Return to Study Abroad
CONTACT US
Please email us at [email protected] with any questions.
Week-long educational travel programs for adults to SIT’s dynamic program locations
Immerse yourself in another culture and explore through SIT’s signature model of experiential learning how different countries are tackling critical global issues
Going [on] SIT Return to Study Abroad was an amazing decision! The trip was full of enough cultural and learning activities coupled with typical tourist adventures. Every event had a lesson leaving me with such a wealth of knowledge I couldn’t have gained if I went by myself.
Takisha J. Edwards, 2024 South Africa Return to Study Abroad
What is SIT Return to Study Abroad?
SIT’s Return to Study Abroad (RSA) programs are adult educational travel programs for all alumni and friends of SIT. These unique week-long programs invite you to return to the country where you studied abroad or visit a new SIT site of interest as an adult. Building on SIT’s signature experiential education approach, these programs give you the opportunity to hear from local experts, participate in experiential site visits, interact with local communities and homestay families, and embark on exciting excursions, all guided by a local SIT staff and expert.
These week-long programs will run in Spring 2025, for the second year in a row! Please see below for specific program dates by location.
If you are not able to attend a Return to Study Abroad program but would like to support SIT and future students, we invite you to share a donation.
Browse Our Programs
Click each program below to learn more!
MOROCCO & SPAIN
Dates: May 10 – 18, 2025
Topic: Social Movements, Democracy, and Cultural Identity
Critical Global Issue: Geopolitics & Power, Peace & Justice
Itinerary: View here
Cost: $4,400
REGISTER HERE by January 6, 2025
On this Return to Study Abroad Program, embark on an immersive journey through Seville, Spain, and Tangier, Morocco, exploring the rich cultural identities, social movements, and historical sites that define these regions. Beginning in Seville, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, delve into Spanish politics, and learn about Andalusian culture through guided excursions to cities like Córdoba. The journey continues with a ferry ride across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier, where you will explore the Medina, visit historical sites this influenced American and European artists, and experience the vibrant Afro-Moroccan music. The program culminates with a visit to the blue-washed town of Chefchaouen, allowing for cultural exploration and engagement with local traditions before returning home.
SOUTH AFRICA: Cape Town and Stellenbosch
Dates: April 26 – May 3, 2025
Topic: Multiculturalism and Human Rights
Critical Global Issue: Peace & Justice, Development & Inequality
Itinerary: View here
Cost: $3,500
REGISTER HERE by January 6, 2025
This Return to Study Abroad program in Cape Town offers a unique academic experience focusing on multiculturalism and human rights in South Africa. Participants will engage in selected topics that explore the historical and contemporary issues related to these themes, supplemented by firsthand experiences through field visits, and interactions with local communities. This combination provides a deep understanding of the cultural diversity and social justice challenges in South Africa, enabling participants to critically analyze and reflect on the dynamics of human rights in a multicultural context.
NEPAL: Pharping, Kathmandu, and Namo Buddha
Dates: March 2- 9, 2025
Topic: Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples
Critical Global Issue: Identity & Human Resilience, Geopolitics & Power
Itinerary: View here
Cost: $3,400
REGISTER HERE by January 6, 2025
On this Return to Study Abroad, learn from local Tibetan and Himalayan communities about the religion, politics, and history in Nepal. Starting from a traditional healing center in the village of Pharping, visit ancient pilgrimage sites and learn about the synchronicity between Buddhism and Hinduism in the area. Moving to Kathmandu, experience the Boudha Stupa, home to a significant Tibetan exile community, and learn about the history of Tibetan refugees in Nepal. Attend a lecture on the history of Himalayan trade and geopolitics and learn about intangible cultural heritage in Patan Old Town. Take a trip to Namo Buddha, a sacred site and monastic complex, located in the hills east of the Kathmandu Valley and end the week with a guided tour of the iconic Swayambhu Stupa.
Who should participate?
RSA programs are intended for any adults interested in experiencing a location through SIT’s experiential approach to Critical Global Issues. These programs are designed to replicate the signature SIT Study Abroad experience, complete with experiential site visits to partner organizations, excursions, guest lectures from local academics and community leaders, and visits with families in SIT’s homestay network. Daily activities are designed and best suited for adult learners. Childcare will not be available.
Each RSA program will welcome a cohort of approximately 12 people to join local and international SIT staff for an unforgettable experience.
Registration Information
Registration for these programs is now open!
To save your space please complete the registration form below. Upon receiving your registration, SIT will share instructions for how to submit your $750 nonrefundable deposit, which reserves your space. The nonrefundable deposit is due immediately upon receipt. Each person should submit their own registration form, but family members and friends are encouraged to note their fellow travelers in their registration form to ensure space is available for everyone in your party on your chosen program. The balance of your program fee will be due no later than 60 days prior to your program start date.
Costs
The total cost of the RSA Programs are:
- Morocco & Spain: $4,400
- South Africa: $3,500
- Nepal: $3,400
Registrants must pay a non-refundable $750 deposit per person to secure their spot on the program which will be due upon receipt. The full program fee will include:
- Single-room hotel accommodations*
- Most meals, including special welcome and farewell dinners
- Transportation to all scheduled program activities, including airport pick-up and send-off
- All program activities
- International travel health insurance and health and safety support during the program
- Pre-departure preparation materials
Program fees do not include:
- International airfare to/from program destination
- Passport and/or visa fees, if required
- Immunizations, if needed
- Personal expenses including activities/meals during free time
*If you would like to share a room with another specific participant on the program, please indicate this on your registration form. Each of you will receive a $300 discount on your program fee.
TESTIMONIALS
“I do a lot of traveling but the SIT Return to Study Abroad program was one of the best travel experiences I have ever had. Not only did I learn so much about the country of Argentina, I really felt like I was immersed in the culture and given a special opportunity to see places and meet people I would have never met by myself. I left the trip with a renewed sense of hope and an understanding of just how important global education, experiential learning and studying abroad is for the future of our world.”
-Jenny Backus
“The Return to Study Abroad program allowed me to engage with South Africa in a meaningful way that otherwise was likely out of reach as an individual traveler. Program activities were supported by discussions with program leaders and guides, and the opportunity to have multiple meals with homestay families was a particularly meaningful opportunity.”
-Kyle Sturges
“Going to South Africa with SIT Return to Study Abroad was an amazing decision!! The trip was full of enough cultural and learning activities coupled with typical tourist adventures. Every event had a lesson leaving me with such a wealth of knowledge I couldn’t have gained if I went by myself. And because the trip was with SIT, I was able to interact with locals in a more authentic way. Having a small group to travel with also made the trip more intimate and provided for great conversation and great companionship. Without a doubt, I will remember this trip fondly. I’ve learned so many lessons and had so much fun with such great people! I highly recommend participating in SIT Return to Study Abroad! It is worth every penny!”
-Takisha J. Edwards