SIT Programs Abroad

<p>My schools study abroad counselor gave me a fantastic magazine of the SIT study abroad programs. While only 2 that I'm considering are pre-approved by my school, I'm hoping that I can successfully petition for another location if I need, since SIT is a pretty reputable program and our office is already familiar with it. </p>

<p>Right now there are 12 different SIT programs I'm considering (I'm a first-year, so I've got time to narrow it down). I was wondering if anyone had experiences with SIT that they could share, or insights about the following programs or countries in general.</p>

<p>Country-Program-(Lang. Study)</p>

<p>Kenya- Swahili Studies and Coastal Cultures (Swahili)
Morocco- Culture and Society (Arabic)
South Africa- Multiculturalism and Social Change (Xhosa)
Tunisia- Popular Culture and Globalization in the Arab World (Arabic)
China- Chinese Culture and Ethnic Minorities (Mandarin)
Mongolia- Culture and Development (Mongolian)
Fiji- Multiculturalism and Social Change (Fijian)
Nepal- Culture and Development (Nepali)
Tibet/Bhutan- Tibetan and Himalayan Studies (Tibetan)
The Balkans- Post-Conflict Transformation in Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia (Croatian)
Czech Republic- Arts, Community and Transition (Czech)
Brazil- Culture, Development and Social Justice (Portuguese)</p>

<p>There isn't one topic that I'm specifically interested in. Part of the program is an Independent Study Project which would allow me to "do" anthropology which is part of my major. I like that they're all atypical study abroad locales. They feature home stays, which I think are important, but slightly worry me. Right now I think Fiji is top of the list (that might be because of this lingering winter weather ;) ).</p>

<p>So, please throw in your two cents! Even if you have no experience with these countries or these programs, but think one looks better than the others, feel free to let me know.</p>