A Global Exchange
Study abroad programs to Africa teach American students an appreciation for the continent and the resiliency of its people.
By Dana Forde
The wealth of educational opportunities in Africa has encouraged universities nationwide to establish partnerships with institutions on that continent. Kent State University, The Ohio State University, Princeton University and Rutgers University are just a few that have embraced educational programs that strive to engage students in the process of global exchange.
In only its second year of existence, Princeton’s ecology and evolutionary biology field semester in Kenya has proven to be highly popular. Based at Kenya’s Mpala Research Center, the spring project has drawn an average of seven American students and two Kenyan students each year, says Dr. Daniel I. Rubenstein, the chair of the department.
“While Princeton students may be strong on concepts, Kenyan students are much more aware of natural history and local issues,” he says. “We try to enroll local university students so that they learn the ways of modern science and so that the two different groups of students can learn from each other.”
As part of the program, students participate in projects, lectures, group discussions and oral and written presentations involving the tropics, East African wildlife, global technology
and ecosystems.
“Students come back transformed, as scientists who are aware of important social, economic and conservation issues,” Rubenstein says.
Officials at Kent State say partnerships with African institutions help American students appreciate the history of the continent and the resiliency of its people.
