Internships Details

About the Organization

The Universal Study Centre (USC) is a school of academic and vocational studies. The school first opened in 1995, offering training in computer applications and foreign languages, such as English, French, Swahili, etc. In the year 2000, USC opened a nursery school. As time passed, the Centre introduced more courses. Now the Centre offers, among other courses, language courses, computer applications and technical courses, nursery and primary education, Secretarial Course, Tour Operator’s Course, and a Driving Course.

USC is currently operating on Unguja (the main island of Zanzibar) and Pemba island, also part of Zanzibar.

USC’s mission is to offer training using the best possible methods and approaches, to enhance learning and develop critical understanding of foreign languages among children and adults. More over, the Centre aims to prepare young children to become better men and women in the society and to establish ways to incorporate Zanzibari culture with changes and trends of modern science and technology. In fewer words, the Centre’s mission is to educate and rebuild the morality and good culture of the society and to fill the gap for those who need to enhance their vocational skills and foreign language abilities.

Job Description

Interns can work as teachers or teacher’s helpers. They can be teachers of normal subjects (mathematics, history, etc) in primary school or they can be English language or computer teachers for adult learners. Since the school has many areas of teaching, (in both academic and vocational studies), interns will have many options to choose from. Interns can also be involved in extra curricular activities, such as debates, competitions, drama and art productions.

# of Positions per term

1-2

Start Dates

Any term

Duration of Internship

10 weeks to 6 months

Qualifications

Academic Background

An academic background in education (adult or primary), computer science, or teaching English as a foreign/second language

Skills/Experience

Computer skills and/or experience with art instruction are helpful. Ability to design and implement lesson plans is also important.

Language Ability

Instruction at the school is in both English and Swahili. Interns will be able to teach in English but some familiarity with Swahili is helpful. Interns may be able to take Swahili lessons at the Centre.

Other Requirements

Interns should be flexible and able to work independently. Patience and a good sense of humor are also important.

Internship Costs

Total costs vary depending on how long you plan to be abroad, where you will be living, your personal spending habits, and current exchange rates. The following estimates will give you a ballpark figure for this internship. Get help with the math from our handy Cost Calculator.
ALL ESTIMATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

IE₃ Program Fee

For spring term 2012, the program fee for the first term of any internship is $2950 - $3150. The expected program fee beginning summer term 2012 is $3450 for the first term. You do not pay tuition in addition to the program fee. Visit your University's IE₃ page for details, costs for additional terms, and campus administrative fees.

Estimated One-Time Expenses

Expense Type	Price
International Travel	$2200
Visa Fees	$120
Recommended Immunizations	$440

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type	Price/month
Housing	$300
Food	$300
Local Transportation	$60
Recreation	$100
Personal Expenses	$50

Compensation

None

Additional Expense Information

Accommodation on the main island is in a private bedroom in shared apartment in Stone Town. Most apartments are walking distance from the USC facility. Homestays may also be arranged upon request.

Additional Information

Stone Town, where the USC's first school is based, is Zanzibar’s main commercial and cultural capital. Because of its world-heritage status, the city attracts many tourists from around the world all year round. As result, the living costs, especially for foreigners, may be considered expensive compared to other parts of the Islands or the mainland Tanzania.

The Islands of Zanzibar are very beautiful with a fascinating history from being the capital of the Omani Empire under a dynasty of Arab Sultans that ruled the Eastern Coast of Africa and the present day Sultanate of Oman in the Arabian Gulf. Zanzibar is also infamous for being a former center of post abolition slave trade with secret caves and monuments that have been preserved until today. Also owing to the centuries-old blend between Arabs and Bantu-Africans, Zanzibar was the birth place of Africa’s most widely spoken native language, Swahili, which has a unique culture with mesmerizing music styles and other art forms. Present day Zanzibaris are a friendly people who, like inhabitants of most African countries, are faced with challenges in sustainable development, poverty, threat of diseases and occasional political tensions.

Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim country and despite being a largely tolerant society being under dressed is normally considered offensive and inappropriate. Therefore casual dress means no shorts (male & female) and no very short skirts! Men are required to wear long pants and women to cover their legs and shoulders. Long skirts or trousers are acceptable for women with either long sleeved blouses or shawls.

Additional information can be found at:

Zanzibar Tourism http://www.zanzibar.net

The Guardian http://www.ippmedia.com

Field Notes Postings:

Learning the Most, When I Expected It the Least by Heather Cereda: Western Oregon University student and IE₃ scholarship recipient interning with Universal Study Centre (USC) in Tanzania (January 3, 2012).

Don’t Judge an Island by its Pictures by Heather Cereda: Western Oregon University student and IE₃ scholarship recipient interning with Universal Study Centre (USC) in Tanzania (November 21, 2011).

Announcing Fall 2011 IE₃ scholarship recipients! (August 25, 2011)