International Justice, Identity, and Sustainable Development in Rural Tanzania
Location: Karagwe District, Tanzania
Dates: February 1 – May 7, 2010
Faculty Leader: Dr. Graham Hubbs
Academic Credits: 6 Philosophy, 9 Political Science, 3 Swahili (Optional)
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 the Eden Centre for Appropriate Technology. The Eden Centre accommodations include limited electrical supply, sporadic internet access, temperate showers, and pit latrine toilets. The Eden Centre is safe and secure.
Travel Highlights: Program includes travel to Kampala,Uganda’s Muburu National Game Park, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Stonetown.
Overview
Spend a semester living in rural Africa; study the Philosophy underpinning international law, ethics, and our localized identities; 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 five or six courses worth three credits each, to earn a total of fifteen to eighteen 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 International Justice; Nationalism, Internationalism, and Identity; Global Service-Learning, and Professional Field Placements. Together, these courses provide theoretical and applied insights in respect to international ethics and the development efforts of governmental, private sector, and nongovernmental organizations. The Global Service-Learning course focuses on the relationship between individual ethics, local social service efforts, and international dilemmas. The Philosophy and Political Science courses are taught in English by local and expatriate instructors.
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 was cooperated with community organization 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. The Eden Centre for Appropriate Technology is located on the spine of a mountain range, approximately one hour over dirt road past the end of the energy grid (although energy is provided at the Eden Centre through a wind turbine that Amizade helped install).
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 nongovernment 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 Fee: $12,000*
Apply Now to Ensure Your Spot (pdf)
Program Tuition Includes:
- Course delivery and instruction accredited through West Virginia University
- Accommodations at the Eden Centre for Appropriate Technology
- Three meals per day
- Multiple field trips during semester and scheduled educational, cultural and service activities
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Additional Program Related Expenses:
- Airfare to Kampala, Uganda and from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and travel related expenses
- Applicable passport or visa fees
- Course textbooks, course packet and materials
- Supplemental meals or snacks
- Personal spending money
*West Virginia University students automatically receive a $1,270 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.
