Wednesday, August 26, 2009

my first blog posting..ever: Colorado pre-depart

Well, I am journeying to Cameroon aka "miniature Africa" on Aug 30 and will most likely return around December 13. Cameroon is recognized for its ethnic/religious/environmental diversity, and hopefully this blog generates some awareness/interest/anything, really..about Cameroon! Oh, I've also included a map because really, how many people are familiar with the geographical location of this country?


My semester is programmed by the School of International Training (SIT), which offers themed studies in a variety of locations around the world. My program is titled Cameroon: Development and Social Change, and surprise, my life will be structured in conjunction with these themes. I will be attending classes, not at a particular university but rather in a range of places with professors and other knowledgables from around the region. About 20 other american students will accompany me on my journey to mini Africa, however I will be living independently with host families for the majority of the next 4 months, conversing primarily in french. Toward the end of my stay, I will be conducting an independent study project (ISP), the crux of the SIT system. My ISP has yet to be determined, but I'll keep all y'all posted.


Lastly, I decided to c+paste my schedule, for anyone who is SO interested they just can't wait because I know I can't..



 August 31: Arrival in Yaoundé and Orientation begins 
August 31 – September 4: Orientation  
September 5 – September 19 : Homestay in Yaoundé, French Language Study, 
Development and Social Change Seminars, Field Study Seminars  

September 19 – October 4 : French Language Study, Field Study Seminar, Culture and Development Seminar, and concurrent homestay in Dschang, Excursion to Bamenda 
October 5 - October 16: NGOs studies, French Language Study  
October 16 -October 18 : Excursion to Kribi, pygmies as minorities 
October 19 - October 21 : Preliminary ISP research Yaoundé 
October 21 – November 8 : Excursion Ngaoundere and Maroua 
November 8 – December 5 : Independent Study Project 
December 6– December 13 : ISP presentation and Program Evaluation in Yaoundé 

December 12 : End of scheduled program. Departure from Yaoundé 


Oh P.S., www.allafrica.com is an excellent resource for current happenings in Cameroon as well as, well, all of africa!




Cheers,
A

3 comments:

  1. Audrey, nice blog; I'm looking forward to following your travels as well as learning about the country through your eyes! Be safe! Bon Voyage!

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  2. Audrey D: I traveled to Kenya...took 48 hours door to door...and it has taken a week to establish adequate internet connections. Now I'm out in the compound under a ramada (I'm not sure what it is called here). My wireless connection goes in and out so we'll see if I can get this off to you. I've tried to send you messages throughout the week without any success. I'll keep trying...good job, good luck, have fun and learn well...be cautious and keep your eyes open...be aware of your surroundings. Oh yes, thanks for the REI towel...I've used it every day. Love, Pop

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  3. Audrey, nice blog; I'm looking forward to following your travels as well as learning about the country through your eyes! Be safe! Bon Voyage!

    ReplyDelete