Tanzania

Teaching, Learning, and Culture

Summer Semester

A picture of students on a safari in Tanzania.

ARUSHA, TANZANIA - Tanzania is located in eastern sub-Saharan Africa and is home to Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti. Our group will spend between 15-20 hours per week in a local school while studying issues in mathematics and general education. We will interact with teachers and students in a culture much different from our own. The Maasai tribe will be highlighted during our time in Tanzania.

 

Program Highlights: 

  • Build intercultural teaching and communication skills in eastern Africa
  • Teach up to 60 hours in a Tanzanian classroom
  • Volunteer at a local orphanage
  • Take a cooking lesson from a local chef, learn basic Swahili from a local community member, and search for bargains at the Maasai Market
  • Excursions include a 4-day safari in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, a day climb on Mt. Kilimanjaro, and a weeknight campout at a local shamba (farm).

 

For more information:

Teaching in Tanzania podcast: https://shows.acast.com/teaching-in-tanzania

GVSU Study Abroad Arusha, Tanzania video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qfg-gt01znU&feature=youtu.be

Contact Dr. David Coffey for more information: [email protected]

 

Courses

  • Students can register for 3-6 credits (depending on courses needed)
    • MTH 496: Senior Thesis [Capstone] (3 Credits) OR
    • PCKET 495: Senior Thesis [Capstone] (3 credits) OR
    • MTH 386: Study Abroad (3 Credits)
  • Non-math majors may substitute this course upon approval from their home department
    • SCI 495: Teaching Science in the 21st Century OR
    • SST 495: Education in Plural Societies [Capstone] (3 credits) OR/AND
    • Honors Students can use this experience to fulfill their HNR 300, HNR 401, or HNR 499 requirement

 

Fulfills General Education Global Perspectives requirement.
Fulfills entire General Education Issues requirement (Students must take 2 courses from 2 different disciplines).

 

Language of Instruction: English

 

Financial Aid and Grants
Students may fund study abroad by using financial aid, scholarships, grants and personal funds. A study abroad advisor can help you create a funding plan.

Faculty-Led Grand Program (Up to $1,500): All degree-seeking students who apply to their faculty-led program by the priority deadline are automatically considered for a grant of up to $1,500 from the Padnos International Center. Students must have a current FAFSA on file to be eligible. No application required.

James F. and Virginia L. Goode Global Programs Scholarship: The purpose of the scholarship is to reduce the financial pressure on students and their families and make a Grand Valley education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This need-based scholarship will ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth for students planning to study abroad. MyScholarships

Visit Study Abroad Scholarships for additional information on grants and scholarships.

To contact the Financial Aid office, email [email protected] with “Study Abroad” in the Subject line. Include your G-number and Total Projected Cost of the program in the e-mail.

Non-GVSU Students: Non-GVSU students admitted for study abroad are not eligible for Financial Aid from GVSU. Check with your home school’s study abroad and financial aid offices for details on applying for financial aid from your home school toward study abroad program costs. 

 

Eligibility

  • This program is open to math education, CSAT, PCKET, Honors Students, and all education majors pending department approval.
  • 2.5 GPA required. 
  • GVSU is happy to extend this opportunity to Non-GVSU Students.

 

Apply for this program via the GVSU Study Abroad Tanzania: Teaching, Learning and Culture program page.

A GVSU math education student during their study abroad in Tanzania.
A picture of a certificate of international teaching.

CERTIFICATE OF INTERNATIONAL TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Students can earn a “Certificate of International Teaching Experience” when you participate in any of the approved study abroad programs that have a school field experience in the destination country. In addition to the study abroad experience, you would enroll in PCK/EDI 315 for 1-3 credits to earn the certificate. Your study abroad director can help advise you about the appropriate process for you.



Page last modified September 3, 2025