Africana Studies Abroad
Make progress toward your degree by completing your minor and General Education requirements through an exciting experience abroad in Africa, the cradle of humankind. Africa is a fascinating and fast-changing continent; spending some time there will enrich your personal and academic experience. Although a study abroad in African countries is certainly preferable as the only true first-hand experience of African cultures and societies, it is worth noting that several leading research universities in Europe offer excellent African Studies programs as well. There are also opportunities to study the African Diaspora in the Caribbean.
Program Suggestions
The programs highlighted on this page are a good fit for students studying African & African-American Studies.
Faculty-Led Programs
Location |
Program |
Available Courses |
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Namibia |
HST 380/AAA 333: African History, Cultures & Environment (3 credits) AND HTM 368: Geotourism (3 credits) *Fulfills Global Perspectives and 2 Issues. Reflection required for Issues. Language of instruction: English Honor students: can be used to fulfill HNR 300, HNR 401, or HNR 499 requirements |
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Ghana |
ENG 301: Teaching Reading & Writing in the Elementary Classroom (3 credits) AND ENG 401: Languages, Literacies, & Cultures (3 credits) AAA 333: Study Abroad |
Semester and Academic Year Programs
Country |
Program, Host Institution, or University Name |
Program Type |
Courses |
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Ghana |
Exchange |
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Kenya |
Provider |
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South Africa |
Provider |
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Rwanda |
Provider |
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Ghana |
Provider |
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South Africa |
Provider |
Summer Programs
Location |
Program |
Program Type |
Courses |
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Cuba |
Provider |
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Ghana |
Provider |
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Kenya |
Provider |
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South Africa |
Provider |
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Tanzania |
Provider |
Explore Other Program Options
There are other program options available. Schedule a study abroad advising appointment to learn more or browse our other program options:
Internships
Gain real-world experience globally and build your international network by participating in an African/African American Studies internship abroad.
Academic Advice
First Year Students
The earliest you can go abroad is the summer of your first year.
Students may fulfill General Education Foundations and/or Issues requirements abroad.
Sophomore & Upperclassmen Students
- No restrictions have been specified by the Africana program.
- Students can take courses that satisfy some requirements in their AAA minor or the General Education program. Be sure to begin planning at least six months in advance.
- Students do not need to speak a foreign language in order to study in a country where English is not the official language. The African & African-American Studies program also recommends exploring several study abroad programs in English-speaking countries: Ghana, South Africa, and Botswana.
- The Africana Studies program has a very strong cultural component. There is no better way to study African societies and to explore the African roots of African-American culture than by spending one or several semesters in Africa.
- Consider fulfilling your Issues General Education requirement abroad. Find out how!
- Students interested in combining their study abroad experience with an internship, or those looking to focus solely on an internship, have many options. Customized internships are available in a few locations through programs such as ELAP and World Endeavors
- Courses will be reviewed on a case by case basis through the course equivalency process.
KEEP IN MIND: Once you have selected a program to be sure to meet with your adviser at least three months before departing for your program. Be sure to explore both GVSU and Provider options by browsing the Program Suggestions below. Students are not limited to GVSU study abroad programs. There are several opportunities to intern and or volunteer while abroad. Students can fulfill the General Education Foundation requirements abroad as well as their General Education Issues requirement (reflection paper required). If you take at least 3 credits abroad, your Global Perspectives General Education requirement will automatically be fulfilled.
Scholarship Opportunities
Explore Scholarship opportunities through our Scholarships Page
Department Contact
Jack Mangala
101 Lake Ontario Hall
[email protected]