Program Reviews

My experience with the study abroad program in Nepal and India was nothing short of transformative. This journey was more than just an academic pursuit; it was an opportunity for profound personal growth and self-discovery. The program provided an immersive cultural experience that went beyond the confines of a traditional classroom. Living amidst local families, I was able to witness firsthand the resilience of communities navigating the challenges of preserving their ancestral traditions amidst geopolitical changes. The personal narratives of resilience and survival that I encountered painted a vivid image of the realities of life in these regions, fostering a deep connection and empathy that transcended cultural and geographical boundaries. The program also provided a unique perspective on religious identity and the impact of stereotypes and attitudes towards certain religions. This firsthand experience underscored the need for empathy and understanding in navigating cultural differences, and taught me to appreciate the nuances and richness of cultures and identities different from my own. The experience of writing my Independent Study Project, while immersed in a different cultural context, was a transformative exercise in conscious observation and introspection. This journey taught me to value the transformative power of conscious observation and introspection, and to appreciate the nuances and richness of cultures and identities other than my own. In retrospect, this journey was a lesson in embracing a holistic perspective. I learned to appreciate the human struggle against imposed boundaries and the relentless pursuit of preserving cultural identities. This journey marked a significant metamorphosis in my personal growth, deepening my understanding of cultural and individual differences, and setting the stage for lifelong learning and exploration. I would highly recommend this study abroad program to anyone seeking a transformative educational experience. The personal growth and insights gained through this program are invaluable and will undoubtedly shape your perspective and approach to life in profound ways.

This experience was excellent. The ability to travel to many different cities within Australia was the best and most rewarding aspect of this program. As well as the many excursions and camping trips that we engaged in to give is a great learning experience while in the field. We had free time during each week that allowed for you to explore the country and everything it has to offer. The professors and staff are kind, supportive and encourage learning. This created a fantastic academic environment while on study abroad.

This is an amazing study abroad program. I got everything I was looking for out of this experience and more! The program staff is incredibly supportive and helpful. I was very nervous before I arrived, but with their support, I always knew I would be okay. The homestay experience is the best way to improve your Spanish and build connections with the community. If you're looking to travel to as many countries as possible, this might not be the program for you, but if you want to truly immerse yourself in the host culture and get to know Argentina, you should definitely apply! I learned so much about the world and the program theme from different perspectives. It's a cliche, but it's true: study abroad (especially through this program) is life-changing!

This program was very immersive, with an emphasis on experiential learning, there were lots of activities and experiences. Homestays and programming were all with local people and local organizations and businesses. Students must be able to go with the flow/be flexible. Homestays were a big highlight of the program. Hostels, hotels, beach fales, and shared student housing were all great. Wi-Fi is generally unavailable, but there is usually a good cell signal unless in remote areas. Samoan food is pretty plain, but there is very good fresh fruit and various chicken and fish dishes. Hotel food is always about the same, and there are usually basic choices that can fit anyone's needs. In Apia there are some good restaurants, and students can cook for themselves while living in student housing. I felt very safe, but students should still be alert while in the cities. Additionally, dogs in Samoa are more like guard dogs, there is a different culture around them to adjust to. Beginner Samoan course is taken, staying with homestays encourages practicing Samoan. This program is very unique and focuses on a holistic learning and growing experience beyond just classroom-focused education. Would recommend staying open to understanding a different way of living. Students should invest time and energy into getting to know fellow students and host family members.

This trip was the first time I have been out of the country for so long and for so far. I was nervous at first, but the SIT Public Health in Urban Environments program team was so kind and supportive that it made me lose the nerves. I can say that this trip has been really influential in my life, not only because it exposes you to so much of the public health system but also the Argentine culture. My host family was amazing while I was abroad, I love them and hope to be back soon to visit them. The safety of being in a big city is the same with any big city, but overall, just take precautions and all will be okay. There is so much to explore in the city, you'll never get bored or not have anything to do. I really recommend this program!

The most impactful part of my time was living with the host families. I grew extremely close with my host family, and hope to remain in contact with them for many years now. They made me feel right at home and supported during my best and most challenging times. Arica is a perfect town to study abroad for the warm and loving culture, the beautiful coast, diverse community, and it was the perfect size to become familiar with everything and everyone. While the social elements were definitely the dominant part of my experience, which was a learning experience in itself, especially with developing Spanish skills, the actual classes and assignments were extremely fulfilling. While difficult because of the Spanish integration, the program avoids any kind of busy work and always leans into experiential learning. You learn from local communities who oftentimes do not receive the attention or support that is deserved. This program will change how you define healthcare. If you want to go into healthcare, this program is essential.

Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. The program allowed me to study not only the ancient rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, but also learn from aboriginal elders who went camping with us and taught us about their culture and connection to the land. I learned so much about fieldwork, forest ecosystems, species dynamics on the reef, and threats to these environments. The independent study portion taught us what it means to be independent researchers and allowed us to pursue our own interests. I chose to study bat behavior in North Queensland, where I used drone technology to track the movements of bats.

As a marine biology major, i was immediately drawn by the reef portion of the trip. To my surprise, I not only loved lizard island but I found myself missing the rainforest and camping once we left. I learned about the endemic species found only in the Wet Tropics and got to see them for myself. It was easily one of the most educational experiences I have ever had and I was just having fun the entire time! I was able to gain real hands on experience in the field that definitely gave me a better idea of what I want for my future career. Additionally, I got to see parts of Australia and its culture that many Australians never experience. One of the best parts was the independent research program. While it was sad to leave my friends, I found myself in Brisbane working in the lab helping a PhD candidate with her project. I never thought I would enjoy lab work until this experience. I am very grateful for the opportunity and that I decided to do this program!

This program is unique in that it moves around a lot as classes occur in the field, so expect to get used to keeping yourself mobile. That said, this meant that the experience was ever more immersive, providing an opportunity that I would be unable to obtain in a classroom.
The independent study project period fosters a lot of independence and provides a unique opportunity to accrue experience in a field of interest. I didn't have a day that I would rate as bad--most if not all days were fun and positive.

Overall, this program offered a unique opportunity to learn in a fun and awesome environment, from natural surroundings and peers alike. I have no regrets in taking this semester abroad.

This program was everything I hoped for and more. I got to live with host family, learn and live in the language and really immerse myself in the culture. While this program was extremely challenging in terms of adapting to new environments and learning a new language, it was the most rewarding experience of my life. The program directors are also work extremely hard to make sure you have a support system with them and within the group. Every measure is taken to insure students are learning and living in a health, safe, and comfortable environment while still being pushed and growing. The untraditional academic programing also opens doors to conversation and connection with community members you otherwise would not meet enrolled directly with an Argentine university. I left this program feeling inspired and wanted to go back to Buenos Aires as soon as posible!