Location:

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Break

Program Overview

Program Description:

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Located in eastern Africa along the shores of the Indian Ocean, the modern nation of Tanzania became independent from its various colonial masters in the mid-1960s. Though it is a poor nation, it is safe, stable, multiethnic, and polyreligious. Tanzania has a reputation as a tourist destination, and with good reason. From the snows of Kilimanjaro, the great plains of the Serengeti, and the sandy beaches of Zanzibar, the country is endowed with a spectacular natural beauty. The city of Dar es Salaam, the largest in Tanzania, is a teeming, coastal metropolis with a humid climate tempered by steady sea breezes. The nearest airport, Julius K. Nyerere International Airport (IATA Code: DAR), is serviced by several European, African, and Asian airlines. Dar es Salaam features modern amenities such as shopping centers, movie theaters, and an array of entertainment options.

Fairfield University’s program is hosted at the prestigious Loyola education center, located in the suburban neighborhood of Mabibo. Inspired by Jesuit intellectual tradition, Loyola educates young people to become morally responsible “men and women for others” who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. To encourage the Jesuit philosophy, participants will be challenged by the faculty to think critically and apply their academic work to local and regional issues while contemplating their role in the wider world. Participants take four or five courses, taught by faculty who are experts in their academic field. Courses are taught in English and are a mix of lecture, discussion, and supervised independent work. Upon arriving in Dar es Salaam, students will receive an intensive orientation, led by our program’s on-site director, so they can comfortably navigate their home in Tanzania. In addition to their academics, students gain real world experience through service-learning courses and internships with local and international NGOs as well as through volunteer opportunities teaching English, math, and technology in the Jesuit High School in Dar es Salaam. The local Jesuit Community will provide critical support to students, helping them to connect service opportunities with their academic interests as well as leading and facilitating critical reflection on the experiences. Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale to be considered for the program.

Setting Description:

Housing Participants live with local Tanzanian families, who are members of the Loyola Parish in Dar es Salaam. These families have been carefully and thoroughly vetted by our on-site director. The families live in commutable proximity to Loyola. Living with local families allows students to be culturally immersed in Tanzanian life and leads them to draw parallels between life in the United States and Tanzania. Students have their own bedroom and eat breakfast and dinner with the family. All families live in quiet and safe residential neighborhoods. Fairfield University supplies daily transportation back home to the families in the evening. Students commute via public transportation to school in the morning. Other program features: Airport pickup upon arrival Orientation and city familiarization tour On-site program administrator Two excursions to the Spice Island of Zanzibar One safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Health/accident insurance International student ID card

Cost:

For cost information, please see our website.