a homestay family (~4 weeks), then went on a tour of the ring road (~2 weeks), and finished off the program by conducting independent research wherever I wanted to live in the country; I chose Akureyri and Siglufjörður (~6 weeks). Yes the environment is cold, but the culture is warm and welcoming. I highly recommend this program for anyone that loves the outdoors and environment.

Indonesia was absolutely amazing. The experience of learning the language and living with a host family were probably my favorite parts. Aside from that, the staff is wonderful and makes sure to really focus on experiential learning and be there for any questions or concerns you might have throughout your time. It is also a great program to undergo any type of study that you might want to. The independent part of the program is very open and you truly have the opportunity to learn about whatever you would like. People in Indonesia are also extremely welcoming and friendly and I really felt like I got to be a part of local life there.

This is not a program to go on if you want to spend the whole time travelling. It is pretty academically rigorous, which I appreciated. There are a variety of excellent excursions to visit different public health institutions. Also an opportunity for either an internship or an extensive research project. I also felt living with a host family had a great impact on my language ability and cultural immersion. I loved them as well as the administrators from the country.

As someone who's studied abroad multiple times, I was beyond excited to participate in a program closer to home! Initially, I wanted to come out of the experience with a little bit better Serbian, and some new friends and experiences! Upon completing the program, I realized I got those and much more! During my three and a half months in Serbia, I had an incredible host family and gained relationships I hope to foster for life. My favorite part of the program was its internship component, which allowed me to connect with the local culture more by interning at a local organization that perfectly fits into what I want to do in the future!

I participated in this program during the spring 2024 semester. I had never been to Europe prior to the program, and was unfamiliar with the Balkan region aside from some historical context. During the program I gained invaluable perspective on the region and Europe, experienced the culture first-hand through day-to-day life and my host family, and made lifelong friendships. I really enjoyed the excursion aspect of the program where we got to visit other countries and learn comparatively. I would recommend this program to any student interested in expanding their studies internationally and eager to step outside their comfort zone!

I had a great time in Valparaiso! I was paired with the perfect host family, and we complemented each other well! I created a great relationship with my host mom and had the funniest host brothers. It was easy to find things to do on the weekends because they had an endless list of suggestions, and she was a pro since she had been hosting students for years. Valparaiso is such a beautiful city, and I say it is a realistic city to live in. Like all cities, certain areas are dangerous, but just be smart, and you'll be fine. The workload was never too overwhelming other than when I left things for the last minute, and there were many in-class field visits. The excursions were amazing, and you learn so much. I met the most amazing people in my program and was able to explore different parts of the city. I even got to go to Santiago. Through my internship I was able to experience such an amazing work culutre and learn of different social issues Chile has. The experience is what you make it!

I participated in this program between Feb - June 2024, right in the middle of political and economic instability that Argentina was facing under a new presidential administration. I really loved that our program, by virtue of focusing on social movements and human rights, was able to relate what we learned about in the classroom to what was going on right around us during our stay in Argentina. The program does a great job of bringing in guest speakers and planning trips both within and outside BA to help us engage with the topics we study in a hands-on manner. I loved being able to travel so often with the program and especially liked that the ISP period gave students the flexibility to travel independently. In addition, the onsite staff are incredibly supportive and kind. It is very clear that they care about students and are always open to chat about anything. I chose this program because of the level of onsite support (which non SIT programs do not always guarantee) and I was very satisfied with my experience. Buenos Aires is a beautiful city and filled with so much to do/see. Although living in any foreign country has a bit of a learning curve, I did not find it a huge culture shock compared to the US, largely due to the support provided by the program and fellow students in your cohort.

Don't miss out on this opportunity! If you're at all considering this program, I highly recommend it! I learned so much from this program, academically, socially, and culturally. This program taught me to step out of my comfort zone, be comfortable with not knowing the road ahead, and made me much more confident interacting with new people. The educational opportunities this program offers are like no other, from snorkeling in the Carribean and studying fish and coral reefs, to doing research on frogs at night in the forests of El Valle. There are so many incredible opportunities for cultural immersion in this program, some of my favorites being all the homestays and the fun activities we did on free days during excursions. You will come out of this program a much more well-rounded, culturally educated person, and you will undoubtedly meet people that will become your friends for life!

It's hard to convey just how much I learned on this program. From the field trips to the courses to the Independent Study Period, I have been exposed to the tools I need to make meaningful change in my own life and the world, with regard to both sustainability and personal growth. The program struck a good balance between academic support and independence-- I could not have chosen a better program to pursue my own ideas within. With Eshana and Sam, you truly learn from the best! I came to this program weary, burnt out, and cynical about our individual ability to make meaningful change in the face of climate change, rising threat of fascism, deepening social inequality, etc. This program reconnected me to just how good it feels to do something-- anything-- to improve your immediate environment and community, and the power we have together when we find likeminded collaborators (I found mine in my abroad cohort). I am reentering the US and my final year of college with greater trust in myself, and the courage needed to pursue ideas I have for social change and my vision of the "good life." Made some great lifelong friends in my program. Cherishing our beautiful memories of hanging out on the beach in Byron Bay and traveling all around together. It was totally worthwhile.

I had an amazing time studying abroad! The program staff are very kind and professional and made a huge effort for this to be the best possible experience for us. The other kids in my program were amazing and our classes were interesting. We had several excursions and lots of opportunities to explore Ushuaia, Patagonia, and Antarctica.

This program was easily the most fun I have had during my college career. While nothing is perfect, every single experience throughout the program made me a happier, more confident, and very independent student. The academics on this program were definitely less rigorous than my typical semester, but by no means did that mean I didn't learn. Whilst traveling throughout the country, I learned so much about Icelandic culture from both the program's admins and the locals in each town we visited. Additionally, I learned an incredible amount from the other students on the program. I feel that the value of a program like this is less textbook learning and more experiential learning you would be unable to experience elsewhere, which is why I am very content with the less rigorous structure of the program. My cohort was integral to my experience. I was surrounded by the most incredible group of people who were all so committed to learning and exploring Iceland as a community. We grew extremely close and I never felt there was a clique-y environment. I know the group of people is variable from program to program, but I think the nature of the program generally attracts grounded people with similar goals for their study abroad experience. Every aspect of Iceland itself was incredible. Throughout the program you really get to see the entire country (with the exception of the highlands which leaves room for a fun reason to go back and adventure more!). The local people were incredibly welcoming in every town, especially in Isafjordur. The views are unlike anything you have ever seen and the hikes are unique and challenging. It is particularly special to see the country during the winter months as outside of tourist season the country is both less crowded and more beautiful. Overall I would 100% recommend this program and if I could go back I would choose it all again.

Studying abroad in Spain through the SIT program was truly a life-changing experience. I loved staying with a host family and having the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the culture. The warmth and hospitality of my host family made me feel at home, and I learned so much about Spanish customs and daily life. I also really enjoyed all the trips that were part of this experience, which allowed me to learn extensively outside of the classroom. Exploring historic cities, visiting museums, and engaging with local communities broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for Spain's rich history and diverse culture. The program staff were incredible—always supportive, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they were teaching. The lectures were engaging and thought-provoking, and the class trips provided practical insights that complemented our academic studies. I truly enjoyed the learning process, both in and out of the classroom. Overall, this experience has had a profound impact on me, both personally and academically. It has inspired me to continue exploring new cultures and perspectives. I would 100% recommend the SIT program in Spain to anyone looking for an enriching and transformative study abroad experience.

The social media does not do this program justice. I had an amazing time, 10/10 would do again if I could. The program provided students with invaluable opportunities for cultural immersion and personal growth. The ISP project was a highlight, with so much academic freedom and support I was able to complete a project with a non-traditional format leaving me inspired and ready to continue utilizing my creativity within academic spaces. The coursework strikes a good balance between being rigorous and inclusive of various learning styles, incorporating class discussions and journaling. My Spanish has improved greatly and I feel very confident in my ability to communicate. This program is unique in that you will have 3-4 homestays, this allowed me to form more connections but also observe and reflect on cultural differences not only in Ecuador but within the country itself. The exursions on this program are amazing and Ecuador is a very very beautiful and biodiverse country. The administration of this program is fantastic. I felt that the program director, Fabian Espinosa, and the program coordinator, Sofia Tobar, always had our best interests in mind and supported us in every aspect of the experience. They were more than just professors; they were mentors and confidants. I loved the program and country so much that I decided to stay a month and a half longer (also with my homestay family!) My advice would be: Forming connections is as important as coursework!!! Remember to find a balance. Look for things or self-care activities you like to do and may have more control over. For example, if you like to paint or read bring it with you. This is temporary so enjoy your time and make the most of it, it's going to be amazing I'm so excited for you!!!!

Overall, I enjoyed the program. There were various opportunities to interact with locals and practice Spanish outside of a classroom setting. The various excursions are the best aspect of the program as they were well organized, in various locations, and offer insight into the topic of immigration, local indigenous communities, and transnational communities. The host program offered engaging classes and the staff were very kind and accessible. The host family living arrangements were safe and comfortable. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience that gave me the opportunity to learn more about a topic that interests me. I would recommend it!

This program was a once in a lifetime opportunity and one I will never forget. I had the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the Panamanian culture through our travels and home-stays. I was able to build connections with the families I stayed with, in addition to the other students in the program with me. I also had the opportunity to study things I otherwise would not be able to at my home institution. Being able to conduct field work in a country as diverse as Panama was truly unforgettable!

I was very hesitant about leaving my college and missing out on a semester, but I'm so glad I made this choice! This program is an amazing combination of hands-on environmental science and ecology fieldwork, program-organized travel to all major ecoregions (that wouldn't be accessible to typical tourists), exposure to very different styles of life and groups of people, and experiencing Ecuador through living with host families and exploration with other students in the program. The excursions were the highlight of this program- it was such a refreshing change of pace to have days filled with setting up mist nets for birds in the morning, learning about macroinvertebrates and sampling in the afternoon, and looking for monkeys or using moth light traps in the evenings. They were exhausting, with long days of hiking, collecting data, and listening to guest lectures about topics related to that region, but so incredible and never felt like "work" in a burdensome way. Snorkeling in the Galápagos is certainly not a normal type of schoolwork. Less mentioned in program material is how easy it is to travel and explore independently, too. Almost every weekend, members of our group took buses to different parts of the country and got to see awesome volcanos, visit indigenous markets, ride bikes down waterfall routes, climb mountains, and explore the awesome food, museums, and neighborhoods of Quito, all for very cheap. For me, the independent research project was the most rewarding and challenging experience. I had a wonderful month spent living with a rural community and 2 other SIT students and designing and carrying out a project that was very relevant to my community's needs. I am a much more confident researcher now, have great professional contacts who served as my advisors, and feel more qualified for a variety of field research positions and academic work in Spanish in the future. This program is not based around a university, which meant an adjustment to a very different academic structure, but people are drawn to this program for its uniqueness and we became a very close-knit group. In addition, I felt very connected to my host family, my host community from the research month, and others who I met throughout my time in Ecuador and can't wait to visit some of them again. Ecuador is a very friendly country and I absolutely loved getting to talk to people in academic and social settings and learn about their lives. I would do this program again in a heartbeat.

I can't say enough good things about this program. It truly changed my perspective of the world and of myself. I learned so much not only in the classroom, but in the forest, the streets, the bus, and everywhere else as well. This program is the epitome of experiential and place-based learning, and I will carry the things I learned while abroad with me for the rest of my life in my career and my personal life. I'd recommend anyone who's open to trying new things and meeting new people to do this program.

