SIT Study Abroad

I was abroad in Prague for the fall 2019 semester, and I have thought about it every day since! It was an incredible experience unlike any other and exceeded all of my expectations. I adored exploring the city and learned so much about Czech history, literature, and culture. I find myself referencing books and facts I learned all of the time—I've turned into that girl who's always starting conversations with "when I was abroad …" I had the loveliest host family; they really made me feel like I was part of their real family, and it was incredible to have the practical experience of cultural norms rather than just learning about them in the classroom. We lived on the northern outskirts of the city, making my commute to school around 45 minutes, but every minute was worth it because I got to explore different districts and see so many cool landmarks that way. The professors were awesome—they all had firsthand experience with the historical events we learned about—and I still keep in touch with my classmates. My favorite part was definitely the independent study project, where I researched underground literature from the communist era and interviewed some really impressive people who helped create and distribute it! Another thing I loved was being there for the thirtieth anniversary of the Velvet Revolution (the fall of communist rule). If you're in search of an adventure in a super cool city where you can learn a lot about art and history, this program is for you!

This study abroad program takes you to Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rabat, Marrakech, Essaouira, and other Dutch & Moroccan cities. The professors expect students to be fully engaged, to do the work and to participate in small classes. The program center is very close to the center of Amsterdam and the commute to class every day was actually quite enjoyable because of the city's great public transit. Students stay in homestays with friendly Dutch families and fully immerse themselves in their neighborhoods.

My semester in Cameroon was one that I will remember for the rest of my life. Through home-stays, trips and classes, SIT strove to immerse us in the cities that we were studying in. I had wonderful host families that welcomed me into their homes and made me feel at home. Classes were interesting and challenging but tightly linked to what we were experiencing there which made them relevant and important to my growth as a student. My fellow American and Cameroonian students became some of my closest friends and I'm still in touch with many of them. Unfortunately, my semester there was cut short due to Covid-19 and we had to leave abruptly. Leaving was so painful, it felt like I was leaving my family. I really hope that I can return one day soon to see my host siblings and parents, SIT staff who were like older siblings and parents to us, and get to spend more time there. I miss them all so dearly.

Although my experience in the [perhaps too] bustling city of Yaoundé was, tragically, cut short due to COVID-19, I absolutely loved my time on this program. Make no mistake - as other reviews here have mentioned, this program is not for the faint of heart and can be a real challenge. But through it all, I learned about the world economy, the legacy (see: perpetuation) of colonialism, and french in a way I wouldn’t have if not for this program.

I would feel dishonest if I didn’t mention the many, many privileges I was awarded in Cameroon because of my being a white American man. As the only American guy on the program, I was never victim to street harassment in the way my fellow students were nor particularly cautious with strangers’ intentions. I say this not to dissuade you but to give you the most accurate picture you can of the place you may be calling home for a semester.

In any case, I would unequivocally recommend this program. While at times I felt a bit babied (see: 7pm curfew and living in the richest area of Yaoundé), I gained so much from the out of classroom learning and the lecturers. Don’t be afraid to make some friends and experience as much of real Cameroonian life as possible. You won’t regret it - I know I don’t.

Prague and the greater Czech Republic provided some of the best days of my life, new experiences, adjustments, lessons, friendships, and family. Our schedule was full to the gills, with too many amazing optional performances, gallaries, exhibits, and showcases to attend paid for by my program, so long as we were interested(!!) My commute each morning and night to my host family was a 45-50 minute tram ride, giving my time to read and study czech while weaving through the most beautiful city just outside my windows (though most student had a shorter commute). My host family became my second family and they welcomed me into their routine as if I were her oldest daughter and their older sister. I fell in love with my super small program and we all enjoyed each other's company so much; the size allowed us so much fun flexibility for learning spaces and course direction, and I was so lucky to meet the students I did.

Once we were sent home the online courses were good and it was nice to see everyone virtually, but the experiential learning method can not be replicated online.. so yeah, don't plan to study abroad during a global pandemic. But 100% chose this program if you want a once in a lifetime experience with great people, true cultural exposure, and fun once this pandemic ends. Best program ever - experiential learning means exploring and having a good time out in the city as part of the learning, dream program for me.