Academic Programs Abroad - Swahili Safari

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Swahili Safari

Program Website
www.forlanglab.lsu.edu/immersion

Program Description
Tanzania is the land of the Kilimanjaro—the roof of Africa. See the Serenget;, the “Cradle of Mankind” (Olduvai Gorge); Ngorongoro Crater, a stunning wonder of the natural world; the Indian Ocean; and more!

The University of Dar-Es-Salaam, where most of the classes are based, is the oldest and largest university in Tanzania. Spend the first two weeks in Bagamoyo, a historic city some twenty miles to the north of Dar-Es-Salaam. It was the first German colonial headquarters, as well as the site that the first Roman Catholic missionaries to mainland Tanzania built their first mission station at, in the 1860s, and it is still there to date. Spend the next two weeks to the north of Dar-Es-Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania, on the Indian Ocean coast of East Africa.

Please note that Tanzania is a developing country. As it is one of the least developed and poorest countries, it would be most unreasonable for program participants to expect super luxurious accommodation, be that in the hotels or in the homes. Nevertheless, what Tanzania has in abundance, and offers readily, is hospitality, warmth, and sharing.

Program Eligibility
2.5 GPA for undergraduates, 3.0 for graduate students.

If you are not an LSU student, you must submit an official copy of your most recent transcript when applying. Space in this program is limited. In the event of over subscription, preference is given to regular, full time LSU students.

Qualified applicants from other institutions are especially welcome. If you are from another institution in Louisiana or are enrolled elsewhere but you are a Louisiana resident, you will be charged in-state tuition and fees. If you are an out-of-state student and do not have a nonresident fee waiver, you will be charged out-of-state tuition.

For students from other universities: If your college/university is a member of the National Student Exchange, you may be eligible for in-state tuition. Please email nse@lsu.edu for more information about the NSE program.

Program Dates
May 22 – July 5, 2010

Locations
For the first two weeks, the program will be based at the Bagamoyo Beach Resort. After the first two weeks, the program is based at the University of Dar es Salaam, with housing provided by host families. Planned excursions include a tour of the city of Dar es Salaam and surrounding areas; Kariakoo Market; Mwenge shopping center; the Village Museum; Mlimani City Shopping Mall; a tour of Mikumi National Wildlife Park; Zanzibar Island’s historical and agricultural sites, including the slave market/Anglican Church; the House of Wonder, and a spice farm.

Courses Offered
Please consult the LSU General Catalog for course descriptions and prerequisites.

AAAS 2003 – Intermediate Swahili Language and Culture III
AAAS 2004 – Intermediate Swahili Language and Culture IV
SWAH 2003 – Intermediate Swahili Language and Culture III
AAAS 2004 – Intermediate Swahili Language and Culture IV

Students take two courses.

Expected Program Costs
$4,500, plus LSU tuition and airfare. The program cost will include housing, most meals (all meals during the first two weeks, breakfast and dinner after that), excursions, and insurance.

Please note: airfare, tuition and incidentals, e.g., visa application fees, are not included in the cost of the program.

Faculty
Mwalimu Deogratias Tungaraza (mwaldeo@lsu.edu), the Program Director of the Swahili Safari program, is a professor in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. He is a Tanzanian national and has directed the program for the last six years.

Application Deadline
March 1, 2010

Application
Swahili Safari