Program Details
- Location:
- Suva, Fiji; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Kampala, Uganda
- Program Type:
- Study Abroad
- Degree Level:
- Undergraduate
- Term:
- Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Summer, Winter Semester
Program Overview
- Program Description:
The Semester in Development is an ideal program for students looking to gain meaningful skills and experiences in a non-traditional setting. The program takes place entirely in-country, lasts 12 weeks, and is open to current undergraduate students of all backgrounds. Students participating in the program will earn transferable credits to their home institution while studying a broad range of topics depending on their destination of choice. Participants will also gain vital work experience and internationally applicable skills while interning 4 days a week with one of our 40+ community-based partners.
The experiential focused design of the program ensures students develop a holistic understanding of the day to day challenges of a developing nation. From learning how to navigate the streets of Kampala, to understanding how climate change affects the Islands of Fiji, to experiencing the cultural changes in Chiang Mai, the Semester in Development is designed for anyone interested in learning what it’s like to study, work and live in a developing nation. Past participants have utilized their combined experiences from the program to find work in a related field, modify their degrees, and apply to graduate/law school.- STUDY Earn transferable credits equivalent to two courses while learning from engaging, local professors.
- INTERN Gain meaningful experience working with one of our 40+ partners spanning 5 different sectors.
- TRAVEL to vibrant cultural hubs, breathtaking national parks, and developing regions
Program Price Includes: • Comprehensive Advising and Support • Tuition • Internship Program Design and Placement with Local Partner • Official University Transcript • Housing, including full kitchen • Laundry Services • Full-Time On Site International and Local Staff • Excursions • Comprehensive Health, Safety and Security Support • Airport Reception • Visa Support • Tutoring and Group and Individual Mentorship • Scholarship and Funding Opportunities
- Setting Description:
- Every Semester in Development destination is different, with setting specifics varying depending on the destination chosen. All accommodations are always located in safe, central neighborhoods of the destination city. Participants will live in fully furnished housing accommodations with 2 to 3 students per bedroom in dorm-style sleeping arrangements.
- Cost:
- The total cost of the program for the full 12-week term is: $5,850
Program Reviews
Overall Rating
Based on 12 Reviews
- SID Thailand Internship Program12/13/19
Being a part of the SID Thailand program was one of the greatest choices I have made. Thailand was a wonderful experience, and the coordinator (Jessie Castello) was really helpful during the program! I highly recommend anyone to try any insight progr
am!
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Semester In Development with Global Insight Education11/19/19
My time spent at an internship and in studying abroad in Suva, Fiji was very formative for the direction I now plan to take my post-grad career. This incredible opportunity that immersed me in the culture of a place I had previously barely known about
was a fantastic three months that allowed me to challenge myself in a work environment that expounded on a cause I believe in, and has now caused me to follow through with similar ideas based on local incentive at my home university. This semester in Fiji provided me a path for growth in my education, my mental health, my physical wellbeing, and the direction I want to pursue a career in this globalized world.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Insight Global Education - Fiji11/19/19
Great experience visiting the South Pacific and immersing myself in the rich culture offered by Fiji. The opportunity I had to intern with Conservation International was FANTASTIC. It was a great opportunity for networking, skill development and learning
the ins and outs of an NGO. The transfer credits is an additional perk! If you love to travel (or would like to travel for the first time), this is a great opportunity for you to incorporate some work and travel experience while in school.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Insight Global Education - Semester in Development11/19/19
This abroad program was extraordinary and taught me so much about international development and the right way to approach sustainable development. I learned so much from working with a local NGO and it was incredible to be able to experience such a program
with like minded people. I met people whose friendships I wish forever cherish and I made the greatest memories with the people on my program and the people I worked with at Somero Uganda. The mission of IGE and the goals it focuses on are inspiring and different from many study abroad opportunities. This experience was one of the best of my life and I highly recommend applying!
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Insight Global Education- Great Experience!11/18/19
I did the Insight program in the summer 2019 cohort that went to Fiji. I can honestly say that it was one of the best experiences of my life so far. There were obviously challenges and barriers that I had to face, but that made the experience more meaningful.
I learned so much more about the reality of international work, which made me even more keen to pursue it in within my university carreer and in my future. I highly recommend this program for anyone interested in doing international work and wanting to have a positive and sustainable first experience.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
- Amazing Experience11/18/19
I was part of Insight's Summer cohort 2019 in Kampala, Uganda, and my time there was amazing and rewarding. While in the program, I learned things that I never thought I would while interning in an excellent NGO that was very open about my ideas. The
internship also gave me a sense of what my life would be after graduating from university. Also, the people that I worked with were very open to my ideas and included me in many different projects. The classes taken at Makerere University were exciting, and the professors had exciting careers outside their academic life, which was amazing to listen to. The program was also fantastic in helping me challenge myself to do. I would never expect to do it. I would 100% encourage people to go to the program!
