What are the benefits of study abroad for someone in African Studies?
While cross-cultural competency is important for any citizen, graduates of this degree combine their classroom study with the immeasurable experiential growth that occurs while living in another culture. This combination of classroom and real world experience assures us that we are putting forth graduates who have the tools to live and work towards a more peaceful and just socety. Students in this field must complete at least one study abroad or overseas internship experience to help them develop cross-cultural competence, proficiency in a language other than English and learn about topics related to African studies.

When is the best time for African Studies students to go abroad?
Students should not wait until the last term of their senior year to satisfy this requirement. Some students may choose to go abroad more than once in careful consultation with their advisor. Timing depends on the exact requirements you’d like to fulfill, so start planning early to identify the ideal timeline to go abroad.

What types of academic requirements can I fulfill abroad?
Study abroad or internship requirement: Students in this major must complete
an advisor-approved study abroad or internship experience(s) that reflects major/language of
study. Study abroad or internship must be at least 5 weeks in length.

Language requirements: The African studies major requires 3 years of one African
language or equivalent OR 2 years of one African language and one of another or equivalent.
Whenever possible, the study abroad/internship should relate to the language(s).

Major requirements: Students should focus upon courses which meet requirements in
the Global Studies major. Students should consult with their advisor for potential exceptions
for courses taken overseas to count toward the African Studies track.

University-wide and college requirements: Students may be able to take
courses that will fulfill Tier II and other college-level requirements, although this is not the primary focus of the experience.

What are other academic considerations for someone in African Studies?
Students should start at least a year in advance to plan for overseas internship or study
abroad and consult with education abroad staff and their academic advisor before committing to a program.

What do I do next?
Visit our Planning Your Experience page to discover the steps you'll need to take.

Botswana: CIEE - Arts & Sciences
Ghana: Ohio University - Teach in Ghana
Ghana: CIS/IEP - Semester in Ghana
Kenya: KEI - Nairobi
Mali: Antioch University - African Arts & Culture
Morocco: SIT - Multiculturalism & Human Rights
Morocco: IES
Morocco: ISA
Morocco: Qualam Center - Arabic
Rwanda: SIT - Post-Genocide Restoration and Peacebuilding
Senegal: CIEE - Language & Culture
Senegal: UNC - Language and Culture Summer
MSID - Senegal
South Arfica: Ohio University - HIV/AIDS Education
South Arfica: IEP - Semester in South Africa
South Africa: IEP - Summer in South Africa
South Africa: CIEE - Service Learning
AIFS - Service Learning
SIT - Political & Social Transformation
Tanzania: CIEE - Arts & Sciences
Tanzania: KEI
Uganda: SIT - Development Studies
SIT - Post-Conflict Transformation


Additional opportunities available! Click here to view more program options & come to walk-in advising, Mon-Fri, 1-4 PM.

Transfer credit may be earned on approved Non-OHIO & exchange programs. Students participating on these programs should complete a Foreign Study Checklist (available at the Office of Education Abroad) to seek pre-approval prior to departure. Students wishing to utilize financial aid and scholarships, click here. OHIO scholarships may not apply to all programs listed on this page. Students should research the country where they plan to study at www.travel.state.gov. Students traveling to a country with a state department warning will be required to sign a waiver (available in the Walter International Education Center) prior to departure.

Cross Cultural Solutions
Internships and volunteer opportunities in Ghana, India, Costa Rica, China and more in areas like health, education and social services.

Amnesty International
Employment, internships, and volunteer opportunities are available. Amnesty International currently has more than 100 volunteers and interns working for them.

United Nations Development Program
Work or volunteer to promote peace and global development abroad.

For an extensive list of opportunities to work, volunteer, or intern abroad please click here.

Students should consult their academic department regarding earning credit for internships. Students will not receive transfer credit for internship programs UNLESS the internship is required of a student’s major and the student receives pre-approval for the internship. Students should register with the Office of Education Abroad before traveling overseas.