SIT Programs
Background
Established in 1964, the School for International Training (SIT) is fully accredited graduate school based in Brattleboro, Vermont:www.sit.edu. In addition to its degree programs, SIT offers a wide variety of semester-long undergraduate study programs around the world. The majority of SIT's study options are located in developing nations; each program is interdisciplinary in its approach and focuses on a theme relevant to the host country. Field-based learning is the cornerstone of SIT's pedagogy with each program integrating classroom study (language and thematic seminar) with guided field study and an independent research project.
All SIT programs have on-site resident staff who oversee the academic and cultural components of the program, conduct thorough orientation sessions, organize excursions and provide ongoing support to program participants. SIT's Fall semester programs generally begin the first week of September and end in mid-December. Spring semester programs generally begin the first of February and end in mid-May.
UW Sponsored Programs
The UW has pre-approved the majority of SIT's semester long programs for credit. All approved SIT programs are included in the IPE's website listing of UW study options and link to this page. However, there are also programs offered by SIT that are not listed among the UW's sponsored options for which you can receive UW credit.
- For details about a specific SIT program, please visit SIT's website at: www.sit.edu/studyabroad/
- For details about participating in and receiving credit for a SIT program that does not have UW pre-approval please visit: http://ipe.washington.edu/domestic/ufos.html
Eligibility
All UW students with sophomore standing or above at the time of application who have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and who meet language and/or subject requirements of the program are eligible to apply. Pre-requisites vary by program and are posted on the SIT website: www.sit.edu/studyabroad. Students who have recently transferred to UW must complete a minimum of one quarter of study at the UW prior to submitting an application to study abroad. SIT requires a minimum of one year of college study prior to application.
Academic Credit
All students participating on SIT programs must be concurerently enrolled at the UW during their term(s) of study abroad. As a concurrently enrolled student, you will earn regular UW credit, as opposed to transfer credit, for your work. Prior to your departure, we encourage you to meet with your regular academic advisor to discuss how credits earned from your SIT program will contribute to your degree progress at the UW. Students participating on programs for which Spanish credit will be awarded are required to meet with the Spanish Department advisor prior to departure.
All grades for courses completed abroad will be reported on a SIT transcript and the student's UW transcript regardless of the final mark or need for credit. Students on SIT semester programs earn the equivalent of two quarters worth of UW credit. Final assignment of the credits earned and the course titles will be made by the appropriate academic department(s) at the UW.
Application Instructions
SIT application forms and instructions can be downloaded from the SIT website: www.sit.edu/studyabroad. Please submit the following SIT application materials to the IPE office in 459 Schmitz Hall by the application deadline:
- Application - to include:
- Application Form
- Two 300-500 word essays
- Independent Study Proposal
- Homestay Information Sheet and Letter
- Spoken Language Self-Assessment
- Official Transcript(s): Include all post-secondary schools attended
- Approval of Participation Form
- Two (2) Academic References
Once complete, please submit your SIT application and supporting documents to IPE. After your application has been entered into the IPE database and a file has been made on your behalf, IPE will send an email requesting that you schedule an appointment with an IPE advisor. The purpose of the appointment is to assess your personal and educational objectives; to verify that your application is complete and that you meet all eligibility requirements; and provide you with details about program payments and orientation dates. Final admission decisions are made SIT program staff in Battleboro, Vermont. IPE will mail your application to SIT following the appointment.
Fees and Payment Procedures
SIT: SIT program fees include the cost of tuition, full room and board, field trips and related fares, basic health and accident insurance and transportation for program-related activities. Program fees vary by country and site and are posted on the SIT website. Detailed information about payment obligations, procedures and schedules will be included in the Payment Contract and Terms of Participation to be provided upon your admissions screen by an IPE advisor. All SIT program fees will be charged to your UW student account. Program payments should be made the UW Students Accounts Office in 129 Schmitz Hall.
IPE: UW students accepted to SIT programs pay an IPE fee of $300 per semester. This fee is charged in addition to your SIT program fees and in lieu of UW tuition.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial Aid
Most forms of UW financial aid including loans, grants, and veteran's benefits can be applied to the costs of SIT programs. If you are a financial aid ricipient, you can defer the due date of your SIT program payment until your financial aid disburses.
To arrange a deferment, students must complete a Payment Deferment Agreement with an IPE fiscal specialist. Students can schedule an appointment with a fiscal specialist by the IPE office during regular office hours: Monday - Friday from 10AM to 4PM. You can reach the IPE at (206)221-4404.
As the tuition, room and board, and travel expenses associated with participation on the SIT program exceed the amount of financial aid that is awarded for the same period of study at the UW, students should consider submitting a Financial Aid Revision Request to qualify for additional aid. To do so, students should pick up a budget sheet from the IPE office and submit it along with the revision request form (available in the Financial Aid Office). The revision request should be submitted for consideration to the Financial Aid Office in 105 Schmitz Hall.
Scholarships
IPE Scholarship: The IPE scholarship awards are merit-based. Application forms are available in the IPE Office or can be downloaded from the IPE website: www.ipe.washington.edu.
To research other funding options for study abroad, please contact the Undergraduate Scholarship Office located in Mary Gates Hall. You can also schedule an appointment with an IPE fiscal specialist to discuss specific financial aid and scholarship questions.
Application Deadlines
SIT admits students to its programs on a rolling basis. As SIT's programs are small (limited to 15 students) and popular, many fill in advance of their published application deadlines.
Please note that UW application deadlines for SIT programs are earlier than SIT's posted deadlines.
Fall Semester: January 1
Spring Semester: May 1
Application may be accepted after the deadline on a space available basis.