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 2007
Democracy on the Steppe: A Search for Active Local Citizenship in Rural Mongolia, Matthew D. Simonson, Williams College
The Collective Right of Indigenous Peoples to Self-Determination In Accordance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Lena-Katharina Skandera, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Black Identity Formation as Racial Politics in São Luis, Maranhão, Brazil, Ariel Sloan, Harvard University
A Case Study of Pediatric Diarrhea at Murchison District Hospital in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, T. Smith, Hamilton College
The Individual Psychology of Tibetan Buddhism, Lee Spivak, Bates College
Cuando Viene el Agua: Percepciones de los Impactos Sociales del Proyecto Hidroeléctrico “Chan-75” en las Comunidades Ubicadas en la Cuenca del Río Changuinola, Bocas del Toro, Jeffery D. Stein, Wesleyan University
Returning Home: The Makings of a Repatriate Consciousness, Hope Steinman-Iacullo, Wesleyan University
En Busca de Equilibrio: Una Evaluación del Componente de Salud Intercultural del Programa Orígenes en la Primera Fase, Sarah Stellberg, Whitman College
A Través de Nuestros Ojos: Un Estudio Fotográfico de Niños Trabajadores en Cochabamba, Bolivia, Margaret Ann Stewart, College of Wooster
Sustainable Surfboards, Sean Sullivan, Bowdoin College
Radio Sawa in Jordan: Different Perceptions, Together?, Michael Turner, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Policing the Police: Democracy and Effective Methods of Accountability in Post-Apartheid South Africa, Alaina Varvaloucas, Yale University
The Musician Is the Messenger: Islam and Jaliya in Mandinka Music, Blake Walker, Northwestern University
Power-Sharing, Stability and the May 8th Devolution Day, Christopher A, Walker, Washington & Jefferson College
Structural and Financial Constraints for Arabica Coffee Planters, Chloe Wardropper, Wesleyan University
Preludes to Violence: A Comparative Look at the Pre-Maquis Period and Contemporary Cameroonian Society, Mathew Welch, Pomona College
Economy of Change: The Organic Market as a Model for Agricultural Development in India, Amanda White, New York University
Tertiary Education for Sustainability: Four Australian Universities’ Commitment to Sustainability, Meredith Wilensky, Washington University in St Louis
Priming the Printing Press: The Growing Print Media in Bhutan, Philippa Wood, George Washington University
An Observational Analysis of Psychosocial Behaviors and Caregiver Responses in the Durban Children’s Home, Sarah Young, Bates College
Local and National Health Advancement Using the Power of Sport in South Africa, Lisa Zook, Davidson College
Submissions from 2006
Interpreting Nature in Australia Through Poetry: A Personal Anthology Written Within the Erosion Caldera of Northern New South, Kyla Allon, Connecticut College
“I Don’t Hate Them, They Hate Me”— A Study on the Perceptions of Homeless People in Melbourne and the Implications Those Perceptions Have, Devin Arthur, College of Charleston
Muslim Women’s Religious and Feminist Identities: A Study of Muslim Feminism in the Bosnian Context, María Lis Baiocchi, College of the Atlantic
The Art of Politics: Portraits of Ethiopian Emperors Throughout History, Anna Barrera, Northwestern University
Volviéndose Rebelde: Participación Política Juvenil La Historia de Participación Política de la Juventud Nicaragüense: 1975-2006 Recurring Rebellion: Youth Political Participation in Nicaragua, Julia Beaufait, Eugene Lang College- The New School
Não Sou Sua Puta: An Examination of Preconceptions of Sex Work In Salvador, Bahia, Charmaine Bee, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
¿Hay Mujeres en las Minas? En Busca de Oportunidades Económicas Para la Mujer en la Minería del Cobre Pública y Privada de Chile, Leah Bell, Guilford College
Loaning Health: The Effectiveness of Microfinance as an HIV/AIDS Intervention Method in Kibera Slums, Lara Berlin, Yale University
Transnational Citizenship: Perspectives on Migration in the Greek Cypriot Community, Molly Bowen, Macalester College
Current Issues in Healthcare in Samoa “Making-Do With What Is Available”, Veronica Braden, University of Colorado at Boulder
Roma Education in Serbia: The Implications of Prejudice and Ethnic Conflict and the Potential for Change, Shane Branon, Drew University
