Study Abroad

African-American and African Studies majors are strongly encouraged to expand their knowledge and appreciation for the cultural and historical diversity of peoples of Africa and the Diaspora by participating in study abroad programs.  The five UVA programs listed below may be used to fulfill AAS major requirements.  Students may receive AAS credit for programs sponsored by other institutions, with the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Application Process

The application process for all study abroad programs is managed by the International Studies Office (ISO). The application deadlines are as follows: January Term—October 1; Spring Semester—November 1; Summer Session—March 15; Fall Semester—April 1.  Before applying, students MUST attend a General Information Session.  General Information Sessions are held throughout the year as follows: Mondays & Wednesdays, from 2-3:00 in Minor 125; Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2-3:00, in Minor 130.

Financial Aid

Students should not assume that studying abroad is beyond their means.  Need-based financial aid is available for every student who qualifies for assistance.   The financial aid application process is explained at the GIS that every interested student must attend.  In addition, students may consult the following web sites for information about financial aid: 

http://www.virginia.edu/januaryterm/studyabroadaid.html     (January Term)

http://www.studyabroad.virginia.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Abroad.Home  (Spring Semester: Click on “Getting Started,” and select “Finances.”)

Ghana

Community as Classroom: Urban Studies and Service Learning in Cape Coast, Ghana (AAS 403Z; January Term; 3 credits). For more information see:

• U.Va. January Term
• Community as Classroom: Urban Studies and Service Learning in Cape Coast Ghana
• Introducing the J-Term in Ghana

Jamaica

The Archaeology of Sugar and Slavery in Colonial Jamaica (ANTH 391Z, January Term 2009; 3 credits)

http://www.virginia.edu/januaryterm/

Morocco

UVa in Morocco: Intensive French Language and Moroccon Civilization Studies (Summer Session; 9 credits, up to 6 of which may be used to fulfill AAS major requirements). For more information see:

• U.Va. in Morocco
• Letter from Morocco: French professor proudly guides adventurous students in her native country.
• Rabat Summer Program, French Language and Culture Studies

South Africa

UVa in Southern Africa: People, Culture, and Environment of Southern Africa (EVSC 461/ANTH 461; Summer Session; 6 credits). For more information see:

• U.Va. in Southern Africa
• Into Africa: Lessons in cultural immersion

St. Kitts and Nevis

Disaster Preparedness in the West Indies (INST 211Z; January Term 2009; 3 credits)

Please note:  Students who wish to use INST 211Z for AAS major credit, must  1) design their final project around a topic germane to African-American and African Studies, and 2) take the course for a grade.  (Courses taken for Credit/No Credit may not be used to fulfill major requirements.)  If you are interested obtaining AAS credit for this program, be sure to contact the director, Marcus Martin. You should also consult the Director of Undergraduate Programs, Cynthia Hoehler-Fatton. INST courses are considered "outside" the college, which means that they comprise elective credit, but can not be used to complete the 102 College credits that all students need to graduate.

http://www.virginia.edu/januaryterm/

Outside Study Abroad Credit

Students may also receive AAS credit for programs sponsored by other universities, with the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.