Program Reviews

My time in Valparaiso was amazing and exactly what I needed. I felt so at peace and comfortable there. The program paired me with the perfect host family for me and they are a big part of why my experience was so amazing. I created a great relationship with my host family and had the funniest host brothers ever. The food was pretty good and things in Chile are a lot cheaper than the U.S. I will say I had an advantage in the language as a native Spanish speaker and did not really feel out of place.

I participated in this program between Feb - June 2024, right in the middle of political and economic instability that Argentina was facing under a new presidential administration. I really loved that our program, by virtue of focusing on social movements and human rights, was able to relate what we learned about in the classroom to what was going on right around us during our stay in Argentina. The program does a great job of bringing in guest speakers and planning trips both within and outside BA to help us engage with the topics we study in a hands-on manner. I loved being able to travel so often with the program and especially liked that the ISP period gave students the flexibility to travel independently.

In addition, the onsite staff are incredibly supportive and kind. It is very clear that they care about students and are always open to chat about anything. I chose this program because of the level of onsite support (which non SIT programs do not always guarantee) and I was very satisfied with my experience. Buenos Aires is a beautiful city and filled with so much to do/see. Although living in any foreign country has a bit of a learning curve, I did not find it a huge culture shock compared to the US, largely due to the support provided by the program and fellow students in your cohort.

This program was one of the most incredible experiences of my entire life. I learned so much, got to visit so many beautiful and unique places, and made lifelong friends! I think what sets this program apart is the incredible opportunities for field research, like studying amphibians in the tropical cloud forests of El Valle, as well as the cultural immersion opportunities, like spending a night in the Naso Comarca. You will get to visit some of the most beautiful habitats in the world and learn from instructors who are experts in their respective fields. Outside of the classroom, this program made me much more confident in social situations and taught me to go with the flow and take in each experience. You will undoubtedly emerge from this program a more well-rounded person and take the lessons you learned in Panama with you for the rest of your life! Don't miss out, seize the opportunity to visit this beautiful country and experience its many amazing cultures!

Studying abroad with this program was such an amazing experience. The program staff are kind and professional and made a huge effort for us to have the best possible experience. The other kids on my program were so much fun and we had a great time exploring Ushuaia. The academics were interesting and kept us busy. It's definitely more work and more classroom time than many other study abroad programs. The excursions were super fun and a great way to see more of Patagonia, and the chance to visit Antarctica was incredible and once-in-a-lifetime.

Studying abroad in Spain through the SIT program was truly a life-changing experience. I loved staying with a host family and having the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the culture. The warmth and hospitality of my host family made me feel at home, and I learned so much about Spanish customs and daily life. I also really enjoyed all the trips that were part of this experience, which allowed me to learn extensively outside of the classroom. Exploring historic cities, visiting museums, and engaging with local communities broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for Spain's rich history and diverse culture.

The program staff were incredible—always supportive, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they were teaching. The lectures were engaging and thought-provoking, and the class trips provided practical insights that complemented our academic studies. I truly enjoyed the learning process, both in and out of the classroom. I also love having the opportunity to travel independently and explore Europe!

Overall, this experience has had a profound impact on me, both personally and academically. It has inspired me to continue exploring new cultures and perspectives. I would 100% recommend the SIT program in Spain to anyone looking for an enriching and transformative study abroad experience.

I learned a lot about the local culture and life in Samoa. I also learned a lot about the environment, how it has changed, and how this impacts the community and culture. I think it was very worthwhile, especially as someone who is studying the relationship between people and the environment. I loved my experience in this program. I learned a lot and it was fantastically relevant to my educational goals. I would definitely do it again, but it did come with some challenges. This program is not easy when it comes to overcoming struggles and new experiences.

I had such a wonderful time throughout the entirety of this program. The best part was staying with the host family. I went in with some Arabic knowledge but no knowledge of Moroccan Arabic or French, and my host family spoke no English, but by the end of the program we grew quite close and I still speak with them frequently.
I loved walking around the neighborhood where all the students lived, sitting at cafes, exploring other cities in Morocco, and the week excursion to Amsterdam! I also really appreciated that we got the chance to connect with students from the SIT program in Amsterdam. All the staff of SIT as well as at the center where we studied were so kind and helpful. Truly the best time ever.

This program gives an incredible experience taking you through the history, culture, and language of the Tibet and the Himalayas. Kathmandu is a wonderful place to live, and the homestay gives safety and built in family. Courses are experiential: the only way to learn abroad. The Tibetan language course is fun and lively, but it also helps in the smaller commutes in the mountains and in India. Academically, I came home with a vast knowledge of the cultural landscape of Nepal, Tibet, and the Himalayas.

It was such an amazing experience to go to Bali. The people, nature, and energy can make us put the world on pause and put things in perspective. It was an incredible semester and if you are a student who wants to be challenged and learn how to be comfortable when feeling uncomfortable, this program will give you a safe space to do that. Being away from your culture makes everything a learning experience in which you must keep adjusting yourself to know how to fit into this new and strange environment.

I had such an extraordinary time in Nepal and India! The people that this program brought together are some of my lifelong friends, not to mention the academics and community members that SIT brings into your orbit are extraordinary. The staff (Isabelle and Patty especially) will help you make this program into exactly what you want it to be. I came to Nepal with the intention of writing my undergraduate honors thesis and had the support and connections to make it happen during the ISP period. I highly recommend this program to anyone and everyone looking to challenge themselves in a new environment, delve into a part of history and geopolitics that is often ignored in US academics, and eat more momos than you thought was possible! I have participated in other study abroad programs in the past and I think this one was the best at creating a safe and productive environment while allowing plenty of autonomy to get the most out of traveling to a new part of the world.