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 2011
Social, Political, Economic and Health Effects of the Disi Aquifer on Jordanian Society, Ryan Greenwood, University of New Hampshire
Building Houses, Making Homes: The Experiencing of Returning to Post-War Sanski Most, Claire Griffith, Grinnell College
The Escola do Campo João sem Terra: A Look Inside the Process of Making Education Relevant in the Landless Worker’s Movement Settlement 25 De Maio., Owen Grooms, Warren Wilson College
Growing Farmers’ Markets: Measuring the Competitiveness of the Byron Farmers’ Market With Other Local Food Sources, Audrey Gross, Denison University
El Rol y el Simbolismo de las Tomas Dentro del Movimiento Estudiantil de 2011, Shara Guarnaccia, New York University
The Use and Misuse of Wetlands in Kampala, Emily Gumm, Illinois Wesleyan University
How to Sever the Legs of an Octopus: Tunisia’s Ongoing Revolution, Matthew Hammel, Vassar College
Adult Female Activity Time Budgets in Red-Bellied Lemurs (Eulemur Rubriventer) and Infant Survival: Ranomafana National Park, Frances Hardy, Columbia University
Is Lac Anony Reaching Its Tipping Point? A Comparative Case Study of the Traditional Fishery at the Village of Antsovela, Corinne Haynes, George Washington University
Feeling, Experiencing, Learning: Environmental Education at Escola Vila, Isabelle Aida Heilman, Claremont McKenna College
New Representations of the “Golden Lineage”: The Mongolian Folk Rock of Altan Urag, Jonathan Heins, University of Pittsburgh
Doulas Going Dutch: The Role of Professional Labor Support in the Netherlands, Monica He, Rice University
Mecanismos de la Participación Política El Movimiento Para Reformar el Sistema de la Licencia Postnatal en Chile, Lucas Hernández, Rollins College
Zenga Zenga, Tente Tente: Can Tunisian Humanitarian Efforts Save and Preserve the Ideals of the Revolution?, Ava Hess, Columbia University
Conciencia Social en Granada: Los Éxitos y las Dificultades - Raising Social Consciousness in Granada: Successes and Difficulties, Heidi Hong, Scripps College
We Are What We Eat: A Sherpa Cookbook, Renee Horen, University of Richmond
Bai and Bilingual: Improving Academic Achievement Through Bilingual and Multicultural Education, Priscilla Hsu, Claremont McKenna College
The Hands Behind the Handicraft: How “Fair” is Fair Trade?, Carly Hubbard, Point Loma Nazarene University
ODUVEK (Since the Beginning): Roma Narratives of Continuous Discrimination and Perspectives on Identity, Marginalization, and Assimilation in Niš, Serbia, Erin Humphries, Washington University in St. Louis
La Educación Intercultural Bilingüe en Cusco: Un Análisis Crítico del Discurso de Algunos Sectores Involucrados con su Implementación, Maggie Hutchison, Macalester College
The Different Perceptions of Breast Cancer in Post-Conflict Northern Uganda, Karen Im, Emory University
De la Fragmentación a la Unidad: Familias Transnacionales Cochabambinas y las Relaciones a Larga Distancia a Consecuencia de la Migración a los Estados Unidos, Maya Jacob, Brandeis University
Duality in Bouazizi: Appraising the Contradiction, Alec Jacobson, Amherst College
L@s Desaparecid@s No Desaparecen: Testimonios de Familias Desgarradas, Sara Jacobs, American University
Morality, Mathematics, & Music Class: A Case Study of a First Grade Vietnamese Classroom, Emma James, Bowdoin College
Departing From “Education”: Finding Autonomous Learning The Ability for Knowledge that Gives Itself, Matthew Jernigan, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Entre Fronteras Historias Personales de Migración en el Austro de Ecuador, Hannah Johnson
Examining Trends in Taste Preferences, Market Demand, and Annual Catch in an Indigenous Marine Turtle Fishery in Southwest Madagascar, Kristin Jones, Washington State University
Western Influence, Latent Racism, and Their Impact on Access to Health Care in Madagascar, Jessica Joy, Muhlenberg College
Yak, a Green Icon and a Good Investment, Caroline Kang, Smith College
Migration, Vulnerability and Xenophobia: Central African Refugee and Asylum Seekers’ Access to Health Services in Durban, South Africa, Cathy Kaplan, George Washington University
¿Cómo Ganó Piñera la Presidencia de Chile? El Caido de la Concertación y la Subida de la Coalición por el Cambio, Emma Kaplan, Macalester College
La Calidad y Accesibilidad del Agua Potable Rural Chile: Arica – Parinacota, Eileen Kapples, Georgetown University
