Niamey International Development Program

  Niger

Niamey

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Late August to mid-December; mid-January to mid-May; and late August to mid-May

Description: The Niamey International Development Program offers a semester or academic year in the capital city of Niamey, Niger. The program combines the study of development, language, and society in the Sahel region of West Africa with individual community service placements that examine Nigers culture and ongoing development efforts. In addition to courses and fieldwork, the program also offers participants a number of planned study trips and cultural activities. In the past, these excursions have included visits to Peace Corps volunteers' villages, an overnight stay in a game park, a day trip to a weekly live-stock market, and an outing to see the last free-roaming herd of giraffes in West Africa.

The program is offered in cooperation with the Faculté des Lettres et Sciences Humaines de lUniversité Abdou Moumouni, and courses are taught by Nigerien, Canadian, American, and, occasionally other affiliated educators. Upon successful completion of a semester, students earn 16 Boston University credits.

Highlights: Upon arrival in Niamey, students are provided with an intensive orientation by the faculty coordinator and resident staff. Introduction to Hausa and Zarma language begin at this time. Plans for field placements, upcoming study trips, and independent projects are organized.

Following orientation, all students enroll in a field placement, one required course, and two elective courses covering some aspect of Nigerien society, African culture, or language. Students may also choose to enroll in one language course without credit.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Inquire for more info.

Experience Required: no

Boston University International Programs's Mission Statement: Boston University International Programs is the study abroad division of Boston University. With language, liberal arts, fine arts, science, business, engineering and internship programs in 30 cities in 20 countries on six continents, we offer an unmatched variety of study abroad opportunities for students from all majors and interests. Our job is to help students realize their dream to study and work abroad, and to do that we offer academic programs which successfully combine students' intellectual development with practical experience in life and work. Faculty and administration at Boston University are very serious about the important link between theory and practice. We work hard to create programs that respond to the needs of students, as they prepare themselves to make the transition from classroom to career in the new global community.