Life changing and heart breaking at the same time. Past Review

By (Sustainable Development, Berea College) - abroad from 08/08/2015 to 12/06/2015 with

SIT Study Abroad: IHP - Cities in the 21st Century: People, Planning and Politics (Fall 1)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a deeper understanding and empathy for humanity that I would of never been able to learn in a classroom stateside. For that I thank IHP and will be forever thankful for the opportunity to study abroad with them.

Review Photos

SIT Study Abroad: IHP - Cities in the 21st Century: People, Planning and Politics (Fall 1) Photo SIT Study Abroad: IHP - Cities in the 21st Century: People, Planning and Politics (Fall 1) Photo SIT Study Abroad: IHP - Cities in the 21st Century: People, Planning and Politics (Fall 1) Photo SIT Study Abroad: IHP - Cities in the 21st Century: People, Planning and Politics (Fall 1) Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great opportunity to study with other small liberal arts college students, as well as Ivy League.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Each country the host program coordinator was an activist and expert on local and federal issues.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Definitely non-traditional housing accommodations, but as long as you're open to new experiences you will be more than satisfied.

* Food:

Amazing food... Each country you have a host who cooks amazing local recipes.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

10/10 for IHP! This program would not of been nearly as enjoyable if it wasn't for the excellent prep we received both before going abroad, and when reentering back into U.S. culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Great support due to the program's Fellow position!

* Safety:

Never was my safety compromised because of the program.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The SIT IHP program is one of the most nontraditional programs on the market. You lived what you were studying, and that is not something many students have the opportunity to do.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The program does a great job of allocating stipends and maintaining budgets.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $0-$10 USD

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Independent Research Component
  • Multi-City
  • Student Diversity
* What could be improved?
  • Increase in leisure time for students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That you can do two semesters instead on just one.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'