Overview
Program Overview
IMPORTANT - For comprehensive information on dates, courses, travel and other important information,
please download the complete program description.
Click here: Tanzania The Role of NGOs in Tanzanian Development 2018.pdf
Note: Program dates changed to May 31 - June 28, 2018
This study abroad program has several goals. At the end of the program, students should be able to:
- Articulate the role of NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs) in Developing Countries, and specifically Tanzania.
- Articulate the relationship between the governments (especially local governments) and NGOs in Tanzania.
- Articulate the challenges and rewards of engaging with grass-roots NGOs to improve primary and secondary education, and economic development in rural Tanzania.
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Course Offerings
PROGRAM ACADEMIC CREDIT: For satisfactory participation in the program, participants will be enrolled by the Study Abroad Office for the Summer 2018 session and receive 3-6 semester hours of undergraduate or graduate credit in the following NIU courses. The courses taken while participating in a study abroad program cannot be audited.
HONORS CREDIT: Qualified students may also elect to receive Honors credit for any study abroad course(s) with the approval of the NIU faculty or instructor responsible for the course. For more information please contact the University Honors Office.
UNDERGRADUATE CREDIT
PSPA 328 The Role of NGOs in Development 3 semester hours
Description: This course explores the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the development of poor countries, with Tanzania as a case study framework. The primary instruction will be meetings and interactions with officers and clients from a variety of NGOs in Tanzania, operating at the local and national levels. Students will ground their observations and interactions in country with assigned reading and discussion. A major aspect of the course is the experience of working with local NGO leaders and high school faculty and students to improve student learning outcomes and teacher curricular options at high schools in the Mara Region of Tanzania.
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
GRADUATE CREDIT
PSPA 628 The Role of NGOs in Development 3 semester hours
Description: Exploration of the roles that non-governmental organizations play in development activities in developing countries, with emphasis on non-governmental organizations that support education and community development.
The 2018 course explores the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the development of Tanzania. The primary instruction will be meetings and interactions with officers and clients from a variety of NGOs in Tanzania, operating at the local and national levels. Students will ground their observations and interactions in country with assigned reading and discussion. A major aspect of the course is the experience of working with local NGO leaders and high school faculty and students to improve student learning outcomes and teacher curricular options at high schools in the Mara Region of Tanzania. Graduate students must complete additional readings and assignments, and meet more frequently in seminars, than students in the undergraduate version of the course.
INDEPENDENT STUDY COURSES
3 semester hours of:
• NNGO 498, Independent Study in Nonprofit and NGO Studies
• PSPA 496, Independent Study in Public Administration
• PSPA 692, Independent Study in Public Administration
• PSPA 693, Comparative Public Administration Study Abroad Program
• PSPA 725, Independent Study in Public Administration
• POLS 690, Political Science Research
• Or an appropriate independent study course in the student’s major (with approval of Dr. Thurmaier). Students may register for independent study with alternative faculty only with permission of Professor Thurmaier. The Study Abroad Office will
Description: Students will earn three additional hours of undergraduate or graduate credit at no extra cost by engaging in an independent study-research project under the direction of Professor Thurmaier. Options include (1) providing tutoring and guided online research with high school teachers using the Nyegina Library and Community Resource Center that previous NIU study abroad students have helped build for the Nyegina and Bukwaya communities; (2) assisting a STEM peer learning science camp for secondary students; and (3) assisting local 4H clubs and mentoring career pathways to primary and secondary students.
Requirements for Independent Study Project: In order to obtain approval from Professor Thurmaier, applicants must:
- Identify which of the three engagement projects the student will undertake during the program.
- Complete and submit a project proposal to Dr. Thurmaier for approval no later than Monday, April 30, 2018.
- Write a report about the project experience, including the project design and objectives, the engagement methodology in theory and practice, and an assessment of how successfully you were able to achieve the project goals. The report should be 3500-5000 words for undergraduate credit and 5000-6500 words for graduate credit. Graduate work should include a more extensive review of relevant literature as part of the analytical section of the paper.
- Complete and submit the project assignment(s) to Dr. Thurmaier for grading no later than August 3, 2018. Dr. Thurmaier is not inclined to give incompletes for these projects!
Dr. Thurmaier is not inclined to give incompletes for these projects!
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Student Life
Participants will reside in hostels in double rooms with in-room toilet/shower in Musoma and Dar (shared facilities in Arusha, Zanzibar), and will be provided breakfast daily throughout the period of residency. For most of the three weeks in Musoma, the hostel will also serve the evening meal. Lunch will be provided most days. Occasional meals outside of these (e.g., on Zanzibar) will be the responsibility of the student, who should budget about $5 for each meal (average). Students in the 2016 study abroad spent less than $200 out of pocket, on average, for outside meals and mementos.