I cannot recommend SIT Panama enough. I gained a broader perspective on life, especially learning about people from different backgrounds than my own, and a deeper understanding of the overlap between environmental and social themes. I learned so much about Panamanian culture, Panama's biodiversity, and myself. The program is rigorous and you are constantly learning, whether that is through fieldwork, conversations with homestay families, or community interactions. SIT provides unique opportunities for experiential learning, and Panama is an amazing place to study environmental topics. The program staff goes above and beyond to make students feel supported throughout the semester. Two of my facilitators were Panamanian and one had lived in Panama for over 20 years- all three were very familiar with Panamanian culture and norms, and well-positioned to give students advice about living in the country. The program was well-run and thoroughly planned out. SIT's connections to different communities across the country provided invaluable opportunities. The homestays were my favorite part of the program. In most of the places we traveled, including Panama City, we stayed with local families. Learning about their lives, sharing parts of my life, and generally spending time together was an amazing way to learn about Panamanian culture. It was also a great opportunity to practice Spanish skills. I loved trying Panamanian food and the regional variations throughout the semester. The home-cooked meals at the homestays were delicious and really showed how much the host families cared about the students (one of my host dads would arrange our fruit into a smiley face every morning). I personally ate meat during the semester but it is possible to be vegetarian in Panama, although some host families may be a little confused by the request. Staying in the homestay families and attending Spanish classes at the university in Panama City helped me connect with locals and immerse myself culturally. All of the families I stayed with were excited to spend time with me and I loved talking and hanging out with them. At times traveling in a large group made it harder to integrate into the local culture, but the SIT staff has established relationships with many communities across the country, all of whom were very welcoming to us. Living alone or with smaller groups during the ISP period is also a great opportunity to more fully integrate into the culture. I felt safe across the country. I ran by myself in almost every place we visited and I felt safe doing so. I always checked with program staff and my host families before I went on a run and I brought my phone with me, and I would suggest future students do the same if they want to run/walk. I also took the bus across Panama by myself (about 10 hours) and I felt safe. Like any study abroad, parts of this program were challenging. However, SIT Panama offers unique experiences that helped me grow as an environmental science student, independent researcher, and conscious citizen of the world.

The staff of SIT Nepal are passionate and knowledgeable about the program, its history, and the nation in general. It's hard to overstate how much they take care of the students during an experience that can be overwhelming and challenging. Homestays allow students to immerse themselves in the culture of Tibetans in exile, and lecture-based courses (with the exception of language class) bring in a diverse array of experts. If you're looking for a typical, academically rigorous semester, SIT does not offer that. But they make up for it with a tight-knit, very small cohort, a challenging Tibetan class, and the ISP period that will probably be the your rewarding and difficult college experience.

I had a phenomenal experience on this program. The emphasis on experiential learning created a unique learning opportunity and ability to learn about different people and cultures in India. The independent research projects was my favorite part of the program and such an incredible opportunity.

This program gives an incredible experience taking you through the history, culture, and language of the Tibet and the Himalayas. Kathmandu is a wonderful place to live, and the homestay gives safety and built in family. Courses are experiential: the only way to learn abroad. The Tibetan language course is fun and lively, but it also helps in the smaller commutes in the mountains and in India. Academically, I came home with a vast knowledge of the cultural landscape of Nepal, Tibet, and the Himalayas.

With SIT Panama, I grew in every imaginable way! Most notably, I have so much more confidence in my capabilities as a student, and as a thinker. Being a student is hard! I am more driven than ever to put myself into the work I am doing, and the work I will do after I graduate. My classmates and the people I was surrounded by while in Panama were so inspiring to me. I believe in myself as a woman, as a student, and as a budding environmental scientist, and I wouldn't feel such strength if it weren't for my time in Panama. Educational Experience Before arriving to Panamá, I understood that SIT is an organization dedicated to immersive, challenging, and rewarding experiences. I am the type of student that may struggle under academic pressure, depending on the circumstances. During my time with SIT in Panamá, I completed rigorous assignments, weekly studies with fieldwork, and an independent research project, and at no point did I feel incapable. Between my professors, my advisor, and my classmates I was inspired, supported, and motivated as a student. Program Administration During the Fall '23 semester, the program was directed by Aly Dagang with support from two other employees of SIT, Yari and Yuri. All three women are from Panamá, and were so supportive and kind throughout the semester. Because of movements happening in the country during that time, we encountered a number of challenges in transportation, scheduling, and housing throughout the semester. All three women handled situations with grace and strength, and stood has excellent models for us as students/learners. Housing and Food During this specific program, Panama - Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation, we spent much of our time traveling around the country! It was fantastic, and every moment was sweeter than the next. Housing varied from hostels, hotels, cabins, and homestays. All accommodations were enjoyable, and all were very different. Living in different places is a great way to experience a country, especially one as mosaic as Panamá. Homestays are particularly special, in that you get to experience what life is like in that country. New people become your family when you have been away from your own for so long, and you begin to establish a global community. I will never forget hugs, meals, activities, and smiles shared between myself and my host families. Food makes up a large part of a person's international experience, no matter where you may be. I am personally a fan of all food, and enjoy trying new things! A typical plate in Panamá may have been rice, beans, sweet or fried plantains, protein like chicken or fish, and maybe some other sort of vegetable, like potato and beet salad or slaw. I never went hungry! There were times where my body was wishing for a little more diversity or a little more vegetable content, but those desires are softened by the experience of it all. It is something to be aware of, but not something to avoid. The international experience is made special by things like this! Social and Cultural Integration A large part of SIT's mission, at least in this program, is to introduce students to the country as learners, listeners, and open-hearted visitors. To spend a semester in another country is a very special experience that not all have access to! In Panamá, I felt very welcomed, in general, by the people in the communities we visited. We went to a number of places that varied from heavily touristed to not frequently visited by outsiders at all. Ultimately, the social and cultural integration is what you make it. There are lectures on this subject during orientation that discuss what to expect, what not to expect, common phrases, customs and things like that. It is up to you as a student and traveler to put those things into action! Based on what I have experienced, people love it when visitors make an effort to appreciate their culture and customs. It may seem daunting at first but it is a great way to maximize your international experience! I put four out of five stars here because I did experience some imperfect situations in Panama City. Panama City is large, NYC in many ways, and so it is not abnormal to experience city-like things. People were generally less friendly here than in rural areas, but nothing particularly violent or negative. Health and Safety I was greatly impressed by how health was handled during this program! Firstly, Panamá has great healthcare. Secondly, our three program leaders were fantastic in taking care of us! It is exhausting to travel abroad and complete school work at the same time. Our needs in terms of mental health and energy were entirely respected and understood. At one point in the semester, I had a pretty bad stomach bug for a few days. My host mother was supportive, and my program director gave me probiotics that healed me right away. Other students may have had needs that required doctor's visits, and all expressed satisfaction. Students were accompanied by one of three leaders for support to doctor's visits. Overall, healthcare was very well taken care of and there was no point where I felt stranded or unseen in my needs. Panamá is generally very friendly! However, like most places, there are a couple things that people should be mindful about. For example, I had my phone stolen on a bus! I was told during orientation, do not make your phone accessible, especially on public transit. I left it in my book bag pocket and it was stolen on my way off the bus. In retrospect, it's a fun story to add to my study abroad experience, but it is not enjoyable in the moment. I advise people to be mindful of their surroundings, mindful of their belongings, and take the advice of your leaders! During this specific semester, there were also protests happening across the country. Except for one single incident, these protests fostered no violence. In fact, I was very inspired by the way the Panamanians unified to make their voices heard. But in terms of safety, I never felt at risk or vulnerable, even when the entire country was in protest. Also and again, the leaders are incredibly supportive and mindful when it comes to the safety of the group.

Studying healthcare and living in a Spanish immersion setting were my two goals for study abroad. This program allowed me to accomplish both, and then exceeded all expectations for supporting my life in Buenos Aires. The coursework was intellectually stimulating for anyone interested in public health and health policy (very social science oriented coursework). Field visits to Mendoza and Tucumán were insightful, and being able to spend a week at each site really allowed us to immerse ourselves in the lecture content. These trips also helped our cohort bond. With such a small group, we spent a lot of time together, but it was always great to have a group of people going through the same experiences and sharing the same willingness to explore the city. My home base was my host family, who were kind, thoughtful, and so caring throughout my stay. The immersion experience would not have been the same without the dinners, weekends, and other small moments shared with the family. Definitely miss them a lot!

What a fun semester! Buenos Aires is a great city with lots to do and a lot of students/young professionals to meet. The public transportation is also super accessible. Within the program, the program staff was very kind and supportive, but with a less expansive understanding of how American culture/beliefs can clash with those in Argentina. The academic excursions were very fun and beneficial to the classes, and I learned a lot. The people in the program were very self-selected, with a passion for public health (most pre-med). While classes did take up a lot of the weekdays, the weekends were very free to explore and have fun.

I learned more than I can even begin to express in all facets of my life: personal, professional, and academic. I learned that meriendas are a non-negotiable meal of everyday, that there is such a thing as drinking too much caffeine, that community and joy are essential to organizing, that care for myself must always come first, that all-nighters can be spent outside of libraries, that connection can transcend language. I learned about the impacts of the lithium industry on indigenous communities, about prefigurative politics in the creation of autonomous community-based labor, economic, and healthcare systems, about immigrant rights in Argentina, about the popular economy, about the complexities of feminism in Argentina, and so much more. I learned to be more critical of the systems and institutions that I am thinking of entering, to prioritize a career that advocates for human rights, to continue to learn intentionally and critically. To say that my experience abroad was worthwhile is a gross understatement. I will forever be grateful for my time in Argentina. Educational Experience: This program does an excellent job of assigning a workload that is very manageable and educational. It was refreshing to exist in an academic setting in which professors treat students as people first. While I have been frequently told by professors that my health and wellbeing matters to them, this is the first time that I have actually seen that in practice, which created a much healthier and supportive academic environment than I have ever experienced before. It is important to note that you are not a direct matriculation student to an Argentine university but are rather provided with an immersive and experiential education through SIT. This means lectures from a rotating staff of professors who are all preeminent scholars in their field and conversations with members of human rights organizations, social movements, and communities who are directly impacted by the issues that you learn about. All of the courses are taught in Spanish, however, if you are concerned about your Spanish abilities, rest assured that all of the people you will meet with and be taught by are very understanding that most students in the program are still learning the language. Program staff are also very available and do an excellent job of supporting every student's needs. Especially as a lot of the content that you learn about in this program is quite heavy, it is important to remember that you will always have very strong on-site support systems that you can reach out to (whether that is with your host family, the staff, peers, or professional resources!). Host Country Program Administration: I cannot express enough how absolutely WONDERFUL, AMAZING, KIND, and INCREDIBLE the on-site administration is for this program. This program is run by individuals who do a remarkable job of creating long-term, reciprocal relationships of solidarity with the organizations, social movements, and communities that students meet with. They navigate difficult topics, relationships, and situations with grace and compassion. From making sure that they know your name even before you land in Buenos Aires to regularly checking in with each student and making an effort to get to know you, you will be very well taken care of in this program. Oh, and make sure to bring Snickers with you for them! Housing: I was very satisfied with my living arrangements. The housing coordinator for this program does an incredible job of finding good matches between students and families and is there to support in the case that any problems arise with your homestay. It is a huge priority for them that students are placed in safe and healthy environments and they do everything to ensure that is the case. I loved living with my host dads and enjoyed building a relationship with them. Host families in this program genuinely care about building relationships with the students who are living with them, which is something that I really appreciated. Food: Your homestay will provide breakfast and dinner every day while you are in Buenos Aires. The program ensures that students are placed with a host family that is able to meet any dietary restrictions or accommodations that you might have. For lunch, you are provided with a regular stipend and there are many accessible, cheap, and good places to eat near the academic buildings that you are based in. More expensive meals and regularly eating out comes with more out-of-pocket expenses but Buenos Aires has a good food scene that is worth exploring. That being said, I did find myself eating a diet of primarily bread and meat whereas I am used to eating more fresh food on a regular basis. I recommend getting fruits and vegetables from markets (there is one every other block or so) to supplement. If you like spicy food, I also recommend bringing hot sauce with you as there is next to no spicy food in Argentina (other than the occasional Asian restaurant I was able to find). My favorite part about food in Argentina was definitely their meriendas (a kind of afternoon snack that is often cafe con leche and medialunas). Medialunas are especially divine and were definitely a highlight of my experience. Social & Cultural Integration: I felt pretty integrated with the local culture. Between living with my host family and meeting with other people in the community, I learned a lot about Argentine culture. While the program does a really good job of encouraging social and cultural integration, I also think this is a facet of the experience that is essential for the student to take initiative on. It is really easy to stay in a social bubble of just your peers in the program as it feels more comfortable to always hangout with people that you already know. If I were able to do this experience again, I would want to invest more time and energy in forming friendships with people outside of the program. Health Care: In my third week in Buenos Aires, I got pretty sick and ended up needing to seek medical attention. The international insurance (International SOS) did an excellent job of regularly communicating with me and ensuring that my request was processed quickly. One of the program directors also accompanied me to urgent care and helped me navigate through that process (as I was in a state in which I did not feel particularly equipped to figure out a different health system in a language I am still learning). I was well taken care of throughout the whole process. It is also really important to note that both the program and the international insurance (that comes as a part of being a student with SIT) make mental health and counseling resources very accessible. I definitely recommend taking advantage of these resources as they are covered with insurance and can be very helpful in navigating the challenges that come with study abroad. Safety: I felt quite safe in Buenos Aires. Basic street smarts definitely apply and are important to practice but I never felt that I was in danger while in Buenos Aires. That being said, stealing is rather common so it’s important to not walk with your phone out on the streets and to keep track of your belongings at all times. Would I do again?: I had an incredible and transformative experience with this program. I would 100% choose this program over and over again and cannot recommend it enough. Tips/advice on the best way to practice the language for future study abroad participants: Group norms surrounding speaking Spanish are crucial in this program. My group did not set clear norms around how we were navigating that aspect of our experience and it meant that we primarily spoke English with eachother, stunting some language growth. It is important to openly communicate and figure out what works best for the group that you are in. Beyond group dynamics it is also crucial that you establish clearly with yourself what your language goals are heading into the experience and to commit yourself fully to that goal. I know that this is easier said than done but also do not be afraid to speak and make mistakes!! People in Argentina are overwhelmingly kind, understanding, and welcoming to people who are learning Spanish. Don't be so concerned about speaking perfectly either - understanding is more important than always being grammatically correct or using the perfect word. All of those things will come with time and practice. What I wish I knew before going: I learned that it is a lot less scary to live in another country than I thought it would be. Have trust in yourself because you are probably a lot more capable of taking on this experience than you think you are! In terms of some more practical knowledge, bring cough drops and any kind of cold medicine that you have a particular preference for! Brands are different in Argentina and you might not be able to find what you like, which is not fun when you are feeling sick. I also want to emphasize again to bring hot sauce if you like spicy food! Spicy food is not easy to find in Argentina.

