University of Dar es Salaam (USES)

Be very careful in choosing your courses in the beginning of the first half of the year. The university is currently in the process of switching from a trimester to a semesterization system. However, when I was studying there, only a few of the academic departments had made the switch, while the majority were continuing to operate by way of the old, trimester system. This is extremely important for students studying at the university for the entire year, because one's course selections during the first half directly affect what one is eligible to take for the second half of the year. I do not recommend taking courses in the Political Science department for future foreign students. Why? - The classes are large; the course material is often very basic and monotonous; the teachers, for the most part, are not concerned for the welfare of their students - they often show up late to class and end early, discourage student contribution by way of putting down student comments; often conduct classes by way of simply reading off of a piece of paper for the entire class period; and sometimes do not even show up to class at all, without any prior notice. Furthermore, if one decides to select courses in the political science field during the first half of the year, he or she may have trouble selecting couses in other departments for the second half of the year, as the political science department at the university last year had made the switch to the semester system, but the majority of other academic departments had not. Thus, the majority of courses at the university ran throughout the year, meaning if one was not participating in a year-long course during the first half of the academic year, he or she would be ineligible to join the course during the second half of the year. This was the case for entire academic departments through which courses were offered. Accordingly, in my experience, I was confined to taking all political science classes for the entire year, as I had blindly chosen all political science courses for the first half, with the exception of Swahili. The truly unfortunate aspect of my experience was simply that this important information was not given to me by the foreign student affairs department at the university. - It was something that I had to figure out by myself, the hard way. I do know, however, that students that had participated in courses in the literature, Swahili, sociology, history, and visual and performing arts departments had really positive exoeriences. I highly recommend learning Swahili throughout your time at the university. The faculty in the Swahili department at the university is extremely kind and portrays a great passion for teaching. Most importantly, having knowledge of the Swahili language will enhance your experience abroad in Tanzania in every way imaginable.

I would encourage a greater emphasis on extra-curricular activities related to course material on campus. - And also, making more activities available to the student body. I would also recommend the use of more examples and case studies regarding what is taught in the courses by the instructors. Also, the courses on campus are taught in English, which I believe interferes with the full learning potential of the students. It was my observation that many of the students did not have a firm grasp on the English language, making what was being taught to them even more difficult to comprehend. However, I cannot truly say where I stand on this issue.

I spent more money in Tanzania than I would normally back home because I would always have to assume all financial responsibilites for my friends whenever we were involved in any activities which required spending money. My Tanzanian friends simply did not have any money to spare. I accepted this because that was the reality. Although, food in general was quite cheap, going out to restaurants or nightclubs with friends could get expensive in a hurry. Tanzania is extremely impovershed, with a huge gap between the desperately poor majority and the rich minority.

I think some prior knowledge of Swahili would have helped me.

Be open to dialogue with other students, both foreign and Tanzanian. Always travel with a friend whenever leaving the campus. Be patient with the pace and scheduling of courses - they can be quite slow, unorganized, and ill-structured. Try not to be intimidated in any situation. - I know it will be difficult at times, but you deserve to be there just as much as anyone else - don't forget that. Also, be careful. People, including other students will try to take advantage of you in one way or another. Be strong and direct. Do not let yourself be bullied or pushed around. And make rational, sound decisions in whatever you do. - It's very easy to get yourself into trouble. It's better to take the time to think things out and be safe, than to make the wrong decisions and wish you haden't. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy. It will surely be an invaluable learning experience - just being in Tanzania!