The ISP, or Independent Study Project, is written by students from the undergraduate programs of SIT Study Abroad and relates to a program theme. Using primary sources students choose topics with a manageable focus that can be carried out in a variety of settings, such as schools, nongovernmental organizations or field research stations. During the independent study period students work closely with a project advisor and other key contacts in the field. The ISP is typically a 20- to 40-page paper presented to student colleagues, the academic director and, often, the advisor and other interested host-country individuals.
Copyright permissions have been obtained by all contributors to this collection.
Submissions from 2019
Cancer Management in Kenya - Awareness and The Struggles Patients Face to Access Treatment, Care & Support, Ashley Nmoh, Vanderbilt University
Voices Unheard: Women and Their Children in Nepal’s Incarceration System, Aune Nuyttens and Mikayla Rose, St. Lawrence University and Tufts University
Optimizing water quality and temperature parameters to increase survival rates of Anotheca spinosa (Anura: Hylidae) eggs at the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center, Morgan Oestereich, Davidson College
Queer Spaces, Future Places: Conversations with 3 Black Capetonian Femmes on Embodying Liberation, Ivana Onubogu, Williams College
The Transformative Potential of High-level Gender Equality: The relationship between gendered laws and perceptions in Rwanda, Elena Ortiz, Georgetown University
Trends in Nectar Production and Concentration of Hummingbird-Pollinated Flowers: An investigation of three flowers of the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest: Palicourea demissa, Mezobromelia capituligera, and Kohleria affinis, Grace Palmer, Barnard College
Analysis in E Minor: An Autoethnographic Poetry Collection and Study of Transgender Identity in Liminal Amsterdam, Em Panetta, Muhlenberg College
“Todos somos trigueños”: La presencia de los pueblos indígenas en el arte urbano de Perú, Aubrey Parke, Trinity University
La Incorporación de la Dimensión Intercultural Para Pacientes Quechuas en el Centro Comunitario de Salud Mental de Calca, Caroline Parker, Occidental College
Where Do We Go From Here?: Two Key Informants' Perspectives on How to Address Conscientious Objection in TOP Provision in South Africa, Talia Parker, Georgetown University
Systems of Crime and Castigation: A Reevaluation of the Punishment Bureaucracy, Lia Pikus, Rice University
Exploring Mobility Help-seeking Behavior Among People with Physical Disabilities: A case study of Jaipur Foot, Alex Podell, Tulane University
Motorbike-Related Injuries & Safety Practices Among Motorbike Riders in Kisumu, Western Kenya in 2019, Rowan Poehler, Tulane University
We Are All Alive: Understanding Connections between People and Coral Reefs in Samoa, Kalamakaleimahoehoe Porter, Simmons University
Health and Education: Perspectives on the Role of Schools in Health Promotion, Miranda Powell, Tulane University
¿Un desarrollo sostenible? Analizando el ecoturismo como un modelo de desarrollo sostenible para disminuir la pobreza y su impacto en la cultura de la Comunidad Nativa de Infierno, Emily Pugh, Claremont McKenna College
Humanitarian Assistance in Protracted Emergencies: Rethinking the Role of Food Aid in Adjumani, Victoria Puglia, Lafayette College
Exigimos inclusión, no tolerancia: La interseccionalidad en los movimientos estudiantiles en Argentina, Angélica Ramos, Hamilton College
Syrian Refugee Mothers in Jordan: Perceived Social Support and Postpartum Depression, Marya Rana, Williams College
The Female Worker: An Analysis of Women Residing along the Moroccan-European and U.S.- American Borderlands, Marlen G. Renderos, Wellesley College
Refuge in a Place Without Refugees, Jane Roarty, Macalester College
