Program Reviews

SIT Malaysia and China was an experience in watching how eastern principles develop a western, global economy. The development of my understanding of Islamic finance in a country that is paving the road for its use in the mainstream economy while still taking steps to integrate itself with regional economies was perhaps one of the most challenging yet engaging parts of my time on the program. The incorporation of China’s One Belt, One Road development strategy into the pedagogy of economic diplomacy and shifting trade networks made the program responsive to both Malaysia’s important role and that of the other nations within ASEAN. As an Economics major at a liberal arts school, the interdisciplinary approach to this Economics-forward coursework was so engaging.

Beyond the classroom, the abroad experience was amazing. Though the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the excursion to China from happening, we were able to plan different excursions to replace the lost experience, mostly at the insistence of the program director who was deeply committed to ensuring we had the experience we signed up for. On our visit to Penang, it became clear that our director was connected to many people in the country that could speak with us and expand our course offerings outside of the classroom; she was also never afraid to ask anyone we requested to join us.

The student support was great during the program and a lot of that was due in part to the swift actions taken when we would indicate any issue, regardless of severity. Perhaps the most fulfilling part of the program was the host family assignment which was delayed by a week so that our program staff could understand us a bit better then place us with the family that fit best. This worked perfectly because I loved my host family and am still in contact with them today.

There were eight students in my cohort including myself. It felt like the perfect size where we were able to know everyone around us without feeling like we were stuck. Living in Kuala Lumpur and attending classes at University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) assisted in making sure that we did not feel stuck; only 30 minutes away by train from the city center, there were always opportunities for us to break off and explore on our own or with friends we made at our university. The UKM Global office assigned each of us a “student buddy” that could assist us with language but also with getting acquainted with the campus; this was an invaluable asset upon our arrival and many of them we each still call friends.

Overall, the theme of the program and its staff was that it was not unlike them to go above and beyond for us. Even as we were required to return home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were kept in concern with daily messages and frequent video chats to help us complete our coursework.

Unfortunately, my semester was canceled early due to COVID-19. But that doesn't mean that I still had a blast in Malaysia! The academics focus on international trade, language, and culture. For the language, I took Mandarin Chinese and took advantage of many opportunities to speak to the locals. Before registering for the program I was already interested in international trade and investments, so the program was a perfect fit. However, the most surprising part of the program was how immersed I became in the Malaysian culture. For most of the program, you are assigned a Malaysian family to stay with. My family taught me all about Malaysian food, customs, holidays, and traditions. Living with a family is the best way to be fully immersed in the culture.

But the program separates itself from others because of the way it prepares you for your post-college career. During the final month, everyone does an internship. The internship varies student to student depending on what you want for a career. Students had a variety of options to choose from such as trade councils, investment banks, oil companies, and many more. Malaysia was an unforgettable experience, and I would absolutely recommend this program to other students.

IHP is a study abroad experience like no other. It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel in a completely unique and uncomparable way. The network that IHP has built in all of it's locations allows for unparalleled immersion and absorption of culture and lifestyle of all communities visited. The connections made with fellow students, professors, and local staff are deep, meaningful, and have changed me as a person. If you are flexible, open to new experiences, and keen to explore, IHP will offer a path like no other to learn, see, do, and come out of it looking at the world and the places you're in in a completely different way.

IHP is an educational experience like no other. I studied abroad on a direct exchange program with another university in the fall, and my experience with IHP was far more rewarding in many ways. By facilitating meaningful and relevant discussions among a tight-knit cohort of students, the program intellectually challenges everyone. Through lectures, site visits, and interviews I found myself questioning my own assumptions, and growing academically, personally, and socially. Course content is reasonably challenging. While not being overly easy, it appreciates the considerable time requirements of the program overall.

Participating in this program was the best decision I’ve made in my college experience. I’m studying Environmental Policy at Duke University, and I had wanted to study abroad since I learned about that option in high school.

IHP Climate Change is an incredible program. We studied some of the most pressing issues the world is facing right now, and heard from people directly affected by them. From guest speakers to site visits, we learned about the struggles and fights of people all around the world, directly from them. We learned the importance of lifting up those voices who are usually suppressed, with readings, discussions, and actually hearing those voices. In many cases we heard both sides of controversial issues. Through class lectures, group discussions, and community building sessions, we became closer as a group and grew as young people in the fight against climate change.

This program really taught me perspective. The academics were really interesting, and I learned a lot about climate change, but the main focus was climate justice. We learned that everything is intersectional, and climate change is both a threat and a threat multiplier. This program truly changed the way I look at the issues facing our world today and how to solve them. The program requires a lot from you in terms of actual scheduled programming, but it was the right format to get the most out of the experience.

