“Zambia: Media, Society and Governance” is a new journalism study abroad program to Africa offered by the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism in conjunction with the Institute for International Journalism (IIJ) and the Office of Education Abroad. Students will take two classes, get hands-on field experience in the media industry, volunteer in advocacy institutions and work alongside government or service sectors in Zambia.

This program offers students exposure and immersion into the conditions under which the media and journalists in Zambia operate. Students will experience the complexity of the economic and business environment for print, marketing and broadcast media.

Through work with local journalists and collaboration with local university students, participants will learn coalition-building efforts, cross cultural communication and problem solving skills. This program fulfills the School of Journalism’s mission to enrich students with global awareness, media policies and collective problem-solving from multiple perspectives.


In addition to learning about specialized journalism, participants will increase their understanding of the African history of monarchial rule, cultural norms, law enforcement and other political structures that shape governance. Students will get the opportunity to interact with not only a wide variety of academic community members, but also with rural contacts in cosmopolitan towns. Zambia is home to more than 10 ethnic groups, each commanding a strong sense of cultural identity. Participants gain exposure to these and other individuals through field exercises, community service with non-governmental organizations and news conferences.


Students will gather content and images from several excursions to be used in their magazine and documentary. Excursions will include, but are not limited to: two three-day weekend trips to a game-day wildlife national park, visits to several historical cultural sites and landmarks, including the Victoria falls, and opportunities to experience the rural life of Zambia. Arrangements will be made to meet with traditional chiefs and other important individuals.

http://scrippsjschool.org/iij/


Program dates:
Mid- Dec to early- Jan

Courses and credits
Students will be enrolled in two courses: Special Topics (JOUR 4900) and Capstone equivalent (JOUR 4870). Students will earn six credit hours toward their respective degrees, including a required university tier-III course.

Eligibility and selection process
This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in the African media, culture, politics and governance. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Eligibility is incumbent upon a successful completion of pre-departure orientation. Interviews may be required to follow application.

Students who have a judicial record and will be on probation for a judicial offense at any point during the program may petition to study abroad. Click here to read the entire judicial policy.

Application deadline
 
Accommodation
Students will stay at the Golf View Hotel, a four-star, air-conditioned hotel in Lusaka with all the luxury amenities. A full breakfast and dinner buffet is provided as part of the program. In addition, fast food options are available and typically cost less than $4.00. 

Costs
Please check back for more information. Costs will be confirmed shortly.

Additional Information on Africa
To learn more about this study abroad destination, please visit the CIA World Factbook. 

Health and safety
Zambia has no history of civil unrest and the region is peaceful. Women must walk in groups at night, but all students will be encouraged to stay in groups. Students will be expected to take prescription antimalarial drugs, use insect repellant on upcountry excursions and utilize sun block and sunglasses for protection from UV sunrays. Students should also eat only at places recommended by the program director.

Ohio University Office of Education Abroad suggests you follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control for healthy travel to your destination: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx. Please familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to a program.

Refer to the State Department site for information related to safety and security at this destination: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html.

Requesting accommodation for disabilities
If you plan to participate in an Ohio University-sponsored study abroad program and wish to request accommodation, you should contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) to schedule an appointment to complete an Education Abroad Disability Accommodation Request Form. We recommend you do this as early as possible to allow sufficient time to determine what accommodations may be made for this program. 

Entry and exit requirements
U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States.  If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year, apply for your passport now: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
Some countries also require a visa to legally enter and reside in the country. Entry and exit requirements for this country can be found at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html.  US citizens won’t need a visa or other special documents to enter the country for the length of this program. You may need to show sufficient funds to support yourself while in-country.  Please also note that visa requirements may vary if you plan to stay in the country longer than the program dates or travel to other countries during or after the program.  Please familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to a program.

For more specific visa related information please visit OEA's Visa Information Page.

Information for NON-US citizens can be found here. 

For more information, contact:

Dr. Yusuf Kalyango
Program Director
Tel: (740)597-3335

Keely Davin
Program Coordinator
Tel: (740) 593-1798