Foreign Direct Investment in Kigali’s Special Economic Zone and its Impact on Rwanda’s Economic Reconstruction, Sabrina Roberts, Middlebury College
The Middle Ground: A Comparative Study on Mexico and Morocco as Transit and Forthcoming Host Nations, Christina Sarai Roca, Providence College
La ciudad versus el campo: la calidad de vida de los adultos mayores aymara entre Arica y Putre, Clare Rogowski, Williams College
“Uno Logra Olvidar la Tortura”: Impactos de las Dictaduras Militares y Conversaciones sobre las Secuelas de la Tortura en el Instituto de Terapia e Investigación, Em Rosner, Barnard College
Climate-Smart Agriculture: Building Resilience for Women Farmers in Kalchebeshi, Nepal, Annika Ruben, University of Vermont
La participación y representación de las mujeres afrodescendientes en los movimientos de Ni Una Menos y la Marea Verde en el Buenos Aires Actual, Olivia S. Sabini-Leite, Smith College
Eating some invasive species could help to mitigate the impacts of climate change-related invasions, and may increase future food security, Jesse Bull Saffeir, Bates College
Luchando por el derecho a la educación. Un estudio sobre las relaciones existentes entre la educación popular y la efectivización del derecho a la educación desde la perspectiva de docentes y trabajadores de bachilleratos populares., Madeline Samson, Wofford College
Z4, A Slow Puncture: An Autoethnographic Exploration of Language, Embodiment, and Meaning-Making, Charlotte Rose Samuels, Smith College
Socio-Cultural Norms and Perceptions of Menstruation: An Intergenerational Analysis of Rural Jamkhed, Maharashtra, Addison Scales, The University of Texas at Austin
Fictions of Sexuality, Emelyn Schaeffer, Davidson College
La adherencia a las recomendaciones de sueño seguro por parte de las enfermeras en Unidades de Cuidado Intensiva Neonatal (UCIN) de hospitales públicos y privados en el Gran Buenos Aires / The adherence to safe sleep recommendations by nurses in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) of public and private hospitals in Grand Buenos Aires, Joelle M. Schauer, Villanova University
Newsworthy Migrants: Sentiment and Text Analysis of Dutch Newspapers, Nicholas J. Schmitz, University of Notre Dame
The Guthi System of Nepal, Tucker Scott, Vanderbilt University
El poder del sonido: La radio comunitaria en la resistencia contra los proyectos extractivistas en la Patagonia / The power of sound: Community radio in resistance against extractivist projects in Patagonia, Dora Segall, Kenyon College
Pasantía en Programa de Integración Escolar (PIE): Apoyando estudiantes con discapacidades en la escuela secundaria, Emily Sen, University of Oregon
My Body, Their Choice: Childbearing Attitudes and Practices in Jamkhed, Maharashtra, Sienna Sewell, Washington University in St. Louis
Empowering Women Through Land: An Analysis of the Barriers in Accessing Land Rights within Kisumu County, Kenya, Madison Shaffer, University of Vermont
Local Democracy and Education Policy in Newly Federal Nepal, Jack Shangraw, William & Mary
Understanding Civil Rights in a Democratic South Africa: A Case Study of Students at UKZN, Ella Shlonsky, Washington University in St. Louis
It's Essential: The Ylang-Ylang Trade on Nosy Be, James Sleigh, The University of Vermont
Which Factors Influence the Usage and Perceptions of Medicinal Plants in Kizanda Village (Lushoto District) and Ushongo Village (Tanga District)?, Callie Smith, Gettysburg College
Vulnerability and Adaptability of Mangrove Forests on Misali Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Samantha A. Smith, Skidmore College
La Comunicación Intercultural entre Pacientes Bolivianos y Trabajadores de Salud en Buenos Aires, Argentina / Intercultural Communication between Bolivian Patients and Health-Care Workers in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Lilly Snellman, Rice University
