East Africa Studies in Arusha Past Review

By (Geography and African/African-American Studies, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for

Study Abroad Programs in Tanzania

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I'm glad to have had the opportunity to improve my Swahili and get a feel for the social life and interactions of Tanzania. I feel that after staying there for 4 and a half months I can travel anywhere. My confidence was improved and I hope you continue traveling.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

In the town of Arusha you will get a lot out of exploring the town and its people in addition to the academics that were quite informative and interesting

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was trying to do the best they could but sometimes there was an issue of

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Arusha Resort Centre <br /><br /> it was an apartment/hotel resort that was not fancy but had everything we needed. I thought personally that it was a little more than we needed. I would have to have a bit more responsibility for our own meals but I understand some students aren't used to cooking their own meals too often. It was comfortable to stay there though.

* Food:

East African food is tasty. Meat is usually served with meals but it is possible to get by as a vegetarian here. Be careful with some uncooked vegetables though. Most of us ate raw vegetables too, however, and nobody got sick.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Many outings and trips were made through friends I had made at local meeting places. There are some wonderful and friendly people in the town of Arusha

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The town itself was not very threatening though I did hear of muggings that happened and robberies. We had a few high-dollar items stolen from our rooms, but nobody was in any danger.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Some was factored in to provided meals, but maybe an additional 40 dollars was spent each week on food.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bargaining is part of the culture, so try to find out what average prices of items are before you bargain and then find the good deals. Also, you will save money by eating at some of the local restaurants rather than the more expensive ones that cater to upper class and westerners. You will have a better cultural experience this way also.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
Language acquisition improvement?

Get out into the town to practice the language in simple transactions and interactions. People were excited to see you trying to speak their language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This experience will reaffirm any appreciation for this part of the world and make you a stronger person for having seen it first hand

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

African Cultural Identities - Role of music in Tanzania and East Africa

Course Department: ARUS AHEA 310
Instructor: Stubbs and Sululu
Instruction Language: English
Comments: this was my favorite course and highly recommended because one day a week we had to travel a half hour by bus to a neighboring university where we participated in traditional music class with other local students. This was a great experience that only people who signed up for the music class got to experience.
Credit Transfer Issues: elective credit
Course Name/Rating:

Health Issues in Africa

Course Department: ARUS SOHI 300
Instructor: Beatus Leon
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was a very informative course with a well-informed instructor who was very familiar with many aspects of the medical field, especially issues that are affecting the region of East Africa.
Credit Transfer Issues: elective credits.
Course Name/Rating:

Women in the Emerging East Africa: Gender and Development

Course Department: ARUS SOGD 360
Instructor: Atwitye
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was an interesting class that offered a clear perspective of the struggles women face in everyday life and culture.
Credit Transfer Issues: elective credit
Course Name/Rating:

Core Course - Tanzania in the Midst of Peace and Conflict: Conflicts, Peace and Security in East Africa

Course Department: ARUS SMCI 310
Instructor: Various instructors (Adjovi, Atwitye, etc.)
Instruction Language: English
Comments: this course had four components: Peace and conflict resolution, human rights and gender, environmental issues, and social issues and development
Credit Transfer Issues: elective credit