¿Por qué Participan? Las Motivaciones de Participación de los Miembros de la Corriente Classista Combativa en la Matanza Why Participate? The Motivation to Participate for the Members of the Corriente Classista Combativa in La Matanza., Googie Karrass, Vassar College
Sem Terrinhas No More: The Place of Second Generation MST Settlers in the Agrarian Reform Movement Sem Terrinhas Não Mais: A Posição da Segunda Geração dos Assentados do MST no Movimento de Reforma Agrária, Lorraine Keeler, University of Pittsburgh
La Pobreza Móvil de los Migrantes Shipibo-Conibo: Una Investigación de la Influencia de la Migración en la Cosmovisión Shipibo-Conibo de Canta Gallo-Rímac, Lima, Lauren Kennedy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Rise of the Veil: Islamic Modernity and the Hui Woman, Zainab Khalid, Mount Holyoke College
Las Negociaciones Entre las Comunidades Nativas Machiguengas y la Industria Extractiva Dentro del Proyecto Camisea: Asesorando los Roles de y las Interacciones Entre los Actores, Julia Kim, Brown University
The Economy of Success: Learners’ Attitudes and Behaviors Toward Peer Success and Their Repercussions at Amatigulu High School, Jocelyn Kopfman, The College of Wooster
The Revolutionary Art: Street Art Before and After the Tunisian Revolution, Nicholas Korody, Vassar College
Living for Two: Experiencing Alzheimer’s Disease Through the Caregiver, Jacob Kramer, Johns Hopkins University
“La Percepción Social de VIH/SIDA en Chile y sus Efectos”, Philip Krause, Tulane University
A Case Study of Health Interventions and the Caste System: Addressing the Social Determinants of Health Through Development at Crhp Jamkhed, Laura Kroart, Tufts University
Endangered Heritage and Emergent Ogogo: A Case Study of the “Ulwazi Programme”, Emily Kwong, Columbia University
Reflexiones Sobre la Tristeza y la Preocupación en las Personas Aymara de Putre, Chile, Jordana Laks, Tufts University
Homelessness: A New Culture of Poverty in the Streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Lindsay Lanteri, University of Pittsburgh
Like Crazy: A Writer’s Search for Information and Inspiration, Sarah Lawrence, Muhlenberg College
Seawalls in Samoa: A Look at Their Environmental, Social and Economic Implications, Sawyer Lawson, Bates College
Food Is Life: The Impact of a Changing Food Industry on the Role of Women in the Home, Diana Lay, Whitman College
Mapping Agroforestry Design in Project Tipitamba: The Influence of Spacing on Tree Growth, Joseph Lee, University of California, Los Angeles
Experiencing Samoa Through Stories: Myths and Legends of a People and Place, Samantha Lichtenberg, Skidmore College
A Berber in Agadir: Exploring the Urban/Rural Shift in Amazigh Identity, Thiago Lima, Tufts University
Hacia la Educación Intercultural: Una Investigación Sobre Discursos de Diferencia Cultural en Escuelas de Santiago y las Implicancias Para una Comunidad y Sociedad Diversa, Clara Lippert, Earlham College
Presence of the Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) on Risk Sensitive Foraging of Small Mammals in Forest Ecosystems, Amanda Lu, Harvard University
No Me Conoces: Integración Social de Refugiados Colombianos en Quito, Anna Luberoff, Smith College
A New Face in the Crowd: An Examination on the Social Integration of Children With Disabilities, Christen Maguire, The College of Wooster
W[h]ater You Afraid Of? Fears, Myths and Barriers to Swahili Aquatic Culture, Charlotte Jacqueline Mailly, Smith College
Exploring Marine Conservation Efforts in Tasmania: An Internship With Ocean Planet, Lauren Markram, Skidmore University
When Mountain Bellies Grow Round: Localized Knowledge and Behaviors Facilitating Pregnancy and Childbirth in Phaphlu, Nepal, Cailin Marsden, Marlboro College
Derechos Humanos y la Manera de Defenderlos - Human Rights and the Manner of Defending Them, Savannah Martínez, Trinity University
Medical Pluralism in Morocco: The Cultural, Religious, Historical and Political-Economic Determinants of Health and Choice., Tyler Martinson, Macalester College
“Necesitamos Amar la Autonomía”: Los Retos Que Enfrenta el Desarrollo Autonómico de la Raas, Joshua L. Mayer, Amherst College
Social Support for Young Carers An Analysis of the Available Social Support for Children Caring for AIDS-Sick and Other-Sick Caregivers in Emoyeni, South Africa., Flannery McArdle, Carleton College