SIT's Social Movements and Human Rights program in Buenos Aires far exceeded my expectations. The second I arrived at the airport in Argentina, I was greeted by incredibly kind, thoughtful, and organized staff that completely set the tone for the rest of the semester. All the program coordinators are amazing, willing to help with anything and everything and completely dedicated to ensuring that all students are happy and comfortable. The orientation is incredibly helpful to orient yourself in the city, learn how things work, and tips for safety in a big city. My home-stay situation was also better than I could have imagined. My host parents were wonderful and welcoming and understood that I needed to balance creating relationships with them, exploring the city, classwork, and friends. I was able to visit my host family after I left and imagine that I will do so in the future too! The academic side of the program was thoughtful and organized. The directors really help clarify the differences between expectations of students in the US and Argentina—schoolwork during this program felt rigorous, but not competitive, with flexibility from professors. The trips to the north and south of the country complement the coursework and break up time in the city. The pace of the courses can feel very quick and the trips can be tiring, but it is entirely worth it to be able to take advantage of all that the program has to offer. My favorite part of the program and the city of Buenos Aires was the people. Everyone is incredible kind, inclusive, and patient with language-learners. There are tons of opportunities to get involved with different communities or explore the city. You have to take initiative to engage social events outside the program, but it is incredibly easy to find things to do! I feel so grateful that I ended up in Buenos Aires and with SIT specifically—I felt welcomed, engaged, and comfortable during my semester in Argentina.

I would recommend this program because I loved how intimacy and specificity of the program. The small group was great because we were able to all get to know one another really well and the program staff were able to be attentive to our unique needs. The small program also allowed us to go on many excursions and visits that would not be possible with a larger group. I felt like we were one big family and that was very special. I also love how we all took the same classes and that all of our excursions related directly to what we were learning. I think that having one single topic of focus (health care systems and policy) for the whole semester allowed me to leave the semester feeling like I gained unique knowledge that helped me to understand and appreciate the country I was living in. I also think this niche knowledge will help me with comparative studies in the future. I think the specific nature of SIT programs in general is incredibly valuable. I also felt like I integrated into Argentine society during my brief time. The program staff were extremely helpful in answering questions and helping us access different communities that we were interested in discovering. And of course the host family experience was invaluable to integration and understanding. I lived with a host mother and I ate dinner with her every night. This experience was imperative to my understanding of the host culture, as she talked to me about her thoughts on the country, politics (there was a big presidential election), the economy and everything in between. I felt so lucky to be in her home and be privy to her perspective, it was transformative to my experience. In general, I loved Buenos Aires! There are endless things to do, people are exceptionally kind and things are relatively affordable.  

Prior to the program, I realized I didn't love learning as much as I used to. I hoped this program would remedy that...and boy did it deliver! Our classes were purposeful, but engaging. Excursions were the highlight, and classes during these portions consisted of long, leisurely hikes or snorkeling multiple times a day. Learning was fun. Our more traditional classes in the city were also engaging, with many breakouts into small-groups or with guest lecturers from a variety of fields. This program gave me so much I would not have had at my university. It was extremely hands-on (think getting up at 6 to go on a 2-hr birding expedition before breakfast, then going to a river after breakfast to collect water samples and analyze them yourself), comprehensive (we visited so many places in the country), taught me how to do independent research (the program culminates for a month-long research project you do yourself), and provided me connections I still maintain. On top of this, it was extremely supportive (the professors were always available and approachable). Though it was a tough decision to leave my university for the semester, I am glad I did. Additionally, I study environmental engineering; as such, I am used to examining similar issues we learned about but from a completely different angle. I was glad to gain an understanding of the biological/conservation side of environmental issues. I was able to learn what other considerations should go into decisions of engineering rather than just efficiency. While this program is not at a university with student groups, clubs, and events, the community in this program was tightly knit and so supportive. The 14 other students in the program were a delight to get to know, and our professors supported us in our academics but also in our wellbeing. It truly felt like a family.

This program was perfect for me and I really enjoyed it as it met all my expectation of an academically intense program, where I was able to use and improve my Spanish that had a focus in public health (I am interested in medicine, so this was perfect for me!) that allowed me to get to know Argentine culture, meet local argentines, and learn a lot about public health (especially in Argentina). All classes and coursework are taught in Spanish and you live with host families where you communicate in Spanish, which gives you ample opportunity to practice and improve your spanish. You are mainly based in Buenos Aires and although Buenos Aires is a big city and with big city there are some risks (the biggest is probably pick pocketing), if you are aware of your personal belongings and your surroundings there is no need to worry! Lastly, The program does a great job of providing enriching experiences in your excursions (the two week long trips and the smaller trips in the greater buenos aires area) that allow you to interact with local and native argentines. This was something very important to me and allowed for a more robust experience and ultimately understanding of the culture!

My favorite things about this program were the location in Valparaiso and the week-long excursions we did in both the northern and southern regions of Chile. The opportunity to spend time with and learn from the Aymara people in the north of Chile and the Mapuche people in the south of Chile was what initially drew me to this program over other programs in South America. I believe that there is some room for improvement in the structure of some of the classes and the administration of the program, but overall I had a great experience. The program staff members were available and very helpful each of the 3 times that I required medical assistance and had to go to the clinic. The homestay coordinator is one of the sweetest people ever and is a great person to approach with any questions or concerns. The Spanish teachers are all really cool and helpful.

I have wanted to study abroad ever since I was in middle school, and this program completely fulfilled my hopes for what my time abroad would be like. In terms of language development, it was very useful. We lived with host families who cooked us breakfast and dinner, so we had plenty of opportunities to speak Spanish with them. My host family was incredibly caring and kind and I felt very included within the family. All classes were in Spanish too, and during our frequent travel trips (three weeks in total), we spoke with locals of all ages and backgrounds. The staff support is phenomenal as well! They were always checking in with us, answering any questions that came up, assisting with medical issues, and altering the program based on our feedback. We even had a group therapist! We were also given the opportunity to travel on our own, just not out of the country, and I even got to spend a week conducting research in Western Argentina on my program stipend. The only reason I did not give the cultural immersion a 10 was because it was difficult to make friends outside of the program due to the fact that we did not attend an actual university in Argentina. Overall though, I had a lovely experience, learned so much, explored, and made lasting relationships - I still speak with my host mother weekly! I would highly recommend this program to those who want to be academically challenged and experience a very authentic side of the country.

I had the most magical time in Cameroon and truly was able to immerse myself in so much of the country through SIT: Cameroon. In this program, we were not only able to experience the capital, Yaoundé, but also Kribi and Batoufam. I ended up returning to Batoufam for my internship, where I worked as a museum tour guide. Additionally, I worked (and am continuing this work) with the king of Batoufam in helping to translate his autobiography, Recit d'une Vie, from French to English. My internship, as well as overall experience, has allowed me to discover new strengths as well as interests within myself, which has empowered me to envision new paths for myself. One example of this is the fact that I'm going to embark on a fellowship in Bangladesh this fall, a couple months after my completion of SIT: Cameroon. Before arriving in Cameroon, I had never been abroad. SIT: Cameroon has given me the power to realize my potential in international education! :-) The staff in Yaoundé was especially helpful in curating this self-realization. They were available at all times and were friendly and loving to all students. The director of this program will forever be an inspiration and mentor to me because of her individualistic style of teaching and loving.

This program is amazing and it truly changed my life. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their language, connect with the host culture, and completely change the way they think about the world. I was able to complete an internship in Buenos Aires which has changed what I want to study in the future. I also met some of the most amazing people, including the program staff who were so supportive of everyone in the program. If you want to travel to as many countries as possible, this is probably not the program for you, but if you want to truly get to know Argentina from top to bottom, then this is definitely the place for you. I was able to see and experience places I could have never imagined before and I feel so lucky that I chose this program and had this experience!

This program was everything I hoped for and more. I got to live with host family, learn and live in the language and really immerse myself in the culture. While this program was extremely challenging in terms of adapting to new environments and learning a new language, it was the most rewarding experience of my life. The program directors are also work extremely hard to make sure you have a support system with them and within the group. Every measure is taken to insure students are learning and living in a health, safe, and comfortable environment while still being pushed and growing. The untraditional academic programing also opens doors to conversation and connection with community members you otherwise would not meet enrolled directly with an Argentine university. I left this program feeling inspired and wanted to go back to Buenos Aires as soon as posible!

This trip was the first time I have been out of the country for so long and for so far. I was nervous at first, but the SIT Public Health in Urban Environments program team was so kind and supportive that it made me lose the nerves. I can say that this trip has been really influential in my life, not only because it exposes you to so much of the public health system but also the Argentine culture. My host family was amazing while I was abroad, I love them and hope to be back soon to visit them. The safety of being in a big city is the same with any big city, but overall, just take precautions and all will be okay. There is so much to explore in the city, you'll never get bored or not have anything to do. I really recommend this program!

The most impactful part of my time was living with the host families. I grew extremely close with my host family, and hope to remain in contact with them for many years now. They made me feel right at home and supported during my best and most challenging times. Arica is a perfect town to study abroad for the warm and loving culture, the beautiful coast, diverse community, and it was the perfect size to become familiar with everything and everyone. While the social elements were definitely the dominant part of my experience, which was a learning experience in itself, especially with developing Spanish skills, the actual classes and assignments were extremely fulfilling. While difficult because of the Spanish integration, the program avoids any kind of busy work and always leans into experiential learning. You learn from local communities who oftentimes do not receive the attention or support that is deserved. This program will change how you define healthcare. If you want to go into healthcare, this program is essential.

This program had everything I was looking for: language immersion, rigorous academics, supportive local staff, homestay experience, time in the city, excursions, and a social justice focus. Beyond that, I was so lucky to have a great group of fellow students and an amazing homestay family, which really made the experience what it was for me. This program is academically rigorous, as advertised, but also offers so much support for students. Experiential learning was heavily emphasized, and organizational visits, historical tours, and museum visits were an important part of our learning. Otherwise, we had lectures from experts in their fields give classes on specific topics rather than having one stable professor. As part of the program, I also did an Independent Study Project, which was the biggest research project I had ever undertaken. But with the support of my excellent Research Methods and Ethics professor, academic director Ana Laura, and my personal thematic advisor and Spanish tutor, the project was a success and I learned so much in the process. I also had an incredible homestay experience. I got matched with a young queer couple whose interests aligned closely with mine. As a queer and nonbinary person, I felt so comfortable and safe in their home, and we had a lot of fun together. Being close to my host moms helped a lot with cultural integration, because I got to meet their friends and family and do local activities with them. The staff are also what make this program so great. The coordinators Ana Laura Lobo, Griselda Vallejo, Eliana Ferradás, and Catalina Correa are some of the kindest, most patient, and understanding people I've ever met. I cannot imagine this program without all of the hours of care and love they put into it. Any student would be lucky to have them as program administrators. I certainly was! My advice would be to really take advantage of the staff and your advisors as resources and ask for what you need! Also remember that you'll only get out as much as you put into the experience.

