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STUDY ABROAD IN AFRICA: NIGER
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Program: International Development / Boston University
Location: Niamey, Niger
Is this Program Right for You? The Niamey International Development Program is designed for students interested in the study of development, language and society in the Sahel region of West Africa and individual community service placements that examine Niger’s culture and ongoing development efforts. The program is offered in cooperation with the Faculté des Lettres et Sciences Humaines de l’Université Abdou Moumouni, and courses are taught by Nigerian, American, and, occasionally, other affiliated educators.
The Courses/Program: The Niamey International Development Program offers a semester or academic year in the capital city of Niamey, Niger. Upon arrival in Niamey, students are provided with an intensive orientation by the faculty coordinator and resident staff. Introduction to Hausa and Zarma language begins during this time. Plans for field placements, upcoming study trips, and independent projects are organized. Following orientation, all students enroll in a core course on Nigerian or West African cultural and social issues, or international development, a fieldwork course, and two elective courses. Students may choose to enroll in one language course without credit. Those who do, also enroll in an elective course covering some aspect of Nigerian society or African culture. In addition to courses and fieldwork, the program also offers participants a number of planned study trips and cultural activities. In the past, these excursions have included visits to a Peace Corps volunteers’ village, participation in an annual desert nomadic festival, an overnight in a game park, a day trip to a weekly live-stock market, and an outing to see the last free-roaming herd of giraffes in West Africa.
Housing: The Centre de Formation des Cadres d’Alphabetisation (CFCA), located four blocks from the Niamey city center, houses classrooms as well as communal apartments for program participants. Household staff provides lunch and dinner each day, and students manage a budget for their meals and the cost of household items. This communal living arrangement, a truly Sahelian experience, forms the core of the program and provides one of its greatest learning experiences. Students and scholars from Niger, other West African countries, and Europe also reside at the CFCA while doing research or training in Niamey. Midway through the semester, students may choose to live with a Nigerian family for one week. Households chosen to participate in the program represent a wide range of situations and offer students a firsthand glimpse into Nigerien family life. The week-long homestay is optional.
Duration:
• Fall Semester: 16 weeks/ (late-August to mid-December)
• Academic Year: 32 weeks/ (late-August to mid-May)
• Spring Semester: 16 weeks/ (late-January to mid-May)
Requirements:
• This is a semester or academic year program open to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Standing: 3.0 GPA (cumulatively and major).
• Two semesters of college-level French or Hausa language are strongly recommended.
• The program is recommended only for students who are independent, mature and able to meet the physical challenges presented by the Niger program without undue risk to themselves or others.
• Participants may combine a semester in the Niger program with a semester in France-based program.
• Accepted students are strongly encouraged to attend a pre-departure seminar in Boston, lasting one to two days.
Application Deadlines:
• October 15 for spring programs, and March 15 for Fall or Academic Year programs.
Program Cost Includes: Tuition, housing, board, field trips, round-trip airfare from designated U.S. cities, and emergency/travel assistance coverage. For more information: www.bu.edu/abroad. Catalogues are available in ISAP’s Resource Rooms. Please note: The information on this sheet is for reference purposes only. It is your responsibility to confirm details and deadlines.
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