Dickinson in Cameroon

Cameroon Program

• Cameroon, christened by the Portuguese in 1472, owes its name to the vast numbers of shrimp (camaroes) in its coastal waters.

• The nation is diverse in terms of population and geography. Its 12 million people represent between 130 and 200 ethnic groups speaking some 280 languages, and its landscape ranges from sub-Saharan in the north to thick rainforest in the south—parts of which receive more than 200 inches of rain each year. Yaoundé is located in a hilly part of the country, thus having a cooler climate than might be expected for a city only five degrees north of the equator.

• Although it is now relatively easy to telephone and fax from Cameroon, the nation has lost none of its African flavor; students with a real taste for adventure can sample readily available “bush meat,” such as boa constrictor, porcupine, anteater and monkey.

Dickinson’s Cameroon program is perhaps the most challenging offered by the college, suitable for only the most mature and adaptable students. Those who are ready for such a challenge, however, will find the experience tremendously enriching.

A Unique Challenge
Unlike similar undergraduate programs in Africa, Dickinson’s program is unique in that students enroll directly in an African university. Therefore, students must be self-motivated and ready to undertake academic work in a very different atmosphere.

Moreover, Cameroon, a materially poor nation, lacks many of the amenities that American students are accustomed to enjoying. Again, potential applicants are advised to assess realistically whether they are prepared for a dramatic, sometimes difficult, change in lifestyle. Put simply, this program is geared to exceptional students who are ready to handle autonomy, maintain an open mind and tolerate some degree of difficulty.

Because Cameroon has two official languages—English and French—the program does not have a language requirement, although at least one semester of college French is highly recommended. Students on the Francophone track take their elective courses in French.

Program & Courses
The objective of the Dickinson in Cameroon Program is to enable students to develop an understanding of Cameroon culture and society and of as Africa as a whole. This is achieved through a number of selected courses in the humanities and social sciences, as well as through internship and field-work opportunities that provide opportunities for students to become active participants in Cameroonian society. Each student is required to take five courses during a 15-week period, including a required core course and a tutorial in French. The French Tutorial is a non-credit course that assists students to develop their French language skills so that they may function more effectively in their daily activities in Yaoundé.

The Core Course
The African studies course, taught in English, is required of all students. It serves as an integrative experience for students, and it begins upon arrival in Yaoundé. Students are introduced to Cameroon as a whole during an intensive orientation that involves group travel throughout the country. This orientation includes stays along the southwest coast and normally includes the city of Douala, the coastal cities of Kribi and Limbe, the Anglophone town of Bamenda, and the Islamic center of Foumban. During this orientation, students encounter and discuss the issues that serve as a foundation within their course work and their experiences throughout the semester. Examples of such issues include ethnic diversity, the differences between Anglophone and Francophone Cameroon, exploitation and eco-tourism, health care policy and the role of the modern African chief in society. After the orientation, students continue with the African studies course throughout the semester and submit a final project on a specialized topic. The core course carries one half credit.

The French Tutorial
All students meet regularly throughout the semester with French-speaking graduate students from the University of Yaoundé for the purposes of improving their French language skills. While the University of Yaoundé is a bilingual institution, the functional language in Yaoundé is French. Students therefore are required to follow the tutorials throughout the semester as a way of enhancing their experiences of and learning about Cameroon. The tutorial carries no academic credit.

Elective Courses
In addition to the core course and the French tutorial, students choose four elective courses. Students with the appropriate background in French are expected to choose elective courses taught in French. Elective course offerings will be made available immediately prior to the start of the semester.

Internships
Students have the opportunity to engage in internships in Yaoundé or its environs. Placements are available in the areas of government, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurial development, environmental management, protection of the mother and child, caring for the aged and homeless, peace and conflict prevention and primary and secondary education. The following are some of the non-governmental organizations and associations and community groups with which students may intern:
• Cameroon National Family Welfare Association: mother and child care.
• Gender Lenses: democracy and women’s empowerment.
• National Centre for Counseling and Women’s Entrepreneurial Development Training.
• Environmental Management Forum.
• Association de Lutte contre la violence faite aux femmes: coalition against abused women.
• Forum of African Women Educators.
• Hubert Humphrey Alumni Association: government and democracy.
• Association of Cameroon Women Lawyers: legal representation of women, especially widows.
• Women’s Federation for World Peace.
• Ballet Universitaire—University ballet and African dance group: African drumming and dancing.

Academic Credit
Students who successfully complete the spring semester program may earn up to 4.5 Dickinson credits.

On-Site Administration
The program is supervised by Mr. Teku Teku. Mr. Teku is available to ensure that students are enrolled in the courses they desire and to see that basic needs are met. A Dickinson faculty member travels with the students and remains in Cameroon for a 10-day orientation while students settle into the university.

Housing
Furnished apartments are provided for students, who must be prepared to live independently. A home-stay option with an Anglophone or Francophone family is available upon request.

* This is the program fee for spring 2008; the program fee for spring 2009 will correspond to on-campus tuition and fees and will be determined during spring 2008.

Program Fee Includes
• tuition and fees
• room and board
• pre-departure and on-site orientations
• academic excursions

Program fee does not include primary health insurance, airfare, passport, visa, immunizations, optional travel, personal expenses, meals and housing during vacations, books and supplies. Airfare is included in summer program fees only.

Special Requirements
2.8 GPA
Students are strongly advised to take at least 1 semester of French prior to studying in Cameroon

Links

Yaounde Handbook

Photos for the Yaounde Program

U.S. Embassy in Cameroon

For more information, contact

Associate Provost Joyce Bylander

On-Campus Coordinator

Dickinson College

P.O. Box 1773

Carlisle, PA  17013-2896

Phone:  (717) 245-1392

E-mail:  bylander@dickinson.edu