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.
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Submissions from 2024
Structural Responses to Land Use in Pollination Networks: Effects of Biodiversity and Alien Plants in the Ecuadorian Chocó, Eric Abrahams, Washington University in St. Louis
Tradición en Transición: Como la Medicina Tradicional Oaxaqueña Ha Evolucionado en la Última Década, Celeste Álvarez, Washington and Lee University
Career Readiness: A Study of Vietnamese University Students' Views on Post-Graduation Prospects, Tobias Amstutz, George Washington University
Darija's Dilemma in Defining Moroccan Identity, Amina Anshasi, University of San Francisco
Navigating Intersectional Identities: Mental Health Challenges and Accessibility to Mental Health Care among Sub-Saharan Migrant Women in Morocco, Soraya Babahaji, The University of Tulsa
Empoderamiento de las mujeres de la organización Chaski Warmikuna, Iliana Sarai Barnes Diaz, University of Puget Sound
Complementariedad en la comuna de Putre: reflexiones sobre el sistema de salud y los conocimientos comunitarios aymaras, Grace Benish, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Early report of a microcosm of the fourth major global bleaching event: A comprehensive survey of coral bleaching at Chumbe Island Coral Park, Zanzibar, Christian Boudreaux, The University of Mississippi
“It’s a no brainer”: Ensuring just transitions in Iceland’s fishing industry, Olivia Bowers, Wesleyan University
10 Meters to Disaster: The Challenges of Premature Application of Circular Economy Strategies in Jakarta’s Waste Management Structure, Almira Bowo, Duke University
Mushroom Composition Across an Elevational Gradient During the 2024 Wet Season in Mazumbai Forest Reserve, Tanzania, Christopher Brady, University of Redlands
On Puar’s “Right to Maim”: Conflict-Related Sexual Violence as an Instrument of Debility, Jeffrey Camille, Washington University in St. Louis
The Efficacy of the Legal Infrastructure of Proportionality in Contemporary Armed Conflicts, Reed Caney, Washington University in St. Louis
Emprendimiento, informalidad laboral y vulnerabilidad de los migrantes venezolanos en la economía ecuatoriana, Destiny Carlisle, Georgetown University
Sovereign Seeds: Analyzing the Sustainability of Peasant Seeds in the Context of Climate Change and Rural Exodus in Tunisia, Alice Carlson, Occidental College
Conceptualizando la movilidad y movimiento de mujeres indígenas embarazadas en búsqueda de servicios médicos bajo una perspectiva migratoria, Nazareth Castro, Mount Holyoke College
Impact of NATO Enlargement on Eastern Europe Security: Case Study of Ukraine War, Heeyoung Chae, Denison University
“¡Que se vayan todos!”: La crisis socioeconómica de Argentina en diciembre de 2001 y el papel del Fondo Monetario Internacional en su desarrollo / “Down with them All!”: Argentina’s December 2001 Socioeconomic Crisis and the Role of the International Monetary Fund in its Development, Romita Chattaraj, Georgetown University
Is Asia on the Precipice of a Currency Crisis? Exploring Regional Risks and Implications On The Global Economy, Hannah Deng, Yale University
La crisis contemporánea y los cuidados: respuesta gubernamental al trabajo de cuidado feminizado y la pandemia / The Contemporary Crisis and Care: Government Response to Feminized Care Work and the Pandemic, Iris Diez, Smith College
Anuran diversity and abundance across two sites with varying levels of light pollution in El Valle de Antón, Coclé, Panamá, Jackson Dray, Tufts University
The Impact of Neurological Diseases in Kisumu, Kenya: Case Studies at JOOTRH and KCRH, Jack F. Dunham, Amherst College
The Increase of Allergies in Developed Countries: A Comparison of the Quality of Life and Psychosocial Burden of Individuals with Food Allergies in Switzerland and the United States of America, Adrienne Ell, University of Connecticut
Diaspora As a Cultural Hearth: A Case Study of the Amazigh in Morocco, Maximo Ellis, Swarthmore College
Lisbon’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Fleet: A Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Mass Adoption of EVs in Lisbon by 2050, Maya Estrera, Swarthmore College
