Examine the social, economic, and political impacts of globalization, westernization, and climate change in Oceania.
Program Highlights
Enjoy a weeklong orientation in Hawaii.
Hear diverse perspectives on the human dimensions of climate change and social transitions in the Pacific.
Study in the cradle of Polynesian history and culture.
Experience Pacific Island life during two unique homestays.
Spend significant time interacting with young Pacific Islanders.
See the effects of climate change and tourism on Pacific communities and landscapes on a variety of excursions.
Please visit the SIT Study Abroad website for details on the program courses (including syllabi), educational excursions, and housing.
Independent Study
During the final four weeks of the program, you can choose to use your new language and cultural skills and the academic knowledge you have acquired to complete an Independent Study Project (ISP) on a topic of interest to you.
The ISP is conducted in an approved location in Samoa appropriate to the project. You will work with advisors who have expertise in your chosen area of study.
Sample topics:
The impacts and future of technology in Samoa
Sustainable agricultural practices and their impact on local villages
Attitudes of youth to tradition and change
Resilience and adaptation to climate change
Natural disasters and vulnerability
Microfinance and the importance of social networks
Impact of climate change on the Samoan language
Key Topics of Study
Climate change, vulnerability, and resilience In Oceania
Changing values and perspectives on wealth, poverty, and social class
Economic, social, and political challenges for Samoan women
Education and social change
Varying perspectives on communal, individual, and human rights in Samoa
Freedom of religion and how it plays out in a predominantly Christian society in the Pacific
Social, economic, and health issues youth face
The role of authors, artists, and poets in contemporary social and environmental issues
Changing land use patterns and the development of indigenous business in an era of global development and investment capital
The changing matai system and the rule of law
Money Matters
Be sure to discuss how study abroad costs are handled at your school with your study abroad advisor.
SIT tuition and room and board fees include the following:
All educational costs, including educational excursions
All accommodations and meals for the full program duration
Transportation to and from the airport, and on all educational excursions
Health and accident insurance
Scholarships:
SIT awards nearly $1.6 million in scholarships and grants annually.
All scholarships and grants are need-based.
Awards generally range from $500 to $5,000.
The SIT Pell Grant Match provides matching grants to all students receiving Federal Pell Grant funding when it is applied to an SIT Study Abroad semester program.
Contact the financial aid and/or study abroad office(s) at your college or university to learn if your school’s scholarships and grants and federal and state aid programs can be applied to an SIT Study Abroad program.
