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SIT: School for International Training Study Abroad

SIT Study Abroad

4.85 Rating
404 reviews
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Why choose SIT Study Abroad?

SIT has been providing immersive, field-based study abroad programs for undergraduates for more than 50 years. SIT offers more than 70 programs in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as comparative programs in multiple locations. In addition to its rich history, SIT Study Abroad has a number of unique qualities that make it an ideal choice for an extraordinary, transformative study abroad experience.

SIT students step beyond the boundaries of a traditional classroom to analyze critical issues shaping local communities around the globe. Students become deeply engaged in a topic and undertake their own research, case studies, in-depth practica, or community projects. SIT Study Abroad is deeply embedded in local communities around the world.

Ready for the next level? Take your graduate studies abroad with SIT Graduate Institute: https://www.gooverseas.com/organization/sit-graduate-institute-reviews

Website
studyabroad.sit.edu
Founded
1932
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Community Photos

Horseback riding with fellow students during spare time in Ushuaia.
Day trip to Lesotho!
North Durban Pier View
Warwick Junction - Durban
Bokap - Cape Town
Mozambique
Hiking Valle Carbajal
Kayaking in the Beagle Channel
"Classroom" in Antarctica
The Crew!
Common Brown Lemur studied for our Behavioral Field Methods Course!
Culturally immerse yourself in a Swahili host family. They will take great care of you. You'll miss them so much.
Learn the pros and cons of certain wildlife conservation methods regarding marine cetaceans (dolphins) while having the experience of your life
Fall 2024 program in the beautiful white sand beaches of Nungwi studying fishing communities and the intersection of traditional crafts and a growing tourism industry. Taking an 1 1/2 hour break to swim
Glass Frog in El Valle de Anton
Guna Yala

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Community Awards

  • Go Overseas Award

Scholarships

SIT Available Scholarships & Grants

SIT Study Abroad awards need-based scholarships and grants. Average awards range between $500 and $5,000 for semester programs, and between $500 and $3,000 for summer programs. Scholarships and grants are available to all students accepted into an SIT Study Abroad program irrespective of citizenship, national origin, or home school.

Application deadlines: April 1 for summer programs; May 15 for fall programs; November 1 for spring programs

Value
$500 - $5,000
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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

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Reviews

Default avatar
Reena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina: Public Health in Urban Environments

Best 3.5 months of my life!

Mar 8, 2025

I absolutely loved this program and would recommend it to anyone interested in studying public health in a Spanish-speaking context. I learned so much‚ both academically and personally. I developed a really close relationship with my host mom and learned so much about Argentinian history and culture through conversations with her. I loved the program's emphasis on experiential learning in addition to traditional classroom learning, and I feel like I gained a much broader perspective on health in general. I could not be more grateful for this experience!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Cow intestine on the parilla—and it was riquísimo!!!
Pros
  • Spanish-language immersion
  • host family love and support
  • new friendships with US college students
Cons
  • far from home
  • not long enough
Default avatar
Julia
23
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina: People, Environment, and Climate Change in Patagonia and Antarctica

Cultural Immersion and Community at the 'End of the Earth'

Mar 3, 2025

My time in Ushuaia, Argentina was a highlight of my college experience. If you are looking to improve your Spanish, expose yourself to a new culture, and live in one of the most beautiful small cities in Patagonia along the "end of the Earth", this is the program for you. Ushuaia itself is like a big small town nestled between the end of the Andes mountain range and the ocean. So, there's plenty to do as long as you like hiking, skiing, and immersing yourself in local culture. For example, with other students from the program, I went skiing, horseback riding along the beach, and hiking (sometimes with our host families, too!) in my spare time. The people you will meet are kind, friendly, and warm. Beyond your course programming — which does a wonderful job introducing you to local history, sites of interest, and activities — taking advantage of your stay with a host family can open up lots of doors for you as well. For example, my host sister was around my age and with her, I felt included into her friend group and her family. I joined a local rugby club and experienced everything from the movie theater and mall to nightlife. Doing all of this in Spanish with my host family and friends helped me improve my language in a way that felt natural and fun. Of course, there are challenges to any experience like this, but in my opinion, SIT sets you up for success so long as you are ready to take advantage of all that Ushuaia and its people have to offer.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Part of this program involves a two-week trip to Antarctica. While it would be somewhat futile to try to summarize this experience in a paragraph, the wildlife we were fortunate enough to see with our own eyes was beyond belief. I can still picture some of the Magellanic penguins waddling right in front of us before belly sliding down the ice while on an excursion from our boat.
Pros
  • People - locals are kind, warm, and welcoming
  • Location - you are quite literally living in a mountain town in the Andes, with all it has to offer
  • Experiences - truly a program where you have opportunities that you'd be hard-pressed to find elsewhere!
Horseback riding with fellow students during spare time in Ushuaia.
Default avatar
Madd
21
Non-binary
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
SIT Study Abroad: South Africa: Internship in Diplomacy, Politics & International Relations