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Fantastic Experience09/20/19
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Insight on their Semester in Development programming. It was a great experience because they actually had a staff in-country that were able to respond to any of our concerns or needs. We stayed in group dorms in a safe
area of town in Kampala, Uganda. Earning both credits for my degree, as well as an internship that I could put on my resume was really helpful. Classes were somewhat boring but what can you do? It's still schoolwork. Having weekends totally free was fantastic, and we were given free rein to go anywhere we pleased or make trips. Overall a great time.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Insight Global Education - Semester in Development Uganda01/18/19
I participated in Insight Global Education’s Semester in Development program to Uganda in the summer of 2018, and I came away with more experience than I could have possibly imagined. I have always loved to travel, and being a student studying International
Studies I was always looking for opportunities that incorporated both travel and a chance to build career relevant experience. Insight ended up being the perfect organization that enabled me to work as an intern at a local NGO in a developing country, all the while attending a local university and gaining credits that transferred directly into my degree. While I was in Uganda, I interned at an NGO called Center for Women in Governance. I worked directly with local experts and gained insight into how a grassroots organization operates in a developing country. Center for Women in Governance worked to promote Ugandan women’s rights in political leadership and encourage women to become engaged in the decision-making processes within their community. My internship was constantly pushing me to be innovative and resourceful. My experience with Insight Global Education was one that enabled me to build skills and gain knowledge into development work, have the opportunity to travel around East Africa, and take university courses taught by local professors about local issues in Africa. I would highly recommend participating in one of Insight’s Semester in Development programs, as the experience that I gained is invaluable.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - 12/10 would recommend01/10/19
I was part of the fall 2017 Uganda cohort and it was an absolutely incredible experience. Insight does a great job to get to know each and every one of the participants in order to assign them with the proper NGO. Anisha, Becca, and Nicole were awesome
leaders, did a great job to help everyone get accustomed to life abroad, and were always available for anything. Not to mention that they were awesome hosts for game nights Invaluable experience with the internship. You will make life long friends with the group and the locals. Inexpensive adventures available across East Africa. Comfortable living situation. Fun nightlife. Cheap cost of living. AMAZING food. I highly recommend Insight, and if you don't want to go ill take your spot ;)
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Insight01/08/19
Insight Global Education allows students from various fields to work alongside partners in their fields to gain different perspectives and understand sustainability and global impacts. Living in Uganda within the cohort allows you to start ethically thinking
about travel and tourism, as well as working abroad with the aid of capable and helping cohort leaders. The experience is expensive and could be done on a cheaper budget if one were interested; however, Insight ensures safety and security, a good living situation, a helping hand for travelling and cooperation with local businesses. They emphasis working hard and learning while you are there, but still making sure that you are having fun and sigh-seeing in your free time. Insight continues to grow and improve to ensure they are ethical and responsible in their decision-makings.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
- Organized and Safe Program -- Semester in Development changed my life!12/09/18
I was part of the winter 2018 Semester in Development Uganda cohort and I loved every part of it. I was concerned since Insight Global Education is a younger program and searched for reviews on the program (such as the one I am writing), but the team
answered all of my and my parents' questions and held numerous orientation sessions prior to departing with all participants. I was placed at a non-profit that met my personal and professional profit and took classes that transferred to my local university. The in-country support was helpful and present, yet not intrusive. The program is extremely independent and I was able to travel all over East Africa with other cohort participants. I was very concerned about safety, but I always felt safe within our 24/7 guarded apartment and took normal precautions I would in any other city. This program fosters and encourages independence for university students and young professionals who are disinterested in "voluntourism" and instead looking to work in the development sector and unsure of where to start. I have recommended this program to all of my friends, and even have some participating in programs this year!
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - My Experience in Uganda05/27/16
I traveled to Uganda as a participant in the Semester in Development program in the spring of 2015. The program was extremely organized from the beginning; the entire team provided detailed prep ranging from logistics to cultural preparedness, and I felt
comfortable heading to East-Africa even though it was my first time going to a developing country. While in Uganda the program offered me the opportunity to study and work, creating a great balance of experiences. I enjoyed my internship immensely and found the work eye-opening and rewarding. I worked with Tugende, a local social enterprise that creates ownership opportunities for would-be motorcycle taxis, a big sector in Uganda. The program length (3 months) gave me enough time to develop real relationships and get to know my local colleagues. If you're looking to gain some valuable field experience while travelling, I highly recommend the Semester in Development. It's rare to see a program combine for-credit, in class learning with high quality internships, especially in a developing country. The cost of the program was quite reasonable compared to what else is out there, especially since I earned credits while I was abroad.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend