Location: Karagwe, Tanzania
Faculty Leader: Caitlin Newman, M.A.
Service Opportunities: Work with sustainable agriculture efforts, water harvesting initiatives, a women’s rights organization, or support teachers in local schools
Housing: Dormitory-type housing at a local NGO. Accommodations include usually reliable electrical supply, near limited internet access, and temperate showers. Accommodation is safe and secure.
Travel Highlights: Program includes travel to Kigali, a safari experience, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Stonetown.
Application: registration for this course is now closed
Overview
Spend a semester living in rural Africa; study sustainable development and community and international development; develop Swahili skills; explore the reality of development work through a field placement with a community organization; and explore the country and culture through field trips and community events.
Academic Courses
Tanzania semester students enroll in three or four courses worth three credits each, to earn a total of twelve to fifteen credits during the term. The optional three credits are dedicated to Swahili language instruction, in which students are accommodated at all levels of language learning, from introductory to advanced. The remaining courses include Sustainable Development; Global Service-Learning, and Professional Field Placements. Together, these courses provide theoretical insights and practical experience in, critical pedagogy, political ecology, and sustainable development.
Integrated Community Service
You will have a number of service options and opportunities in human needs and community development. Amizade has identified opportunities to work and serve with organizations that promote women’s rights, sustainable development, and water harvesting. Additionally, there are teaching-support opportunities with local schools. You will be placed with the organization of your choice taking into account your experience and the needs of the organizations.
Location
Amizade has cooperated with community organizations in Karagwe District, Tanzania since 2003. The Karagwe District covers a large area between the west coast of Lake Victoria and the eastern boarder of Rwanda. A mountain range with heights near 4,500 feet exists through much of the region. Temperatures are often very comfortable and temperate, and the region typically experiences cycles of dry and rainy seasons.
As a Tanzania semester student, you will challenge yourself. You will study abroad in a region most Americans will never see, nor imagine accurately. You will live in a resource-scarce rural environment, and you will also have opportunities to experience urban Africa. You’ll be able to begin introductory Swahili, and you’ll struggle through the intellectual challenges of global ethics. You’ll work with non-government organizations committed to locally-driven development in a variety of ways, and you’ll have the opportunity to consider your experiences with an established development professional. You’ll try to help address shocking economic poverty, you’ll experience Tanzania’s profoundly welcoming and warm culture, you’ll see African Animals, and you’ll visit Zanzibar. The experience will be incredibly enriching and profoundly challenging.
Program Tuition Includes:
- Course delivery and instruction accredited through West Virginia University
- Accommodations
- Three meals per day
- An incredible camping safari experience through the Serengeti
- A visit to Zanzibar beaches, time in Arusha, Kigali, and Dar es Salaam
- Multiple field trips during semester and scheduled educational, cultural and service activities
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Additional Program Related Expenses:
- Airfare to Kigali, Rwanda and from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and travel related expenses
- Internal flight from Arusha – Dar es Salaam
- Applicable passport or visa fees
- Course textbooks, course packet and materials
- Transcript fees
- Supplemental meals or snacks
- Personal spending money
*West Virginia University students automatically receive a $1,250 scholarship toward the Tanzania Semester Program. West Virginia Promise Scholarship funding may be applied toward program costs and Eberly College Students are eligible for Enrichment Grants.