SIT Study Abroad: Tanzania - Swahili Language for Health Sciences (Intermediate & Advanced | Online)

This course offers three weeks of online study and three weeks abroad. The online course is open to all applicants with three semesters of college-level Kiswahili (or equivalent). The in-person J-term is open to college undergraduates who have completed the online term or provide proof of completion (or the equivalent) of at least three semesters of college-level Kiswahili. This course is designed to give students and health professionals in-depth cultural background via discussions of everyday life and contemporary issues while developing advanced language skills. It provides the language and intercultural skills needed to function in the fields of food and health, global health, community health, and the environment. The program will be delivered through a three-credit online course and a three-credit immersion course in Arusha, Tanzania. The immersion course is available to admitted SIT students only. The program will employ experiential learning opportunities and include lessons in cultural awareness, grammar, comprehension, dialogue and academic related vocabulary through lectures and discussion that are reinforced through field exercises and the homestay experience. While in the Arusha region, you will practice Kiswahili through interactions with medical and public healthcare professionals. You also will visit urban and rural healthcare centers as well as herbal clinics. Classes and language activities are taught by native teachers with experience teaching Kiswahili to foreigners by using oral proficiency-based methods. Students will also be exposed to songs and other forms of art and media to engage and enhance interactions among students and with their host families. HIGHLIGHTS Build Kiswahili language skills to prepare for a career as a health professional. Develop your ability and practice language skills during field trips. (J-term) Learn about herbal medicine and intercultural health practices. (J-term) Experience daily life with homestay families in Arusha. (J-term)