Credits
6
Prerequisites
None
Courses taught in
English
Dates
Jun 5 – Jul 17
Program Countries
Tanzania
Program Base
Zanzibar
Critical Global Issue of Study
Climate & Environment
Development & Inequality
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Tanzania
Climate Change & Sustainability, Mount Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar
(Filling; Apply by Apr 1, 2023)
Study climate change, its human impacts, and national and local solutions in northern and coastal Tanzania.
At a Glance
Overview
Why study climate change in Tanzania?
Tanzania’s diverse ecology provides an extraordinary backdrop in which to explore climate change. In the interior mountains, study tropical forest management and examine the climatology, ecology, and hydrology of the extinct volcano in Kilimanjaro National Park, including its two glaciers. In Ngorongoro Conservation Area, visit the largest intact collapsed volcano outside Indonesia, and investigate how climate change affects migrating wildlife such as zebras and wildebeests. In Zanzibar, you’ll learn about coral reef conservation. Throughout your journey, you’ll also consider solutions to issues posed by climate change, meeting with farmers, foresters, fishermen, community leaders, and nongovernmental organizations. In addition to learning from SIT’s world-class faculty, you also will speak with experts through SIT’s extensive regional networks, including government departments in Zanzibar the Institute of Marine Sciences in Zanzibar, and College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, in Moshi.
Highlights
- Survey climate change across coastlines, mountains, and grasslands.
- Explore the Zanzibar Archipelago and the lush forests of the Usambara Mountains.
- Investigate how climate change affects migrating wildlife and coastal reefs.
- Observe fauna, such as black rhinoceri, lions, elephants, and wildebeests.
Prerequisites
None
Excursions
Mount Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro Crater
For one week, journey to Kilimanjaro National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera (collapsed volcano) outside Indonesia. Lions, black rhinoceri, and elephants dwell in this region. You will study climate change impacts on wildlife, grasslands, and glacial melt used by nearby communities for irrigation. Of particular interest will be the effects on and solutions of communities to climate change.
Usambara Mountains
Visit the verdant Usambara Mountains for one week, staying in the towns of Lushoto and Amani. This beautiful region is full of wildlife, including rare chameleons and butterflies. You’ll see archaeological sites that have revealed evidence of climate change for more than 1,000 years. Challenge yourself to understand the larger questions of conservation practice in the region, and learn from local foresters, farmers, and nongovernmental organizations about their experiences with climate change.
Zanzibar Archipelago
Spend three weeks investigating coral reefs and coral bleaching, the resilience of mangrove forests, and coastal erosion. Interview local fishermen in the Zanzibar Archipelago, also known as the “Spice Islands.” This popular tourist destination boasts tropical beaches and a host of endemic animals including the Zanzibar red colobus monkey. You’ll also gain a better understanding of the techniques, methods, and ethics necessary for successful field research.
Please note that SIT will make every effort to maintain its programs as described. To respond to emergent situations, however, SIT may have to change or cancel programs.
Academics
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Explain the concept and basic signatures of climate change.
- Describe ecology, the science of climate change, and resource management in Tanzania.
- Explain present climate change challenges and solutions for terrestrial and marine environments, species, and human communities in Tanzania.
- Discuss human sustainability and resource management in the Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar areas.
- Differentiate between basic science and social science methods to study climate change and human impacts and adaptations.
Coursework
The following syllabi are representative of this program. Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, actual course content will vary from term to term.
The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.
Key Topics
- Research methods in a nontraditional, cross-cultural environment
- Coral reef conservation and tropical forest and resource management
- National and local solutions to climate change
- Environmental and anthropological field study techniques
- Human-environment interaction in ecosystems
Climate Change and Its Impacts in the Tropics
Climate Change and Its Impacts in the Tropics
Climate Change and Its Impacts in the Tropics – syllabus
(ENVI3000 / 3 credits)
An interdisciplinary course addressing the social and natural impacts of climate change in East Africa. Subjects include ecology and the societies of northern and coastal Tanzania, national and local solutions to climate change, and the complexities of management solutions.
Environmental Research Methods and Ethics
Environmental Research Methods and Ethics
Environmental Research Methods and Ethics – syllabus
(ENVI3500 / 3 credits)
An introduction to ecological and anthropological field study techniques. Through excursions and field assignments, the course introduces and critically employs scientific and social scientific methods for feasible and ethical research. Students learn field observation, interviewing, record keeping, scientific analysis, interpretation, and presentation based on primary sources.
Homestays
Stone Town
You will stay with a Swahili family in historic Stone Town, a stunning coastal city and UNESCO World Heritage site, distinguished for its impressive cultural and architectural legacies. The city boasts magnificent Swahili architecture, bustling markets, narrow streets and alleyways, mosques, and museums.
Throughout the homestay experience, you will participate in and learn more about the day-to-day cultural activities of your family, allowing you to experience Islamic traditions in the Zanzibari context.
Faculty & Staff
Tanzania: Climate Change & Sustainability, Mount Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar
Hafida Abdulla Ahmed
Homestay Coordinator
Said Hamad Omar, MSc
Program Coordinator
Zuleikha Makame and Ali Said
Office Managers
Amina Kashoro
Program Consultant
Gladys Richard Mmari
Program Consultant
Discover the Possibilities
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Cost & Scholarships
SIT Study Abroad is committed to making international education accessible to all students. Scholarship awards generally range from $500 to $5,000 for semester programs and $500 to $3,000 for summer programs. This year, SIT will award nearly 1 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students.
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