This program can be very challenging, as it moves quickly, exposes you to various different environments, etc, but the amount of learning (both personally and academically) that can be gained makes it well worth it. Personally, I found the ISP (independent study project) especially challenging, but I learned more than I could have possibly imagined about the topic of my research, the process of doing research, and my own personal interests and boundaries. Also, the SIT community in-country (the director Faba, coordinator Sofía and my classmates) formed a really incredible community that was an important support system and also a highlight of the semester.

This program is perfect for hands-on learners, avid travelers, and those passionate about environmental issues. Even those who are not focused on environmental topics will enjoy their trip across this beautiful country. Over the course of the program, students visit dozens of different locations in Panama, including multiple indigenous areas. Students are also given the unique opportunity to spend several weeks living in the homes of Panamanian families for a truly immersive cultural experience. Additionally, the program ends with a month-long independent research project where students can travel wherever they want in Panama, focusing on a research topic of their choice. This program effectively balances academics with hands-on experiences to provide a highly engaging and educational study abroad experience. Overall, I strongly recommend SIT Panama.

My study abroad experience with SIT was complex! I appreciated the breadth of experiences. I say complex because there were difficult parts, such as cultural difficulties, but I felt supported overall. I am very grateful for the experience and would suggest it to anyone.

I spent an incredible fall semester in Madagascar with the SIT program. I received instruction in French and Malagasy and lived with a host family just a 10 minute walk from our program center. We went on a few excursions with the school to do research and learn about different conservation efforts in various areas. These were part of our academics and prepared us to do our own research, as well as gave us a good understanding of the conservation scene in Madagascar. The program culminated in independently research, where I did a biodiversity inventory study in mangrove forests up north. I left the program more confident in myself and ready for anything.

I think the program overall was very structured and rigorous but also fun. During the first two months you take a lot of classes and focus on academics. Traveling happens through the program along with lots of field based activities. During the final month, you do an internship or independent study and have a lot of free time. Traveling happens on your own. The city of Buenos Aires where you live is a very lively city with lots to do, whether thats daytime cultural activities or night life. I lived with one host mom about a ten minute walk away from my classes and very near many bus and subte stops. All of the classes and activities are in Spanish, and the host families speak very little english as well. It is a full immersion program! The Argentine dialect and accent is a bit difficult to adjust to at first, but after a couple of weeks everything gets much easier! I loved my time there, and grew a lot as a Spanish speaker and person overall.

I really enjoyed my stay in Jordan. The program director and assistants were very supportive and responsive. I really like the field visits to the refugee camp and numerous humanitarian local NGOs in Jordan and Turkey. Those field visits allowed me to learn a lot about working in the humanitarian aid field. I would choose the program again also because it enabled me to do one-month internship at a local NGO. I did my first professional internship at an Amman-based NGO that works in the HIV/AIDS field. It was a wonderful experience. I had also multiple amazing excursions across the nation such as the group trips to the Dead Sea, Petra and Aqaba with other students. The weekly-stipend 50 JD were enough to pay for my lunch and daily transportation fee (Uber) most of time. Therefore, I did not spend my own money a lot. In addition, the courses that I took at SIT in Jordan were not demanding. I didn't have a lot of homework. I would say that my study abroad program is not very academically rigorous. I like all of my professors but Dr. Latefa. She hardly replied to students' emails and did not explain all assignments clearly.

This program created a valuable combination of environmental science and Spanish language education. All of the classes were taught in Spanish by a variety of local researchers who each lectured on their specialty. We learned about the local ecosystem and human interactions with this ecosystem. We also had many excellent field trips and excursions (including Antarctica!) to learn about a place or a research technique in the field. While assignment expectations were sometimes unclear, the program staff was extremely available and helpful to resolve any doubts. They were slow about returning our grades and assignments, but they always gave us detailed feedback and the grades were fair. The Spanish language classes were not very related to the rest of the classes, and they weren't that helpful for me. The last month of the program was spent on an independent study project or internship. Each student works individually with a community mentor on a project of their choice, and the success of the project depends on student motivation and collaboration with the mentor. I had a wonderful experience and gained both field and research lab experience. The paper and presentation to culminate the project are achievable and helped improve my Spanish greatly. The program staff is also a great support network for non-academic problems or concerns. The homestay experience was where I learned the most Spanish language and Argentinian culture. As everything (classes, homestay, buying lunch, daily life) operates in Spanish, it is important to come with a decent language ability and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. The culture is very open to helping you learn, and they do not get easily offended when you say something wrong. The cost of all your necessities (food, housing, transportation) is included in tuition. The host family provides breakfast and lunch, and you receive a stipend for lunch and transportation. I only used my personal money for activities in my free time and for souvenirs. Some students do live fairly far from where we have classes, but the bus system is good, there are plenty of taxis, and Ushuaia is a safe place to walk at any time of night/day. Overall, this program was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it!

This program in Arica, Chile was my first experience outside of the United States, and is one I will never forget. I learned so much about myself and how to adapt in a new environment, as well as the culture and traditional medicine of specific parts of Chile.

I learned about myself and gained so much maturity, confidence, and patience. I felt like a part of the local culture with friends in my community. I gained new inspiration and perspective about social movements and human rights, especially in Latin America and the Global South, which you can't get at a US university. I felt empowered, overcoming my anxieties and becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable, confused, and embarrassed in new situations. It made me realize that I am capable of not only surviving, but thriving, in an unfamiliar environment. I loved the experiential nature of this program -- many classes were led by guest professors and experts, or were on-site visits and field trips to human rights organizations and social movements. This made me inspired, and helped me gain an on-the-ground understanding of social movements in Buenos Aires. I found the independent study project extremely rewarding and empowering -- at first, I didn't think I would be able to conduct interviews and research in Spanish, but the program prepares you very well and helps you throughout the whole process, and by the end I was able to write a 40 page research paper! The workload is feasible and the professors and directors are very understanding that you are learning in a second language and dealing with many other overlapping challenges at the same time! The staff on this program are truly angels. They are so welcoming, warm, and lovely, and make you feel instantly at home. I felt so comfortable coming to them with any problem, concern, minor question, etc. and they were always so helpful and caring. They also attend to your mental health and ensure you have regular one on one check ins, group reflection opportunities, etc.

I really enjoyed my internship in Serbia. The homestay, food, Serbian people and internship were all great. Belgrade is a wonderful city and very safe at all hours. I really felt like I fit in and was able to accomplish much of what I wanted to though it does help to speak Russian instead of English at times. The program was run flawlessly. On the downside the other students in the program did not seem all thatenthusiastic. Some were on scholarships it seemed yet still were not so glad to be in Belgrade so I went out on my own and made lots of friends. The program was interesting and obviously biased towards western views to the point of seeming somewhat anti Serbian nationalist which I suppose was to be expected from a program of this sort. All in all, a great experience as long as you know what you are signing up for.

The SIT Development, Politics, and Languages Program in Ecuador was a fabulous experience. Between the interesting classroom discussions, super fun excursions, and amazing people I met, I had an incredible semester. The academic director, Fabian Espinosa balances fun, laid-back chats with deeply interesting talks by him and other guest lecturers. Sofia, the program coordinator, was like a second mother and made sure we were always safe, comfortable, and happy. My host families (I had two during my semester) were incredibly welcoming and made me feel like a part of their family. In terms of academics, I learned so much both in the classroom and out in the country. The experiential learning approach was an amazing way to learn about issues from multiple disciplines and beyond a traditional classroom setting. We learned about traditional medicine and community resistance strategies on our excursion to the Amazon, we studied biodiversity and environmental protection on our trip to the Galapagos (plus we got to snorkel), and we heard from amazing activists and political figures with a wealth of knowledge in our daily classes. During the ISP period, I lived in an apartment in Cuenca with one of my friends from the program, and we both worked at organizations in the area, while simultaneously doing research for our respective projects. This independence was such an important opportunity to explore the country on my own and build deeper connections with local communities and with the other SIT students. At the end of the 3.5 months, it was hard to say goodbye. To say that the experiences I had in Ecuador changed me would be an understatement. I felt transformed, not only by all of the things I had learned and the people I had met, but by the personal growth that had occurred as a result of all of these things. If you want to improve your Spanish and spend several months in a beautiful and welcoming country, I highly recommend this program. I learned so much and I am so grateful to my host family, Faba and Sofia, and my wonderful friends from the program for making it an unforgettable trip.

Studying abroad was an experience full of uncertainties and firsts for me as someone who hadn't previously had the privilege of traveling internationally and intentionally. I could not have picked a better and more fitting program for me than the SIT IHP Health and Community program that ran course in India, South Africa, and Jordan during the Spring of 2022. The supports we had available to us students were well-thought out and ready for use. When issues came up, we were able to discuss them either with ourselves or our staff. Having homestays in India and Jordan allowed me to have deeper connections with the community and cultures that we were engaging with, which I still foster today. Our group culture was to strive for our best in our assignments, learning, discussions, and immersive experiences outside of the traditional classroom since the world is the true classroom. Every day of the program provided another lesson, another moment of growth, and another moment of connection with people who are gracious enough to provide us with their knowledge and care. My life has not been the same since study abroad and I am beyond grateful for the challenging and wonderful experience I had with people who are passionate about enhancing their worldview through meaningful action and community-building.

This program was one of the most life-altering experiences of my life. It pushed the boundaries of your typical study abroad experience and moved beyond just pushing you past your comfort zone but moved you to find a new comfort zone - one that is different from anything you could have imagined. The linguistic and cultural immersion of this program was extremely humbling and spoke to the program's larger commitment to walking with the communities impacted by the situations/histories/current injustices we were learning about. The student-driven, experiential-learning model provided opportunities for nuanced learning, multicultural reflection, and long-lasting interpersonal connection. All the while you are supported by an incredible team. I hope to be half the person those women are when I grow up! I made lifelong friendships and remain in contact with my host mom to this day - these are people that will leave an imprint on your heart forever. If you are on the fence about whether or not to pursue this program, consider this your sign to go for it - you won't regret it.

This study abroad program gave me valuable exposure to the Argentine culture firsthand. The homestay aspect of the program was by far the most meaningful part of my experience. I still keep in touch with my host family today, and being integrated into their family was truly enjoyable. My host parents and I would watch Argentine game shows and movies together which was a blast! As a result of being in a new place, I was able to have a growth mindset, explore new places in the city, and even travel alone during the independent study period - I highly recommend going to Ushuaia if you have the chance. All of these experiences are ones that have shaped who I am today, and I learned so much from them in the moment while abroad. This study abroad experience is one that I continue to reflect on three years later and I carry such fond memories and growth experiences as a result.

I think most people who have attended this program will agree when I say that you come back a different person. From the independence you gain by studying abroad and the experiences you have with local Argentinians to the sense of satisfaction and fulfillment you get from sucesfully completing such a rigorous program, Argentina: Social Movements and Human Rights provides a depth and breadth of cultural and linguistic learning opportunities. Perhaps the most intense part of the program is the Spanish. While it can be scary, the coordinators do an excellent job of slowly integrating you into the language and culture. They are always readily available for whatever information or doubts you may have. I couldn't speak more highly of the four core administrators. My experience abroad gave me a view into a different style of living as my host mom lives a minimalist, no-waste lifestyle. I also got to attend a lot of enriching conferences and talks that gave me various academic contacts and opportunities. The program is intense, demanding, enriching, fulfilling, and freeing all at the same time. Whether you do an internship or independent study project, you will be guided and supported through it all. It seems impossible, but success is a certainty!

