Unlocking the World through SIT Study Abroad Programs

Posted in News Story  |  Tagged research, sit programs, study abroad

Written by Kimberly Nguyen

Are you ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime educational journey? Look no further than the School for International Training (SIT) study abroad programs! SIT offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students to dive headfirst into critical global issues while exploring the far reaches of our planet.

At the heart of SIT’s mission lies a commitment to tackling the big questions that shape our world. From the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability to the complexities of development and inequality, SIT programs delve deep into the issues that matter most. Students grapple with topics like education and social change, geopolitics and power dynamics, global health and well-being, identity and human resilience, and peace and justice.

What truly sets SIT apart is its hands-on approach to learning. Picture yourself living with a host family, immersing yourself in the culture. Meanwhile, your classroom becomes a vibrant hub of discussion and discovery at the program center, where lectures come alive with real-world examples and experiential learning. For approximately 12 weeks of the program, you will take the assigned courses and attend academic excursions, then you will shift towards working primarily on your independent research for the last 4 weeks.

And with over 25 SIT programs spanning regions of Latin America, Southeast Europe, Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Western Europe, the Pacific Islands, the Middle East, there’s a program for every major!

Let’s take a peek into the lives of some Hoyas who have studied with SIT:

STEM-Related:

Isabel Powell (CAS ’24) studied abroad on the SIT India Public Health, Gender, and Community Action program in Spring 2023. Empowered by her experience, she conducted research relevant to her interests and future career goals. The welcoming homestay experience and supportive staff members gave her a sense of security and comfort. With newfound knowledge, Isabel feels prepared to pursue professional opportunities overseas. When asked about her time in India, she responded, “My time in India can best be summarized by the cliché ‘home is where the heart is.’

8,389 miles away from home, in a country where the streets are busier, the food is spicier, and the colors are brighter, the people I met made an unfamiliar place feel like home. From the SIT program staff to my homestay family and fellow students, I became part of one large, chai-drinking, public health-loving family. It was these people that enabled and empowered me to pursue a complex independent study project and to challenge myself every chance I had. As un-profound as it may seem, my time in India showed me that home can be anywhere.” Check out her independent study project on “The Effects of Stigma on HIV and Tuberculosis on Patient Mental Health and Healthcare-Seeking Behavior in Dharamshala.” You can also check out this article Isabel wrote for the Doyle Engaging Difference Program at Georgetown.

[Isabel Powell (CAS ’24) and peers in traditional sari on SIT India: Public Health, Gender, and Sexuality]

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John Matuszewski (CAS’25) studied abroad in the SIT Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation in the Fall of 2023. During John’s program, he was able to climb Volcán Barú, an active stratovolcano, where he could see the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at the same time. When asked about his experience, John mentioned, “the program thoroughly exposed me to and gave me a deeper appreciation for indigenous knowledge systems, on top of my rigorous scientific academics.” For his Independent Study Project, he conducted “A Case Study of Sustainable Development at the Penonome Wind Farms, a CDM Registered Project in Cocle.” 

[John Matuszewski’s (SFS ‘25) photo of a Red-eyed Tree Frog on SIT Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation]

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Social Change & Environmental: 

Alex Brown (SFS ’25) studied abroad on the SIT Samoa: Social and Environmental Change in Oceania program and mentioned that the classes integrated seamlessly and provided opportunities for immersive learning. His primary homestay in Apia was his highlight, offering a deep dive into local life and culture. Mary Nguyen (CAS’25) is studying in the SIT Samoa program in Spring 2024. When asked about her experience, Mary writes, “Studying abroad through SIT has allowed me to delight in academic freedom and genuinely pursue curiosity. The incredible experiences and people I’ve met have left an indelible mark on my life by teaching me about community resilience.” Mary was one OGE’s storytellers, and her #TuesdayTakeover is available for viewing. 

[Mary Nguyen (CAS ‘25) and peers on SIT Samoa: Social and Environmental Change in Oceania]

Social Change and Development:

Isabela Paredes (SFS ’24) studied abroad in Vietnam on the SIT Vietnam: Culture, Social Change, and Development. Isabela explored mobile payment usage among young adults in Vietnam, showcasing the practical applications of their studies and promoting cultural exchange. Through their academic excursions, Isabela was able to travel throughout the entirety of Vietnam.

[Isabela Paredes (SFS ‘24) and peers on SIT Vietnam: Culture, Social Change, and Development]

International Relations and Diplomacy:

Serena Korkmaz’s (SFS ’25) journey with SIT Switzerland: International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy prepared her for her future career and ignited her passion for migration studies. SIT Switzerland programs allocate Swiss Passes to their students so they can travel throughout Switzerland and from their host family’s location to their program center. Serena conducted her Independent Study Project on “The Contradictions of Sought Safe Havens: The Difficulty of Immigration and Integration for Muslim Maghrébins in France.” Serena’s advice for students interested in SIT programs is to “Step out of your comfort zone, learn to do things independently, and put in the work!”

Geopolitics:

Rory Dixon (SFS ’25) studied abroad at SIT Jordan: Geopolitics, International Relations, and the Future of the Middle East. He found cultural preparation and terrific staff support at SIT Jordan, where he was able to enhance his understanding of global politics. He completed his Independent Study Project on “Without water, nothing”: Examining the water-saving practices of women in Amman under periodic water supply. 

Economics:

Aditya Sehgal’s (SFS ’24) time on the SIT Switzerland: Banking, Finance, and Social Responsibility allowed him to apply economic theories to real-world scenarios and gain insights into alternative financial systems. He says, “”My favorite part of the SIT experience was the three-week-long excursion in Athens. Living in the US, we often overlook the impact of joint economic and fiscal policies on different cultures and economies. During my stay in Athens, I surveyed locals to gain insights into the European Debt Crisis and how the resulting Greek economy impacted their employment and livelihood. This allowed me to apply the economic theories I learned in my IPEC major to real stories of real people. I will always cherish my time in Greece and the wonderful people I met along the way.” For his independent study project, Aditya conducted research on the semiconductor industry and the geopolitics surrounding it. Aditya’s paper on Geopolitics of Semiconductor Supply Chains: The Case of TSMC, US-China-Taiwan Relations, and the COVID-19 Crisis is published on the SIT Website!

[Aditya Sehgal (SFS ‘24) in Acropolis, Greece during an academic excursion on SIT Switzerland: Banking, Finance, and Social Responsibility]

These stories represent just a fraction of the transformative experiences awaiting students who would like a pre-professional, global experience. If you are interested in SIT, first attend a Study Abroad 101, and then meet with an advisor! To get a different perspective of SIT, check out our YouTube playlist, featuring our SIT #TuesdayTakeovers.