African & African-American Studies Abroad

Make progress toward your degree by completing your minor and General Education requirements through an exciting experience abroad in Africa, the cradle of humankind. Africa is a fascinating and fast-changing continent; spending some time there will enrich your personal and academic experience. Although a study abroad in African countries is certainly preferable as the only true first-hand experience of African cultures and societies, it is worth noting that several leading research universities in Europe offer excellent African Studies programs as well. There are also opportunities to study the African Diaspora in the Caribbean.

African & African-American Studies Programs

Internships

Academic Advice

Scholarships

Department Contact

Resources for Advisors

Africa

Program Suggestions

The programs highlighted on this page are a good fit for students studying African & African-American Studies.

Faculty-Led Programs

Location

Program 

Available Courses

Namibia

African History, Cultures and The Environment

HST 380/AAA 333: African History, Cultures & Environment (3 credits) AND HTM 368: Geotourism (3 credits)

*Fulfills Global Perspectives and 2 Issues. Reflection required for Issues.

Language of instruction: English

Honor students: can be used to fulfill HNR 300, HNR 401, or HNR 499 requirements

Ghana

Ghana: Teaching and Learning Literary, Language and History

ENG 301: Teaching Reading & Writing in the Elementary Classroom (3 credits) AND

ENG 401: Languages, Literacies, & Cultures (3 credits)

AAA 333: Study Abroad

Semester and Academic Year Programs

Country

Program, Host Institution, or University Name

Program Type

Courses

Ghana

University of Cape Coast

Exchange

Available Courses

Kenya

KEI: United States International University

Provider

Available Courses

South Africa

ISA: Cape Town

Provider

Available Courses

Rwanda

SIT: Post-Genocide Restoration and Peacebuilding

Provider

Available Courses

Ghana

CIEE: African and Ghanaian Art and History

Provider

Available Courses

South Africa

SIT: Multiculturalism and Human Rights

Provider

Available Courses

Summer Programs

Location

Program

Program Type

Courses

Cuba

USAC CUBA: La Habana - Cuban History, Society, & Politics

Provider

Available Courses

Ghana

CIEE: Ghanaian Studies

Provider

Available Courses

Kenya

KEI: United States International University

Provider

Available Courses

South Africa

ISA: Cape Town

Provider

Available Courses

Tanzania

SFS: Summer in Tanzania

Provider

Available Courses

Explore Other Program Options

There are other program options available. Schedule a study abroad advising appointment to learn more or browse our other program options:

Browse More Programs

Other Opportunities

Internships

Gain real-world experience globally and build your international network by participating in an African/African American Studies internship abroad. 

Internships Abroad

Internships

Academic Advice

First Year Students

The earliest you can go abroad is the summer of your first year.
Students may fulfill General Education Foundations and/or Issues requirements abroad.

Sophomore & Upperclassmen Students

  • No restrictions have been specified by the African & African-American Studies program. 
  • Students can take courses that satisfy some requirements in their AAA minor or the General Education program. Be sure to begin planning at least six months in advance.
  • Students do not need to speak a foreign language in order to study in a country where English is not the official language. The African & African-American Studies program also recommends exploring several study abroad programs in English-speaking countries: Ghana, South Africa, and Botswana.
  • The African & African-American Studies program has a very strong cultural component. There is no better way to study African societies and to explore the African roots of African-American culture than by spending one or several semesters in Africa.
  • Consider fulfilling your Issues General Education requirement abroad. Find out how!
  • Students interested in combining their study abroad experience with an internship, or those looking to focus solely on an internship, have many options. Customized internships are available in a few locations through programs such as ELAP and World Endeavors 
  • Courses will be reviewed on a case by case basis through the course equivalency process.

 

KEEP IN MIND: Once you have selected a program to be sure to meet with your adviser at least three months before departing for your program. Be sure to explore both GVSU and Provider options by browsing the Program Suggestions below. Students are not limited to GVSU study abroad programs. There are several opportunities to intern and or volunteer while abroad. Students can fulfill the General Education Foundation requirements abroad as well as their General Education Issues requirement (reflection paper required). If you take at least 3 credits abroad, your Global Perspectives General Education requirement will automatically be fulfilled.


Scholarship Opportunities

Explore Scholarship opportunities through our Scholarships Page

Academic Advice

Department Contact

Jack Mangala
101 Lake Ontario Hall
[email protected]



Page last modified February 27, 2024