Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A lifetime in the snap of a finger July 28, 2025

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/14/2025 to 05/11/2025 with

SIT Study Abroad: IHP Human Rights - Movements, Power, and Resistance

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have learned so much about myself and the world this will no doubt propel me into so many amazing opportunities in the future.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Sometimes it can be difficult to finish assignments since there is so much travel involved, but my traveling professor was lenient on extensions. Because of the fast pace it was sometimes difficult to feel like I got the most out of my assignments, however, overall this was a highly educational experience, specifically when it came to understanding the human rights framework and application in different countries, among other things.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt supported.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All of my homestays were amazing and excursions were so fun and educational at the same time!

* Food:

Delicious! My homestays were such good cooks everything was amazing although it depends on who you get of course. Provided food during classes were also generally good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think that because of the fast pace and class structure it was sometimes difficult to feel deeply connected or integrated to the local environment.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues but people I know were provided resources. In one of the locations compensation was a bit of an issue for one of my friend in that it was a more difficult reimbursement process, but I believe she worked everything out.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in all locations. Be aware of pickpocketing in Chile, but they will tell you all about that.

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)

I think if you budget correctly and save money in New York for other countries, you will do fine. Especially save for getting to Chile as it is more expensive there. They provide some excursions.

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

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Experiences
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Structure
  • Timing
  • Independent Travel
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? In its current form, independent travel is very difficult and nearly impossible if you want to get everything out of each country, you have to really plan accordingly. Some of the independent travel dates are scheduled at times where it would be difficult to leave the country.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.