We had a lot of time to learn about the countries we were in, spend time with our homestay families, travel, and get to know each other as a group. We really became close as a group, and I now have a whole new set of friends. I learned more from this semester than any other semester of college. It’s a great balance of fun, analyzing, learning, and growth. I miss it a lot, and I’m super grateful that I had the experience to do something like this.

I chose India because it is one of the most populated nations on our planet, with one of the most quickly growing economies, and somehow India was never mentioned in any of my general education before college. In addition, India is a beautiful country with a rich history and dynamic cultures. I hoped studying there would help fill in the gaps. It did.

One of the best parts of studying abroad was all of the people I met! I had the most wonderful host family who were amazingly kind and were such an essential part of my experience. They made me feel at home, more than 7,400 miles away from where I grew up. We grew very close and I still talk to them almost every day.

From the food to the people, my time in Nepal left an indelible impression that caused a shift in my values, my perspective, and my hopes for the future (all of which I think is for the better). I learned much from SIT. The experiential learning they promote is a core part of their curriculum and mission; it also pushed me out of my comfort zone, allowing me to experience friendships and the simple beauty (and challenge) of life in Nepal. I can fondly recall our Tibetan language lessons, wonderful language partners, and the reliable and kind staff stationed at Yantra House, a warm and welcoming little home for students. Although I'd made trips abroad to visit family throughout my life, I also traveled extensively before SIT through research and study opportunities. I'd just completed an intensive language study program through the US Department of State that was quite rigorous and pushed me both mentally and physically. I thought myself prepared, having spent the last two months living in China with a homestay family. Needless to say, I began SIT Nepal with a bit of caution and skepticism––while I was initially excited for the chance to study a subject I'd always been interested in and live in a place I'd never been to, I had doubts about whether or not I would love this program as much as I enjoyed my last one. Instead, as I loosened up a bit, I found myself having the time of life in Kathmandu. Boudha became my home and the pearly-white stupa a steadfast reminder of which direction I should walk in if I ever got lost along the edge of the valley. Among many other things, I learned about the importance of reciprocity in any relationship or situation; the meaningful act of enjoying tea with a companion; the preciousness of conversation and exchange; and that, alone, I am capable. I received a research fellowship to return to Nepal this summer, but currently the COVID-19 issue has spiraled beyond control; hopefully, I can go back one day.

I enjoyed studying abroad with SIT in Durban, South Africa! I liked the mix of coursework that we had that revolved the Social Determinants of Health and Approaches to Community Health in South Africa -- I found the coursework to be easier than a typical course load at my home college. We also went on many excursions to local NGOs like Blue Roof, AFRA, SDCEA, etc. and local community health centers. I also enjoyed the homestay component -- the homestay communities were so wonderful and welcoming!

I think there could have been a better balance of our day to day schedule because somedays were a bit lecture heavy, but I really enjoyed the overall study abroad experience!

This experience was truly eye-opening and I am so grateful for it. The focus of the overall program was migration, however, it brought so much more to light politically, socially, and economically, allowing students to approach it from various lenses. The program is based in Rabat, allowing us to study within the walls of the Medina (the old city) and also experience life outside of the Medina. Our classes were lectured based, something I was not used to, coming from a smaller college with discussion based classes, however I appreciated having the opportunity to listen and learn from the perspectives of academics and organizations in Morocco. The lectures and themes of the week also led to excursions to different cities in Morocco such as Fez, Tangier, and Chefchaouen, but I will still admit Rabat was by far my favorite city. We also had a one week excursion to Amsterdam when learning about the Moroccan diaspora beyond Morocco. We covered so much in the first two months in classes, so when the Independent Study Project/Internship period arose, we were able to independently work on our chosen projects/sites. I also was not expecting to be able to speak so much Darija! My arabic class would definitely be one of the most engaging and fun classes I've ever taken in my whole college experience. I came in with no knowledge of Arabic, was extremely nervous to take the class, and left wanting to pursue it more! Finally, my host family experience is something I will forever cherish; even months after my return, I have stayed in communication with my host mother and sister almost every week and frequent video calls. This program is for the student that loves to take initiative, ask questions, and critically reflect.

This program gave me the opportunity to meet incredible people and learn about the multicultural country of South Africa by immersing myself in the culture. All four homestays were unique and provided insight into the diverse cultures of South Africa. The host families were welcoming, kind, and eager to share their life with students. This program is incredible in giving students the confidence to explore a new country, meet new people and learn about this unique country. I learned how to become comfortable feeling uncomfortable and how to see the beauty in each day.