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SIT Study Abroad/IHP Death and Dying: Perspectives, Practices & Policies (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Accra, Ghana
  • Program Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Program Sponsor: SIT/World Learning 
  • Restrictions: Hope College applicants only
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2026 10/15/2025 ** Rolling Admission 01/26/2026 05/10/2026
Fall 2026 03/15/2026 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Minimum GPA: 2.5 Language of Instruction: English
Housing Options: Guest House, Homestay, Hostel, Residence Hall Areas of Study: Art, Fine Art, Humanities, International Studies, Liberal Arts, Philosophy, Religion/Theology, Sociology
Class Standing: 2. Sophomore, 3. Junior, 4. Senior Program Type: Study
Program: Direct
Program Description:

SIT Study Abroad: IHP Death & Dying: Perspectives, Practices, & Policies


Through a life-affirming exploration of the meanings of death, examine how this “taboo” topic inspires artistic expression and social movements and reinforces cultural identities.
 

WHY A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DEATH AND DYING?

The subject of death is so taboo in American culture that people use metaphors to avoid talking about it while also using death-laden language in everyday communication. This contradiction leaves many Americans death illiterate, with limited functional knowledge of the process of death and dying, the psychology of bereavement, or end-of-life planning. Travel to New York City and three countries with higher levels of death acceptance, Ghana, Mexico, and Indonesia, to understand how cultural practices, social policies, and creative communities confront and celebrate death. 

Start in New York City where you will meet deathcare workers, dark tourism operators, community organizers, and spiritual leaders to understand death and dying on a neighborhood and national scale. In Ghana, explore how death is viewed as a celebration of life, while investigating the ethics of dark tourism and how historical traumas impact Ghana and the U.S. Your next stop is Mexico where you will witness how Indigenous beliefs and Catholicism contribute to contemporary attitudes, rituals, and practices and how grassroots organizers advocate for people preparing to die. Lastly, in Indonesia learn about perspectives on death where the line between life and death lies in a gray area as shown through contemporary practices and traditional art. 

Please visit the SIT Study Abroad website for details on the program highlights and details of coursework, educational excursions, and housing.
 

MONEY MATTERS

SIT is an all-inclusively priced study abroad program – including academics costs, excursions, accommodations, airport transfers, and health insurance. Be sure to discuss how study abroad costs are handled at your school with your study abroad advisor and read the website for more specific information.
 

SCHOLARSHIPS

SIT has awarded an average of over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students in the past three years. All scholarships and grants are need-based. Awards generally range from $500 to $5,000.

 

CONTACT SIT STUDY ABROAD


Read more about our admissions process here.
 

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