SIT Study Abroad

This program was so impactful for my understanding and appreciation of the beautiful world we live in! SIT is deeply invested in experiential learning - we went on so many excursions and met many professors / NGO directors / artists / museum staff / and more fantastic characters who were eager to share their excitement about their work and passions. (One man we met is a famous artist who lived in Barcelona for decades, and now lives in a remote home in the hills of Chefchaouen, running a small hostel whose goal is to bring together young men and women in the local area to help bridge the gender gap in Morocco. You will meet many characters like this during your time in the Sevilla program.)

Living with a host family was the perfect way to acculturate myself to Sevilla and practice Spanish. If you get placed with Reyes - you’ve been blessed! SIT’s directors were supportive in helping me adjust to life in a homestay.

The academics are as challenging and meaningful as you make them. I found expectations to be low compared to your typical college experience. However, the material is very interesting so it was easy to stay engaged and motivated. Plus, you can incorporate your experiences with excursions, homestays, and other hands-on moments into what you’re learning - which I actually think can provide more insight than long readings or essay assignments.

If you’re curious about human relations on small and large scales - politics, movements, social change, social UNchange, language, etc - you will find meaning in this program. (In other words, if you study anthro, sociology, psych, IR, polisci, history…)

Great program, excellent directors, incredible location. Go for it and make the most of it! xx

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.

SIT Social Movements and Human Rights is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in a hands-on experiential program, just like they describe on the website! While the course load can be demanding, a well organized study schedule and asking questions when confused makes it very easy to manage. The most memorable moments for me were when visiting the various organizations and being warmly welcomed by the Mapuche communities, which were all truly life changing. When approaching this program, it is very important that you come in with an open mind and embrace every learning opportunity.

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. I can attribute my growth experience to the phenomenal support of the program faculty and the connection to marginalized communities within a eurocentric country.

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.