SIT Study Abroad

Program Reviews

Yosselin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Learning Beyond the Classroom

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.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment for me was when submitting and presenting my research project. I felt intimidated because I had limited research experience before this program and felt unsure at times when writing it. However, I overcame it by checking in with my advisor and approaching every feedback as an academic growth opportunity. I did not only feel supported by my advisors but also by the program staff that were all every kind in every step of the way.
Pros
  • High level of support by Anna, Gri, Eli, and Cata
  • Traveling to other parts of Argentina
  • Academic growth
Cons
  • Adjusting to the foods
Thomas
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I learned more about myself through learning more about the world.

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.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Once for dinner I had a fish milanesa made of merluza. I unfortunately didn't have a great experience with enjoy the argentinian cuisine while I was there. That was partially due to being pescatarian and gluten free, but partially due to lack of flavor and spice within the culture. That being said, I'm incredibly grateful to have had all meals supplied by the program accomodate my restricting dietary habits
Pros
  • Improvement in languagge
  • Better understanding of myself
  • Independent research skills
Cons
  • Local cuisine
Named
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible Experiential Learning

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.

Madilyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Iceland is Quite the Adventure!

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.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Pack clothes for all types of weather! In Iceland is can be sunny and pleasant one second, then cold, rainy and windy the next!
Pros
  • Experience the outdoors
  • Safe community
  • Friendly locals
Cons
  • Unpredictable weather
  • Little daylight during winter months
  • Lack of transportation services around country
Sidni
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Program Ever

My experience studying abroad with SIT this semester is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. I'm crying while writing this because I am so sad to go home. Laura, Vicky, and Victor were the best program directors ever. They supported me throughout this entire process both academically and emotionally. I will miss seeing them everyday. They were so attentive and caring to every single person in our cohort. Everything that I have done with this program from classes to excursions have been nothing short of amazing. Paella classes, goat farms, meetings with human rights organizations, a trip to Morocco, and so much more. I have learned about different cultures and had many invigorating conversations about the world and how we engage as global citizens. We have shared so many laughs and good times and I have done so many things that I would not have been exposed to without SIT Sevilla. I recommend this program for any and everyone! It will be a one of one, unforgettable experience! I ❤️ SIT

MJ
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

SIT Sevilla 10/10

I've always wanted to study abroad and had such high expectations for my experience and SIT Sevilla surpassed them in every way. Living with a host family was something I was extremely nervous about but my program advisors made me feel so comfortable about arriving there and I was welcomed into my family with open arms. This experience has challenged me academcially and personally and I can say for sure that I am a better person because of my time in this program. The care and attention by the program advisors for not just the program but the people they're being entrusted to look after. I am so lucky to have had the chance to be in such a supportive program where I learned so much about other cultures and challenge biases I might have had before coming. Leaving Sevilla is one of the most heartbreaking experiences because I grew so close will all the people and my host family became people I could count on for anything and I truly felt I was a member of their family.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take advantage of every opportunity you have. Sevilla is such a beautiful city and there is so much to explore that it is easy to feel you won't be able to see everything, but there is so much time and it is so easy to travel that you should just mae the most of your time. It can be hard travelling to a new country but the people in Sevilla are so kind and patient with you that you'll feel welcomed so soon. Feels like a party everyday <3
Pros
  • Amazing food and sights
Cons
  • Program advisors will make you go to the hospital if you're sick
Greta
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a lifetime opportunity

This experience was maybe some of the best months of life. The program focuses much of it’s curriculum on field work, being all the wonderful organizations, shelters, excursions, tours that we got to experience. You meet so many scholars, professors, organizers, and many other amazing individuals who added so much to our academics and our time here. The program directors are also the most reliable, helpful, and least judgmental people I’ve ever met (HUGE shoutout to Laura, Vicky, and Victor). It was truly one of the best decisions of my life coming here <3 all the love to everyone who added to my experience

What would you improve about this program?
I wish the academics provided more structure to the program but otherwise there’s nothing I would change, 10/10 program
Pros
  • Program directors
  • Type of people the program attracts
  • Hands-on experiences
Cons
  • Academic structure
Jaimely
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Greatest Program Ever!!!!!!!

My time with SIT has been one of the best experiences I have ever had. The program staff is the kindest, most supportive, and resourceful group of people you will ever meet. The program in itself is also incredible; the classes and excursions (such as visiting the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba) are informative and insightful into Spain's cultural and political landscape, laying the groundwork for the prospective research project/internship (which are also amazing opportunities for one's academic and professional career!). Furthermore, Seville is one of the most beautiful cities i have ever visited; the people, food, and scenery are absolutely amazing.

If you have the opportunity to join this program, do it!!!!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Honestly, coming to a completely new country was extremely nerve-racking for me, but Laura, Vicky, and Laura were so welcoming and supportive that I integrated very easily.
Pros
  • Supportive staff
  • New experiences
  • Amazing city
Emilia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good English-friendly, Experiential Program

Sevilla is a great city to study abroad in, and SIT does a great job of getting students to engage with the culture and community. There are lots of international students and the city is not too big, which makes it easy to adjust. People in the city are kind and welcoming to strangers.

The excursions to Morocco and Extremadura were my favorite part. We were able to talk with local organizations, which provided an interesting comparative perspective to the U.S.

I always felt very comfortable, and I learned so much about politics and culture. The program was friendly to non-Spanish speakers, though the experience is better if you can speak Spanish.

Pros
  • Incredible leadership team!! Cared so much about the students
  • Small cohort (about 39 students) led to great friendships
  • Sevilla had great infrastructure and lots of students
Cons
  • Classes were taught by different professors each day, and quality varied greatly between them. For people who speak Spanish, a program in Spanish might provide a better experience.
  • Internship placements were limited to NGOs and might not be as enjoyable for people with limited Spanish
Hannah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience of my life

This program was the best decision I made in my college career. The SIT program provided me with the most enriching experience while having the freedom to soak in Sevilla. Our classes took place both at the university of Seville and at a separate SIT building which was perfect. The lecturers that were brought in were extremely interesting and the subject matter was perfectly applicable to the fields we all were studying. In addition to the classes, the internship process was amazing. We were set up with local organizations in Sevilla and gained real hands on experience working with NGOs. The group dynamic was also amazing, and I truly attribute that to our coordinators. They were so present and engaging, and made every info session, group activity, or group trip amazing. Their support was so evident, and made all 27 people in our program feel seen and know always. When I talk about this program to other people I have nothing but positive things to say. I would do it over and over if I could, and I would recommend this program to anyone looking.