NIGERIA - May 2009

“There is a place, a far place, in Africa.”
Chinua Achebe, Nigerian novelist and poet

Program Description

The West African nation of Nigeria is a place rich in languages, history, art, literature, and most importantly, in its 250 ethnic groups. Students will live in the homes of Nigerians; interact with fellow students their own age; meet local story-tellers; attend cultural events; travel to places of interest in central Nigeria such as museums, churches, and mosques; and participate in Nigerian church services.

In conjunction with faculty from the University of Jos, students will work side-by-side with Nigerians in areas of significant need: assisting in an HIV/AIDs clinic (supported by MCC’s Generations at Risk Program); working in a shop to build wheelchairs for local people infected with polio and other physically challenged people; and serving with a Christian ministry that provides care for orphans, street kids and similar compassionate ministries. Students will be offered choices in these projects to fit their interests, majors, and skills.

Through these experiences, students will keep journals that represent their growing self-awareness in relation to another culture, exploring how this culture is shaped and how cultures influence each other. One novel students will read prior to their travel is Measuring Time, a tale of twin brothers growing up in a Nigerian village, written by Helon Habila, prize-winning Nigerian author and professor at George Mason University.

Required Immunizations

Tetanus (if it is over five years from last update), Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Menningitis, Polio, Yellow fever Antimalarial prophylaxis

Students can get all immunizations except the yellow fever at EMU's health center.  The yellow fever can be obtained at the local health department.