Thursday, March 23, 2023

African Study Tours – Explore World's ‘Oldest' Continent


The diversity of African ecology, biological and geographical spectrums has since time immemorial attracted the most passionate and psyched scholars from diverse study fields and disciplines. The fact that Africa is considered the earth's ‘oldest' continent means there are more than evolution theories with modern discoveries that no doubt will live beyond the 21st century.The East Africa for example is regarded the cradle of mankind with fossils studies showing the world's most reliable evidence of man's evolution. The discovery of fossils dating over one million years and crude ‘human' tools and weapons dating over hundred thousand of years old gives East Africa a unique interest for paleontologists.
The mythical history of Africa, ethnic diversity, unique geographical array, rich mineral deposits and ancient land-form events such has volcanic activities, the Great Rift Valley and unique marine features place Africa in the world map of most searched scholars destinations. It is amazing how theatrically-munificent Africa presents itself to those seeking to discover its amazing natural beauty, exceptional history, biological diversity, great ecological wealth and distinct variety of its people. I know this may seem to you as though Africa is for the top notch scholars or high flying career researchers. Nope! Those who have been to Africa before will bear me witness that Africa gives you what you ask and fulfils the desire of every traveler. Whether in complicated research assignment or just want to wade through Africa for a short study-holiday package, you will discover untold precision of natural allure that will turn into a life time experience.

The notion of traveling to Africa for educational purposes is not new and its popularity in the tourism market is only expected to increase both locally and abroad. There are varieties of African study tours that give every traveler a unique satisfaction in there preference and interests. It is comprised of several sub-types including ecotourism, heritage tourism, rural/farm tourism, and student exchanges between educational institutions. In most cases, the ideal African study tours and student exchange programs end with 6 to 10 days spent exploring the environment and culture of the surrounding country. This include ecotourism packages that involve visiting natural areas with the objectives of learning, studying or participating in activities that do not bring negative effects to the environment; whilst protecting and empowering the local community socially and economically.

Whether your study tour package will see you teaching English in native rural African school, building a community center or tending to village daily chores in Kenya, the surety is: this overseas charitable work will have life changing impact in your life. Indeed, these are transformative encounters that you will live to remember and cherish. The African study tour and exchange programs are mainly a two to three week packages often characterized by home-stay in a remote rural village. This can be extended depending on the demands of the students or the program organizers with most ideal high school summer programs allowing a maximum of 18 students per group, two leaders and two to three in-country support staff.

So as to understand the unique differences between African urbanization and the urban development in the west, most students exchange programs and scholars packages are organized in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya and the largest city in east and central Africa. Here students will examine developmental and environmental issues that are both experienced and caused by the urban space. Students will meet and discuss with a selection of Nairobians their understanding and interpretation of the impact globalization.

An urban home stay component will be used to integrate these discussions and interpretations into practical knowledge. Other packages include Wildlife Conservation and Ecology program and coast study package. In the Kenyan coast study package, Students will examine the critical role tourism plays in the economy and lives of Swahili people of Kenyan coast. They will learn about the challenges of balancing tourism, conservation in Old Town, and the fragile local Muslim culture. They will also have an opportunity to live and interact with an urban Muslim community in Mombasa, Kenya's second largest city and the second largest coastal city in East Africa.

Finally, in the wildlife conservation program, students are encouraged to discuss with their local hosts the intricate relationship that exists between a traditional society that has managed to fend-off the beckoning of westernization and state machinery that seeks to embrace westernization at all costs.
The package is designed to allow students to experience first-hand the wonders of Kenya's renowned wildlife heritage in the Maasai Mara and other selected destinations while exploring the complex challenges faced by the traditional Maasai and other local communities living in wildlife protected areas.

1 comment:

Aditi Malhotra said...

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