"Study in Africa: New Opportunities for American Students"
A new video by
The National Consortium for Study in Africa
Many U.S. undergraduate students and their parents wonder if they should consider study abroad in Africa. A growing number of U.S. universities are linked with African faculty and universities and are offering study seminars in Africa, including some for semester and full academic year periods.
This 27 minute video (VHS format) offers an overview of several U.S. study programs at campuses in Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. There are interviews with African university faculty, administrators, and students. They answer questions on:
- Why study in Africa?
- What is the quality of instruction?
- What is African culture?
- What are the social benefits?
- What opportunities are available?
- How are the living conditions?
In addition to the interviews, the video offers scenes from a variety of African university campuses and the cities and countries where they are located.
This video is an excellent resource for study abroad offices as well as for students and their parents who are considering studying in Africa.
An order form is located at the bottom of this page.
What people are saying about their African experience
Here are some excerpts from “Study in Africa: New Opportunities for American Students”:
“I feel like every day is a new adventure and I'm just kind of this sponge right now, soaking it all in and hoping that I will be able to bring some of the things I'm learning back home with me...just everything, sights, sounds, smells, tastes. It's all so different and its just making me so thankful, again and again, that I did have the courage to get up and leave campus to come here...because I'm living with families and I'm doing and instead of reading about it or listening to a lecture.”
Ahsiya Posner, Student
"I chose Africa because it's a place that's always overlooked when students consider traveling abroad. Europe is always the safe choice, and for me I've always enjoyed and relished being different - and so in a way it captured some of the excitement and the sense of adventure."
Sean Wherley, Student
"I wanted to experience another culture, I wanted to learn more about myself and about my culture and just to have a new experience, a world experience, and experience I wouldn't have had at the university. Those are probably the reasons I came to Africa."
Natasha Harris, Student
Before you pack: Preparing for Study in Africa
How should a U.S. student prepare for a study abroad experience in Africa? This video assists the prospective traveler to deal with the immediate necessities and the deeper issues of how to prepare for studying in Africa.
Topics include:
- Making arrangements with your home university before you go
- Finding information on the history, politics, society, and geography of the country
- Learning a little — or a lot — of the relevant African language and African studies before you go and where to find materials and instructors
- Passport, visa, and immunization issues
- Staying healthy, finding health care, and personal security in Africa
- Curriculum and new modes of instruction in Africa
- Finding extra-curricular and volunteering opportunities there
- Preparing for new experience and culture shock
- Getting ready for the warmth and humanity of African communities
Video Order Form
Name:_________________________________________________________
Organization:_________________________________________________
Address:______________________________________________________
Address:______________________________________________________
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E-mail: ______________________________________________________
Videos are $20.00 each which includes shipping and handling within the U.S. All orders to be shipped outside the U.S. Add $5.00 for shipping and handling.
____ (Quantity) Study in Africa: New Opportunities for American Students
____ (Quantity) Before you Pack: Preparing for Study in Africa (To be announced upon completion)
Enclosed is a check or money order for $________________
(Make checks payable to: African Studies Center, Michigan State University)
Include this form and payment in an envelope and mail to:
National Consortium for Study in Africa
c/o African Studies Center, Michigan State University
100 Center for International Programs
East Lansing, MI 48824-1035
Phone: (517) 353-1700 Fax: (517) 432-1209
E-mail:
NCSA@msu.edu
