Tanzania
Teaching, Learning, and Culture
Spring/Summer Semester
Padnos International Center Flyer (PDF)

ARUSHA, TANZANIA - Tanzania is located in eastern sub-Saharan Africa and is home to Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti. Our group will plan lessons and teach 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. We will participate in daily Swahili lessons by a local Swahili instructor as well as have opportunities to experience the beauty of the country during three weekend excursions that include a safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater National Park, Tinga Tinga painting lessons from a local artist, a village visit, and a day climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro. Our group will also volunteer at a local orphanage where they will organize games and help with school work.

Program Highlights: 

• Build intercultural teaching and communication skills in eastern Africa
• Teach 60 hours in a Tanzanian classroom, volunteer at a local orphanage, interact with locals, have a Tinga Tinga painting lessons from a  local artist, and learn basic Swahili
• Excursions include a 4 day-safari, a visit with the Maasai tribe, a day climb on Mt. Kilimanjaro, Arusha National Park and a weekend in a local village

Tanzania Flickr

Courses
Students will register for a total of 3-6 credits:

MTH 496: Senior Thesis [Capstone] (3 credits) Non-math majors may substitute this course upon approval from their home department and the Tanzania program director OR

PCK 495: Teaching Sciences and Arts in the Elementary Classrooms [Capstone] (3 credits) OR

SST 495: Education in Plural Societies [Capstone] (3 credits) OR/AND

MTH 386: Study Abroad (3 credits) OR

HNR 499: Honors Senior Project (1-4 credits)

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

Costs (2022)
The approximate cost of the program is $5,285, which includes round-trip transportation from Grand Rapids, accommodations, most meals, field trips and entrance fees, and all ground transportation. Additional costs include:

• GVSU tuition ($1,698 - 3 Credits $3,396- 6 Credits)
• Personal expenses ($200)
• Additional meals ($140)
• Passport/photos ($150)
• Visa, taxes, documents ($100)
• Immunization ($300)

Total projected cost: (Program Fee + Other Expenses): $7,873 (3 credits) or $9,571 (6 credits)

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, 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.

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.