How to Study Abroad in Tanzania

Study Abroad In Tanzania: A Wild Adventure

Close your eyes and envision an open plain. Fill it with migrating elephants, zebras and wildebeests. Imagine the snows of Kilimanjaro in the distance and hear the lively beat of drums in the background. This vision could easily become a reality by studying abroad in colorful and captivating Tanzania. Watch the world’s most fascinating animals trek across the savanna in the “Great Migration” and visit Africa’s tallest peak and largest lake, all in one country.

Just another one of Tanzania’s beautiful beaches. Just another one of Tanzania’s beautiful beaches. Photo courtesy Frontierofficial on Flickr

Tanzania is one the most naturally diverse countries in the world, and has everything from snow-capped peaks to brown savannas to sandy beaches along the Indian Ocean. It basks in the rays of a comfortable tropical climate year-round, so studying abroad in Tanzania means beautiful weather all the time. The western and southern areas are left mostly untouched by western culture, but the northern areas and the island of Zanzibar see more tourism.

Life In Tanzania. Tanzanians share a strong sense of national pride. Although more than 100 ethnic minorities and languages are present, the country’s sense of unity is strong. The mindset has saved it from much of the political and social struggles suffered by its neighbors. It is not densely populated and about 90 percent of the population lives in rural areas.

The official languages are Swahili and English and Christianity and Muslim are the most practiced religions. Although English is prevalently spoken, it is definitely helpful to learn a little Swahili. Tanzania is the best country in eastern Africa to do it!

No matter where you are, or what language you speak, the culture is colorful and the food delicious. Hospitality is fully embraced. It is actually considered dishonorable for a guest to leave without a full stomach. A large dish of spiced rice, meat and potatoes called pilau is served at pretty much any gathering. Most meals include ugali, or a traditional side dish of thickly mashed corn or sorghum. Outside the home, street food is a savory option and offers up fried plantains, sweet potatoes, grilled corn on the cob or dried fish and fruits.

Traveling Around Tanzania. Amazing sights and sounds are the name of the game when it comes to studying abroad in Tanzania. The Northeastern section has a growing tourism industry and is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. The extinct volcano is best known for its snow-capped peaks. The “Great Migration,” the largest in the world, crosses the region throughout the many protected areas such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. More than 40 percent of the country is protected in some way.

The Southwest also offers wildlife safaris. Ruaha National Park was named one of National Geographic Traveler’s “Best Winter Trips for 2013” and has the largest population of elephants in eastern Africa. The biggest and the best are aplenty across the country, with the Lake Victoria as the largest and Lake Tanganyika as the deepest in Africa. Tanzania’s gorgeous tropical beaches draw tourists year-round; Zanzibar, “the Spice Island,” is yet to find its equal anywhere in the world in tropical island getaways.

Tanzania is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. Local transportation consists of taxis and matatus, which are African minibuses. They travel at hair-raising speeds but are inexpensive and accessible. Larger buses travel longer distances.

While it is possible to study nearly any subject, the most popular for international students to study in Tanzania are natural sciences, conservation, and African studies. This is also a good place to study public health and the environment of a developing nation.

Dar es Salaam is the country’s urban hotspot for study abroad. Tanzania’s largest city has many institutions including the University of Dar es Salaam. This is the oldest and largest public university in Tanzania, and has an outstanding reputation. It hosts hundreds of internationals students every year. Fairfield University offers a year or semester program in Tanzania in African Studies. Dormitory style is the typical option, and students can choose their own courses but they must include at least one that focuses on Tanzanian or East African subject matter.

If you are interested in studying abroad in a wilderness setting, you have found your ideal country, because many study programs in Tanzania are actually set in or surrounded by the national parks. GoAbroad provides information about SIT’s Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology option. Based out of the city Arusha, in the heart of Northeastern natural areas, the program is offered in both fall and spring semesters and focuses on the relationship between nature and humans. Students study topics such as the effects of tourism, local farming and methods for native population preservation.

Fast Facts About Tanzania

  • Capital: Dodoma
  • Currency: Tanzanian Shilling
  • Official Languages: Swahili and English
  • Population: Over 46 Million  
  • Claim To Fame: Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain
About the Author
Annie Bierbower

Annie is originally from Nebraska and graduated with a BA in Mass Media Communications and a minor in Graphic Design from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She spent her last semester studying and volunteering abroad in Lima, Perú fueled by a desire to learn Spanish and experience the culture of South America. She has dreamed of traveling for as long as she can remember and started saving by putting dollar bills in a shoebox as a child. She interned in videography and worked as a Production Assistant for the local television station in college. After graduation, she worked as a newspaper reporter and in bilingual customer service before finding her ideal position as a Content Manager with GoAbroad. Her free time is filled with hiking, volleyball, and eating ice cream.