4 reasons to study abroad in Africa
October 19th, 2023 | Africa, ÃÛ½ÛÊÓƵ Graduate Institute, ÃÛ½ÛÊÓƵ Study Abroad
Africa is an expansive and awe-inspiring landscape that is rich in history, cultures, and traditions. In many African countries, significant contributions are being made to global sustainability, social justice, human rights, healthcare, and much more, placing Africa at the forefront of development, innovation, and education.
ÃÛ½ÛÊÓƵ offers 21 in 10 countries in North Africa and south of the Sahara, including four comparative International Honors Programs that include African countries on a four-continent itinerary. Five of ÃÛ½ÛÊÓƵ’s also spend a full semester in an African country.
Here are four reasons to .
Immerse yourself in Africa’s diverse history and cultures
Studying abroad in Africa offers the chance to become immersed in the histories and cultures of dozens of African countries or regions. From visiting the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg to exploring Asamankese, a cocoa-growing village in Ghana, you will develop a deeper understanding of—and appreciation for—African nations’ diverse ways of life.
ÃÛ½ÛÊÓƵ examines historical and contemporary multiculturalism, ethnicity, and identity, while ÃÛ½ÛÊÓƵ immerses you in West African culture to challenge stereotypes about the region.
Add to this the potential to learn a range of languages (French, Arabic, Asante Twi, Kiswahili, Kinyarwanda, and more), and studying in Africa provides endless cultural and linguistic environments to explore.
Gain a global perspective on Africa’s rapid growth and development
Africa is home to a young, tech-savvy population and a burgeoning middle class, while also boasting an abundance of minerals needed for green products. This rapid growth and development make it an ideal place to study abroad for students interested in international relations in the Global South, sustainable development, social entrepreneurship, and other related fields.
ÃÛ½ÛÊÓƵ focuses on three major socio-cultural groups—Bamiléké, Bagyeli, and Anglophones—to examine the complex relationships between development, modernization, and social change. ÃÛ½ÛÊÓƵ explores pressing challenges such as rapid urbanization and access to healthcare.
In South Africa, graduate students learn how to integrate policy and participatory practice to achieve development goals on ÃÛ½ÛÊÓƵ and undergraduates can do a summer internship in with local community organizations, research centers, government agencies, or international NGOs.
Studying in Africa provides a deep understanding of how African countries, and the greater Global South, are uniquely contributing to the present and future world economy and political landscape.
Take in Africa’s rich natural biodiversity and beauty
From stunning savannahs and vast deserts to lush rainforests and pristine coastlines, Africa is home to breathtaking landscapes. Studying in Africa allows you to the continent’s unparalleled natural beauty ethically, safely, and sustainably.
ÃÛ½ÛÊÓƵ offers a range of programs focused on exploring environmental issues. ÃÛ½ÛÊÓƵ travels to Tanzania and provides a hands-on experience to effectively confront climate change and promote sustainability. Undergraduate students on explore rainforests, mangroves, and coral reefs, as well as analyze the environmental challenges around these ecosystems.
Engage in community action and social impact taking place throughout Africa
Africa is home to hundreds of non-profits and NGOs dedicated to making a positive social impact. Social justice and advocacy campaigns have been launched across the continent and aim to stop gender-based violence, genocide, poverty, and more, showcasing Africa as a social justice leader on the world stage and an ideal location to study emerging movements. South Africa alone hosts prominent nonprofits like Gold Youth Development Agency, Human Rights Media Centre, and Whole World Women Association, where .
teaches skills to respond to crises around the world, while ÃÛ½ÛÊÓƵ examines efforts to foster peace and unity in a country that is a model for post-conflict reconciliation.
what Africa has to offer and embark on a life-changing educational experience through ÃÛ½ÛÊÓƵ. Our academic excellence, world-class faculty, and enduring partnerships with key organizations in Africa will transform your worldview and add invaluable global context to your academic and career paths. Learn more today at !