From Collaboration to Continuity: Exploring Stakeholder Engagement for Sustainable Global Health Partnerships, Annabelle Falconer, Tulane University
Una exploración sobre la alimentación saludable. Percepciones de mujeres adultas entre 31 y 45 años según su nivel de ingresos en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires en 2024 / An exploration of healthy eating. Perceptions of adult women between 31 and 45 years old according to their income level in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires in 2024, Anabelle Flaharty, Georgetown University
Percepciones de las Tecnologías en los Centros de Rehabilitación y el Efecto en el Bienestar de los Usuarios, Según los Profesionales de la Salud en Arica, Chile, Liam Fleck, Washington University in St. Louis
Identidad bajo amenaza en Chinchero, Perú: El megaproyecto del Aeropuerto Internacional plantea la cuestión: ¿Cuál es más importante para el Estado Peruano—el turismo o el patrimonio?, Celeste Funari Muse, Columbia University
An Ecological Analysis of the Elevational Gradient Effect on Mushroom Community Diversity near Andasibe, Madagascar, Zoe Garver, Oberlin College
Assessing the Progress and Effects of Exotic Plant Invasions in a Sustainably Used Littoral Forest Fragment in Southeastern Madagascar, Grant Gerhardt, Kenyon College
Acceso a la salud de mujeres migrantes venezolanas en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (2024) / Female Venezuelan Migrants’ Access to Healthcare in Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (2024), Karen Gonzalez, Bowdoin College
Reflejos de la injusticia: Narrativas de estudiantes mexicano-estadounidense en el sistema educativo, Kiana Montserrat González Montañez, Occidental College
Beyond Blood: Informal Adoption and Family Dynamics in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Examining the social, traditional, and family values associated with informal adoption, Elizabeth Greenberg, Colby College
Los Determinantes Sociales y el Acceso a la Salud de las Mujeres Migrantes: Desde la Perspectiva de las Usuarias y los Trabajadores de Salud, Vanessa Gutiérrez, Scripps College
A Study of Anthropogenic Impacts on Echinoderms in the Jambiani Intertidal Area, Zanzibar, Amaury O. Halley, Middlebury College
Salud intercultural en la región de la Araucanía, Chile: Percepción del estado actual de implementación., Andrew Sunwoo Han, Colorado College
Empowering Environmental Education in Portuguese Primary Schools: Energy Focused Curriculum Recommendations and Behavioral Change Framework Guided by Principles of Developmental Psychology, Ellie Hanson, University of Puget Sound
Beyond the Binary: Analyzing Transgender Legislation in Spain and Its Implications for Equality and Rights, Stephanie Hernandez, Claremont McKenna College
Short-term larval surveys reveal rainy season breeding site preferences of malaria vector Anopheles spp. in Zanzibar City, Kaeden K. Hill, Duke University
Variations in salinity and forest structure between marginal and cloistered mangrove forests in Boca del Drago, Bocas del Toro, Panama, Mary Elizabeth Hodge, Wheaton College
Community opinions on environmental action on Isla Porvenir and Whichub Walla in the Guna Yala Comarca, Sofia Houts, Georgetown University
Causes, Cards, and Caution: A consideration of various foreign policy perspectives on India’s approach to Tibet within Sino-Indian relations, Olivia Kenney, Bowdoin College
What soil is worth: A cost-benefit framework analysis of syntropic farming, Aubrey Kettley, University of Puget Sound
Avian diversity and abundance among agricultural land, forested land, and their ecotone in Guadalupe, Cerro Punta, Chiriquí Province, Republic of Panamá., Stella Rae Kinard, Emory University
Género y resiliencia en la Amazonía peruana: Las experiencias y respuestas de agricultoras indígenas ante el cambio climático, Zoe Klausner, Georgetown University
Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Harbor Seals: Haul-out Patterns in Iceland using CMIP6 projections, Colin Lau, University of Washington
Exploring Diasporic and Local Perspectives: Overseas Vietnamese’s Relationship With Their Homeland’s Culture, People, and Development, Amanda Le, Rice University
Interpretative Representation and Justice: The Effects of Inadequate Translation on the Human Rights of Migrants in the Justice System In Spain, Danielle E. Libby, The College of Wooster
