Program Details
- Location:
- Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Program Type:
- Study Abroad
- Degree Level:
- Undergraduate
- Term:
- Summer
Program Overview
- Program Description:
- This program examines how Madagascar's historical circumstances, geography, and demographics shape and inform the delivery of these sometimes competing, sometimes complementary health care systems.
The program incorporates thematic seminars, field study, and interactive community involvement. From their base in the capital city of Antananarivo (Tana) and through rural excursions, students learn firsthand about forms of treatment, methods of diagnosis, questions of access, and the education and training of health care professionals.
From discussions with leading academics and allopathic doctors at the University of Antananarivo Faculty of Science's Pharmacology Department and the School of Medicine to exchanges with traditional healers and herbalists at local markets, students acquire heightened sensitivity to the complexity of current debates over traditional and allopathic delivery models, not only in Madagascar, but globally.
SIT Study Abroad program fees include all courses, educational excursions, health insurance, and full room and board (all meals and accommodation) for the entire program period. Fees and additional expenses are based on all known circumstances at the time of calculation. Due to the unique nature of our programs and the economics of host countries, SIT reserves the right to change its fees or additional expenses without notice.
- Setting Description:
- Madagascar, the world's fourth-largest island, has a deep-seated heritage in plant-based medicine, and today traditional medicine remains widely practiced throughout the country. Based in the capital city of Antananarivo, students will explore health care in both urban and rural areas to discover how geography as well as cultural, economic, and political dimensions provide the appropriate context for understanding varied Malagasy approaches to health care.
Additional Program Information
- Scholarships:
- Yes
- Scholarships Description:
- Please see our website for more information.
Program Reviews
Overall Rating
Based on 2 Reviews
- Transformative Program!10/04/19
My experience in Madagascar was truly incredible. The orientation portion really prepares you for integrating with your homestay families, and the subject matter of the courses challenges you in a new and unique way. You get to explore three very different
areas of the island country, from Tana to Morondava, and all three have something new to offer. The program director, Nat, is one of the purest and kindest people I have ever met, and is incredibly accommodating. This is a very hands-on program, and with the homestay component, you have the opportunity to dive even deeper into the local culture should you so choose (I recommend that you do). You'll eat a lot of rice, but I love rice so that was fine by me. I wish I was able to stay longer than the 6 & 1/2 weeks.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - My Life-Changing Experience in Madagascar10/04/19
My time in Madagascar was truly unique and life-altering. I view the world through a new lens now, and I am grateful to every person who guided me along the way. I created a family in this beautiful country. This place feels like my home, and I miss it
dearly. SIT created a very immersive program: we learned the Malagasy language, stayed with host families, and ate local food. We learned about the valuable medicinal plants that they utilize in addition to their significance within the Malagasy culture. Although I was in a place unlike anywhere I had ever been before, I felt as though I was taken good care of. Our academic director was always there for us, and the other students on the trip were a great support system. I would recommend this trip to anyone.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend