Tunisia: Emerging Identities in North Africa

  Tunisia

Tunis

Term: Fall, Spring 

Description: Explore popular culture through the lens of diverse new media in the Arab world. In particular, the Internet and satellite revolutions across the region are changing the face of Arab identity and forging bonds where Arab nationalism has failed. The setting provides numerous opportunities to probe seemingly disparate links between Arab pop music, the debate on Arabic language use in North Africa, sport, and an upsurge in religious identity.

Based in Tunis, a modern Arab capital heavily influenced by Francophone culture, students also examine challenges of youth in the face of globalization and Western culture and political inflences. A 10-day module in Egypt (conditions permitting) takes students to Cairo, the heart of Arab popular culture, for an in-depth look at culture and identity in the regions largest metropolis.

Lectures, field studies, urban and rural homestays, and the Independent Study Project provide students insight into the popular culture and identity in Tunisia.

Highlights: 16 credits; Intensive Language Study: Arabic (Tunisian dialect with Modern Standard Arabic option available), Academic Seminar, Field Study Seminar, four-week Independent Study Project; Seven-week homestay in Tunis.

Educational excursions will include visits to points of interest within Tunisia, including Karaiwan, Sfax, Djerba, Ain Draham, Tabarka, and Tozeur. These excursions aim to give a sense of the multi-layered fabric of the Arab cultural heritage; to show that heritage is still alive in popular culture; to distinguish in popular culture the various permutations due to globalization as well as the responses to them; and to rehearse and prepare for the Independent Study Project field research.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please inquire for costs

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Tunisia in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 12-15

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