Impacts of Gas Flaring on Soil Quality in the Ecuadorian Amazon: Measuring gas flare effects on soils at comparative distances in Loma del Tigre, Orellana, Francesca LoPresti, Macalester College
White-Fronted Capuchins (Cebus albifrons aequatorialis) in La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve: A Study of Aggressive Behaviors in Response to Human Presence, Marin Lynch, Franklin & Marshall College
Assessing the impacts of anthropogenic activities on coral reef health in Ushongo, Tanzania using coral diversity and parrotfish abundance as indicators, Thao Mai, Colgate University
Nutri-Score, Warning Signs, and Facts Up Front – In Theory and In Practice A Comparative Analysis of the Effectiveness of Front-of-Package Labeling Systems, Muskaan Makkar, University of South Carolina
¿Fiesta o Protesta? La Marcha del Orgullo en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires en los inicios de la era de Milei Party or Protest? / The City of Buenos Aires Pride March in the Beginnings of the Milei Era, Ella McDaniel, Smith College
Role-playing and Rentierism: Rethinking Morocco’s Approach to Migration Diplomacy with the EU, Mia McGrath, Hamilton College
Addressing Water Scarcity in Rural Areas of the Souss-Massa Region of Morocco: Comparative Analysis of Desalination, Fog Harvesting, and Wastewater Treatment Methods with Considerations of Technical Viability and Human Rights, Lina Migliore, Vanderbilt University
Perceptions, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Young Jordanian Women on their Second-Class Citizenship, Umulkair Mohamed, Bowdoin College
The role of geomorphological context in vegetative succession within the Breiðamerkurjökull glacial foreland, Lucas Nerbonne, Middlebury College
How can Morocco’s crisis management and disaster response be optimized? Lessons from the Al Haouz earthquake response, Clara Normand, University of Denver
The Reconfiguration of the Spanish-Moroccan Border Regime: The Impact of the 2021 Diplomatic Border Crisis, Shayra Nunez, Franklin & Marshall College
Vertebrate diversity in the La Amistad International Park buffer zone, Guadalupe, Chiriqui, Panamá, Mina Olson, Whitman College
Unveiling Colonial Legacies: Women’s Marginalization through the Lens of Coffee Cultivation in Northern Angola, Posi Oluwakuyide, Washington and Lee University
The Association Between Mental Health Disorders and Glycemic Control in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes, Marcella Pietrzyk, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Community knowledge of shark ecology, abundance, and species composition in Wichubwala, Nalunega, and Porvenir communities in the Guna Yala Comarca, Panamá, Kayley Jane Porter, Middlebury College
A Comparative Analysis of LGBTQ+ Healthcare Initiatives and HIV Needs, Evi Ratner, Mount Holyoke College
Guía Didáctica para Talleres de Habilidades Fundamentales y Creatividad en Albergues para Niños, Niñas, y Adolescentes en Tránsito, Lindsay Ravetz, Scripps College
Feasibility study of coral farming in southwest Madagascar: In-situ and ex-situ approaches, Raquel Reis, Harvard University
Beyond the Ballots: An Exploration of Indonesian Democracy Through the Lens of Campaigning and Dynasticism in the 2024 Indonesian General Election, Alexandra Richmond, Emory University
Transmitir LasTesis: Hacia una Conciencia Feminista a Través del Arte en Valparaíso, Chile, Alena Rooney, Smith College
El derecho a la interrupción voluntaria del embarazo a inicios del gobierno de Javier Milei (Argentina, 2024) / The right to the voluntary interruption of pregnancy at the beginning of the government of Javier Milei (Argentina, 2024), Willa Rudel, Vassar College
“Njangi never dies”: The Social Impacts and Non-Financial Benefits of Njangis in Batoufam and Yaoundé, Cameroon, Georgia Schaefer-Brown, Dickinson College
Uncovering Chimborazo’s Catchments: Insights into the fluvial network, stream characteristics, and hydrological patterns in Reserva de Producción de Fauna Chimborazo, Ecuador, Julia L. Schwartz, Pomona College
The Impact of Jordan’s Peacebuilding Efforts in Gaza on its Domestic Politics, Nina Sretenović, University of Richmond
