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In Summer 2012 educators from Delmarva and across Maryland will have the opportunity to travel to Africa on a unique excursion focused on observing and working in schools, sharing ideas with international teaching colleagues, and visiting some of the most remarkable natural sites on the planet—such as the Ngorongoro crater, and the Serengeti plain in the shadow of mount Kilimanjaro. On safari in such sites one has the chance to see animals from elephants and zebras to wildebeest and lions. We will visit area schools, work with local teachers to share how teaching is practiced in the U.S., and present short lessons to children alongside our new colleagues. The experience will provide a new perspective on nature, education, and what it means to be a teacher in a range of conditions. Tentative dates for the Tanzania: East Africa Education Excursion are June 15-30, 2012. CLASS: Students will earn 3 graduate credits in either science education or topics in international education. The class will include preparing lessons (possibly based on lessons participants teach in their U.S. classrooms) to share with African teaching colleagues. Participants will also teach individual lessons in local schools so they can interact directly with children, teachers, and school administrators there. As well, participants will keep a journal in which they actively compare and contrast their own teaching setting with what they see, including not only the physical resources, but also such themes as the dedication and resilience of the teachers, the motivation of students, and the role of government agencies in education. Participants will also include in their journal responses to the natural settings encountered that are focused on a theme and/or question that is selected by the student to match her/his individual interests (and is approved by the instructor). COLLABORATING ORGANIZATION: Wings of Africa is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on providing in-service opportunities for teachers in the Arusha, Tanzania area. We will work with the Wings of Africa staff to share with local teachers ideas about instructional practices that we have found effective in our U.S. classrooms. EXCURSIONS: As part of this experience, participants will take part in a four-day (three-night) safari during which we’ll visit some of the most pristine and wild areas on Earth; areas where elephants, zebra, ostriches, lions and many more still roam free. HOUSING: We will stay in local hotels. These are sometimes rustic with only basic amenities, but many are also very nice and even luxurious by local standards. All are generally secure, clean, and restful. COST: The estimated cost for the program is $5400. Final cost will be determined in late spring 2012. These costs include all SU tuition and fees, international airfare, in-country transportation in Tanzania, a four day safari, international health insurance, and other incidental expenses. Not included: passport fees (if required), required immunizations for travel to Tanzania, visa fees, miscellaneous expenses. In addition to the application, interested students must submit the following:
Admission is competitive and enrollment is limited. Students will be admitted on a rolling basis until the program is full. The application deadline is March 15, 2012. Last day to withdrawal from the program is March 15. After March 15, any student wishing to withdraw from the program will be subject to the withdrawal/refund policy as articulated on the Program Deposit Form. |
