Maymester in Tanzania

Maymester in Tanzania is a study abroad experience designed for a wide range of Purdue students. The four-week program offers a range of exciting experiences, including immersion in Tanzanian culture, teaching in local schools, education in all things Tanzanian (e.g., language, culture, history, education), living on the Indian Ocean, and weekend excursions (including camping trips and a four-day safari to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater).

Students earn up to 9 credits, including the following possible courses: 

(1) African Literature (fulfills an Elementary and English Education "English Literature" requirement)

(2) International Comparative Education (fulfills Category B in the COE Global Studies Minor)

(3) Global Studies Seminar (fulfills Category D in the COE Global Studies Minor)

(4) Language/Culture/Gen Ed sequence credits in the College of Science

(5) Teaching Mathematics in the Secondary School I (for mathematics education students)

(6) Education for Conservation: Focus on East Africa

(7) Other elective, independent study, and honors courses (on a case-by-case basis)

Program Website:  http://www.edci.purdue.edu/tanzania/

Preliminary Itinerary 

Day 1                                                

Travel to Fish Eagle Point (Tanga, Tanzania)

Day 2

Orientation

Days 3-20           

Working in Local Schools, Afternoon Classes at Fish Eagle Point, Weekend activities

Day 21                                             

Travel to Arusha

Days 22-25                                         

Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Day 26

Shopping and Orphanage Visit (Arusha, Tanzania)

Day 27                                                                                                                     

Depart Tanzania

Applying for the Program 

Students must apply to the program by providing the following materials to the program leader (Jill Newton - janewton@purdue.edu): (1) a statement from their advisor attesting to good academic standing, (2) the names of two Purdue professors who are willing to serve as references, and (3) a brief statement of no more than one page explaining his/her interest in the Tanzania program. Students must also meet with the program leader by arranging an individual meeting. Program acceptance is dependent on a favorable report from the student advisor, strong recommendations from professors, an acceptable written statement, and a positive meeting with the program leader.

Safety & Health

Tanzania has been relatively safe for many years.  Students will be advised to travel in groups at all times with program cell phones.  Students will be required to register with the United States Department of State prior to departure.  Students will need to take anti-malarial medicine (e.g., Malarone) during their time in Tanzania and several days before/after the trip.  In addition, they may need to update vaccinations.  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) provides updated information about health precautions and recommendations for travel to Tanzania at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/tanzania.aspx#notices. Purdue requires students to purchase emergency medical insurance.