This program is suspended for 2020–21. 


Yaoundé, Cameroon

YAOUNDÉ, CAMEROON

Dickinson’s long presence in Yaoundé and dynamic on-site staff and faculty provides students opportunities to develop an understanding and appreciation of West Africa and of Cameroonian culture and society. Through selected courses in humanities and social sciences with significant fieldwork experiences, a vibrant homestay program and internship and research opportunities, students become active participants in the local culture and make lasting connections to the people and place.

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Through selected courses in humanities and social sciences with significant fieldwork experiences, a vibrant homestay program and internship and research opportunities, students become active participants in the local culture and make lasting connections to the people and place. 


PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Fieldwork based coursework including Contemporary Cameroon core course
  • Internship opportunities
  • Direct enrollment opportunity at UCAC for students with French
  • Francophone or Anglophone Homestay


ACADEMICS AND INTERNSHIPS 

Students take courses at the Dickinson Center in a range of topics taught by faculty members from the University of Yaoundé I, the oldest university in Cameroon specializing in the arts and humanities.  Students with advanced French may directly enroll at the Universite Catholique d’Afrique Centrale. The practicum course, Contemporary Cameroon, culminates in a paper and presentation based on a specialized independent study topic or internship-related experience. Internships are available at a variety of organizations from government, women’s empowerment, development, the environment, to education and health. 

ACADEMIC EXCURSIONS 

Students are introduced to Cameroon through a series of excursions related to contemporary Cameroon. Sites include Kribi, Mbalmayo, Bafoussam, and others. 

HOUSING AND MEALS 

Most students live with Anglophone or Francophone homestay families, who prepare meals. Families are carefully selected for each student. Furnished single rooms in the center are available to those who choose not to live with a family. 

STAFF 

As program director, Teku Tanyi Teku ensures that the program’s logistical arrangements, infrastructure and health and safety protocols meet the needs of faculty and students. He is well-suited to support students, as he spent a year on Dickinson’s campus as an exchange student, has a degree in psychology and is a bridge between American and Cameroonian culture. The on-campus coordinator is Associate Professor of Africana Studies Lynn Johnson. 

GO GLOBAL 

TERM DATES 

Spring 

Spring: Late January to mid-June. Applications are due by September 7. 

EXPECTATIONS 

3.0 GPA 

This program is intended for students who are ready to handle autonomy and able to adapt to some degree of difficulty. There is no language requirement, but multiple semesters of French are highly recommended.  


“Studying abroad in Cameroon allowed me to immerse in a new culture and grow so much as an individual and a student. I was able to deepen my academic interest in public health through conducting field research supported by research grants I received from global ed and the Community Studies Center. These grants gave me opportunities to apply knowledge and skills from Dickinson and bridge my study abroad experience with my Dickinson education.” 

—Faith Park ’16 (self-developed major) 

Dickinson Majors with Dickinson in New Zealand Program
  • Africana Studies 
  • American Studies 
  • Anthropology 
  • English 
  • Environmental Science 
  • Environmental Studies 
  • French 
  • History 
  • International Studies 
  • Philosophy 
  • Political Science 
  • Religion 
  • Sociology 
  • Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies 

Don’t see your major? Connect with us. This program could still be a good fit for you. 

Non-Dickinson Student Information

This program is not currently open for non-Dickinson students. Check our list of available programs here.


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