Description

Explore popular culture through the lens of diverse new media in the Arab world. In particular, the Internet and satellite revolutions across the region are changing the face of Arab identity and forging bonds where Arab nationalism has failed. The setting provides numerous opportunities to probe seemingly disparate links between Arab pop music, the debate on Arabic language use in North Africa, sport and an upsurge in religious identity.

Based in Tunis, a modern Arab capital heavily influenced by Francophone culture, students also examine challenges of youth in the face of globalization and Western culture and political inflences. A 10-day module in Egypt (conditions permitting) takes students to Cairo, the heart of Arab popular culture, for an in-depth look at culture and identity in the regions largest metropolis.

Lectures, field studies, urban and rural homestays and the Independent Study Project provide students insight into the popular culture and identity in Tunisia.

Highlights

16 credits; Intensive Language Study: Arabic (Tunisian dialect with Modern Standard Arabic option available), Academic Seminar, Field Study Seminar, four-week Independent Study Project; Seven-week homestay in Tunis.

Educational excursions will include visits to points of interest within Tunisia, including Karaiwan, Sfax, Djerba, Ain Draham, Tabarka, and Tozeur. These excursions aim to give a sense of the multi-layered fabric of the Arab cultural heritage; to show that heritage is still alive in popular culture; to distinguish in popular culture the various permutations due to globalization as well as the responses to them; and to rehearse and prepare for the Independent Study Project field research.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please inquire for costs

Program Fees Include:

Fees include tuition, full room and board, all field trips and related fares, health and accident insurance, and other direct program expenses. Participants pay for international airfare and domestic travel to the point of departure from the USA.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 12-15

Scholarships are Available

To make study abroad opportunities available to a wide range of students, SIT Study Abroad offers a variety of scholarships. We base all scholarship awards on need and merit. Awards range from 500 to 5,000 dollars. For a full list of scholarships, and to download a scholarship application, please visit our web site.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

3 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement

A pioneer in experiential, field-based study abroad, SIT offers semester, summer, and academic year programs for undergraduate students in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as comparative programs in multiple locations.

Programs focus on critical global issues in specific geographical and cultural contexts using an interdisciplinary approach. Studying with host country faculty and living with families, students gain a deep appreciation for local cultures and become immersed in diverse topics ranging from the politics of identity to post-conflict transformation, from global health to environmental policy. 

Year Founded

1932