IHP Human Rights-Don't miss this program. Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Illinois Wesleyan University) - abroad from 06/12/2014 to 05/02/2014 with

SIT Study Abroad: IHP - Human Rights: Foundations, Challenges and Advocacy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was all of the adjectives from challenging, to inspiring. It exposed me to the discourse and majority narrative of human rights and put minority opinions in perspective for me. It expelled many incorrect assumptions I had about the places I visited, especially the middle east. I experienced the culture through the home stays I was with and lived in these countries in a way any other study abroad program would not have allowed for. Instead of just watching videos or doing readings on human rights issues, we were experiencing them right along side the victims and the importance of that human exchange is what I really learned from this experience. I believe every student, human rights or not, would benefit from learning in this environment and experiencing these countries in such an exclusive way that they could never repeat by just traveling there on their own. It is a once in a lifetime, life changing chance to completely change your life. If you want to challenge yourself and actual experience abroad instead of just exist abroad, IHP Human Rights is the way to do so.

Review Photos

SIT Study Abroad: International Honors Program / IHP, Human Rights - Foundations, Challenges, & Advocacy Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great home stay families in each of the countries. Great coordination!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Homestays plus getting to know local community leaders.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Any time we had issues, we had healthcare almost immediately and we were always accompanied by an adult.

* Safety:

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

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)

Depends on where. Nepal was beyond easy. You barely used your stipend. Jordan and Chile are pricier for food so it was a bit more difficult.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Academics: Great courses that really give you a chance to think
  • Variety of places: New York, Nepal, Jordan and Chile
  • VIP Access to local community leaders
* What could be improved?
  • Keeping two faculty on
  • Keeping class sizes down
  • More coordinated classrooms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? RELAX, you are good enough for this program. You will learn so much, you just have to go with the flow. Allow yourself to explore everything your mind wanders to.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.