SIT Independent Study Project

Opportunity Description:


SIT is a leader in immersive, field-based study abroad programs for undergraduates. They offer programs in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as comparative programs in multiple locations. In addition to their rich history, their programs’ unique qualities – including exceptional locations, independent research, cultural immersion, and deep local networks — make SIT programs an ideal choice for an extraordinary, transformative study abroad experience.

The Independent Study Project (ISP) is a key component of most SIT Study Abroad programs. Students design a project, then work closely with an advisor and experts in the field to bring it to life. A successful ISP is focused, aims to increase knowledge in a field of study related to the program theme, and potentially sheds light on issues pertinent to the host community. ISPs often lead to related theses at home institutions or prestigious research fellowships, including Fulbrights.

Many students choose SIT because of our in-depth, field-based independent research choices. ISPs can take one of several forms: an academic ISP that addresses a formulated research question, a creative ISP that incorporates artwork or a performance, or a practicum-based ISP. In each case, the project involves original field work, a final presentation, and a formal research paper. You will be required to examine the ethics of your research and consider its impact on local communities.

Once on site, you may develop or change your proposal contingent on local realities and resources. Your academic director will approve your final project proposal and help you identify a local expert to act as your project advisor. As part of the approval process in-country, SIT’s Institutional Review Board will review your proposal. 

Prior to departure, check in with your advisor at your home college or university to see if there are any additional requirements for students conducting independent research abroad.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

SIT Study Abroad welcomes applications from undergraduate students who:

  • are enrolled at an accredited college or university.
  • have completed at least one year of college-level coursework at the time of application and preferably two years for IHP/Comparative programs. (Exceptions: only one semester of college coursework is required for full-length summer programs.)
  • are in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 of higher*.
  • meet prerequisites for the programs to which they are applying. Prerequisite information is available on program-specific web pages.

* SIT programs center on field-based, experiential learning with a holistic application review. In order to reduce barriers related to standardized scoring models and foster an environment of access and inclusion, the admissions committee encourages applicants in good academic standing, but whose GPA may fall outside of our recommended minimum GPA, to submit an additional statement of context with their official transcripts. 

 

Application Process: 

To apply to an SIT Study Abroad program please review the criteria as noted on the application.

For full-term program applicants, SIT Study Abroad waives application fees for Pell Grant recipients, SEO Scholars, and veterans. Qualifying applicants should tick the appropriate box on the application and your fee will be waived. SIT Admissions may reach out to you further for confirmation.

Apply Online. You can also download PDF copies of application forms here:

Take note of program-specific requirements.

Because SIT Study Abroad programs differ considerably from country to country, each program requires a different set of application materials. Requirements differ due to prerequisites and program-specific components such as Independent Study Projects and homestays. Applicants to some programs are asked to provide additional materials related to the host country’s visa requirements, including pre-visa forms, passport photos, and passport photocopies.

Go to your program page and click “Apply Now” to view prerequisites and program-specific requirements for your program of choice.

A note about SIT's rolling admissions: SIT Study Abroad has rolling admissions, which means the review process for completed applications happens on a rolling basis between the opening and closing dates of the term’s admission cycle. Many programs fill long before the published closing dates (see program availability), so please be sure to submit your application early. Applications can be started at any time. Applications must be complete to be reviewed for admission. This means that required additional materials such as transcripts, approval of participation, academic reference, must all be received in a timely fashion. It is your responsibility to ensure the arrival of all application materials. Complete applications received prior to the opening date will be reviewed after the opening date has passed. Students, advisors, and faculty with access to SIT’s applicant or advisor portal are welcome to log in and check on an application’s status at any time.

For more information on this opportunity, please contact:
Website/CV: 
https://studyabroad.sit.edu/admissions-aid/application-process/independent-study…