Gonzaga University

Study in Benin - WATER

OPEN TO UNDERGRADUATES AND GRADUATES

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

WATER (West African Appropriate Technology, Education and Reciprocity) is an interdisciplinary course with a three part focus:

• cross-cultural  and in-depth study of West African culture
• study of health conditions and health marketing in developing countries
• practical technologies for eradicating waterborne illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa

Students in this program take a common course, WATER and, as part of the course, may travel to sub-Saharan Africa. WATER focuses on the engineering, public health, and cultural dimensions of improving water and sanitation in a developing country.  Students in the course study one of the central problems of international development through both classroom learning and a two week in country service learning experience. 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In multidisciplinary project teams, students will have opportunities to develop and implement water and health educational materials and strategies using the course content as a foundation. This course is a service-learning course and addresses issues of social justice in West Africa including but not limited to health intervention, contemporary discussions of third world development and a critical examination of political and economic conditions of “periphery” nations.

The teaching faculty believe that students will “benefit from seeing the many facets of solving problems in developing communities, beyond the technical skills obtained in their curriculum.”

Interdisciplinary Projects 

Projects are still being developed with our in-country partners, but will likely include:

• Improving drinking water filters
• First Aid Training
• Language and culture
• English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching and learning

The results of this effort will significantly improve access to water and health awareness.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please submit the following application forms to the Gonzaga Study Abroad Office:

1. Application completed and signed by the applicant
2. Essay written and signed by the applicant
3. Copy of mid-term grades (undergrad only)*
4. Student Life Clearance form (undergrad only)
5. Academic Services Clearance form (undergrad only)
6. One recommendation
7. $25 non-refundable application fee payable to Gonzaga University

*Students must have above a C average for the mid-term course grade in order to be eligible to travel with the class. Expenses incurred are non-refundable.

• Incomplete applications cannot be considered until all materials have been received and unless places remain available.
• Please take note of any and all individual program requirements.
• Deposit: Students admitted to the program must reserve their place in the program by paying a non-refundable $500 deposit. This deposit is due two weeks after you receive your acceptance letter, and is applied against the cost of the program.
• Visa:  A visa is required for entry into Africa. The Study Abroad Office will provide detailed instructions and forms to admitted students.
  

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WATER

Check out the WATER web site or contact a GU Faculty Representatives listed below:

Business:  Matthew McPherson  mcpherson@jepson.gonzaga.edu (509.323.7034)
Engineering:  Bradley Striebig striebig@gonzaga.edu (509.323.3530)
MA/TESL:  Mary Jeannot  jeannot@gonzaga.edu (509.323.6559)
Nursing:  Susan Norwood norwood@gu.gonzaga.edu (509.323.6646)