Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore
Location: Africa, Tanzania
GPA: 2.5

Program Overview

This immersive 5-week summer program offers University of Oregon students a transformative experience, exploring social justice, human rights, race, ethnicity, and identity in Tanzania. Hosted at the United African Alliance Community Center (UAACC) and the Training Center for Development Cooperation (TCDC), students will earn 8 credits through academic courses and hands-on fieldwork that focus on the intersections of identity, global development, and justice.

Collaborating with local NGOs like Voyota, UCRT, and the Changemakers Foundation, participants will engage with critical topics such as indigenous rights, legal advocacy, environmental conservation, and community-driven social change. The curriculum also examines race, ethnicity, and identity, particularly within East African and diasporic contexts, deepening students' understanding of cultural diversity and shared global challenges.

Students will participate in community service, interactive workshops with local leaders, and meaningful exchanges with Tanzanian youth, fostering dialogue on cultural identity and social justice. Excursions to Tarangire National Park and a hike to the first camp on Mount Kilimanjaro provide adventure and context, enriching the overall experience. This program equips students with skills in cross-cultural communication and prepares them to navigate complex global issues with a critical and compassionate lens.

Dates and Deadlines

 
TermYearDeadlineArrival DateDeparture Date
Summer2025 03/1506/2608/01

Academic Details

Academic Coursework

Two required courses will be offered to all program participants (8 credits total):

Development and Human Rights in East Africa(4 credits): This four-credit course offers an overview of human rights issues in Tanzania and the broader East African context, focusing on legal frameworks, development challenges, and indigenous rights. Taught by Dr. Ana Haule, Executive Director and Law Faculty at the TCDC.

Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Race, Ethnicity, and Identity(4 credits): This four-credit course offers an examination of African and diasporic identities, emphasizingTanzanian ethnic diversity, historical legacies of colonization, and contemporary race relations. Taught by Dr. Irene Mkini, Gender and Development expert and Faculty at the TCDC.

Experiential Component

The program leverages partnerships with NGOs and local organizations to offer hands-on, project-based learning experiences. Students will engage in projects that deepen their understanding of global development, legal advocacy, and ethnic diversity. Students can expect to engage with our NGO partners working on land rights, community empowerment projects, and cultural exchange projects with local youth to explore identity formation and global interconnectedness.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.