La Otra Camina Educativa: Being a Change to Teach a Change at SIIDENOFAL/CIDECI in San Cristóbal, Chiapas, Kailee Brickner-McDonald, College of William and Mary
The Development of Weaning Practices Among Women of the Mombasa District, Its Effects on Children’s Public Health Issues, and the Proposition of Intervention Plans, Rachael Bryan, Wake Forest University
The Development of Bilingual Education in Berlin’s Primary Schools, Elizabeth Buckley, Rollins College
The Black Question, Nicole L. Butler, Loyola University Chicago
Working with the Tabu: HIV/AIDS Education Strategies in Fiji, Amanda Butts, Ithaca College
Wild Bird Banding and Testing for Avian Influenza in the Plain of Reeds, Vietnam, Kyle Campbell, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Traditional Practices and Governmental Responsibilities: An Investigation Into the Evolving Partnership Between Indigenous Brazilian Midwives and State-Provided Maternal Healthcare Services, Caitlin Canfield, Carleton College
Peace Through Music: Music and Multiculturalism in Fiji, Felice Carey, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Women’s Literacy in Ngaoundéré, Cameroon, Brianne Carpenter, Hope College
Malo le Folauga Brain Drain: A New Perspective, Mirna Carrillo, Occidental College
Cross-Cultural Encounters: Gringos and Ladinos in Zapatista Territory, Amy Chin, Williams College
Out of the Darkness: A Look at Violence and Politics Through the Experience of the UVF, Alec Chiquoine, Beloit College
Contemporary Art in Samoa: The Role of Personal Expression, Christina Cioffari, Skidmore College
Raising the Future: An Introduction to Three Organizations Caring for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Using the Cluster Foster Care Model In Kwa-Zulu Natal, Madelaine Colby-Newton, Bethel University
Malaria Prevention and Treatment in the Province of Toliara, Madagascar: A Socioeconomic and Cultural Perspective of Supermoustiquaire Use and Healing, Lily Conover, Bates College
Faleoloa Laititi: The Role of Small Shops in a Developing Samoa, Nicholas K. Courtney, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Campesinas en Resistencia: Estrategias de Sobrevivencia Para Construir una Cultura de Paz, Camia Crawford, Brown University
Dutty Wine: Ooman Big Up or Dis?, Nicole Cruz, Brandeis University
The Missing Piece: Understanding Nairobi’s Traditional Medical Practitioners, Mufaddal Dahodwala, Swarthmore College
Letters of the Bush: A Case Study of Traditional Setswana Herbal Medicine, Kristen Danley, Carleton College
Knowledge and Social Movements: Promotoras Populares and Social Transformation Beyond the Classroom of Grupo de Mulher Maravilha (GMM), Shanna Devine, Occidental College
Una Reflexión Sobre la Responsabilidad Extracontractual del Estado en el Ecuador, Christopher Dinkel, Pomona College
Sea Urchin Predation in Misali Island Marine Park, Nicole Esclamado, Harvey Mudd College
The Cyprus Property Issue: A Study on Proactive Steps to a Resolution, Anya Esmaili, University of Redlands
Dai Medicine: Preservation of and Changes in Ancient Healing Practices, Geoffroy Fauchet
“Sou Doméstica:” Construções de Identidade e Saúde das Trabalhadoras Domésticas Salvador, Bahia Brasil, Jenny Fauci, Harvard University
Migrant Working Children in Ho Chi Minh City: Emerging Trends Between Economic Migrant and Runaway Child Workers, Paige Fern, Georgetown University
Casa da Mulher do Nordeste: Feminist Visions of Development, Sarah Frazer, University of Richmond
La Economía Solidaria: Ayudando a las Mujeres a Cambiar su Destino de Pobreza, Michele Frix, University of Washington - Seattle Campus
Here, There, and Everywhere: Tale-ing Liz Weir; Uses of Storytelling in Northern Ireland Today, Leanne Gaffney, Harvard University
Chinese Landscape Painting, Maria Gambarov, Williams College
From Soldiers of War to Soldiers of Peace: La Red de Promotores de Paz y Desarrollo, Stephanie Gharakhanian, University of Notre Dame
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish: The Economic and Environmental Impacts of Commercial Fishing, Jessica Glenn, Bucknell University
The Art of Building Peace: How the Visual Arts Aid Peace-Building Initiatives in Cyprus, Daniella Gold, Brandeis University
Mormonism in Samoa: Cultural Dialogues, Jessica Goman, Macalester College
Stones, Slabs, and Stelae: The Origins and Symbolism of Contemporary Oromo Burial Practice and Grave Art, Christopher Grant, University of Chicago