A Summer to Remember

Feb 21, 2025

I had an absolutely unforgettable time during my Summer in South Africa! This was my first time ever leaving the United States, and I feel so unbelievably lucky that this was my first destination. I met such wonderful people, those within the program and locals alike. The staff at SIT Durban were incredible and provided us with an incredibly comprehensive overview of the country so that we felt at ease. There was a perfect level of structure and free time, allowing us to explore on our own and with the help of those with experience living in the Global South. I learned so much here, and I will truly never forget it. I will definitely be back one day!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Innyama yenhloko-- Cow head!
Pros
  • Great Balance of Structure and Fun
  • Locals
  • Lots of Connections
Cons
  • Possibility of Getting Sick
  • Not Great for Picky Eaters
  • May Be Out of Your Comfort Zone
Day trip to Lesotho!
Default avatar
Maya
22
Female
United States
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina: Public Health in Urban Environments

An academically intensive yet rewarding experience

Feb 17, 2025

This program is a great opportunity for people who want to gain on-the-ground public health experiences. I felt myself challenged by all aspects of the program and definitely improved my Spanish skills as well as my understanding of public health systems outside the United States. That being said, keep in mind that this is a very intense program that is not comparable to a classic European study abroad trip. You will either be in class or on a field visit from 9:00-5:00pm most days. While this presents great learning opportunities, it may take a little bit of time to get used to the Argentine teaching style, which includes 2-3 hour lectures with little discussion. Overall, be prepared to find yourself being pushed outside your comfort zone. It may be uncomfortable at first, but the program provides great academic and professional experience that will no doubt benefit you upon your return.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
During the last month of the trip, I interned at the Buenos Aires Ministry of Health. I was nervous to put my Spanish to use in a professional setting. However, the team I worked with was very patient and understanding, which helped ease my nerves.
Pros
  • Language learning
  • Internship experience
  • Excursions
Cons
  • Hard to get outside the SIT bubble and meet locals
  • Some difficulty finding meals if you have dietary restrictions
  • Strict schedule and long classes
Default avatar
Luna
22
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
SIT Study Abroad Argentina: Social Movements and Human Rights

SIT Argentina: Social Movements & Human Rights YES YES YES

Feb 14, 2025

I had such a wonderful time -- the people, the academics, and the city changed my perspective completely. Go in with an open mind and I can't recommend it enough.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would actually bring bug spray (yes it is on the packing list, I'm just dumb) Dengue is spreading to Argentina (none of us got it) but I think I should have been a bit more informed about the health situation before I went there.
Pros
  • The people
  • The academics
  • The travel
Cons
  • not super flavorful food
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Programs

Displaying 1 - 9 of 42

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Olivia Snyder

Program
SIT Study Abroad: Peru: Indigenous Peoples and Globalization
Olivia Snyder

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because I knew I wanted to go to Peru for my semester abroad, but also for its theme and academic focus.

Indigenous people and their cultures are a topic rarely discussed in academia, even though they have made many important contributions to societies all across the globe. I wanted to learn more about indigenous groups in Peru and how they are adapting to a constantly changing world.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The SIT website had several pre-departure documents, checklists, and other prep materials available in order to help me feel more ready for my semester abroad. The program admissions counselor and alumni contact I had were both very helpful in answering all of my questions as well. The syllabi for the academic courses were also clearly outlined on the program site.

On my own, I had to put in the effort to practice my Spanish before leaving. I was also in charge of determining my own flights and how long I would stay after the program ended.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

It's okay to be nervous or anxious! Although adjusting into a new culture and language will be challenging, once you settle down into a routine the city you're in will feel like home in no time. Overcoming any personal obstacles that arise during your time abroad will make you a stronger, more confident person.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

During the week, you'll typically have classes from 8:30 AM to around 12 PM or 12:30. These classes include Spanish language, history, research ethics, and more. After class, you'll eat lunch with your host family.

