Malawi Immersion Summer Seminar
Overview
This is not a typical high school summer program to Africa! This two-and-a-half-week study abroad/experiential learning program offers high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors the unique and transformative opportunity to explore, research, and experience life in the southern African country of Malawi. The seminar challenges classic views of development, helps students build critical thinking skills, and provides a rare opportunity for students to complete university-level field research on a topic of their interest. With its combination of adventure and academics, the seminar prepares students for college while also working to bring sustainable and locally driven change to Malawi.
Participants will be expected to:
- keep daily ethnographic observations and interview field notes
- attend Chichewa language sessions and complete a language competency exam
- perform an ethnographic research study and community survey
- participate in daily lectures and excursions with American and Malawian faculty
Program Highlights
- Training and experience in anthropological research methods
- Eight-day homestay in a rural Malawian village
- Courses in Chichewa language
- Guided tours of Lilongwe city markets
- Hiking the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley
- Two-day safari at Liwonde National Park
- Seminars by local experts on sustainable agriculture, language, economics, culture, history, religion, and public health
- Community-service work on rural irrigation projects aimed at improving food security
Important Dates and Deadlines
| Date / Deadline | |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | February 15, 2013 |
| Flight Deposit Deadline | April 1, 2013 |
| Session Dates | July 4 – July 20, 2013* |
*Dates are subject to minor changes based on flight availability and cost.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition is $3,850, which includes:
- All in-country travel, meals, lodging, and fees
- Travel health insurance
- All lectures and educational activities
- Chichewa language instruction
- All museum admission fees
- A two-night safari to Liwonde National Park
- A mosquito net
Additional fees (not included in the price of tuition):
- Airfare from the US to Lilongwe, Malawi (approx. $1,850 to $2,100)
- Required vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid (approx. $150 each)
- Required malaria prophylaxis (approx. $150)
- Personal water purification system ($40)
- Passport
- Textbook ($15)
- Personal travel supplies (luggage, flashlights, etc.)
- Souvenirs
Student Application Process
- Pre-College Summer Study Abroad Application (including short essay responses)
- Letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor at your school
- Current transcript
- $50 nonrefundable application fee (checks payable to University of Rochester). This fee will be applied to the final tuition bill.
- Interview (applicant will be contacted via email after materials are submitted)
All forms are available at http://enrollment.rochester.edu/admissions/precollege/forms.shtm.
