Summer in Tanzania Program

What are the key drivers and challenges to economic development in Tanzania? And how does the work of local community organizations, think tanks, and government agencies intersect to address modern-day challenges of global development?

In the Development Challenges in Tanzania internship program, you will study the complexities of current challenges and approaches to community-driven development, while testing and applying new knowledge in a part-time internship with a local community-based organization. The organizations’s fields include community development and activism, environmental conservation, women and youth empowerment, and public health among others. The internship will be paired with a seminar consisting of readings, reflection assignments, and weekly discussion meetings, with a GU faculty member and other students to deepen your understanding of how your internship site addresses the challenges of sustainable development.

2023 summer program students
The program will also include Kiswahili language training from Beginner to Advanced levels to deepen your cultural understanding and experience and maximize your capacity to add value at your internship. No previous language study is required.

About the Program

Georgetown Faculty Director:
Prof. Kwame Otu (Associate Professor, African Studies Program)

Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Duration: 5 weeks, Tentative Dates: May 25th – June 28th, 2025

Academics:
3- credit internship
3-credit Swahili course
1-credit development course

Accommodations: Homestay

How to apply?

The application can found here
Deadline to apply: TBD

For questions regarding the application process please contact the Office of Global Education at globaleducation@georgetown.edu

For questions regarding the program itself, please reach out to Lahra Smith at lahra.smith@georgetown.edu and/or the African Studies Program at africanstudies@georgetown.edu

Click here to read the testimonials from past participants

Program Cost

TBD

Included in fee are:

Tuition
3- credit internship
3-credit Swahili course
1-credit development course

Housing
While in Dar es Salaam, students reside with host families. Depending on enrollments students may be placed in their own homestay family or share a double-room with another Georgetown student. Student accommodations are subject to change based on local public health conditions and Georgetown University’s public health strategy.

Meals
Students are provided breakfast and dinner in their homestay families in Dar. Students receive three meals per day while on excursions and safari.

Excursions
The program includes several organized excursions designed to engage students with major course topics as well as to explore the culture and history of their host country in a direct, hands-on manner.  Excursions this year will include:

• Zanzibar and Bagamoyo
• Mikumi National Park

Not included in the program fee:

• International airfare
• Visa application fee
• Vaccinations
• U.S. Transportation to and from the airport
• Some meals

Financial Assistance is Available

A limited number of fellowships are available for this trip. Fellowships of varying amounts are available through the African Studies program.

BSFS Summer Stipends

The BSFS Summer Stipend was established to provide undergraduate students who have secured unpaid or low paid professional development experiences with summer funding assistance. Award amounts are TBA and funding is limited.

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program is a grant program under the U.S. Department of State. The program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. It is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Pell Grant funding and planning to study or intern abroad during any term.

Successful applicants will receive awards up to ,000 to defray eligible study/intern abroad costs. Awards amounts vary depending on the length of study and student need. Applicants who are studying a critical language such as Swahili while abroad in a country where the language is spoken will be automatically considered for the Critical Need Language Award , for a total award of ,000. 

Eligibility

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens at the time of application
• Applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant or provide proof that he/she will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of his/her study abroad program or internship
• Applicants must be in the process of applying to (or have already been accepted into) a study abroad program or internship abroad that is at least four weeks in length
• Applicants must be in good academic standing and meet the requirements for their study abroad program (please consult with Georgetown’s Office of Global Education)

Application Process

Applicants are encouraged to seek guidance from the Center for Research and Fellowships (CRF) when preparing their Gilman applications. Email fellowships@georgetown.edu with questions or to schedule an individual advising appointment.

Applicants are also strongly encouraged to review the essay application tips  on the Gilman website before beginning their application essays.

Applicants must apply through the online portal on the Gilman page .

Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)

The mission of the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the US study abroad population. FEA makes life-changing, international experiences accessible to all by supporting minority, community college, and first-generation college students before, during, and after they participate in education abroad programs.

Open to: 1st, 2nd, 3rd year undergraduates

Learn more about the Fund for Education Abroad here

The Penner Family Experiences Fund

Co-curricular experiences are a cornerstone of the Georgetown education. Hoyas can participate in experiential learning opportunities in various forms, such as specially designed learning opportunities structured through courses, fellowships, independent and mentored research, study abroad, laboratory research, field work, community-based programs, or internships. Learn more here.

Eligibility:

• You must have documented eligibility for need-based Georgetown scholarship aid during the current academic year, as determined by the Georgetown University Office of Student Financial Services.
• You must be a junior or senior to apply for the Penner Award.
• You must be enrolled full-time in the College, McDonough School of Business, School of Foreign Service, School of Nursing, or School of Health

The Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS) has limited funds for summer programs abroad. At the end of March, OSFS posts a Summer Aid application on the OSFS website. For OSFS to assess your eligibility for summer aid, you must fill out the Summer Aid application and have a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on file with the office.

Depending on your eligibility for federal funds and scholarships, you may be able to receive a private education loan to help cover the costs associated with your summer program. You should speak to your counselor in OSFS to learn how best to apply.