La Comunidad Nikkei en Perú: Su Historia, sus Influencias y sus Relaciones con la Comunidad Indígena en Madre de Dios, Olivia Snyder, Miami University
Reintegration of Women Perpetrators in Post-Genocide Rwanda, Terrie Soule, Pace University
There She Blows: Public Perceptions of Mt. Merapi and Mt. Agung, Trey Atticus Spadone, Colgate University
Transnational Sharing Economies & Neoliberal Urbanism: Airbnb in the City-Region of Tangier, Jack Spector-Bishop, Oberlin College
Adicción como un hecho político económico: un análisis de servicios de atención de abuso de drogas y alcohol en Arica, Chile, Jack Steffy, Washington University in St. Louis
The Inclusion of Displaced Women in the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, Ava Strasser, Western Michigan University
Spun Truths: Outcomes of Mongolia’s Cashmere Program in Domestic Processing Facilities and Supply Chain, Daniel Strodel, Bowdoin College
Radical Moves: Negotiating Community and Transformation with (some of) SIT/South Africa’s Students of Color, Kavita Sundaram, Brandeis University
La Preservación y Evolución de la música tradicional andina y una modernización de la identidad indígena, Evan Tannenbaum, Gettysburg College
¿Historia y Cultura al Viento? Los efectos de la construcción del aeropuerto internacional de Chinchero en el patrimonio arqueológico circundante, Becca Teachey, University of Colorado Boulder
Archiving Heterosexism: An Investigation of Gender and Sexuality Politics in Spain's Transitional Justice Movement, Taylor Thompson, Barnard College
Movement for a Gasfield Free Northern Rivers and its Applicability to Other Movements, Mariah Thomson, University of Puget Sound
Checking a Box or Creating Change? Examining the Overall State of Gender Mainstreaming in Humanitarian Action, Jenna Thoretz, Gettysburg College
Local Perceptions of Cannabis and Cannabis Laws in Morocco: Unpacking Past Laws, Moroccans' Perceptions, and Exploring Organizational Efforts, Shadae Tingman, Hamilton College
Law versus Action: How Five Cape Town Organizations Are Combating High Rates of Sexual Assault and the Failure of Progressive Sexual Offences Legislation, Anna Tinker, Hamilton College
A Secret in the Words Tales of Literature and Dissent in Communist Czechoslovakia, Thea Toocheck, Gettysburg College
Home and Healing in the In-Between: Migrant and Refugee Mental Health in Tunisia, Donia Torabian, Brown University
La Radio es Más Fuerte que la Espada : La percepción de la eficacia de la radio comunitaria de Familiares y Amigos de Luciano Arruga en la visibilización del problema de la violencia institucional. / The Radio is Mightier than the Sword: The perception of efficiency of the community radio of Familiares y Amigos de Luciano Arruga in making visible the problem of institutional violence., Isabel Torres, Washington University in St. Louis
La Pertinencia Cultural de los Proyectos Relacionados a la Planificación Familiar de las ONGs en el Distrito de Acomayo, Sadie Traylor, Elon University
Ethnobotany and Dai Medicine: Herbal Roots, Jasper Tsai, Pitzer College
Integrative Pharmacotherapeutic Approaches to Treating Depression, Charlotte Tse, Williams College
Sirva todos como un hermano: las filosofías de los médicos tradicionales mapuches hacia los pacientes Winka, Andrew Turner, Georgetown University
Privacidad digital en Ecuador: el papel de la vigilancia, la jurisprudencia y los derechos humanos, Giselle Valdez, Columbia University
Barriers Between Effective Transnational Changemaking: Relationships between INGOs and Moroccan NGOs, Julia Walters, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Empleo regional y transporte público: Un estudio de caso comparado de accesibilidad al transporte de parques industriales en el gran Buenos Aires basado en la medida de sistema de información geográfica, Clara Wang, Haverford College
Herbal Medicine and Pediatric Massage: Interning at a TCM Pediatric Clinic, Yvette Way, The College of New Jersey
