SIT India: Public Health, Gender, and Community Action

After spending almost 4 months in India with SIT, I can't imagine doing my study abroad experience anywhere else. If you have an interest in public health, this is the program for you. The homestay experience was amazing and I felt like a big brother to my host-brothers and host-sister. Also, having home cooked Indian food every day is hard to complain about. I loved learning Hindi and feeling like I was a part of the culture, even if it was only for a few months. The SIT staff treats you like family and you won't want to let go when you hug them goodbye at the end of the trip. Lastly, having the experience of completing an independent study project was a crucial aspect of my trip and really helped to put all of our lessons into perspective. This program helps you succeed in every aspect of the trip, such as helping you transition, being a shoulder to lean on when you need it, or giving you suggestions on where to travel on a weekend or after the program. If you want to step outside of your comfort zone and establish yourself in a crazy, stimulating and colorful environment and culture, this is the program for you!

India is full of contrasts, chaos and unbelievable beauty. I never learned more in four months than I did through this experience. It challenged me and tested my patience, but I learned a lot about a lot and I would go back and do it all over in a heartbeat. You have to be willing to let go of some creature comforts (going for a run outdoors, punctuality, privacy...), but if you surrender even a little bit, you'll never want to leave.

SIT has an extensive on-site network providing access to speakers, organizations, hospitals and communities you'd never be able to access on your own. The staff are incredibly dedicated and there for your every need. They all feel like family to me now. The opportunity to do independent research was also a major highlight.