Cameroon: A Country and a Continent in Cultural Transition
SUMMER 2010 (July 26th to August 30th)
The Program
12 educators from Pennsylvania will be invited to participate in the Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad: Short Term Seminar to Cameroon for four weeks from 26th July 2010 – 30th August 2010. The objective of the project is to document the culture of Cameroon as seen in its music, sounds, celebrations, religions, foods, and clothing; and the impact of Cameroon’s educational system, the changing environment (climate change), and globalization on its culture. The Seminar’s three overarching themes are:
- Culture (music, customs, institution of marriage, languages, clothing, religions), and the impact of development and globalization on culture.
- Climate change, environment and foods.
- Education system: Analysis of the evolution of the Anglophone system of education and the co-existence of two systems of education- Francophone and Anglophone.
Pre-departure workshops will draw on the expertise of experts in African Studies, music, anthropology and the environment from Wilkes University, the African Studies Program at the University of Pennsylvania, and from the Cameroonian Diaspora to provide in-depth orientation to the participants. Activities in Cameroon will be lead by teams of Cameroonian educators in collaboration with cultural experts and traditionalists.
The group will visit geographically significant, historical and cultural sites as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations to learn how these organizations function and articulate with each other. The project will also include post-trip participation in seminars and workshops, videoconferencing, editing of videos and transcription of traditional music brought from Cameroon, blogging and other activities designed to promote the curriculum ideas learned on the trip.
Am I Eligible?
In order to be eligible the applicant must be:
- A U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States
- A K-12 teacher currently teaching social sciences, humanities, foreign languages, or area studies OR an administrator currently responsible for planning, conducting, or supervising programs in foreign languages or area studies at all level.
- Wilkes faculty Member currently teaching social sciences, humanities, foreign languages, or area studies OR an administrator currently responsible for planning, conducting, or supervising programs in foreign languages or area studies at all levels
- Wilkes Graduate student or undergraduate student (must be at least a junior) who is currently a prospective teacher of social sciences, humanities, foreign languages or area studies.
Area Studies is defined as a program of comprehensive study of the aspects of a society or societies including the study of geography, history, culture, economy, politics, international relations, or languages
Who will be chosen?
The following criteria will be used for the selection of participants:
1. Commitment to the integration of international studies into K-12 school cirriculum of social sciences
and humanities.
2. Professional experience to date an successful record of producing quality curriculum materials.
3. Career/academic commitment to African studies and African issues as reflected in the personal
statement, interview and recommendation letters.
4. Potential to which participation in this project will contribute to applicant’s career goals and teaching
objectives.
5. Evidence of cultural competency and ability to handle a physically and psychologically demanding
experience.
How much will it cost?
Fulbright- Hays GPA grant covers the following:
- International travel to and from Cameroon
- Accommodation and food for the duration of the program in Cameroon
- Program-related transportation and admission fees in Cameroon
- Educational materials distributed during the program for use in the U.S.
- Stipend for educators to buy educational materials from Cameroon to use in their US classroom
- Travel from Wilkes to airport at departure and from airport to Wilkes upon return
- Exit taxes from Cameroon
The fellowship does not cover:
- A flat fee of $700 to cover program administration costs
- Limited local travel for pre-departure orientation; transportation to and from Wilkes campus for group trips
to and from the airport.
- Health insurance
- Passport and visa fees
- Inoculations and other health care related to travel
- Travel done on the participant’s own time and initiative
- Personal shopping and gifts
How do I apply?
Cameroon Summer 2010 Application
**All applications due Monday, March 1st, 2010
***Interview will be set up after receiving completed application
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