Leopards Are Good to Think With: Spotting the Zanzibar Leopard in Jozani Forest, Andrew Weier, University of Colorado Boulder
An Evaluation of Soils on Sólheimajökull Glacier Foreland: Using Invertebrates and Decomposition as Bio-indicators of Soil Quality, Carolyn Weisman, Claremont McKenna College
The psychological impacts of being environmentally active, Allie White, Middlebury College
Environmental Consciousness for the Politically Autonomous: The Basque Country, Miranda L. White, Texas Christian University
Juntar todos los recursos: Los obstáculos y las oportunidades del financiamiento de las OSCs en Argentina, Yanting (Jane) Yang, Washington University in St. Louis
Avian upsloping in the tropics: Myioborus miniatus and Myioborus torquatus abundance in different altitudinal ranges in Boquete, Chiriquí, Panama, Julie Yoon, University of Kentucky
Bridging the gap on schistosomiasis: A cross-sectional study examining the knowledge gap and common attitudes and practices regarding S. mansoni infections among varying education levels in Luanda K’Otieno, western Kenya, Kathy Zhang, Vanderbilt University
Youth Empowerment Programs in Jordan: Access and Equality, Mingyang (Linda) Zhang, Duke University
Escuchando y Enseñando: Un Proyecto de Investigación-Acción Participativa sobre el Tema de Radio con los Estudiantes del Centro Calpulli, Delaney Zuver, The College of Wooster
Submissions from 2018
Re-Imagining the Theatre: Existence and Change, Andres Aguilar, Hamilton College
Demography and behavior of critically endangered Alouatta coibensis trabeata troops in forest fragments in and around Mata Oscura, Veraguas on the Azuero Peninsula of Panamá, Billy Allen, Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation
Keyhole Gardens as the Key to Environmental Sustainability and Access to Fresh Produce in Samoa: A Case Study of an Organic Keyhole Farm, Madeline Allen, Vanderbilt University
Restoring Eden: The Role of Christianity on Environmental Conservation: A Case of Karatu District, Arusha, Tanzania, Taylor Allen, Portland State University
Defining the issue: Social movements' Framing Strategies in Neocolonial Senegal, Ezra M. Alltucker, The George Washington University
Surveying Access to Healthcare in Kisumu and Siaya Counties, Kenya, Quinn Alsheimer, University of South Carolina
Una Perspectiva Socio-legal de La Ley 348: La Ley Para Garantizar a las Mujeres Una Vida Libre de la Violencia / A Socio-legal Perspective of Law 348: The Law to Guarantee Women a Life Free of Violence, Maya Anthony, University of Denver
The Root of Racism: How Slavery has led to the Condition of Discrimination Against Sub-Saharan Africans and Migrants in Morocco, James Artis III, University of Denver
LA COMERCIALIZACIÓN DEL MURAL PORTEÑO / THE MARKETING OF THE PORTEUR MURAL, Alexandria Ashley, Brandeis University
The Revolution Conundrum in Cameroon: A study of Relative Peace Under President Biya's Rule, Marianna Babboni, Occidental College
Livelihoods of the People of Mazumbai: A Collection of Stories and Portraits, Tanga Region, Tanzania, Joseph Baldus, Macalester College
Shaping our World for a Better Tomorrow: Sustainable Investing, ESG, and Industry Insight, Anna M. Ballate, Barnard College - Columbia University
The Islam of Europe: Challenges of Governance, Erin Baranko, Claremont Mckenna College
Uphill Struggle: Impediments and Facilitators to Porter Health in the Khumbu Region, Nate Barott, Cornell University
Constructing Social Environments: The Evolving Relationship between Uses and Management of Urban Greenspace in Stone Town, Zanzibar, Mara Basich-Pease, Cornell University
Coming in Hot: Motor Vehicles, Capitalism, and Modernization in Mongolia, Thea Bergen, University of Oregon
“I hope whiteness means nothing”: A Narrative Exploration of Whiteness as Identity in South Africa, Mackenzie Berry