Like anyone would be before going on a study abroad semester, I was nervous about what to expect, as everything would be very new to me. I was almost immediately reassured, because literally every aspect of this program was phenomenal. The professors and staff are literally the most wonderful, kind, smart people I've ever met. Furthermore, the education is outstanding, and you learn an incredible amount about Argentina, especially during the trips/excursions, which is very hands on, and you meet many very inspiring and kind people. Being able to see the country was incredible, it's very beautiful, and connecting it to the social organizations whose members you meet during the trips made the trips incredibly educational, and made the trips unforgettable. My homestay experience was incredible. My host mom was I think literally the kindest person I've ever met, and we became very close friends, and talked about everything together, and I love her so much haha. I also had the privilege of becoming close with her wonderful daughter, her daughter's partner, and their new baby! I miss them all every day a crazy amount. You'll also meet great friends, all of the students on the program were brilliant and kind, and we have kept in contact, and I am close friends with everyone. Lastly, Argentina is a BEAUTIFUL, incredible country, with so much history and wonderful people. People are incredibly warm. Buenos Aires is a beautiful city that functions very well with excellent transit, and it was amazing getting to explore it. If you're considering studying abroad in Argentina, you won't ever forget this program. And even if it sounds cliched, it'll change your life!

I absolutely loved this program. It's so cliché to say, but it really was a life-changing experience for me. I found the academics to be extremely stimulating, but the outside-the-classroom workload was reasonable, which left plenty of time to explore the country. I was especially impressed with how the coursework was accessible to everyone, regardless of Spanish-speaking ability. We had a wide range in our cohort, from native speakers to total newbies, but somehow everyone seemed to feel comfortable and appropriately challenged. As others have noted here, the excursions to the Amazon, Galapagos, and Intag cloud forest were absolutely amazing, in terms of both the ecological and cultural diversity that we had the opportunity to engage with. Our cohort was larger-than-average, with about 24 students, but we were very close. I think everyone felt that they had a solid group of friends to go out and explore the country with. Faba and Sofia were are just the best, very supportive but not at all helicopter-y. The class discussion was very open-ended, with wide variety of viewpoints, as we had students of a variety of nationalities. This was sometimes challenging and very intellectually engaging. My homestay experiences were both excellent, as most or all of the homestay families have long-standing relationships with the program directors and have lots of prior experience hosting foreign students. For me, the most impactful part of the program was the Independent Study Project (ISP). For this project, we were allowed to stay just about anywhere in the country for four weeks, and work on a research project of our own design. However, we had to partner with a community organization in our project location, and the program directors have relationships with organizations all over, so no one had to be truly "out on their own" if they didn't want to be. I chose to work with a social movement that was protesting state-sponsored mining in the Intag cloud forest. I had such a good experience, and built such strong relationships with community members there, that when I got back to my university in the US, I immediately started working on a way to go back. Ultimately, I assembled a student team, and we were awarded over $20,000 in funding to return to Intag. So, I spent three more months in Ecuador supporting the work of multiple community organizations after graduating from UVA in 2019. I stayed with the same homestay family that I had met in 2018, and I am still in touch with them today. So, I would say that the was not only a great way to forge long-lasting relationships with local people, it also went a long way towards advancing my young career. As soon as it is safe, I can't wait to go back!

There are not enough words to describe how life changing this program was for me! The academics were challenging in that it taught me to see from a different perspective and imagine different ways of being and living. Classes were very relaxed though and open for everyone to share their thoughts and experiences. We also frequently had guest speakers who were prominent community leaders or government officials. Additionally, we were able to directly apply our knowledge in breathtaking excursions to the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands (more were planned but the program was unfortunately cut short due to COVID-19). During these excursions, we stayed in the nicest places I have ever been to! In the Amazon we stayed at a sustainable finca, hiked through the rain forest, were spiritually cleansed, and listened to a presentation by an important community activist. In the Galapagos, we hiked through volcanos, snorkled with sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions, and experienced some important local community organizations. The most impactful aspect, though, were the people I met here. I have never been surrounded by a more kind and loving group of people. The entire group developed such a close bond from the get-go and we spent the whole program together, planning activities after class and even going out of town on the weekends. It is also important to note that I never felt unsafe here. Although I was studying abroad during the beginning of the pandemic, SIT and my program directors did everything they could to ensure the health and safety (and even happiness) of their students. The academic directors, Faba and Sofia, were incredible in helping us navigate the unprecedented conditions we were experiencing. This program has so much to offer and allows you enough free-time to craft it into the perfect study abroad experience. I am now the person who can't shut up about their study abroad experience!

This program was challenging in the best sense of the word. If you are a fan of the liberal arts model of education--one that strives to challenge innate assumptions and preconceived notions of the world through the critical study of historical and contemporary realities--this program is for you. While the program is topically and predominately about the geopolitics and the modern political conditions of Tibetan peoples, Isabelle Onians (the director) uses this specific material to craft a curriculum that expands and complicates the student's conception of nationhood, citizenship and cultural identity. Isabelle's lectures are brilliant and reveal a deep learning and whip-sharp intellect that she gathers together and unleashes on the small classroom in surprising and inspiring ways throughout the semester. Participation was less mandatory than irresistible. I would consider Isabelle's teaching some of the finest in all my years as a student, and still, several years later, think about how her course shifted my thinking. Additionally, I gained a profound insight into the lived experiences of a people who I had previously only read about, or could have pointed to on a map but did not know in any real or meaningful sense. I had been abroad a small amount as a teenager with my family, and though I followed international events and cared about global politics, I had never before so fully felt a witness and a part of the world not as an American, or a millennial, or a college students, or even a political activist, but as a person. I saw what were hands down the most beautiful landscapes I've ever encountered--before and after. I ate fantastic Nepali and Tibetan food, and studied a difficult and exciting new language. I gained an insight into Buddhism as a lived practice and not merely a philosophy to be studied by college students, scholars and Western-atheists. And I made friendships with my peers, my teachers, and with local people that I still hold dear to this day. This past year I went to one of my co-SIT student's weeding; I still maintain, four years after my time at SIT, a deep correspondence with my writing advisor from the program. I feel a better, wiser, more empowered and engaged person as a result of my time with SIT in Nepal, and have not ceased to be grateful for my experience there since I left.

This program was the most memorable and formative semester of my undergrad education. The instructors were wise and kind, pushing me and my peers to challenge ourselves intellectually while providing superb support; the Tibetan language instruction was top-level, with daily opportunities to practice with local Tibetans and my homestay family; and the opportunity to conduct a month-long research project on a subject of my choosing helped me grow in confidence and build expertise in my area of interest. I made friends for life, visited some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, and got to immerse myself in Tibetan and Nepali culture, learning for the first time about these fascinating cultures. Can honestly not recommend this program enough!

I am extremely grateful to have spent a summer with SIT in Buenos Aires. By learning about memory and trauma through art, I was able to learn how people begin the path to heal while also demanding their stories be heard. This topic is always important to reflect on, but it is particularly relevant today. I got the opportunity to learn about a history not commonly taught in the United States, and was so lucky to live with a wonderful host mother who I saw in a subsequent trip to Buenos Aires. This program inspired me to focus on immigration patterns in Buenos Aires in research I conducted following the program, and is the reason why I ended up going back to Buenos Aires a year and a half later. A huge thank you to all of the people who made this program so impactful!

I am so grateful to the in country staff for this program and all the effort they put into it in order to ensure that we had the best semester possible. Thanks to the experiential learning approach, I gained experience in the classroom and thoroughly enjoyed conducting my independent study project. Thank you Roberto, Claudia, Noemi, Martha, and Alicia <3

I cannot recommend this program enough. To start, the advisors when you get there are the most wonderful humans you will ever meet. Aly is a great listener, friend, and educator. The people of Panama are warm and welcoming. If you are looking to get better at Spanish, there are so many opportunities to bond with your home stay families and really hone your skills. I became very close with some of my home stay families and still keep in touch 3 years later. If you want to eat amazing food cooked by locals, this is also the program for you! I tell people that I learned more in the 4 months I was there than in my whole 4 years in college. Studying abroad in Panama was an experience that I still think about regularly.

The SIT Study Abroad Nepal: Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples program was much more impactful on my life than I thought it would be. Of utmost importance in this was the way the academic staff handled the course topic. The SIT academic staff created a curriculum emphasizing the true complexity of Tibetan and Himalayan socio-cultural and religious politics. This is not an easy task and indeed required the guidance of individuals who have spent their lives living and specializing in this region. Classes were overseen by experts who made sure to indicate the ambiguities of sovereignty, territory, cultures across borders. This was all done with great sensitivity and nuance in a way that inspired me to reconsider not only what I understood about the region, but more importantly what I considered myself to know about other notions of authenticity, place, space, nation-states, and knowledge as a foreigner. In short, this course was intellectually demanding because it did not provide clear answers. Clear answers in many instances would not capture the nuances at play. Some students felt uncomfortable with these tactical semi-conclusions, but I found it personally groundbreaking. Be prepared to let go of your American paradigms. The course topic itself was extremely moving and presented as a human issue. Tibetans were key in leading aspects of the program, sharing their experiences and grounding the texts in reality. Having the chance to work with Tibetans and Himalayn peoples was a necessary component and was prioritized by the program. This is not an emotionally easy topic to tackle. The manner in which occupation and displacement were addressed did not overlook the intensity of the Tibetan situation, nor shy away from its controversial nature. For me personally, the opportunity to conduct field research was invaluable. On one occasion, I conducted a week long fieldwork in the Tsum Valley on local law. On another, I conducted a month long independent study on Tibetan refugees in Nepal. Both of these experiences were completely life altering. In them, I found my calling to be a researcher of issues surrounding migration and displacement. Having the opportunity to be out in the community, talking directly with Tibetans and Himalayan peoples about their experiences and opinions regarding current politics, changed the course of my life. I cannot stress enough how powerful these experiences were. I have the program to thank for this since it prioritized fieldwork through the curriculum. The living situation was also well done. With my host family, I felt safe, welcomed, included, and challenged. They did not speak much english, so I had to use Tibetan I learned in class. This was certainly difficult, but allowed me to develop a relationship with them in another language. I was living in a home with Tibetan refugees. This drove the truth of the situation home. It made it all real in a tangible way. I never had any problems with them and in fact went to visit 5 years later, finding we were able to reconnect very easily. Some students were disappointed or surprised by aspects of the program. For several, there was too much emphasis on learning the Tibetan language. They did not find it useful for navigating the Nepali context. Or they found it simply too difficult and mentally opted out. While I empathize with their concerns, I personally found it important given the focus of the curriculum. It was certainly hard, however, and I did not come away feeling my grasp of the language was profound. The long-term support of the program faculty has also been helpful. I have been able to stay in touch, seek council, and facilitate valuable connections. Their enthusiasm is evident. They care about their students and want to help. Nepal is itself a very intense country with incredible diversity, cultural significance, poverty, and political intrigue. Living their is no small undertaking. Understanding it is on the verge of impossible. But going there and seeing for yourself, if you are open to enduring what it has to offer, can forever shift your point of view. All I can recommend really is to jump in, be patient, pay attention, and be satisfied with what can be learned. In conclusion, this program exceeded all expectations. It was a turning point in my life as a researcher. It moved me. It inspired and supported my interests. It was challenging yet able to work with me when I struggled. It has continued to support me for years afterwards. I am confident these experiences would not have occurred at another program. As a result, I would choose this program again and again.

This program was the best opportunity I could imagine to improve my Spanish, learn about Argentina, and study public health. I would highly recommend this program to any students looking for a more structured, immersive experience.

My experience abroad was different than anything I thought it would be. As a military kid I was ready to be in a new environment. I was ready for change, ready to meet new people, and not scared of what was to come. However, I wasn’t prepared to find best friends, go on last minute adventures because of how cheap Ryan Air flights were, and grow close to a host family that wasn’t my own blood. I’ve done some of my most prolific writing work in this country because of the rigor of my classroom abroad and the attention that was given to me individually. Coming from a public university, I had to fight for one on one time with a lot of my teachers. I made more connections in the Czech Republic than I have in 3 years at my home college. This can be due to the small size of the country or the fact that there were 12 students in the program, but I’d like to say it was because of my ability to live adventurously in a new environment and the people in my program that truly cared about my education and giving me the best possible experience.

Studying Abroad changes your mind and open your eyes. You will learn a lot and interact with different people around the world In different settings. You get to travel the world and experience things you never seen before. Studying in Netherlands made me grow as a person and taught me a lot. Studying Abroad is a great experience.

