Students learn to be aware of the effect of their informants' biases, as well as their own, on the design of field study projects and interpretation of data. In the final weeks of the semester abroad, each student pursues an independent study project based on a proposed topic submitted as part of the application process. The project provides an opportunity to examine in depth a particular aspect of the host culture or program theme. Students may concentrate on a career interest, a pressing global issue, or a subject inspired by individual intellectual curiosity. In addition to receiving ongoing support from the academic director, students generally work with a local project advisor selected on the basis of expertise in the particular subject area.
Students meet periodically with their academic directors to review individual achievements.
Several days at the end of each program are devoted to assessing each student's total educational experience. Policies and procedures specific to SIT s Study Abroad can be found in the SIT Study Abroad Student Handbook.