Brown in Tanzania - Housing
Accomodations
Program housing has been chosen under strong consideration of safety, comfort, and close proximity to campus. Brown in Tanzania students will share apartments in a complex known as the Research Flats. Each apartment consists of two double bedrooms, a common living room, bathroom, and kitchen. Apartments are furnished and include bed sheets, blankets, and pillows. The Research Flats also provides housing for visiting scholars and other guests of the university.
Breakfast and dinner will be provided at the apartment complex.
Community Engagement and Extra-Curricular Activities
Brown in Tanzania students will benefit from being fully eligible to participate in regular university sponsored activities outside of classes. There are number of sport and recreational teams and clubs, religious groups, and student organizations (like a student-run Human Rights organization on campus). Additionally, Brown in Tanzania students may take part in several campus-wide events which are held throughout the year.
Students are also strongly encouraged to involve themselves in community endeavors outside of normal campus life. This is one of the best ways to meet local citizens of Dar es Salaam. The sense of belonging that volunteering can give you is invaluable, especially for connections to the community beyond the university. It’s easy to feel that you don’t belong in Tanzania and don’t really know what you’re doing there. Being part of a supportive community can foster friendships and give you a sense of purpose. There are many local organizations that are eager to enlist the help of English-speaking volunteers. Program participants in the past have volunteered in organizations such as the following:
Mlimani Primary School (Class five teachers)
This school is a five or ten minute walk from campus and is attended by children from class one to class seven (ages seven through fifteen). All students learn English as a second language. You can help out various English classes, teaching grammar as well as leading fun activities like games and songs.
CCT University Choir
The leader of this choir is Mr. Aldin Mutembei, who is also a teacher from the Kiswahili Department. The choir sings at the weekly services at the university chapel (non-denominational Christian). The songs are all in Kiswahili, with a mixture of Western and Tanzanian music and instruments (keyboard and drums).
Office of Lymphatic Filariasis (under the National Institute for Medical Research)
Volunteer work might include editing English translations of various reports and documents, participating in clinical visits, and attending conferences. This is a very effective way to meet local people and practice Kiswahili.
Malaika Kids
Malaika Kids orphanage provides a safe and secure home for local underprivileged children. The aim of the organization is to give the children real hope for their future and allow them the opportunity to enjoy their childhood. (http://www.malaika-kids.co.tz/themes/1319129288/)
Chakuwama Orphanage
This is a Muslim orphanage, walkable from UDSM campus. Guests are welcome and the children are eager to interact with volunteers. They are excited to teach them Kiswahili and Tanzanian customs and are happy also to learn English.
Mwenge Marketplace
Many students in the past have enjoyed volunteer-teaching at the informal English classes held at the local craft market. The craftspeople benefit from learning English and the volunteers are able to learn some Tanzanian slang and popular culture from the younger workers.
Onsite program staff will help you find a rewarding and meaningful volunteer experience in a local community of Dar es Salaam. More information is available on the program handbook which will be given to all program participants prior to departure.
Updated: October 1, 2008