Program Schedule


What will a typical day be like?

Each SIT Study Abroad program follows a unique schedule based on the program model; therefore each program and semester varies. This page offers a general idea of what a semester program itinerary might look like. Summer programs are similar in their approach, but have different combinations of program components. You can find more information on each program page.

Typical Semester

Learning about sustainability in Australia.

From day one, when students arrive for orientation and meet the Academic Director (AD), they will be challenged to use their powers of observation and analysis. Participant groups are purposefully small, allowing students to share experiences and learn from one another in addition to people in the host community.

Orientation occupies the first 3-7 days of the program and often takes place away from the program base. Students get to know the group, the AD and program staff, and are introduced to the basics of all aspects of the program. Orientations will cover health and safety, academics, and cross-cultural communication, along with other topics.

On many programs, students move into homestay accommodations soon after orientation and begin to use cultural and language skills right away.

In the first weeks of the program, students spend quite a bit of time in structured classes and program activities including language class, lectures, and field assignments. Students often find themselves quite busy balancing program obligations, out-of-class assignments, homestay, and personal time. The time spent at the program base is dynamic, challenging, and rewarding.

Educational excursions may take place at any point throughout the first eight weeks of the program and range in length from one day to four weeks. These are integrated into the curriculum, and throughout the excursion students are engaged in classes and program activities outside of the classroom as part of the academic program.

Prior to the Independent Study Project (ISP) portion of the program, students will take final exams. The first two-thirds of the program set the stage for the ISP, when students apply their learning in full-time independent research.

During the ISP, students work independently, with direction from an ISP advisor and the AD. During these four weeks, some students may travel between different locations; others may stay in one small area.

Finally, students present their work, participate in program evaluation, and prepare to return home.

Typical Day

Weaving with plants in Fiji.

Most SIT alumni will say that there is not a "typical day" for their program. The term progresses in phases and activities may take place on any day of the week and at any time of day. A typical day at the program base includes language class and a thematic study lecture in the morning, lunch, then an afternoon discussion/debriefing session, field study seminar assignment, or faculty/staff office hours. Other days may include a visit to a nongovernmental organization, an evening performance, time to make contacts in preparation for the ISP, or an outing with a homestay family. In general, during the initial phases of the program, days are more structured than at a U.S. college or university.

Once the Independent Study Project period has started, days are scheduled by students and may include interviews, observation, data analysis, writing, and consultation with ISP advisors and Academic Directors.

Schedules change frequently, and students should be prepared to be flexible-- if the chance of a lifetime comes around, our program staff will adjust schedules to take advantage of the opportunity!