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Application Information
APPLICATION: Click
Tanzania or visit the NIU Study Abroad Office website at
https://niu.studioabroad.com (and search for “Tanzania”) to begin the online application process for this program. The online process provides guidance on requesting information, advising, or applying for the program. Please note that at the time of application, applicants will be expected to submit a signature verification form and copy of their ID to the Study Abroad Office. More detailed instructions can be found on the
https://niu.studioabroad.com website or by contacting the Study Abroad Office at (815) 753-0700 or
niuabroad@niu.edu.
$200 APPLICATION FEE/DEPOSIT: A $200 application fee/deposit is required of all applicants. The $200 consists of $100 for the non-refundable application fee and $100 for a program deposit. Both the application fee and the deposit will be applied to the total balance of the program cost. The $100 deposit is refundable only if the participant withdraws prior to the withdrawal deadline indicated on the program materials or for medical reasons verified by a physician if the withdrawal takes place after the withdrawal deadline.
The $200 application fee/deposit will be charged to NIU students’ NIU Bursar's account. (Checks and money orders cannot be accepted from NIU students.) Non-NIU students must submit a check or money order in the amount of $200. More detailed instructions can be found on the website.
IMPORTANT – All applications will be categorized as “Pending – No Deposit” until the $200 application fee/deposit has been received (or, in the case of non-NIU students, once a check has been received). The Study Abroad Office will not consider or process applications without the $200 application fee/deposit. In order to reserve your place in the program you must submit the $200 deposit within 14 days of application. After 14 days applications without a deposit will be changed to inactive.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
February 1, 2018
Upon acceptance into the program, applicants must change their status to “Committed” and complete all post-decisions items on the Study Abroad Portal in order to be considered an active participant and reserve their place in the program.
Applicants who have not changed their status to “Committed” will be withdrawn from the program.
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Eligibility
APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCEDURES: The program is open to undergraduate and graduate level students who meet the NIU general admission requirements. Currently enrolled students must meet College of LA&S course GPA requirements. Graduate level students must also meet NIU Graduate School admission, course and GPA requirements.
Admission to the Tanzania program requires consent of Dr. Thurmaier, normally after a personal interview. Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of application. Students who are on academic or disciplinary probation are not eligible to participate in study abroad programs. Applicants must participate in the entire program and satisfy NIU undergraduate or graduate admission and course requirements.
Students cannot have any encumbrances against their NIU records. Any encumbrances placed on a student’s records by NIU (i.e., the Graduate School, Undergraduate Admissions, Bursar’s Office, Accounts Receivable, Registration and Records, Health Services, Office of Student Conduct, Parking Services, etc.) must be cleared before a student is granted admission to a study abroad program.
For undergraduate students to be admitted to the program, an applicant’s official transcript must be on file in the NIU Study Abroad Office. Students who are currently enrolled at NIU, or who have previously enrolled at NIU, do not need to request an official transcript; the Study Abroad Office will make this request on behalf of the applicant.
Students who desire to obtain graduate credit must either be admitted to a graduate program within the NIU Graduate School, or be admitted to the status of a "student-at-large" (SAL) within NIU's Graduate School. For students to be admitted to the program for graduate credit, a copy of the applicant's transcript must be submitted to the NIU Graduate School. Students who are currently enrolled at NIU, or who have previously enrolled at NIU, do not need to request an official transcript.
Non-NIU Students: Undergraduate students who want to participate in the program and earn academic credit from NIU who have not previously enrolled at NIU, or who are not currently enrolled at NIU, should ask the Registrar at their institution to forward an official transcript as soon as possible to the Study Abroad Office. (Student-issued transcripts and photocopies are not acceptable.) Questions relating to the admission requirements or transcripts should be directed to the Study Abroad Office.
Graduate students who have not previously enrolled at NIU, or who are not currently enrolled at NIU, who will participate in the program in order to earn academic graduate credit as a "student-at-large" (SAL) must be admitted as an SAL to the graduate school and the program.
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Program Cost
NIU PROGRAM COST: The program cost pays for the following cost related services:
1) Double-room hostel accommodations and 2-3 meals daily while the group is in Africa.
2) Program-related land transportation while overseas.
3) Admission fees to cultural and historical sites visited as part of the daily schedule.
4) Fees for acquiring the visa to enter Tanzania.
5) Serengeti National Park Safari.
7) NIU undergraduate or graduate credit.
8) NIU International Travel Insurance.
