IHP alumni share why they loved their multi-country programs
May 8th, 2025 | IHP, SIT Study Abroad
Why go to just one country when you can study in four?
SIT’s multi-country programs offer students the unique opportunity to spend a semester studying in four countries, learning from peers and locals throughout their journey. International Honors Programs (IHP) provide a unique academic experience for students eager to explore the world while diving into big global questions. Most IHPs begin with a brief time in the United States before traveling to three different countries on three continents, spending approximately a month in each location. Through site visits, conversations with local experts, and hands-on experiences, students examine critical issues from both local and global perspectives to better understand how different communities approach shared challenges.
Curious what it’s like to travel and study with SIT in multiple countries during one semester? Here, IHP alumni share what made the experiences special.
“The study abroad experience provided by SIT changed my life for the better. When applying, SIT stood out because of their commitment to experiential learning. In this one semester, I learned more than in my entire academic career at college. Having the opportunity to critically engage with communities on the ground and see real-world applications makes concepts and ideas more powerful, instead of a traditional classroom experience. My entire worldview has changed.” – Justin, IHP Human Rights
“IHP Climate Change is an incredible program. We studied some of the most pressing issues the world is facing right now, and heard from people directly affected by them. From guest speakers to site visits, we learned about the struggles and fights of people all around the world. Through class lectures, group discussions, and community-building sessions, we became closer as a group and grew as young people in the fight against climate change.
We had a lot of time to learn about the countries we were in, spend time with our homestay families, travel, and get to know each other as a group. We really became close as a group, and I now have a whole new set of friends. I learned more from this semester than any other semester of college. It’s a great balance of fun, analysis, learning, and growth. I miss it a lot, and I’m super grateful that I had the experience to do something like this.” – Rachel, IHP Climate Change
“Studying abroad was an experience full of uncertainties and firsts for me as someone who hadn't previously had the privilege of traveling internationally and intentionally. I could not have picked a better and more fitting program for me than IHP Health and Community.
Every day of the program provided another lesson, another moment of growth, and another moment of connection with people who are gracious enough to provide us with their knowledge and care. My life has not been the same since studying abroad and I am beyond grateful for the challenging and wonderful experience I had with people who are passionate about enhancing their worldview through meaningful action and community-building.” – Luz, IHP Health and Community
“Being on the IHP Cities in the 21st Century program allowed us to meet so many amazing organizations, activists, and everyday heroes who were fighting for social justice in their communities. From a famous graffiti artist in São Paulo to the current spokesperson for PAH Barcelona to a fisherman/activist/program coordinator in Cape Town, these humbling and enriching encounters could have never been possible without the deep networks that IHP has established in diverse local communities over many years.
Learning through experiencing and speaking to people on the ground, while being able to live with local host families and see the beautiful landscapes of three other countries, has been my most enriching and fulfilling academic and personal experience so far!” – Gladys, IHP Cities in the 21st Century
“This program is so unique compared to the other programs my friends have gone on. Unlike most semester programs, IHP Human Rights takes you to different countries to study, analyze, and compare the human rights contexts and situations. Not only did I learn about the histories and cultures of the countries, but I also learned so much about the history of human rights, critiques, theories, and ways to practice. We met with local activists, academics, and people who are involved in the human rights scenes in each context, and each student wrote a research paper about a topic of their choosing. It was incredible. I learned so much and got to see incredible beauty, eat delicious food, and stay with amazing homestay families. I 100% recommend it!” – Carolynn, IHP Human Rights