SIT Study Abroad: Belgrade, Budapest, and Vienna - Comparative European Perspectives on Conflict and Democracy
SIT Study Abroad
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(For American Students)
Spend your semester in three European capitals and analyze Europe’s complex challenges around war, peace, and democracy. Examine the war in Ukraine, mass migration, refugee crises, and the rise of far-right nationalism and populism. From your base... read more
All Reviews
I gained a lot of perspective on southeast Europe, politics in a region of conflict, and learned a lot about culture in former Yugoslavia. Sophia S - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Local culture, greater understanding of regional and global political dynamics, and so much more A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I gained academic and professional knowledge through my coursework and internship during independent study month. I now have a unique perspective to bring back to my academic endeavors in the US, as well as my future career. I also gained confidence from trying new things and learning to adapt in a new environment. Josephine H - San Diego State University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about new authoritarianism, illiberalism, and populism in Serbia, Austria, and Hungary and how the history of conflict from the Ottomans to WWI and II, to the Yugoslav Wars, all have immense influence on the region to this day, through memory politics, social norms, and more. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Overall, I had mixed feelings about the semester. As parts of the overall experience ranged from amazing, insightful, and inspiring, to stifling, irrelevant, and narrow minded, it's safe to say it was a real roller-coaster ride. The Balkans are an incredible place full of every kind of person imaginable, awe-inspiring sights, an... A student - University of Michigan - Ann Arbor View Entire Review
This experience was "worthwhile" in terms of being able to immerse myself - as much as is possible given Western, Asian, upper middle class identities - in local cultures. I'm glad to know more about this part of the world, and to know more about myself. I've grown more resilient and less dependent on institutions to support me. Sofia Chang - Carleton College View Entire Review
Living independently, adjusting to new cultural environments, greater insight into the history and politics of the region Scarlett K - Wellesley College View Entire Review
It is nearly impossible to write in this box what I learned from this experience so quickly after it has ended, but I will say that it is certainly worthwhile. If you want a fulfilling study abroad experience both academically and socially/culturally, I would highly recommend choosing an SIT program (especially the Balkans!) George M - Berea College View Entire Review
I fell in love with an amazing part of the world, that is extremely misunderstood in the United States. I got to meet amazing people, and make contacts that I can rely on forever. I came away so confident in what I could do academically and my ability to join this world after I graduate. I've made a lot of decisions about what I... Jordan B - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Yes, i gained a much greater understanding of the region and what i want to do in my studies Brian M - Austin College View Entire Review
Absolutely. I learned so much more by living in Serbia and traveling to Kosovo, Bosnia, and Croatia than I could have in any course or book. Having the opportunity to design and conduct my own research project was also invaluable. I learned how challenging and rewarding fieldwork can be and was able to create original research o... Julieta C - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
An adventurous student who is willing to see an unfamiliar world and learn for it. Theodore R - Carleton College View Entire Review
Friends, knowledge, experiences, opinions. Extremely worthwhile Madeline L - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I've been abroad a few times before this experience, so I couldn't help but compare and contrast my experiences with each other. However, this semester was overall great and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a semester in a city that's not traditionally chosen by US college kids! A student - Colorado College View Entire Review
I got to learn about the history, culture, and politics of a whole new region about which I knew nothing before. I also got experience living in another country for the first time and navigating a brand new city in my day to day life. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Yes, this program helped me focus on Peace and Conflict Studies and the Balkans region better than I could at my home institution. The independent research project experience was very enjoyable and helpful for my Honors Thesis. A student - Macalester College View Entire Review
Very worthwhile. Finally got the opportunity to hear personal accounts and opinions of events I had only read about in books. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I had the opportunity to work with some NGOs and governmental organisms, which I could never have had back here. David P - Middlebury College View Entire Review
The obvious answer would be that it's much easier for me to write research papers. The ISP process is an invaluable experience that I wish for everyone to have, and I have learned that I want to conduct research in the future. But I also gained a lot of confidence outside of the area of academia. I feel much more comfortable ... Bethany C - Brandeis University View Entire Review
It was definitely worthwhile in the sense that I was exposed to an entirely different culture and way of living. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I gained so much confidence from my semester, and I learned that I was capable of more than I thought I was. I've also come back home with a stronger sense of what I want to do with my life, and my ISP made me incredibly excited for life after college. I definitely think my semester abroad was worthwhile, even if it was a diffic... A student - Fordham University View Entire Review
I just applied for a teaching assistanship program in Macedonia because I want to go back to the Balkans soon! Claire G - Grinnell College View Entire Review
I want to return to the Balkans, and I'm sure that I will. That changes my future plans, since I hadn't been sure before if I'd want to live abroad. I think I do want to spend some years in Belgrade now that I've been there. Suzanne M - Tufts University View Entire Review
It definitely was... the most important thing for me on this trip was the gaining on self-confidence. Wellesley is a tough school: all the women are extremely smart and talented, and sometimes I feel like I am in an intellectual bubble. This program definitely popped that bubble for me and helped me really push myself in the f... Tyler B - Wellesley College View Entire Review
About
Please visit the SIT Study Abroad website for details on the program highlights and details of coursework, educational excursions, and housing. Apply today!
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- European Studies
- International Relations
- Political Science and Government
- History
Minimum GPA:
2.5Website
Take me there!Statistics
SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
Students who are Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Scholars will receive a $2,000 award for SIT Study Abroad semester or summer programs.
$2,000
To recognize and support Experiment alumni who also participate in SIT Study Abroad programs. Experiment alumni will receive a $1,000 scholarship for semester programs and $500 scholarship for summer programs. A $400 scholarship is also available to students who indicate that they have an immediate family member who has participated in an Experiment in International Living or an SIT Study Abroad program.
$400 - $1,000
The Federal Pell Grant Program provides support to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. At SIT Study Abroad, we are dedicated to breaking down financial barriers and enabling students to engage in international learning experiences. Our commitment is evident through our Pell Grant Match program, which matches up to $2,500 for semester-term students and up to $1,000 for summer-term students who receive Federal Pell Grant funding at their home colleges and universities. This initiative empowers students with financial need to engage in transformative experiences abroad, regardless of economic constraints.
$1,000- $2,500
To recognize students participating in this community service program. Upon receipt of confirmation from a student’s Bonner mentor, SIT will award $2,500 for semester programs and $1,000 for summer programs.
$1,000 - $2,500
To recognize students participating in the National Security Education Program (NSEP) funded award, which focuses on study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Upon receipt of the student’s Boren confirmation letter, SIT will award a $1,000 scholarship.
$1,000
For students enrolled at Big 10 Academic Alliance universities. Eligible students demonstrating financial need will receive a $1,500 scholarship for semester programs and a $750 scholarship for summer programs.
$750 - $1,500
This is an automatic scholarship to recognize and support students who participated in one or more SIT Study Abroad programs, including alumni of short-term summer programs. The scholarship will be applied to a student’s second full term of study with SIT. The scholarship is $1,000 for a fall or spring semester program or $500 for a full-term, international summer program.
$500 - $1,000
For students with demonstrated financial need who enroll in any SIT Study Abroad program. The SIT Fund aims to help promote study abroad opportunities worldwide.
TBD
This is a scholarship to recognize and support students who participated a custom program at SIT. The scholarship is $1,000 for a fall or spring semester program or $500 for a full-term, international summer program.
$500- $1,000
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