Global Education
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Uganda Studies Program

Be immersed in a uniquely African education.The Uganda Studies Program (USP) provides students with both immersion in a local community and broad exposure to a variety of people and places in Uganda and Rwanda.  Students in the Uganda Studies Emphasis and Social Work Emphasis share their lives with university students, living primarily on campus at Uganda Christian University (UCU). Students in the Intercultural Ministry & Missions Emphasis live with host families within walking distance of UCU.  Most of the courses offered are taught by UCU professors and include both UCU and USP students. 

VISION
To provide students with a firsthand perspective as they explore issues such as poverty, cultural expressions of Christianity and missions, and as they seek to reconcile the realities of East Africa with their Christian faith.

QUALIFICATIONS
To gain eligibility you must:

  • Be a junior or senior
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75
  • Possess a strong commitment to academics and Christianity

CREDITS
You will combine the Faith and Action seminar (4 credits) with at least 2 of the core courses (3 credits each) and two electives (3 credits each) totaling 16 credits.

Core:

  • Faith and Action in the Ugandan Context
  • Religions in Contemporary Uganda
  • African History from 1800 to Independence
  • East African Politics since Independence
  • African Literature

Track Specific Courses:

  • Cross-Cultural Ministry Practicum (required for Intercultural Ministry & Missions Emphasis)
  • Social Work Practicum for Junior Level (available to Social Work majors/minors only)
  • Social Work Practicum for Senior Level (available to Social Work majors only)

Electives include:

  • Law & Christian Political Thought in Africa
  • Introduction to Ugandan Politics
  • Understanding the New Testament
  • Understanding the Old Testament
  • Understanding Ethics
  • Understanding Worldviews
  • Health and Wholeness

Language Courses (may be taken in sequence during the same semester):

  • Luganda I, II
  • Swahili I, II

Global Understanding core credit can be fulfilled by this semester program when students participate in the pre- and post-departure New Perspectives course. Lab fees apply as of Fall 2013. Visit the GEO for details or go to the GEO Global Understanding webpage.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE & DEADLINES

REGULAR ADMISSION:
All Gordon students applying to a BEST SEMESTER program must first submit an online seat application to participate in a Global Education program. Only after you've been approved by the Global Education Office for study abroad, may you proceed with the BEST SEMESTER's online application. 
  • Seat applications for fall semester must be submitted online by March 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by that same date.
  • Seat applications for spring semester must be submitted online by September 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by that same date.

After you've been approved by the Global Education Office proceed with the BEST SEMESTER's application. Deadlines are:

  • Fall Semester: April 1
  • Spring Semester: October 1

EARLY ADMISSION:
If you wish to apply early admission to the Uganda Studies Program, then the deadlines are as follows:

  • Seat applications for fall semester-EARLY ADMISSION must be submitted online by January 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by that same date.
  • Seat applications for spring semester-EARLY ADMISSION must be submitted online by April 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by that same date.

After you've been approved by the Global Education Office, you proceed with the BEST SEMESTER's application. The BEST SEMESTER's early admission deadlines are:

  • Fall Semester: February 1
  • Spring Semester: May 1

COSTS
The cost is generally equal to a 16 credit semester at Gordon and includes:

  • Tuition
  • Fees
  • Room and board
  • Round trip transportation to Kampala, Uganda
  • Immigration and Visa expenses
  • Program-related travel

Not included in regular tuition costs are such items as:

  • Personal expenses
  • Books (paid with acceptance deposit)
  • Travel between home and gateway city
  • Independent travel
  • Fee for International Student ID Card (ISIC)
  • Personal medical expenses, if incurred

Apply to participate in Global Education Programs with the Online Seat Application. After being approved for participation you may apply to the Uganda Studies Program.

CONTACT
For further information please contact:

The Global Education Office
p: 978.867.4399