To this day I am still learning from the experience I had in 2013 with SIT Nepal: Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples as it continues to shape my future. They threw us into the culture, taught us how to think critically and developed our skills of non-invasive and collaborative research (also travelling to India and carrying out extended fieldwork in Bhutan). The individual Study Project (ISP) truly lets you flourish your interest, while the faculty does their very best to help you achieve maximal learning, while staying rooted. My current path and career are positively influenced by this program and its expert faculty. Furthermore, this program has it all: Adventures, deep cultural integration, mystery, unbelievable sightseeing and the development of you as a student. I recommend this program whole heartedly and am thankful to the entire program faculty. Hadi El Rabbat (Egypt) SIT Nepal: Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples (Spring 2013)

The SIT Nepal: Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples program is a unique program that offers a tremendous amount of opportunities for students with a variety of academic and personal interests. In addition to general coursework in Tibetan language, research methods and ethics, and content seminars often in the form of lectures and discussions with local experts, the month-long independent study program was an incredible undergraduate research opportunity. Students on my program pursued such disparate interests as geo-tourism development, Tibetan Buddhist ritual, women's health, climate change, traditional handicrafts, creative writing, photography, local cuisine culture, refugee issues, education, and many more. This program truly is student-centered and allows for all participants to deeply pursue their own interests in a unique setting in the foothills of the Himalayas. Moreover, the excursions give students the opportunity to explore other Himalayan and Tibetan areas throughout Nepal, India, and Bhutan.

Speaking from experience, you don’t need a significant background in South Asian studies or philosophy to gain a lot from this program. Nepal is rich with cultural diversity and I was constantly in awe of its natural beauty. It has something for everyone, and the staff is SUPER supportive and knowledgable. With the help of SIT staff, students were able to connect with locals, and I gained wonderful Nepali friends that made my time there even more special. Course instruction was really grounded in anthropology and gave me a much more informed framework for understanding cross-cultural interactions and international travel. The excursions that the program provides were a huge highlight because we got to travel to remote places and gained experience in anthropological methodology and interviewing skills. These helped prepare me for the independent study month, during which I designed my own project with the help of SIT staff; it gave me a fascinating opportunity to learn about my career interests in a particular Nepali setting. I gained so much knowledge, confidence, and cultural awareness, and I am constantly talking about my experience in job/internship interviews. This is an incredible program!!

I had an incredible, life-changing experience at SIT Mongolia. I decided to go on a whim, thinking that I wanted to experience something totally different from my life in the US; it turned out to be one of the best, best experiences of my life. The SIT Mongolia program is extremely well-run, and the teachers take you all over the country to explore. We visited the Gobi Desert in the south, a mining town in the North, the birthplace of Genghis Khan, and many other places. We had adventure after adventure. One of the best parts was staying with rural nomadic families: helping them herd, playing with the kids, helping them milk yaks, and playing cards. I also had a great experience doing my Independent Study Project. I studied trophy hunting, so I got to travel out to the west and interview hunters, as well as talking to government officials in the capital. The teachers offered great support throughout the process. Finally, I made truly incredible friends among my classmates. We spent one month living together in apartments, and before that we developed really close bonds having snowball fights in central Mongolia, playing cards in overnight trains, and touring dinosaur bones in the Gobi. We had so, so much fun, and I'm so grateful for this experience.

I cannot even begin to explain the numerous ways in which this program changed my life… seriously I have a SIT Nepal story for practically every single occasion and find a way to bring up how much it changed my life frequently. If you want a dynamic study abroad program that will set your life up in remarkable ways beyond what you even could expect, this is the program. I wanted to do a program very different than my peers all in London/ Australia, because that really should be the point of study abroad and wow did I get that. The program excursions change every semester so when you apply there is no real way of knowing what you will get up to that semester. We took two airplanes and a helicopter to the Tibetan border to most remote area in the country in the far west and then went on a 2 week walk/ trek where we stayed in villages in the middle of the Himalayas. How many study abroad programs do you know where you could potentially be on a helicopter?? It also means that unlike other programs where you follow a set tourist trail, you truly are going places in many cases for the first time. People are still excited to engage with you and learn with you. Additionally with the independent research project, I was incredibly daunted going into it, but it ended up being one of the most eye opening and rewarding things I’ve ever done. I never considered myself a “research” person, but it all changed with this. I gained so much self confidence in my ability to get to the bottom of stories and write about them. We all did! The staff is fantastic. The homesteads are fantastic. The SIT house is a little piece of heaven with a garden and fresh food every day. I have traveled a lot in my life but can hands down say this was my most memorable, unique experience ever. If you love adventure, the unknown, an incredibly unique cultural experience, and having experiences that no one else in the world really will get, this is the place. PS I think the "communicty" descriptor is very misleading here. You are with a program of 12-20 other people and living with homestays so you aren't going out to the club every night (although you can do that on the weekend). It is fun in the fact you are with an incredible cohort of kind, curious people that you can sit at cafes by Buddhist stupas talking about life while monks complete their kora beneath you. But again, this is a fully unique experience! It was nice to take a semester off of college shenanigans and engage in these meaningful relations instead. These people became my best friends. I have seen them in Bangkok, Chicago, New York, and am even doing a Fulbright back in Asia with one of the girls I met there. PPS do not be daunted by the "trekking" element. It's not just for hard core hikers. I am certainly not one and I was completely fine!

The study abroad that I took part in during the spring semester of 2014 was the "SIT Nepal: Tibetan and Himalayan People" program. The immersion into this program made it possible for me to explore the vitality of the cultural dimensions to the fullest. Especially at the home stay, where we spoke with the host family in Tibetan and Nepali languages and did the daily chores together, it became a focal point of cultural exchange and learning for all. Moreover, we travelled to various key-locations to study the social, historical and cultural aspects, thereby gaining insight on both the methods and results of partaking in field research.

If you're a pre-health student, this program really allows you the opportunity to explore not only health systems from within the classroom, but also at the institutional level. I was able to shadow physicians and social workers, travel all around the country, and meet wonderful mentors. Each of the program coordinators and mentors were so loving and helpful with my transition to life abroad, and I felt like I could come to them with any problems. The only thing that I would have liked to had more of in this experience is greater freedom with time. The program was highly structured, which was useful at the beginning of the program, but it would have been nice to have more time to explore the city without those long class hours.

I had an amazing time in Argentina through SIT Public Health in Urban Environments. To start, the program did an excellent job pairing me with a host mom. I lived with the most adorable, intelligent, and caring older woman named Betty. I was Betty's 25th student, so it wasn't her first time hosting an American student. She was the best mom. Betty made dinner for me almost every night, and when she wasn't there to enjoy it with me she would leave it with instructions for me on how to heat it up. She made me feel welcome as part of her family, as she invited me to family gatherings and "asados" - an Argentinian style bbq. Once, she took me to a museum with two of her grandsons. We went out to her favorite pizza place and went to the movies. Her perfect location in Villa Crespo, a lively neighborhood in Buenos Aires, was only 2 blocks from a large park and 2 blocks from the subway station. I enjoyed walks and runs in the park, and it was easy to get to school since I was so close to the subway. My homestay experience was absolutely perfect. As for academics and field trips, the program was rigorous yet fulfilling. I enjoyed learning about Argentina's healthcare system and how it compares of that to the US. Further, the program evaluated our Spanish skills and split us up into 4 groups according to level for our Spanish class. I enjoyed this aspect of the program because my class was only 4 students. I really got to engage with the other three students and my professor. Next, we took many field trips outside of Buenos Aires to more rural parts of Argentina to visit hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. Some trips included to Mendoza, also known as the wine region, and to Tigre. I enjoyed the cultural activities the program offered for the group but I also enjoyed the free time the program gave us to explore on our own. My friends from the program and I traveled on our own for short weekend trips to other parts of the country. Finally, the internship program was an amazing asset to the SIT program. For the last month of the program, each student either interned for a health organization or hospital in Buenos Aires, Mendoza, or Tigre, or did an independent study project. I interned in Buenos Aires at OMINT, a healthcare services organization. At OMINT, I worked as a Senior Program intern. I have a strong affinity for older adults, and the program was aware of that. I appreciated that they paired me to live with Betty, and allowed me to further pursue my interest in older adults through my internship at OMINT. My supervisor Emilia at OMINT was a wonderful woman who was very helpful in guiding me through my responsibilities and opportunities as an intern. I enjoyed learning about how Buenos Aires cares for their elders and have taken many lessons home to me here in the United States. Overall, I had a great experience in Argentina and can not wait to go back!

This trip is super important for Americans, especially those unfamiliar with the history of the US in Latin America (as I was). This trip is an opportunity to learn history, grow as your wrestle with difficult truths, and have sooooo many empanadas! I highly recommend it. I'm still writing about our topics and using my Spanish!

The SIT Nepal: Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples study abroad program was a remarkable highlight of my time in university. Through a refreshing taste of experiential learning, we engaged with communities across Nepal in productive, meaningful ways. Learning in the field instead of the classroom inspired us all to be more invested in our work. The staff, who was caring and supportive to the utmost degree, has connections across the region and is willing to help all of their students with both the smallest and greatest of tasks. Their deep knowledge of the country (and neighboring countries) opens up a world of opportunity. Students with any possible interest, even the most esoteric, will find their place and thrive in this study abroad program.

I definitely think about art differently after this program. It was really empowering to see it used as a tool in so many ways. In this program, art was used as a means of exploring and analyzing a new city, as a means to process trauma, to track an intergenerational timeline of consciousness, and to empower people with creative solutions. The instructors are amazing and very compassionate. Also, this program is important for a person born and raised in the United States (like me)! I did not know almost anything about Los Desaparecidos in Argentina and many similar scenarios in other countries in South America. I would say its an essential piece of history to understand, and it's much easier to get an understanding first hand in Argentina. (I put 9 out of 10 for housing purely because we were all housed in really wealthy neighbourhoods and it would have been nice to see a bit more of the city.)

Vietnam was like nowhere I've been before. Upon arrival, I was most shocked with how kind everyone was to me. I was clearly an outsider. I was attempting to cross a street on my first day in Ho Chi Minh City when I realize I had no idea how to get across. There basically weren't traffic lights, or at least they weren't enforced (DO NOT try to drive a motorbike in HCMC, it's fun enough to be a passenger!), so I stood helplessly on the side of the street until an older man came up. I didn't speak Vietnamese and he didn't speak English but he gestured across the street, inquiring if I needed help. He proceeded to walk with me across the street and then smiled and waved goodbye as he effortlessly crossed back. This marked the start to four months of unforgettable experiences with my study abroad program through SIT. We traveled everywhere from the rural Mekong Delta to the beautiful rice paddies of northern Vietnam. We stayed with homestay families (not one student had a poor experience) in different districts around Ho Chi Minh for the first two months and had the freedom to explore the city as we pleased after class and during weekends. Usually, our teachers offered weekend trips (to cities on the coast with beaches, bike rides, and new food!) but you could decide how you wanted to spend your time. We did several longer trips to Central Vietnam (which has the best food), the south, and up North to Hanoi near the end of the program. For the last month, I did an independent study on tourism in Vietnam and stayed with 6 other students in an Airbnb in Hanoi (we each paid only $4 a night for a great place!). You can get amazing food for almost nothing (a huge bowl of pho with beef can be as cheap as $1) and I never got food sickness (though that doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful when buying street food). Would also recommend the smoothies they sell at stands (made with condensed milk, of course). I spent four months exploring Vietnam and I still feel like there is so much more to see and do and I've merely scratched the surface. I would absolutely recommend Vietnam for any travel experience, but certainly for study abroad through SIT because the program has incredible contacts and resources for you to use. For example, when I decided to study tourism, my academic director paired me with the Dean of the Economics School of Ho Chi Minh City as my adviser. To my surprise, Vietnam was exceptionally safe and I never felt like I was in a bad situation. All in all, Vietnam has been the best experience abroad I've had to date.

I was hesitant about going to Vietnam, but I LOVED it! I felt like I learned so much and the SIT staff was so valuable in helping me to acclimate and build community and experience Vietnam. I could not recommend this program more, and the four months I spent there were some of the best of my life. I felt like I learned and experienced so much every day, and for that,​ I am forever grateful!