You can spend your free time in the afternoon doing a number of things. You can relax and study at a cafe, go see a movie, or walk to the Plaza de Armas to do some shopping. There are lots of nice gardens and parks all around the city, too. I took dance classes (hip hop and salsa) at a local dance school, which was super fun!

On the weekends, you can spend a whole day traveling to the mountain outskirts of Cusco and go see some pretty cool sights. My favorites were the famed Rainbow Mountain and the incredible Lake Humantay. Both are great sites for doing some hiking! There are also several Incan ruins close to the city that you can visit, including Saqsaywaman and Puka Pukara.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear going in was feeling isolated or lost. I was worried that I wouldn't make any friends in my program, or that I wouldn't like the feel of Peruvian culture. I was also concerned that I wouldn't feel safe in Cusco.

Contrary to my fears, I made friends quickly. Everyone in my program (a small group of 11 people) was kind, friendly, and easy to get along with. We all became very close after a short period of time. These people became my biggest support in Peru, and we had a lot of fun hanging out at cafes together or going on hiking trips.

Thanks to my new friends, my transition into Peruvian culture was much easier. I also had a lovely host family that made me feel very welcome and accepted. It did take a fair amount of time, but eventually, I became much more comfortable and settled into my life in Cusco. The city was also much safer than I expected, so I felt silly after worrying so much about safety.

The most important thing about adapting to a new culture is to have an open mind. If you don't open yourself up to new opportunities to interact with people and learn about their ways of life, then you aren't taking full advantage of the joys of being abroad. Be accepting of any new chances that come your way!

What was your favorite thing about Peru?

It's hard to pick just one! From the abundance of adorable llamas and alpacas to the delicious variety of maracuya (passionfruit) flavored foods, I loved practically everything about Peru.

I think I felt truly happiest when I hiked to the top of Lake Humantay with my friends. It was a really tough hike and we were all very tired when we reached the top, but the beautiful view made it worth it.

Living with a host family was also a wonderful experience. I became really close with them and we are still in touch today!

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Eric Wirth

Program
SIT Study Abroad: Peru: Indigenous Peoples and Globalization
Nothing goes better with a cup of morning/afternoon/late night coffee than getting to know Eric Wirth, the director of admissions for SIT Study Abroad, and the culture of SIT Study Abroad a little bit better.
Mountain Watching

Tell me a little about yourself. What has been your career path so far?

My passion for education abroad began after spending a year abroad in Elche, Spain during my junior year of high school. I landed my first job after college as an admissions counselor for a study abroad provider. After several years in the work force, I returned to graduate school at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where I had the opportunity to serve for a year as the resident director to one of the university’s programs in Spain. After finishing my MA, I reentered the world of international education with greater knowledge and an enhanced perspective on higher education and learning abroad.

Did you study abroad after high school?

I’ve studied abroad a total of four times; once in high school, twice in college – one semester and one summer – and then for a year as a graduate student. Each time in Spain. Through each experience, I learned more and was able to take my level of cultural and linguistic understanding to a deeper level. I suspect one day I will work toward a doctorate, and I can guarantee I will study abroad again. My first instinct would be to return to Spain to delve back into the culture and languages I adore.

As for SIT, what are the core principles that you strive to achieve?

At our core, SIT Study Abroad programs foster academic rigor, intensive cultural immersion, substantial community involvement, and an emphasis on field-based research.

What does the future hold for SIT? Any new exciting programs to share?

This spring we are running two new programs in the Middle East: one in Egypt focusing on urban studies and the other in Morocco focused on journalism and new media. We have also launched a new summer program that explores traditional approaches to healthcare in India. We continually strive to provide our students with the most interesting and relevant coursework and locations.

And the future of the industry - how do you think study abroad and international education will change over the next 10 years?

We’ll see the usual demographic shifts in mobility as a response to global politics, world events and markets. What will be interesting to watch is how governments and individual institutions address these shifts to meet demand and capitalize on market share. My hope is that more and more we will learn to become better citizens of the world and will travel abroad because we crave learning and connection with one another. Talking to people around the world is increasingly easier, but meaningful communication and understanding remains a challenge.

I'm continuously impressed with the depth and variety of programs offered by SIT Study Abroad. Their emphasis on field base learning is especially intriguing, as well as their commitment to cultivating relationships locally in host areas. I sincerely admire and hope to echo their attitude for turning every experience into a learning experience!

Over the last 10 years working in the field of international education, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Cuba, Czech Republic, England, Greece and Serbia. There are many fascinating countries and continents with amazing things to teach us.

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