Study Abroad
From the days of Burton, Stanley and Livingston, East Africa has had an allure for the curious and adventuresome. In the 1890's
a number of prominent geologists visited this area and explored and mapped parts of it. After WW II the country surveys mapped large
areas, but in practice much of each country has yet to be mapped in detail.
This 30-day field program to East Africa is
intended to serve several purposes:
(1) give the student a hands-on knowledge of the geology and geological processes in the
East African Rift Valley,
(2) provide an alternative for geology students needing a geology field camp (see GE ____ in Courses),
and
(3) provide novices in geology with a means to begin to understand and appreciate the East Africa Rift Valley, one of
the geologic marvels of our time.
The East Africa Rift is an classic example of a basic geologic process, the initial rifting
of continental lithospehere prior to formation of a spreading center and a new plate. Students will gain much of what they would from
a stateside field course with the additional advantage of being exposed to a different culture and working in a foreign country.
Finally,
the timing of this program, in the early spring, is intended to allow students for finish in time for other summer activities. We
generally finish the first week in June, and while some choose to remain for add-on excursions, most choose to leave for jobs and
internships.
Safety Issues
East Africa is generally very safe for foreigners but we
avoid areas that are considered problematic. Large numbers of tourists visit East Africa each year without incident and both instuctors
have been to Kenya and Tanzania for the past 4-5 years without any problems. The indigenous people are very friendly and accomodating.
Urban areas in East Africa are like any other larege city with petty street crime and it is best to take taxis after sunset. The rural
areas we will visit are very safe and close to or on the main tourist circuit.
East Africa
2008 program runs May 7-June 5.
Slots open for 2008 trip: 8
Slots open for 2008 trip: 8
News
Index map lfor Kenya. We operate east of Lake Victoria in Tanzania and Kenya. Click for larger image.
The East Africa countries are shown in this map. We spend most of our time in Tanzania and Kenya but go to the other countries as time and interests permit.
Michigan Technological
University
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton MI 49931
University
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton MI 49931