Location
  • Madagascar
    • Antananarivo
Term
Summer
Subject Areas
African Studies Medicine
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Direct Enrollment
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Starting Price
8278
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Classes Meals Transportation
Jan 03, 2025
Oct 30, 2024
0 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

In Madagascar, one of the world’s globally recognized “megadiverse” countries, traditional medicine is practiced as an available, accessible, affordable, and effective method of healthcare. With flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world, the nation’s unrivaled biodiversity plays a distinctive role in its traditional healthcare practices. From your base in the lushly exotic capital city of Antananarivo, you’ll explore traditional and allopathic healthcare, travel to rural areas to learn about ethnobotany, home and folk remedies, and healthcare access, and meet with leading academics, allopathic doctors, and Malagasy students.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

Program Highlights

  • Discover a world apart where most flora and fauna exist only on the island.
  • Understand the cultural, political, and socioeconomic contexts of healthcare.
  • Live with local homestay families, enhance your French, and learn Malagasy.
  • Trek through rainforests and a UNESCO World Heritage site mineral forest.

Program Reviews

4.50 Rating
based on 2 reviews
  • 5 rating 50%
  • 4 rating 50%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4
  • Support 4.5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.5
  • Safety 4
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Default avatar
Kara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Inspiring Travel with SIT’s Madagascar Program

SIT provides a unique program that teaches the students about Traditional Medicine and the Healthcare system of Madagascar. The program directors provide comfort and support throughout the entirety of the program. Students will create long lasting connections on this program whether it will be with the locals, directors, or other students. Students should be prepared to go outside their comfort zones and be ready to be inspired by their studies and the cultural immersion they will experience. This program expands your understanding of how different each country can be especially when it comes to the people, culture, healthcare, and traditional beliefs.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I were to participate in this program again, I would take learning Malagasy more seriously. I want to be able to connect with the locals more. The locals really help bring comfort and inclusivity during this program. Malagasy helps the students feel connected to their environment and have enhanced experiences throughout the program.
Pros
  • Supportive Staff
  • Unique and Fun Experiences
  • The Cultural Immersion
Cons
  • Mosquitos
  • Street Food (Those who are not used to Malagasy food should not eat from street vendors)
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Cerise
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unparalleled Place and People

Overall, studying in Madagascar with SIT was one of the best decisions I've made. It is a really unique country, and I don't imagine my experience could be replicated anywhere else. I had very little exposure to international travel before this program, so being able to explore Madagascar with trusted locals and in group of American students made the experience far less intimidating. The program instructor, Nat Quansah is an incredible person and teacher. He is clearly very passionate about his work and fostering curiosity, compassion, and enthusiasm in his students. The opportunity to learn about traditional medicine in Madagascar has changed my perspective on healthcare and how it can be realized in the U.S.

What would you improve about this program?
Although I generally loved my educational experience, safety was sometimes a concern. As a woman, I would not recommend traveling alone or in a group of only women in Madagascar. Most of the female students in my group were harassed on the streets at some point throughout the program. I think more could've been done to advise students of and protect them from harassment before and during the program. Additionally, I think the program needs to improve its access to adequate mental health support.
Pros
  • The instructor
  • The students
  • The subject matter
Cons
  • Safety
  • Lack of Mental Heath Support
5 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers