SIT Study Abroad Cameroon: Development and Social Change
Open to all students, this program, in partnership with Dickinson College, examines development issues in Cameroon in the context of culture, politics, and the economy.
WHY STUDY IN CAMEROON?
Cameroon, an ethnically diverse and rapidly changing country, is an ideal setting in which to study development. Alongside Cameroonian college students, you’ll discuss project sustainability, funding sources, and beneficiary involvement in project design and implementation with development experts and high-profile political leaders. Focusing on three major socio-cultural groups—Bamiléké, Bagyeli, and Anglophones—you’ll discover the complex relationships between development, modernization, and social change.
SIT and Dickinson College have partnered to create a one-of-a-kind, interdisciplinary study abroad program in Cameroon that provides the opportunity to study critical issues affecting communities and people in Cameroon, West Africa, and The Global South. SIT and Dickinson’s long presence in Yaoundé and dynamic on-site staff and faculty offer students opportunities to develop an understanding and appreciation of West Africa and of Cameroonian culture and society. This program is open to all students.
Please visit the SIT Study Abroad website for details on the program highlights and details of coursework, educational excursions, and housing.
MONEY MATTERS
SIT is an all-inclusively priced study abroad program – including academics costs, excursions, accommodations and meals, airport transfers, and health insurance. Be sure to discuss how study abroad costs are handled at your school with your study abroad advisor and read the website for more specific information.
SCHOLARSHIPS
SIT has awarded an average of over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students in the past three years. All scholarships and grants are need-based. Awards generally range from $500 to $5,000.
CONTACT SIT STUDY ABROAD
· Visit our website: studyabroad.sit.edu
· Request more information or email us: studyabroad@sit.edu
· Call an admissions counselor: 888-272-7881
· Contact a former student.
· Apply to SIT
Academic Program
The semester begins with a one-week orientation in Yaoundé. After the initial orientation, the following components of the academic program begin:
- Modernization and Social Change in Cameroon (0.75 Pomona credits)
- Development Studies (0.75 Pomona credits)
- French for Development Studies (0.75 Pomona credits)
- Research Methods and Ethics (0.75 Pomona credits)
- Independent Study Project (ISP) or Internship and Seminar (1.0 Pomona credit)
In the spring term, students with previous French language study have the option to direct enroll at Universite Catholique d'Afrique Centrale and take one course in French in place of the Development Studies course. Each semester, a small number of Cameroonian students enrolled in local university programs participate in the program alongside U.S.-based students. Modernism and Social Change and Development Studies are both taught in English, however students participating in the Intensive French Language track will participate in facilitated discussion sessions in French with Cameroonian students.
There is no CR/NC option on this program.
Living Arrangements
Students live in homestays in Yaoundé. During program excursions, students stay in homestays, hostels, and camping accommodations.
Number of Students
SIT enrolls approximately 10 – 20 students, selected from a national pool.
Host Institution
School for International Training (SIT)
Dickinson College
Universite Catholique d'Afrique Centrale
Faculty Liaison
Pierre Englebert
Eligibility
- Completion of intermediate French (French 2 or 22), or the equivalent, and the ability to follow coursework in French.
A college-level background course with African content is highly recommended.
Student Experiences
Click here to read Marianna Heckendorn's (PO '16) reflection on her semester in Cameroon.
Travel Advisories