Africa:: World Partners

School for International Training

Overview

The School for International Training (SIT) offers 13 different programs in sub-Saharan Africa That SU students may apply to and receive SU credit (see list below). Each program is designed around a theme that combines field study, classroom time and an independent study project, and each has seven components including an intensive language study. Please note, that SU will not approve a specific program if there is a current State Department Travel Warning for that country.For other African options approved by Syracuse University, please see the country specific information for Kenya, Namibia, and South Africa

Africa
The continent of Africa is home to 54 countries, over 1,000 languages and 797 million people. It is home to deserts, rainforest, and highlands. It is a country of conflict, of stunning scenery and of some of the world’s largest wildlife refuges.

Through SIT you will look at selected issues that various countries must face on this diverse continent. Those issues can range from ecology and conservation, to cultures and their development, or health and gender issues.

Courses

Each program has a set course offering. Courses must be pre-approved by the African American Studies Department or another relevant department. For the Independent Study Project, you will need to find an SU professor with in the department in which you are seeking credit to work with.

Travel

Travel is not included in the cost of the program, but SIT strongly recommends that you take the scheduled group flight. Once accepted, you will be contacted about the group flight and also told when and where to meet the group should you travel independently.

Living arrangements

Living arrangements vary during the course of the program. They will include at least one homestay and then accommodations at hotels, campsites, educational institutions and hostels.

Visa

Some countries in Africa will require that you have a student visa. You will receive more information from SIT upon acceptance. Current visa fees range from $60-$200.

Cost & Aid

You will pay SU tuition and can apply all SU financial aid except Work Study. Tuition includes an International ID card. You will be billed a program fee from SU that includes room and board, and local travel. It does not include your round-trip airfare, nor personal effects and incidentals. For personal effects and incidentals, students should plan to spend anywhere from $800-$2350, depending on the program.

Please see the SIT website for specific program fees and personal spending. SU Abroad merit-based scholarships are available for this program. ESF students may be charged a supplemental fee for attendance.

How to apply

Applying to this program is a two-part process. Turn in all parts of the application to the SU Abroad office by Oct 10 for the spring semester and March 15 for the fall semester. Please note: due to the small number of spaced in a given program, the program can fill up before the application due date.

Part 1: Syracuse University

  1. SU Abroad application online at http://suabroad.syr.edu
  2. $60 application fee payable to Syracuse University
  3. Academic Recommendation
  4. Study Abroad Approval form - signed by the Dean’s office of your home college
Part 2: School for International Training
  1. Download SIT’s application at: http://www.sit.edu/studyabroad/prerequisites/ssa_prereq.cfm?progcode=ssa.bce
  2. Approval of Participation signed by SU Abroad
  3. Official transcript - 3.0 cumulative GPA required
  4. Two letters of Recommendation
  5. Letter to the host family

SU Approved Program List

  • Botswana: Ecology and Conservation
  • Cameroon: Culture and Development
  • Ghana: Arts and Culture
  • Ghana: History and Cultures of the African Diaspora
  • Madagascar: Culture and Society
  • Madagascar: Ecology and Conservation
  • South Africa: Multiculturalism and Social Change
  • South Africa: Public Health
  • South Africa: Reconciliation and Development
  • Senegal: Arts and Culture
  • Tanzania: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
  • Tanzania: Zanzibar -- Coastal Ecology and Natural Management
  • Uganda: Development Studies

For more information contact:
Deb Goddard – dsgoddar@syr.edu – 443-2528
Ginny Pellam-Montalbano - gapellam@syr.edu - 443-9417

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