De Movimiento Político a Cooperativa Una Investigación de la Evolución del MTD-La Matanza, Will Greene, Stanford University
What is Available vs. What is Accessible: An Evaluation of Resources for KwaZulu Natal Diabetics Based on the Data of KwaZulu Natal Experts and Cato Manor Diabetics, Mollie Gurian, Carleton College
Uma Doença Esquecida: A Falta de Conhecimento da Hanseníase no Brasi, Anders Gustafson, Davidson College
Percepciones de la Clase Obrera Acerca de la Central Unitaria de Trabajadores, Timothy Hatfield, Kenyon College
Neutrality in Ireland: The War on Terror, the Use of Shannon Airport and the Irish Anti-War Movement, Margaret Havemann, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
¿Resolver la Tragedia de las Comunas? La Experiencia de la Caleta El Quisco, Amelia Hawkins, Wiliams College
Bienes Raíces en la Comuna de Pucón, Brendan Hayes, Duke University
The Effects of the Makgadikgadi Wildlife Fence on Cattle Populations and Local Cattle Industry, Jenny Hazelhurst and Elliot Vander Kolk, University of California - San Diego, Claremont McKenna College
Nieuwe Moslima’s: Gender Discourse, Identity, and Conversion in the Netherlands, Jenna Henderson, Yale University
Democratic Control of Armed Forces: An Analysis of the Role of the Parliamentary Assembly in the Defense Reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elisabeth Hubbard, Davidson College
La Política Comercial de la República Oriental de Uruguay: La Integración en el MERCOSUR y las Negociaciones de Libre Comercio con los Estados Unidos, Patrick Hudson, University of Virginia - Main Campus
Voices From the Closet: Male Homosexuality and Dual Identity in the Republic of Cyprus, Tasia Jelatis-Hoke, Macalester College
Nutrient Recycling: Rural On-Site Wastewater Disposal and Treatment in Can Tho City, Viet Nam, Micah Johnson, Berea College
Nixi: A Case Study of the Influences of China’s Economic Development on the Fringe of Tibet, Zachary Johnson, Plymouth State College
Antipodean Inscapes: Reflection of the Land as a Young Man, Michael Kantor, Vassar College
State-Sponsored Terror and Security Force Collusion in Northern Ireland, Nate Keenan, St. Michael's College
Climbing the Limitless Mountain: Daoism and the Internal Martial Arts, Sophie Kerman, Carleton College
Individual Responsibility Concerning HIV Transmission Among MSM: A Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of NGO Intervention Policies and Their Practical Applications Within the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Netherlands, Martha Kienbaum, Smith College
La Economía Solidaria: Las Limitaciones, las Contribuciones, y los Valores Comunes de una respuesta inherentemente local Dos estudios de campo, Alissa Kimmel, Wesleyan University
Outing the Center: Homophobia in Jamaica, Jamilah King, Pitzer College
Education for Survival: Roma and Hopes for the Future, Keevan Labowitz, University of California - Santa Cruz
Male Istine: A Collection of Short Stories and Prose Exhibiting Pre-War Lifestyles, Experiences, Ideals, & Memories, Adriana LeBaron, University of San Francisco
Fire Making Fuel: How a Surface Fire in a Primary Forest Affected the Availability of Potential Fuel One Year Later, Alex Leckie, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Learning to Fight: The MST’s Escola Nacional and its Pedagogy of Resistance, Marisol León, Yale University
La Medicina Mapuche: Cosmovisión e Identidad, Pérdida y Recuperación, Claudia Grace Lesser, Wesleyan University
La Ley de Maternidad Gratuita en Intag: Su Aplicación, Educación y Uso, Stephanie Lewis, Gustavus Adolphus College
How to Bridge the Gap: An Analysis of the Coverage and Efficacy of Volunteer Counseling and Testing Centers in Suba District, Kenya, Joseph Lippi, Boston University
Corruption in Montenegro Untangling the Knot, Anna Lipton Galbraith, Wesleyan University
Decision Modeling: Why farmers Do or Do Not Convert to Organic Farming, Ryan Locke, University of Richmond
Pedro Almodóvar y la Representación de la Mujer Española, Eric López, Harvard University
“Beauty” as a Public Health Concern: An Analysis of the Internalization and Effects of the Western Beauty Ideal in Nairobi, Kenya, Elizabeth Lownik, University of Dayton
Una Investigación de las Políticas Públicas en la Argentina Dirigidas Hacia la Prevención del Delito en Comunidades Vulnerables: En Estudio de Caso en Villa Tranquila de Avellaneda y el Barrio Pampa en Lanús, Camilia Lozano, Denison University