Truly there is no place like Mongolia, and in my opinion, there are no study abroad programs like SIT in terms of effectively engaging their students with the local context. At one point, about 2000 miles from the nearest city while my host family yelled at me in Mongolian, and using the words I understood, I helped capture a camel. At another point, I was studying the nature of nomadic labor in tourism. My classmates had incredibly unique and forever interesting stories of their own, and they investigated a number of topics from contemporary sex and gender, modernization in the countryside, food sovereignty, the cultural meaning of food, and the history of horse culture. Another classmate worked at an up-and-coming company with one of Mongolia's most famous women entrepreneurs. For the rest of your life, you likely be the one person people that lived in Mongolia. These are the facts: Academics: 3/5 difficulty, yet I learned so much. The academic rigor was lower than my average semester at college though the homestay and excursions offer different challenges unlike written/read assignments. You may get an A in the program with effort. Housing: My homestays were desirable. On excursions the accommodation left something to be desired, but that's Mongolia. If you want prim and proper the program's not for you anyways. Food: consistently enjoyed the food. Though I had no allergies or dietary restrictions, and I like meat. I did buy fruit and recommend my host family to cook more balanced meals, since this wasn't common. You will have to adjust if you eat salad and fruit daily. Integration: I felt the programs allows you to integrate as far as you can. You are put into the most intimate situations with Mongolian people, such as spending time on holidays, sleeping in a ger (just google it), living with a family. Of course, there's limits on "being local" given that you are not, but these are important ways to become as acquainted with Mongolia as possible. By the end of the program, I was conversing with taxi drivers and locals in the main square, bargaining for things, etc. Even today, one year and a half past the program, I was able to interact with a Mongolian family in their language, so the language component is there if you work hard. I know a significant amount of Mongolia history, politics, and economic change. The ISP is important for that. Also, I'm familiar with key sites and was able to interact, and you may maintain connections with groups like the Wild Conservation Society, the WWF, the United Nations, and more specific NGOS if you try.

Argentina: Transnationalism and Comparative Development in South America was, in my experience, a life-changing program packed with unforgettable moments. I studied with a small group of 12 other students from U.S. universities. Group projects and the program's many excursions and visits provided ample opportunities to get to know my classmates. The program directors were absolutely incredible and willing to help us however they could over the course of the semester. I constantly found myself excited to get the most that I could out of every moment. I learned in firsthand ways that I never had before and reshaped my perspective on the world. The program is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and students spend most of the semester there, starting with orientation during the first week and culminating with Independent Study Project (ISP) and internship presentations during the final week. Students take courses in the program's core content, transnationalism and development, and social science field research methods and ethics in el Instituto de Desarrollo Económico y Social (IDES) in Palermo, Buenos Aires. They also take a Spanish language course in la Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) in the center of Buenos Aires. All courses are in Spanish. Students live with a homestay family during the semester and engage with Argentinian culture firsthand. The program includes incredible excursions that greatly enhance students' development of transnational and comparative perspectives and generate experiences that, while certainly cross-cultural, emphasize shared struggles and regional integration with regard to social, political, economic, and cultural organizations and movements. Meetings with organizations, groups, and communities allow for an unparalleled understanding of the way people are impacted by, and themselves shape, political and economic changes. Students, through these experiences, lectures, and assignments, get a sense of the way local communities, nations of the Southern Cone region, and the world are interconnected. In Argentina, in addition to living in Buenos Aires, program participants visit La Plata. They also leave the country on program excursions that feature more visits with local groups, lectures on program content specific to the places visited, and opportunities to explore new cities and world-renowned landmarks. Students stay in Asunción, Paraguay; see the binational dam at Itaipú; tour the powerful Iguazú Falls; explore Río de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil; and study in Montevideo and Colonia, Uruguay. During the last month of the program, students either put together an ISP or participate in an internship. An ISP student, I was able to study the social construction of collective Argentinian memory by way of three memory sites in Buenos Aires that functioned as clandestine centers of detention, torture, and extermination during Argentina's military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983. I observed the sites, went on official tours/visits, and interviewed employees at each one to gather my own data in the places themselves where history and memory have been shaped, an experience completely irreplaceable.

If you're looking to country hop on the weekends, brush off your studies, and only hang out with American students, you may want to consider a more traditional study abroad program. This one is anything but the ordinary but everything extraordinary:) Never in my life have I felt more connected to what I was learning - the homestay, the trips, the experiential learning, and the people you will encounter all contribute to the work you are doing. You will be pushed out of your comfort zone in the best way possible, and the amount of growth you experience abroad will only become that more obvious to you upon your return to the states.

SIT gave me the best experience possible. While this is not the program for those who would like to move more independently, I found that highly structured time followed by a month free for research was actually very beneficial to my experience. I was very impressed with the academic aspects, and the visits that we did taught me so much more about Argentina than I would've known had I just been visiting. I was consistently impressed by our coordinators, who devoted themselves to ensuring that the program was good and genuinely cared about us. They were attentive and thoughtful and always available. My homestay was a better experience than I had even anticipated, and I found that my host family taught me just as much about the materials we were learning as the professors did. Overall, I would rate SIT Argentina: Social Movements and Human Rights very strongly. If you are looking for an in-depth, impactful experience that will truly teach you about both the country you're studying in and your own culture, I would recommend this program.

the program allows you to learn a lot and develop great connections with people in the area and provides many great activities. the program is based in argentina but takes you to Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil giving you lots of opportunities to learn the culture and be more open minded. you get to learn a lot of the political events happening in these countries and how they interconnect. the best opportunity you get from this program is developing connections with locals; of course this has to do with your personal efforts.

Going on SIT's Mongolia program was one of the best experiences of my life, and I was grateful to be there every day that I was there. I wanted to go to Mongolia because I had never been to Asia and had always dreamed of riding horses there. We spent a lot of time traveling, meeting people, and getting to know Ulaanbaatar and Mongolia as a group. The best parts for me were living with herders on the steppe for 2 weeks and the month-long independent research/internship period, because those were the times that I truly felt connected to Mongolia and the people there. Be prepared to be challenged--being in Mongolia is way different than being in the US/the West. If you go with an open mind, you'll get so much out of it. Also, SIT Mongolia's staff is amazing and will help you every step of the way, no matter what you need, which makes it easier to be so far away from home for so long. If you're considering going, definitely go--it's a chance you may not get again, and you'll walk away with some amazing stories.

Going into this program, I was slightly worried because I had heard that people previously had issues with the academic director. I think these people were sorely mistaken. You get what you give from the administration, so give a lot and be open-minded and ready to learn. This program is not for the faint-hearted. Someone going on this program needs to be able to be adaptable and flexible. You are going to camp in uncomfortable conditions, sleep in hostiles, and be traveling with the same 23 people at all times, BUT IT WILL BE BEAUTIFUL. The experiences that I had there are ones that I will never ever forget and are completely unparalleled. If your semester is anything like mine, it will be a breath of fresh air. It is so amazing to be sharing beautiful experiences with people who actually care about real things that really matter. Lastly, take advantage of the internship opportunity. I worked at a Farm near Byron. It was so incredible and completely shaped my experience. This program is amazing. Do it do it do it!

There is very little that this program could have done to make my experience better! The staff support when I was there with Nuria, Pablo and Julieta was really incredible-- they were always available to help talk through any issues with academics, homestay, language learning or just general social/emotional learning. As study abroad programs go, this one was also pretty academically rigorous as well-- all coursework in Spanish and biweekly presentations/paper. However, I personally didn't have the greatest time, though I believe the rest of my cohort really enjoyed themselves. Here are a couple of the reasons why: - The program travels a lot (Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil!) which grated on my ability to acclimate to one area and really form long-term relationships. Still really cool experience though to experience such a diversity of places though, and definitely a good fit for folks who love travel! - Buenos Aires for young people has a strong nightlife (boliches, bars) and feria scene, which wasn't super my jam, but could definitely be yours! I don't think I realized that I didn't love cities before and prefer a more suburban/nature-y/laid back vibe. Buenos Aires is a really bustling place.

It was an amazing and one-of-kind experience traveling, living, and studying in Paraguay. If I could, I would do it again for a longer period of time. To be immersed in this unique Latin American culture was the best time. I stayed with families, and was provided home cooked food by all of my hosts. People were patient to listen and answer all of my questions about anything. I really appreciate my time in Paraguay.

I had a wonderful time in my experience with SIT. The language situation was approachable and they were flexible with different levels of Spanish. The classes were interesting, with frequent varied guest speakers that gave us perspectives from government officials, academia, and non-profit organizations. My host family was attentive, caring, and helped me learn about opportunities in the city so I could grow in my autonomy and security exploring alone or with friends. If anything, sometimes I felt the classes could be a little easy; students could get by without doing *all* of the reading and the classes weren't very high-stakes. I also spent more time with the US students and less time meeting Argentine students my age than I'd hoped. If you're confident about your Spanish and want very rigorous courses and more dynamic socializing, perhaps local enrollment would be right for you. In the end, I think this program was great for me. Plus, the traveling part of the program was wonderful! It wasn't only tourism; we got to learn from people and local organizations that I wouldn't have hear from otherwise.

This program allowed me to get to know Ecuador in the best way possible. As a group, the 23 other US students and I traveled with our professors to many beautiful places in Ecuador, some of which would not be accessible to me as a regular tourist. I learned about important environmental issues while visiting some of the most biodiverse places in the world. I also made amazing friends who share my passions and values, both from Ecuador and the US, who I have been staying in contact with even after the program. The homestay enriched my experience and provided the most opportunities for Spanish practice. The style of learning can be tiring, because it is rigorous, but it is easily justified by the hikes through the Amazon, the early morning bird watching, or snorkeling and seeing marine life in the Galápagos. Throughout this program, I gained confidence in myself, as well as an appreciation for familial bonds and a different perception of life and family structure.

I know this is cliche, but I really did come home a changed person. This experience was linguistically, culturally, and academically transformative. I wouldn't change a thing about it and I wish I could go back.

This program was not very rigorous but it made learning fun again. We saw so many sights in Iceland and Greenland that I had never heard of but that I would love to return to. The independent study project made me more confident in my research, presentation, and communication skills.

I was drawn to this program because it gives you a rare opportunity to conduct an independent study project program as an undergraduate. During this time students conduct fieldwork and engage in immersive cultural research that is of truly their own design and interest. Because of this, the final projects usually move beyond the realm of an analytical paper and take on larger social value to the community and student. For example, the result of my ISP was an exhibition of large-scale drawings resulting from a period of solo travel in the Czech countryside and was displayed in a local café in Prague where our class ritually met. This program empowered me to think about the value of community relationships as a way of understanding place and site. While I had friends traveling around Europe to a new city every weekend and only grasping the surface level of each place, I was deeply investing my time becoming a resident of Prague by exploring places in my neighborhood, attending cultural events unknown to the average tourists, and growing friendships with actual residents of the city. As an anthropology major, this affected my approach to understanding culture for future research projects. As a young artist I was extremely lucky to develop an amazing friendship with my host parents, both young artists and musicians themselves. They graciously invited me to various gallery openings and music shows with them throughout Prague and introduced me to their community of fellow artists. Through these interactions and experiences I was able to witness the intersection between arts and culture by becoming a part of it and entered community spaces I would have never found otherwise. During my ISP (independent study project) I took a trip to a small mountain skiing town and was hosted by a ceramicist and her friends. After a long day hiking around the town trying to escape rain and researching cemetery sites for my ISP, I returned to my host’s home where she organized a dinner party with special food and drink. Already filled with excitement from what I discovered for my research project, I dove into a beautiful discussion about everything and anything late into the night with my new friends. I remember at one point looking around and realizing that I was a part of a unique and special moment of two cultures coming together. I have been chasing that experience ever since! In Summary... The Arts and Social Change program in Prague is a unique opportunity for students to witness first hand how impactful art is for a culture’s politics, history, and community. Rather than learning about Czech culture from afar, students will become a part of it by participating in different aspects of the arts and living in the community. Because of this learning style, years later I still maintain friendships with my fellow students and feel deep gratitude and connection to Prague and the Czech Republic.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

This program is an incredible opportunity for students studying ecology or environmental science! I had had great experiences traveling throughout Ecuador, learning about local ecology, and making new friends. The classes, and especially the independent research project, made me more qualified for ecology research positions. Taking classes in Spanish and living with a host family has made me much more confident in Spanish classes at my home university. I loved living with my host family, and I'll never forget all of the local traditions and foods they introduced me to. The program directors and host families are so proud of their country, and it's easy to see why! This was an incredible experience and I would recommend it to anyone interested in ecology and conservation.

