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Tanzania: Ecology & Human Origins

Dar es Salaam & Tarangire field site, Tanzania

Living arrangements

University of Dar es Salaam

A student dormitory at UDSM.

During the first two months, students live in dormitories at the University of Dar es Salaam.  At this time, the University is not in full session, so students are living with other international students.  These dormitories are practical and modest, with small double and triple rooms, furnished with bunk beds, desks, and small storage areas.  Bathroom facilities are shared, with typically one bathroom per floor.  During this time, students are responsible for purchasing their own food.  Many students choose to eat in the campus cafeteria, while others choose to venture off-campus to local eateries. 

Field research site

The area surrounding field research campsites.

In the field, students live at an established campsite, which includes an open brick building used for meals and as a general meeting space.  Students sleep in tents, with typically 3 students per tent. The campsite facilities are relatively primitive, with pit toilets and, in some cases, no water on site.  ACM uses an outfitting provider while in the field to provide tents, vehicles, and meals.  The campsite is located near the small village of Olasiti, where students can purchase basic supplies, meet the locals, and enjoy a simple meal and drink.

Host Families

In the last month of the program, students live with host families in Dar es Salaam. The family members are often faculty at the University, and most typically live in on-campus or close to campus, in faculty housing. The home stay invites participation in the daily life of the community, broadening the program experience beyond the classroom.

Tanzania: Ecology & Human Origins

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Julia Varnergardner Being abroad taught me so many things about other people (my host family, my professors, and my new friends) as well as myself. I learned how to make friends easily and get myself from one place to the next with only the help I could offer myself. Friendships made in Tanzania were fast and strong despite whatever cultural differences we may have had. The ACM Tanzania program was perfect for me because I was able to gain credit for my biology major, while pursuing other passions as well. I studied new subjects, such as anthropology and human evolution, and Swahili (which I never before knew could be such a fun experience). The language aspect of the program was really wonderful because Swahili is a beautiful language and knowing it helped me to connect more with local people. I came into the country with wide-open expectations and that got me a long way. Without having any preconceptions I was able to become an entirely new person in Tanzania. I learned the meaning of confidence and patience and friendliness. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about Tanzania and my experiences there with affection and I would love so much to be able to go back one day.

—Julia Varnergardner, Tanzania, Fall 2009

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