Santa Clara University

Reading West Africa

 

The Santa Clara University Fall Semester Study Abroad/Immersion in Burkina Faso is a study abroad program for students interested in combining academic work on the development challenges of West Africa with immersion and community-based learning experiences in public libraries in small towns and villages in rural areas. Students spend the first six weeks of the program in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, the second six weeks in a rural village in southwestern Burkina Faso, a week of travel in the region, and a final two weeks back in Ouagadougou. French is recommended but not required. Students without French background must take an introductory conversational French and West African culture course.

Term: Fall Only  

Program Highlights: 

• Intern in a village community library helping children read
  
• Create and publish two books of photographs about village life in Burkina Faso
  
• Engage with development challenges of West Africa, one of world's poorest regions Immerse yourself in French and Dioula for four months (for beginners and advanced students).
  
• Read novels of French West Africa (for advanced French students)
  
• Visit fabulous natural landscapes of the region

We are accepting applications for Fall 2012!!