Redefinir “Desarrollo Sustentable”: El Caso de un Grande Proyecto Hidroeléctrico, Keely McCaskie, University of Pittsburgh
Public Perceptions of Corruption in Tanzania: How Does the Corruption Perceived by a Sample of People in Arusha, Tanzania Compare to Tanzania’s Transparency International CPI Rating of 3.2 and What Does It Mean for Tanzania?, Kelly L. McDonnell, Skidmore College
Biogas Technology on Uzi Island, Zanzibar: A Feasibility Study, Peter J. McInerney, Skidmore College
Made in Oman: Promoting Manufacturing and Export in the Sultanate of Oman, Tyler Philip Eldridge McWilliam, Loyola University Chicago
“Jamás Será Vencido:” Un Estudio de Caso de la Producción de Deporte y Capital Social del Club Deportivo Unión Jiménez en Valparaíso, Kevin Mechenbier, Harvard University
“ Gimme SAMOA That!”: The Changing Diet in Samoa, Dana Melby, University of Colorado at Boulder
Still Separate and Still Unequal: Community Relations’ Policy in Post-Conflict Northern Ireland, Wilma Metcalf, Duke University
The Benefits of Having an Integrated Health Care System in Madagascar, Elizabeth Miller, University of Iowa
La Reproducción de Desigualdad de Género en los Liceos, Rebecca R. Miller, Brandeis University
Veterinary Issues and Livestock Development in Zanzibar: Farmer Practices and Attitudes, Shuana Milne-Price, Washington University in St. Louis
Sherpa Inc. The Cultural Commoditization of the Sherpa Identity, Melissa Mittelman, Middlebury College
Portraits of the Land: Environmentalism and Contemporary Art in Mongolia, Sarah Morgan
Highlife in the Ghanaian Music Scene: A Historical and Socio-Political Perspective, Micah Motenko, The College of Wooster
El Agua o el Oro: La Lucha por Quimsacocha, Laura Moulton, Macalester College
Let's Talk About It: Political Relationships in Nepal, Benjamin Wolf Lehr Mueser, Goucher College
Women’s Organizations in Tunisia: Transforming Feminist Discourse in a Transitioning State, Caitlin Mulrine, Denison University
Relative Democracy: Rwandan Perspectives on Representative Government, Gabriel C.J.M. Nahmias, Emory University
Employing Empowerment: Developing the Discourse for Women’s Empowerment in Uttarakhand, India, Harriet Napier, Middlebury College
White Water Rafting and Its Role in Entrepreneurship at Bujagali Falls, Alex Nelson, University of Denver
The Cultural Legacy of the Williamite History in the Context of Northern Ireland, John William Nelson, Villanova University
Community Empowerment Through Youth Employment: A Comparative Study of Social Programs for Youth Job Creation, Stacey Nelson, University of Florida
A Field Study of Consociationalism in the Northern Ireland Assembly: A Moderating Influence or Threat to Democracy?, Ellen Louise Noble, Macalester College
Jordan’s Mental Healthcare System, Katherine Nolan, Wellesley College
The Continuously Changing Self: The Story of Surinamese Creole Migration to the Netherlands, Jenise Ogle, Harvard University
The Solid Waste Management System of Jaipur: An Overview and Analysis, Laura Olivier, Washington University in St. Louis
Pragmatism and Inescapable Truth: Young Mongolians’ Perceptions of Chinese, Caroline Olsen, Colorado College
Animal Enrichment Strategies for Promoting Natural Behaviors in Captive Populations of Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus harrisii), Tierney O’Neal, Franklin & Marshall College
“El Tema no Existe”: La Salud Sexual Lésbica en Valparaíso, Chile, Isabel Osgood-Roach, Occidental College
Dipo and Other Rites of Passage in Odumase Krobo, Cam Ostrow, Colby College
The Tourists and the Toured: Identity in Greenmarket Square, Sophia Perlman, Middlebury College
The Successes and Shortcomings of Participatory Slum-Upgrading in Villa 31, Jacob Perten, Washington University in St. Louis
A Foreigner’s Gaze on the Micro-Culture of the Car-Rapide—Senegalese Values vs. Monetary Lust, Merrill Pierce, University of Denver
Street Food Policy in a Growing Economy: A Case Study of Street Food Vendors in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Alexandra J. Pill, Emory University
"Après Dieu, c’est l’Artisan": A Study of Bamikéké Woodcarving in Dschang, Cameroon, Rebecca Potts, Pomona College
Pulling the Cash From Cashmere: Reviving Nepal's Pashmina, Corinne Prevot, Middlebury College
From Pasture to Plate: A Study of the Rituals, Ecology and Economics of Sheep in the Context of Aid Al Adha in Morocco, Carrisa Sue Pritchard, University of Denver