Vascular epiphyte population dynamics within human-modified landscapes of Guadalupe, Cerro Punta, Chiriquí, Panamá, Lucine Tashjian, Boston College
Socioecological Assessment of Birds in Ngezi-Vumawimbi Nature Forest Reserve, Eli Taub, Pomona College
Rock Hyrax: A study of hyrax energy budget and behavior near Randilen Wildlife Management Area, Tanzania, Alice Thompson, University of Vermont
Educación superior y construcción de la memoria política: estudio de caso vertical en el Instituto de Historia de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Anastacia L. Tremper, Georgetown University
Investigating Ocean Carbonate System Changes Across Latitudes in the North Atlantic Basin with a Time-series Mooring System, Anna Trujillo, University of Colorado Boulder
Salud Integral de las Personas en Situación de Calle Abordada desde los Distintos Programas Sociales de la Ciudad de Arica, Chile, Maya Trujillo, Emory University
Guna community perspectives on attributes, changes, and revitalization of nainu agroecological practices in Isla Tigre, Guna Yala Comarca, Panama, Neshima Vitale-Penniman, Brown University
Solar Energy Adoption in Unguja, Tanzania: Influence of Awareness, Socioeconomics, and Technology Knowledge, Maxime Warnery, Middlebury College
Queerness in Oaxaca: Perceptions of the LGBT+ Community, Sylvana Widman, Williams College
The Influences, Experiences, and Sentiments that Create Indonesian Identity, Jack Wood, Emory University
Exploring the Medicalization of Menstruation: Analyzing Menstrual Hygiene Initiatives by IGOs, Non-Profits and National Government in Switzerland, Victoria Wright, Washington University in St. Louis
Independent Study Project: The impact of digitization and payment on Community Health Promoter (CHP) motivation and effectiveness in a peri-urban community in Kisumu, Kenya., Fiona Yohannes, Amherst College
Submissions from 2023
A Multi-Factorial Analysis of the Sustainability of Non-Governmental Organizations’ Psychosocial Support Programs in Jordan, Dina Abdalla, Washington University in St. Louis
Analyzing Human - Nonhuman Primate Conflict Mitigation Techniques in Mto wa Mbu, Northern Tanzania, Lily Adams, University of Denver
A Transition Point: The Role of the Global Power Shift in Facilitating Saudi Internal Reforms, Aidan Aguilar, Columbia University
Existir y Sobrevivir: El prejuicio que enfrentan los inmigrantes venezolanos en la quinta región de Chile., Daisy Alcantar, Macalester College
The Truth Behind Avocado Expansion in the Algarve: A Synthesis of Public, Environmental Associations, and Government Perspectives and Response, Mandy Ausman, University of Puget Sound
Minimum Exchange Rate and A Negative Interest Rate: The Swiss National Bank’s Unconventional Monetary Policy during Eurozone Volatility, Wally Bargeron, Claremont McKenna College
Litio en una Encrucijada: Voces locales sobre la reforma constitucional del gobernador Morales y su impacto en el futuro de la minería en Jujuy / Lithium at a Crossroads: Local voices on Governor Morales’ constitutional reform and its impact on the future of mining in Jujuy, Maxwell Bassin, Georgetown University
Pop Spirituality in the Context of Nepal, Kalinda Benson, Skidmore College
Patrimonio cultural, arqueología, medio ambiente y economía: ¿Cómo ha afectado la construcción del Aeropuerto Internacional de Chinchero-Cusco a las comunidades y la tierra de Chinchero?, Sydney Berenson, The College of Wooster
Desapariciones de Migrantes en la Frontera: Un Análisis de Factores Influyentes, Reyna Krystal Blakeman, University of Oregon
Understanding invasive predation: detections of feral cats (Felis catus) on Kangaroo Island’s Western River Refuge, Leah Boget, College of William and Mary
Rocky intertidal community structure along an upwelling gradient between Playa Venao and Nueva Gorgona on Panama’s Pacific coast, Claire Brady, Claremont McKenna College
Always Sunny in Zanzibar: Exploring Solar Power on the Island, Quinn Brannan, Carleton College
Neoliberalismo y La Mar: Los Efectos del Sistema Neoliberal y la Pesca Artesanal de Caleta Portales, Isaac Bronfine, University of Washington
Fauna as Fieldworkers: An analysis on the use of animals as a form of organic weed and pest management in modern viticulture, Mariana del Carmen Campano