Despite a few hiccups encountered because of COVID-19 I think that it is fair to say that I had an amazing experience. I was able to go to two distinct countries. I learned so much about public health and learned in the classroom as well as in the field.

If you have a strong sense of adventure, you are a very adaptable person, have a passion for traveling and learning about different parts of the world firsthand, and you are willing to try new things (and say yes to everything at least once) this program

would be for you. My four months with SIT IHP Health and Community (Spring Track 1 2014) were a whirlwind and one of the most incredible experiences in my life. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I signed up. All I knew was that I wanted a multi country study abroad experience and one that focused on health/public health. I started my adventure in New Orleans, then went on to Delhi India, to Buenos Aires Argentina, and then ended my journey in Bushbuckridge South Africa. Through my time in this program I had never been so challenged mentally, physically, and emotionally, but in the best ways possible. I grew so much as a person and I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything I saw and experienced (As I'm writing this post I've been home for about 4 weeks now). If you're looking for a program with rigorous academics, this trip might not be for you. I was challenged in my classes however, I learned the most from my peers and from site visits and going out and just talking to locals and my homestay families. Also homestay families? One of the highlights and strengths of this program in my opinion. Really engage with your families from the beginning. Go out of your way to help them around the house even in small ways. Cook dinner for them or with them. Anything! You can learn a great deal from your families and make some really awesome connections. Another strong point of this program is the faculty and staff. They were always so understanding and accommodating. If something wasn't working for students on the program, the faculty and fellow were all so open and willing to listen to students and make adjustments to whatever the problem or concern was. They really got to know us on a personal level and always made my group and me feel very safe and supported. Finally, the group I traveled with. There were 31 of us total and these people truly became my family for four months. Really get to know everyone in your group and branch out. When I first thought of traveling with the same people for four months and spending all this time with them I was nervous. What is great about this program though is the two week orientation in the beginning. That's really a time where you get to know your group well and you start to really bond and become a cohesive group. You will be spending a lot of time together but you will help each other in more ways than you know. Honestly this review isn't going to do this program justice. It isn't possible for me to put this type of experience into words. I just hope whoever is reading this looks more into this program and joins in on the solid IHP community. You won't regret it!