SIT Study Abroad: Chile: Public Health, Traditional Medicine

I chose SIT Study Abroad’s Public Health, Traditional Medicine, and Community Empowerment program in Arica, Chile because of its focus on immersive experiential learning. The program incorporated several extended field visits to many places across Chile where I was able to learn about public health in both urban and rural contexts, as well as improve my Spanish-speaking abilities. The program staff are very organized and incredibly kind and welcoming- they took great care of us. I was also able to travel outside of Chile: one of my favorite experiences was traveling to Peru with a few friends during our spring break to see Machu Picchu!

I absolutely loved this study abroad program, and would recommend it highly to anyone considering exploring public health in a meaningful way! The coursework was very manageable with LOTS of real world experience, and the program really integrates you both into Chilean life and traditional medicine practice. My host family was incredible, I loved the cohort of students I was privileged to study abroad with, and I have zero regrets about the experience! If you want to get out of your comfort zone and come away with a life-changing public health experience, this is the program for you!

This study abroad opportunity was absolutely amazing. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by the program staff. The program offered opportunities for group travel that included both cultural immersion and some opportunity for tourism as well. Additionally, I really enjoyed the field learning - many normal classroom activities were instead in local clinics or other areas. The program was almost completely in Spanish, which made me very nervous, but my Spanish improved more in 4 months than it had in the past 4 years. The opportunity was amazing and I would do it again.