SIT Study Abroad

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!