Description

The Dickinson in Cameroon program enables students to develop an understanding of Africa as a whole and of Cameroonian culture and society in particular. This is achieved through a number of selected courses in the humanities and social sciences, as well as through internship and fieldwork opportunities that give students a chance to become active participants in Cameroonian society. Most students live with Cameroonian host families, giving them unparalleled insight into family life in the capital city of Yaounde.

* Academic Program

The Dickinson Center offers arts and humanities courses taught by contributing faculty members from the University of Yaounde I, the oldest university in Cameroon. Program participants have the opportunity to join clubs or sports teams on campus to meet Yaounde I students through their extracurricular involvement at the university.

This program is intended for students who are ready to handle autonomy and able to adapt to some degree of difficulty. Because Cameroon has two official languages - English and French - the program does not have a language requirement; however, multiple semesters of college French are highly recommended. Students with strong capabilities in French are expected to take their elective courses in French.

Upon arrival, students' French language skills are assessed and students are placed in groups accordingly. Experiential-based courses focused on acquisition and use of functional French meet throughout the program. Students with more advanced levels of French ability have the opportunity to directly enroll in two courses at the Universite Catholique dAfrique Centrale (UCAC). UCAC courses that have been of particular interest to students include: Geographie humaine et economique de lAfrique centrale, Anthropologie du genre, Demographie, Cultures des peoples dAfrique centrale, Ethique familial, Problemes culturels Africains, Lhistoire des idees politiques , and Philosophie negro-Africain de la diaspora.

All students complete the Yaounde practicum course, Contemporary Cameroon, which is taught in English and serves as an integrative experience for participants. At the end of the semester, students submit a final project on a specialized independent study topic or internship-related experience. Each student will participate in an internship or fieldwork to allow active involvement in Cameroonian society and all students are required to take four credit-bearing courses during a 20-week period.

Although elective course offerings vary from year to year, the following courses are among those typically offered: Colonization and Decolonization in Africa; African International Relations; Women, Politics and Public Policy; Issues on Environmental Management; African Oral Traditions in Literature; La Sociologie de la femme dans la societe africaine; and Negritude et Mondialisation.

* Excursions

Students are introduced to Cameroon as a whole through a series of excursions related to academics in the core course. These excursions normally include visits to the coastal city of Limbe, the Anglophone towns of Buea and Bamenda and the Islamic center of Foumban. Students also participate in program excursions to Kribi, a coastal town still heavily reliant on the fishing industry and trying to develop its tourism sector, as well as the predominantly Muslim far north, including Ngaoundere, Maroua, Rhumsiki and the Waza game preserve.

* Housing

Furnished rooms at the Dickinson center are provided for students who wish to live independently. The option to live with an Anglophone or Francophone home-stay family also is available for some students. Families are carefully selected from neighborhoods near the center and offer students an unparalleled opportunity to get to know Cameroon on a personal level. Although Dickinson will make every effort to accommodate students' first housing preference, housing choices are not guaranteed.

Highlights

Students live in locally rented apartments owned by the university and located throughout the city. Monthly payments to assist with taxi fare to and from classes are provided. You are also given a monthly allowance when classes are in session to spend on food. One of the delights of living in Yaounde is the opportunity to shop in the city's open-air market.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

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Program Fees Include:

The program comprehensive fee is announced in the fall prior to the beginning of the program. For the current year's fee, you can request a copy via e-mail.

Program Fee Includes:
* tuition and fees
* room and board
* pre-departure and on-site orientations
* academic excursions

The program fee does not include primary health insurance, airfare, passport, visa, immunizations, optional travel, personal expenses, meals and housing during vacations, books or supplies.

Experience Required

no

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Independent living

Scholarships are Available

Full Dickinson financial aid is available for Dickinson students.