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SIT Graduate Institute

Brattleboro, VT

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1964
Founded
Private, Graduate, Study abroad
Type
558
Undergrad
82
Graduate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Carol Jenkins (acting)

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About SIT Graduate Institute

Pioneering global change through experiential education and a legacy of international service.

SIT Graduate Institute stands as a beacon for those seeking to make a tangible impact on the world. Born from the vital mission of the Peace Corps in 1964, SIT began as a crucial training ground in Vermont, quickly evolving to offer cutting-edge graduate programs that blended immersive learning with real-world application. Today, it remains a private, graduate, and study abroad institution, dedicated to fostering global citizenship and professional excellence.

From its foundational role in training early Peace Corps volunteers, SIT swiftly recognized the emerging need for specialized education in international contexts. By 1969, it launched groundbreaking graduate programs like International Career Training (ICT) and Masters in Teaching Languages (MAT), including the then-novel field of Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). This commitment to innovation continued with the experiential World Issues Program (WIP) for undergraduates, demonstrating SIT's long-standing dedication to hands-on learning that prepares students for complex global challenges.

SIT's academic strengths are rooted in its interdisciplinary approach and global reach. Its Programs in Intercultural Management (PIM), evolved from ICT, offer diverse specializations ranging from Peace and Conflict Transformation to Sustainable Development and Social Justice. The MAT program, renowned for its Teacher Knowledge Project and TESOL Certificate, continues to shape educators capable of working with diverse language learners worldwide. Students benefit from global internships and student teaching opportunities, embodying SIT's philosophy that true understanding comes from direct experience. The institute proudly counts Nobel Peace Prize laureates among its alumni and trustees, reflecting the caliber of its community and the impact of its mission.

At SIT Graduate Institute, the student experience is defined by a collaborative, globally-minded community and a curriculum designed to prepare leaders for international careers. Whether through rigorous on-campus study or immersive field experiences around the globe, SIT equips its graduates with the skills, knowledge, and ethical framework to drive positive change in a dynamic world.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1964 as the first training site for the newly-founded Peace Corps.
  • Pioneered graduate programs in International Career Training (ICT) and Masters in Teaching Languages (MAT) in 1969, including a new specialty in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL).
  • Developed an experiential learning model, exemplified by its World Issues Program (WIP), which ran for 26 graduating classes.
  • Alumni and trustees include Nobel Peace Prize winners Jody Williams (MAT graduate) and Wangari Maathai (former Trustee Emerita).
  • Offers global internships and student teaching opportunities across various international sites, emphasizing practical, real-world experience.
  • Known for its Programs in Intercultural Management (PIM) with specializations in areas like Peace and Conflict Transformation, Social Justice, and Sustainable Development.

Timeline

1964
Established in Vermont, serving as the first training site for the newly-founded Peace Corps.
1968
Returned Peace Corps volunteers began requesting a degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL).
1969
Developed two graduate programs: International Career Training (ICT) and Masters in Teaching Languages (MAT).
1972
MAT students began developing student teaching sites around the world, expanding global reach.
1973
Developed the undergraduate World Issues Program (WIP), based on an experiential learning model.
1999
The last World Issues Program (WIP) class graduated.
Late 1990s
The MAT department created the Teacher Knowledge Project to promote reflective teaching and experiential learning.
🏛️
62 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Carol Jenkins (acting)
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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