Mali: Health, Gender, and Community Empowerment

  Mali

Bamako (Bammaco)

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: September to December/February to May

Description: Examine development initiatives through the interplay of gender dynamics and health in Mali. This democratic nation is seen as one of the forerunners among African nations striving to manage complex development issues, and the Malian government has consciously chosen to place high priority on gender and family matters. It does so in a country characterized by distinctive ethnic groups including the nomadic Tuaregs, the cliff-dwelling Dogon, and the craftsmen and farmers of the Niger River, many of whom continue to practice traditional ways of life rich in art, religion, and community allegiances.

Students will learn about the link between women's roles, family health, and improvement in development indicators. By showcasing the interconnectedness of these issues, the program provides students with an appreciation of the complexities involved in approaching health as an international development issue.

Highlights: 17 credits; Intensive Language Study: French, Intensive Language Study: Bambara, Academic Seminar, Field Study Seminar, four-week Independent Study Project; Six-week homestay in Bamako and a one-week village stay. Educational excursions to Djenne, Mopti, Ségou, Dogon cliff villages, Timbuktu (conditions permitting)

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: contact sponsor

Experience Required: yes

Prerequisites: Three recent semesters of college-level French or equivalent and the ability to follow coursework in French, as assessed by SIT.

This Program is open to American and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Mali in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available. To make study abroad opportunities available to a wide range of students, SIT Study Abroad offers a variety of scholarships. We base all scholarship awards on need and merit. Awards range from $500 to $5,000. For a full list of scholarships, and to download a scholarship application, please visit our web site.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement: SIT Study Abroad is the accredited higher education institution of World Learning, a private, nonprofit international organization promoting international and intercultural understanding, social justice, and economic development through education, training, and field projects around the globe. SIT prepares students to be interculturally effective leaders, professionals, and citizens through SIT Study Abroad, undergraduate, field-based academic programs operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, and thorough short-term professional training and graduate degrees in language teaching, conflict transformation, international education, social justice in intercultural relations, management, and sustainable development.

Year Founded: 1932