Programs : Brochure
- Locations: Geneva, Switzerland
- Program Terms: Fall, Spring
- Homepage: Click to visit
About the Program | Dates and Costs |
Eligibility | Application Process |
Academics | Visa Information |
Accommodations |
About the School for International Training (SIT)
SIT Study Abroad, a Richmond affiliate program, is the pioneer of experiential, field-based study abroad. Students selecting SIT programs will have the opportunity to explore another language and culture while engaging in interdisciplinary coursework and conducting fieldwork, with their efforts culminating in a month-long Independent Study Project (ISP). SIT offers many programs in Europe, but typically the only available site for Richmond students is Switzerland (the Balkans multi-country program may be approved on a case-by-case basis). The Switzerland visa process takes time, so it is important to apply early if you are interested in this program. For more information, please see: http://www.sit.edu/studyabroad/.
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See SIT website for details about the SIT program model, which you should carefully read to make sure SIT is the right program for you.
Depending on which Switzerland program students select (either 'Global Health and Development Policy' OR 'International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy'), students typically may be able to take coursework involving subject matter in the following: Anthropology, Economics (A&S), Environmental Studies, European Studies, French, International Studies, Minority Studies, Peace & Conflict Studies, Political Science, Pre-Health, Public Health, Social Policy & Administration, Women's/Gender Studies.
For course details relevant to each specific program, you should consult the SIT website at http://studyabroad.sit.edu/sn/programs/.
Students on SIT programs normally take 16 credit hours. All credit will be transferred back to UR using the Conversion to Units system.To determine the unit value of an SIT course, the following formula will be used by the University of Richmond Registrar's Office: semester hours/3.5, round up to nearest tenth of a unit. A 3-semester credit course will be transferred back to Richmond as .9 units. A 4-semester course will be transferred back as 1.2 units.
Grading Scale
Students are graded using the U.S. system. Credit for grades lower than "C" will not be transferred back to the University of Richmond.
Students live with host families. See here for additional information about the homestay on the International Studies program, and here for additional information about the homestay on the Global Health program.
Click on the link to learn more about Dates and Costs for SIT.
Students applying for SIT programs will need to complete the online UR Office of Int'l Education (OIE) application (by clicking the "Apply Now" button), which will include an interview by a UR faculty member designated to work with UR students applying for SIT programs (applicants will be contacted with details). After receiving conditional acceptance by UR, students will also need to complete an SIT application.
To make this dual-process easier, the OIE will allow students to submit the SIT Academic Reference rather than the OIE-format letter (so your faculty do not have to write two letters). Students should simply skip the recommendation portion of the OIE application process and should provide faculty with the blank SIT form instead, instructing them to submit the completed letter to the OIE.
Once the OIE has finished evaluating the letter, it will be forwarded to SIT to be attached to your SIT application. We will also forward to SIT the official UR transcript you submit to the OIE. Students should apply early, if possible, to allow time to complete both applications, as SIT programs are known to fill early. Questions? Email abergman@richmond.edu.
Students are required to apply for a student visa prior to departure. Do this in a timely manner! SIT generally provides some information about the visa process to admitted students, but in most cases students are ultimately responsible for completing the paperwork.
For More Information
To learn more about SIT programs available, contact Amy Bergmann in the Office of International Education.
This document represents the most accurate information available at the time of publication. Statements contained herein are not contractual obligations, and verbal or other representations that are inconsistent with or not contained within the document are not binding. The University of Richmond reserves the right to change without specific notice programs and the conditions under which they are offered.