History Faculty Publications

Document Type

Book

Publication Date

2015

Abstract

Based on previously unused primary sources including extensive interviews in Cameroon, personal journals, diaries, responses to questionnaires, and a variety of secondary sources, this study is a critical analysis of US study abroad programs in Africa. Using the University of Dayton Cameroon Immersion program as a case study, the work examines different aspects of experiential learning including selection, orientation, activities of US college students in Cameroon, post-immersion meetings, and impact of program. The nation of Cameroon and University of Dayton are uniquely ideal for the study as Cameroon is considered “Africa in miniature” and serves as a window to understanding many of Africa’s political, economic, cultural, and social complexities. Located in the American Midwest, the University of Dayton, while unique, shares many similarities with other American universities.


The study expands the boundaries of scholarship on study abroad. By comparing the impact of the African experience on students to that of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who served in that continent, the study opens up avenues for comparative analyses. Africa is vital to the global community and, with its complex political, economic, cultural, and social systems, offers important lessons to understanding students’ ability to adapt to change in a rapidly changing global environment.

Inclusive pages

1-12

ISBN/ISSN

978-1498502375

Document Version

Published Version

Comments

The introduction is provided for download pending permission from the publisher. Permission documentation is on file.

Citation Information:

Amin, J. A. (2015). African Immersion: American College Students in Cameroon (pp. 266). New York: Lexington Books.

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield

Place of Publication

Lanham, MD

Peer Reviewed

yes

Download

Included in

History Commons

COinS