PROGRAM COST: $3,200
The program cost represents the total in charges and fees that will be paid to NIU for this program. Please note that the following charges will post individually on your MyNIU account:
- Study Abroad Program Charge
- Instructional Cost
- NIU Academic Program Enhancement Fee (if applicable)
*All prices quoted are subject to change. The information contained in the program documents and forms is presented in good faith and is believed to be correct as of the date presented. Northern Illinois University reserves the right to amend, modify, revise, or delete any information appearing in these documents, including but not limited to the cost of the program.
Non-NIU students should consult with their home institutions regarding additional costs that may apply to study abroad. Non-NIU students are responsible for any study abroad charges imposed by their home institution.
ADDITIONAL COSTS TO PARTICIPANTS:
• Airfare (International airports for direct flights to/from Tanzania include Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) and Dar es Salaam (DAR).
• Required books.
• Occasional meals
• Additional costs associated with obtaining a visa for non-U.S. passport holders.
• Immunization fees: there are several, including Yellow Fever (available only through a county health department). Costs will depend on insurance coverage.
• $40 Undergraduate application fee for non-NIU undergraduate students or $10 Student-at-Large application fee for graduate-level students.
• Independent travel and visa costs associated with independent travel.
• Expenses for free-time pursuits.
• Expenses and purchases of a personal nature.
NIU UNDERGRADUATE AND STUDENT-AT-LARGE APPLICATION FEES (applies to non-NIU students only): There is a $40 non-refundable Undergraduate application fee for undergraduate students and a $10 Student-at-Large application fee for graduate-level students applying to NIU for the first time. If you are currently enrolled at NIU as a degree-seeking student, you are not required to submit this payment.
If you are applying to NIU for the first time you will be provided with a link on the Study Abroad Portal that will guide you to the online NIU Undergraduate Application or the Student-at-Large Application. During the online application process you will be asked to pay the application fee by credit card or check.
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Financial Aid
FINANCIAL AID: As a participant in a study abroad program through NIU, you may be eligible for: Pell Grant, SEOG, Perkins Loan, PLUS Loan, Subsidized or unsubsidized Stafford Loan, or your privately awarded scholarship with consent of awarding organization. Information is also available in the Study Abroad Office regarding scholarships and grants. Tuitions waivers do not apply. Please contact Tim Condon, International Affairs Business Manager, Williston Hall 407, (815) 753-9530,
tcondon1@niu.edu for more information.
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Withdrawal Policy
WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PROGRAM: Applicants withdrawing from the program after February 1, 2018 will not be refunded the $200 program deposit
Applicants withdrawing from the program after this date will also be held accountable for any funds obligated to overseas vendors and agents on the applicant’s behalf. This provision is in effect even if the applicant has not submitted the $200 deposit or additional payments, and if the applicant is applying for financial aid.
If the applicant must withdraw after February 1, 2018 for medical reasons, funds obligated on their behalf to overseas vendors can only be refunded if:
- The request is submitted to the Study Abroad Office in writing and accompanied by a signed statement stating that travel is not advised from a physician on the physician’s letterhead; and
- NIU is able to obtain refunds from overseas vendors and agents; and
- The program has the minimum number of participants required to operate.
CANCELLATION OF THE PROGRAM: The Study Abroad Office reserves the right to cancel this program if the minimum required enrollment is not attained. If, prior to the commencement of the program, a U.S. State Department Travel Warning is issued for Tanzania, all applicants will be notified promptly of the warning and the possibility of cancellation of the program. If, during the course of the program, a U.S. State Department Travel Warning is issued for Tanzania, students will be promptly notified of the warning and the advisability of canceling the program.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ALTER
OR CANCEL THIS PROGRAM AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY!
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Passport/Visa Information
PASSPORT:
--IMPORTANT--All participants are required to possess a valid passport by March 1, 2018. Important Note: U.S. passports must be valid SIX months beyond the intended stay overseas. Individuals who do not currently possess a valid passport should apply for one
immediately. If applicants are not within the Chicago area, they must apply at the nearest passport agency.) Information on acquiring a U.S. passport is available at the U.S. State Department’s website:
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html. Foreign passport holders may need special visas for travel and are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas.
VISA: A valid passport is required in order to obtain a visa to enter Tanzania and most surrounding countries. Individuals who do not currently possess a valid passport should apply for one immediately upon acceptance into the program. The visa will be obtained at the border or airport upon entry to Tanzania. The visa fee is included in the cost of the program.
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Contact Information
QUESTIONS?
Please contact the Study Abroad Office
Williston Hall 417
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone: (815) 753-0700
Email: niuabroad@niu.edu
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