SIT Study Abroad

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!

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!