Ethiopia: Sacred Traditions and Visual Culture

  Ethiopia

Addis Ababa

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

Description: The School for International Training's Study Abroad programs offer field-based study in over 57 countries. Students earn 16 semester credits on a 15-week experience designed to encourage a global awareness that enables people to live and act in an interdependent world. Groups of seven to 25 students are lead by one or two academic directors.

Ethiopia's cultures and traditions date back more than 3,000 years. Flourishing from the second to the seventh centuries, the Axumite kingdom ruled much of the area surrounding the Red Sea, and left behind great stone stelae, or obelisks, as reminders of their society's accomplishments. In the eleventh century, the seat of the Abyssinian kingdom moved to Lalibela, where monolithic rock-hewn churches testify to the powerful influence and architectural ingenuity of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The historic city of Harar in southeastern Ethiopia is considered by many to be the fourth most-holy city in Islam.

From this rich backdrop, Ethiopia has emerged as a thriving nation proud of its heritage, seeking to promote the preservation of cultural diversity, and enjoying the mutual respect shared among the Ethiopian people. Addis Ababa, nestled in the foothills of the Entoto Mountains, is the crossroads of contemporary Ethiopia. From this program base, students will explore the country's varied and fascinating expressions of spirituality and culture.

Highlights:
-Language study: Amharic
-Homestay: Addis Ababa (2 weeks), Harar (1 week)and Sashamene (1 week)
-Educational Excursions: Lalibela, Axum, and Gondar

Experience Required: no

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

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

Post Services Include:

• Alumni 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