SIT and the University of Oregon launch successful first custom program in Samoa

July 23rd, 2025   |   School for International Training, SIT

By Christie Jardine

School for International Training (SIT) is excited to showcase a new custom program partnership that marks two significant firsts: our first-ever custom program in Samoa, and our first collaboration on a custom program with the University of Oregon (UO). The Climate Change and Indigeneity in Samoa program brought 18 UO students to Apia, Samoa, for an immersive four-week experience during summer 2025.

This program was hosted through SIT's established Social and Environmental Change in Oceania program. Students lived with homestays and explored climate change impacts on the people, environment, and culture of Samoa and other Pacific nations. The program combined western, Indigenous, and Samoan perspectives to provide a holistic understanding of Indigeneity, climate science, policy, social justice, and community resilience. Through immersive coursework, collaboration with local communities, and guided excursions, students engaged directly with Indigenous leaders, policymakers, activists and artists, contributing to projects supporting Samoan communities in adapting to and mitigating climate threats.

The program was developed and led by Dr. Lana Lopesi, assistant professor of Indigenous, race, and ethnic studies and recent recipient of UO’s Distinguished Teaching Award, alongside Dr. Ronald B. Mitchell, professor of political science and environmental studies.

SIT currently supports custom programs in more than 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. To learn more about how SIT can support your institution's custom programming initiatives, schedule a virtual meeting or visit our custom program webpage.