Faculty & Staff
SIT Study Abroad students benefit from the expertise, mentorship, networks, and support of numerous faculty and staff based in the country of study and at our headquarters in Vermont.
The bios of individual academic and program directors, key lecturers, logistics support staff, and other SIT Study Abroad program faculty and staff are available on individual program pages.
Click on the links below to meet the SIT Study Abroad senior leadership team; our admissions, university relations, and student affairs staff.
SIT gave each of us the freedom to learn from people eager to teach.
Caroline Baratz,
University of California, San Diego,
SIT Madagascar: Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management
Each SIT program portfolio is supported by a collaborative team of academics—deans, on-site faculty, traveling faculty, and guest lecturers—and highly trained professional support staff.
Who directs SIT programs?
Most SIT programs are led by an academic director—an accomplished
academic and experienced program manager who typically lives full time in the
country of study. Academic and program directors are responsible for
instructional content, classroom and field experiences, and daily program
operations. These faculty, in close consultation with SIT’s academic deans,
craft a rigorous curriculum and design field and research experiences that
match student needs and interests.
Who provides instruction?
Each program assembles an array of program contributors to
serve as lecturers, Independent Study Project (ISP) advisors, workshop leaders,
and local resources. Academic directors, traveling faculty, and country
coordinators include tenured university professors, scientists, medical
doctors, published authors, critically acclaimed artists, community activists,
and others with extensive experience in higher education, study abroad, and
international and local NGOs. They are experts in their fields and well
networked in their countries.
Guest lecturers and traveling faculty include leading academics at in-country universities, medical practitioners at local hospitals and clinics, political leaders, scientists conducting groundbreaking research, executive directors of NGOs and professional associations, MBAs, artists, community activists, and indigenous leaders. Language instruction is provided through SIT instructors and experienced faculty at language institutes and local universities.
These individuals spend many hours with students and provide invaluable access and opportunities to explore local issues from the perspectives of the people who live there.
What other support is provided?
Administrative staff on most programs includes a program
assistant and homestay coordinator. Many other local staff provide vital
academic, logistical, and cross-cultural support.