...with the city of Buenos Aires, and most importantly, who I became after the 4 months I spent there. The city itself offers such a rich and diverse culture for those interested in the arts, social justice, literature, night life, food, environmental sustainability, and simply living an adventurous life. I didn't know a single thing about Argentina before coming, but SIT did an amazing job preparing us for the city dynamics and culture through very realistic, enriching experiences that involved the community of Buenos Aires and other communities in the Southern and Northern region of Argentina. The classes are dense, but the experiential learning aspect of the program (where you go on excursions and do a research project/internship) really helps ground you in the knowledge of this country - I learned so much more about Argentina that I know about my own country because of this. Also, the city is extremely active (during day and night!), so you will have an exhilarating experience whether you are attending a protest in Plaza de Mayo, taking a tango class in the city center, going to Palermo (hot spot for bars and clubs), and meeting the young Argentineans themselves! After 4 months of this, I didn't want to leave, not just because the country enchanted me, but because I became the best version of me; sensitive to new political issues, confident in the skills I had gained, actively aware of what's going on around the world and can speak for things I saw and experienced. SIT is the kind of program that gives you the opportunity to explore a country deeply through academics and experiential learning, while still giving you the freedom to explore what you want and have authentic experiences on your own!

I participated in this program in Fall 2017. Overall, my experience was very positive. As someone working toward teaching licensure and with a background in education, I think that I very much benefited from the cross-cultural experiences that this program afforded--through school visits, interactions with students at different institutions in a variety of contexts and locations, exposure to bilingual-intercultural education with the Mapuche people, and, for me personally, an internship at a School for the Deaf in Santiago. There were struggles and at times I felt isolated from other people, but I did receive a lot of support from program staff in many forms, and the value I have taken away from this program is very high.

This program is very challenging but that is what makes it so enriching. I had the opportunity to learn about indigenous resistance, learn from local rural and urban families, and think about decolonization from an Andean perspective. The classroom academics are stimulating and all of the visits we do really complement what we learn in class, which is mostly from local guest lecturers. I really appreciated the fact that the program is very aware of itself as a program of American students in Bolivia, but we ask a lot of questions about ethics and our own positionality all semester. I became extremely close with my host family and made deep friendships with my classmates as well. Also Cochabamba in general is a beautiful and very fun city. I also got to learn Quechua on the program which was incredible, especially when we visited local communities to practice our Quechua. I would highly recommend this program.

My time abroad was by far my favorite semester of college. It was an unforgettable experience, and a large part was due to the staff in SIT Bolivia. The program director Heidi, the assistant director Noemi, the secretary Pati, and all the staff cared about each and every single one of us. They treated my group like their own family, and welcomed us all. One of my favorite memories is cooking Thankgsiving food at Heidi's house and congregating with everyone after from the program to celebrate. They also set up incredible lectures from important political and social figures in the community. They pushed us to think more critically and to reject ethnocentric views. We were here to listen and learn, not to interrupt or intrude. The Spanish teachers as well were incredible. We worked in small groups of four or five students with the best Professors. It was a refreshing untraditional style of teaching that accelerated my language skills from proficient to advanced. Lastly, my homestay family was the best part of the experience. I spent the entire semester in Cochabamba with them and they treated me just like one of their own kids. We tried food together, saw soccer matches together, danced and laughed in the Campesino, and learned from one another. I'll never forget my time abroad because it taught me so much about myself, a culture unlike my own, and what I want for the future. Thank you SIT Bolivia for everything!

This is an amazing program for anyone looking to further their Spanish and learn a lot about biology, ecology, geology, and natural sciences. The program is very structured and intensive but this is what makes it so rewarding. The academics are interesting, challenging, and supported by real experiences in the field. You will travel to a number of amazing locations including the Galapagos, Amazon, páramo, and cloud forest. While the program itself is heavily oriented towards science and conservation you will also learn about culture through school and through your host families. One of the aspects of this program that makes it so unique is the independent study project. This was also one of the things I was most nervous about, but you will feel prepared and confident with the help of professors and staff. Students use this opportunity to study a topic of interest, practice research techniques, build their resume, gain field experience, do their senior thesis, and have an independent and immersive experience. Do not expect to have a ton of free time. The days in the city are spent in class and nights spent with your host family. Excursions are spaced about a week apart. This allows you time to reflect on the last trip, prepare for the next, and have time to explore the city. This is by no means an easy study abroad program academically or culturally. However if you are open-minded and passionate about ecology and conservation this will be an amazing and worthwhile experience. There are many people both in and out of the program that are kind, helpful, and excited to share their culture with you. One things this program really stresses is how to be a conscious and respectful student abroad. Overall, this is amazing experience and you will learn so much personally and academically!

What I loved most about this program was its experiential learning aspects. Living in a homestay taught me about the culture and people in Ecuador, while improving my Spanish skills. I also loved the excursions we went on, including to the paramo, the cloud forest, the Amazon, and the Galapagos. Learning about these places in the classroom and then being able to physically be in them to learn deeply about them was incredible. I felt that I had a great opportunity to learn a lot about myself as I learned how to live within a different culture and also how to take advantage of all the amazing things I was learning while being outside in unique ecosystems. Overall, this program was absolutely fantastic. If you're looking for a program that will challenge you while offering you a very remarkable experiences in many beautiful places, this is the program for you!

I loved my trip to Managua and felt I was able to improve my Spanish and learn so much about the United States and the countries I visited. Our lectures were very diverse and in a mix of both Spanish and English, which meant I was able to glean understanding while still improving my Spanish skills. I love traveling around in country to different regions and going to Cuba, but our home base in Managua was also great. It's a really underrated city and a great home base, and The Maximo was an amazing neighborhood to live in. I would (and have) recommended this program to friends.

India is a complicated place that it's hard to really get a feel for in one semester. The classes were great and the program was exciting but not necessarily the best fit for me. This is a great program if you're looking to study architecture or religion and are not interested in discussing India's history of colonialism.

I enjoyed the variety of experiences I had doing this program. We took several trips so we got to see a good portion of the country. The host families were all nice and wanted to help their students and have them be involved with family activities. It was difficult to adjust to all of the sudden changes at first, but the staff were all helpful at in country orientation. The academics weren't very rigorous, most likely because you are encouraged to do a lot of investigating on your own time and experiencing the culture beyond books. I would have liked a more detailed methods course that gave more practical examples, but the traditional medicine and public health courses were interesting, with a fair number of guest speakers. I loved the ISP (independent study project) period, as it allowed for the most freedom and you can investigate a specific topic that really interests you.

I had a wonderful experience with SIT in Bolivia. I absolutely loved living in Cochabamba. I really loved living with my host family. I definitely miss them the most. I also made some great friends. I learned a lot about Bolivian reality, decolonization, indigenous communities and cosmovisión, and neoliberalism. The program does a good job of challenging western perspectives. I would definitely do it again!!!

I learned so much as a result of this program. I was able to immerse myself in a culture that was so different from my own. I would recommend this program to anyone who is openminded and willing to challenge their current understandings of global issues. This program was physically and emotionally strenuous but a worthwhile experience, nonetheless

This program was the greatest experience of my life. The people I met, the places I went, and the things I learned will stay with me forever. The group leaders (both American and Indian) were some of the wisest, nicest, inspiring people I have ever met. The culture shock was insane, India is a crazy, overwhelming place, but it is also beautiful, incredible, and inspiring. The people are so welcoming and warm, and love that you want to learn about their country. This trip is so worth going on, I learned more than I thought I ever could, became life-long friends with incredible people, and became passionate about public health.

I truly sing the praises of the Public Health, Policy Advocacy, and Community program in India to anyone who will listen. I spent the Fall semester of my junior year in 2015 studying in Delhi with SIT, and it was the greatest choice I have made in my academic career thus-far. I wanted a program that pushed me outside of my comfort zone and was not something I ever could have experienced in a classroom at Williams College, my home institution. This semester did that and more. I learned about healthcare practices and policy in India through an experiential-based model, doing workshops at long-functioning NGOs and speaking with doctors, midwives, and community health workers at District Hospitals and Community Health Centers; I spoke with people from the WHO and with Indian government officials; I led an independent study project by myself in rural Uttar Pradesh on maternal health access and outcomes. But the best part of the program lies in the staff and support through the SIT program in Delhi. Our professors were our teachers but also our parents away from home, helping us push ourselves to the limits of our comfort zones as juniors in college, while feeling safe and confident all the way. I felt supported 24/7 in all my new experiences. This program impacted my approach to my classes, education, and goals for a future career in healthcare back in the states, and led me to get a Fulbright-Nehru fellowship continuing public health research with connections I made during my independent study on the program.

I loved this trip! I was able to learn so much of the culture, history, language and politics not just from hitting the books but actually experiencing it first hand! The team in Jordan is incredible and shows extreme love and care for every student

In Jordan I was able to meet some amazing people and do some amazing things. Before the trip I could not speak a lick of Arabic but by the end I could have a steady conversation with people in the city. After our classes the students all went into the city to buy stuff, eat, or just hang out. It was a great environment, great people, and great food.

I went into the program not knowing what to expect and I came out with experiences that will shape my life forever. In this program I was pushed to view my American sexual education in a different light when comparing it to the education in the Netherlands. From an exhibit about sex in the Amsterdam Children's Museum to the sexual education that begins in kindergarten, I fell in love with the open attitudes people have about sex. We had amazing speakers in the classroom who were all so knowledgable in their field. But really the best part of the trip for me was the people I went with. The group leaders were so good about making sure we safe and having fun. And the other students were some of the most open minded and inclusive people you could ever meet. By the end of the three weeks I felt like I had created a family with them. I will never forget the late night talks with my roommates about everything from gay hookup culture to police brutality. Before lessons in the morning those early to the office would have coffee together and talk about activism and queer* culture and sexual education. That is the kind of environment that this program fosters. This program was full of learning both inside and outside of the classroom.

I throughly enjoyed my time in the Netherlands. Not only was the group of students on the program incredibly accepting, kind, and inclusive, but the activities set up for us were engaging and educational. Some of my favorite excursions included the tour of the Red Light District and the boat tour of the canals. The program allowed all of the students lots of freedom to explore Amsterdam and spend time in the main part of the city which gave all of the students lots of independence. Though we had the opportunity to be independent, there was also a lot of time spent in the group taking classes and going on trips which allowed us to all become very close. One thing that I would change is the location of the home-stays; I was pretty far from the main part of the city and had to commute for at least 80 minutes everyday.

I learned a lot about myself and about Chile during study abroad. My Spanish clearly improved and the excursions that we went on during the trip were amazing. The majority of the students got along really well with their host families and the students that were doing the program were really open minded about what they did. Valparaíso is one of the coolest cities I know, and I feel extremely lucky to have had a program there. As for improvements, the rigor and intensity of Spanish classes could be increased. There additionally could have been more complicated topics for our lectures. However, I overall found the general program to be good. The program directors are incredibly kind and took in all of our feedback during our time there.

This program was all that I was hoping for and more! In terms of academics, lectures consisted of field lectures and classroom lecture, both of which were in a mixture of Spanish and english. That said, don't expect total language immersion in the classroom. There was a lot of flexibility in this regard and one could write papers in either Spanish or english in many cases. The course load was rather challenging, but I learned more ecology this semester in Ecuador that in the entirety of my undergraduate experience thus far (especially botany) Lectures were also very hands on and we learned a lot about field techniques. However, despite claiming to be a program about conservation, this program was definitely highly skewed towards ecology! Beware: I did not receive any Spanish credit from this program because my institution would only accept credit if I was placed in the upper two Spanish classes (which was unfortunate because the placement process was rather unfair and from what I could tell the different leveled classes differed very little). Regardless, I loved most of all the opportunity to do an independent study project at the end of the term. While a common complaint about SIT programs in general is that the ISP is underwhelming, that was not the case for me in this program! It was a wonderful opportunity to conduct my own research, connect with people in the community, and learn how to be independent in Ecuador. My living situation was with a host family which was also a wonderful experience! It was very immersive in Spanish and the culture and really challenged me to focus on family along with academics—something thats harder to do if you are living at a university away from a family as many of us do in the US. Cultural immersion in this program was pretty good! Our professors and advisors did what they could to try to educate us about norms and make us less like tourists and more like part of the community. However, I would have loved more of a focus here! There was wonderful student support in this program as well and professors and advisors genuinely cared about each student! Within our group, we cared about each other as well, so I always had somewhere to turn if I needed help in anyway! Quito and the rest of Ecuador seemed rather safe to me. In our program there was one or two safety incidents (robbing), but they were resolved and no one got hurt. Its just important to keep safety in mind here and be smart.