2021 Update: We are currently accepting applications for the Davidson in Zambia program in Summer 2021. A final decision regarding whether or not the program will run will be made in early spring. Please note that travel and programmatic logistics are subject to change in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions.

Program Overview
The summer program in Mwandi, Zambia offers students experiences in healthcare delivery and global health in Mwandi, Zambia. Mwandi is a community of approximately 10,000 residents and is located on the northern fringes of the Kalahari Desert along the Zambezi River. It is approximately 150 miles west of Livingstone, Zambia and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Student participating in this experience learn about the cultural, economic, environmental, and political factors that influence the health of this Zambian community. While in Mwandi, students take part in rounds with various hospital departments under the supervision of health care workers. They also have the opportunity to travel to rural health centers in the hospital catchment area, where they help with immunization programs. The program includes a service component which usually includes volunteering time and labor for hospital or mission projects while in Zambia. Students also learn a great deal about the Lozi culture by participating in activities at church and the Orphan and Vulnerable Children's Project.

Academics
The Mwandi program begins in the spring semester with several mandatory meetings to prepare students for the month-long program in Zambia. Students are assigned readings that introduce them to Zambian culture and provide an overview of global health issues specific to sub-Saharan Africa. The Mwandi component of the Biology 368 course/experience includes clinic rotations in the hospital and afternoon classes. Participants collaborate on a research project focusing on improving health care in resource-limited environments while in Zambia, completing the project and reflection assignment during a required fall semester course following the summer travel component.


Other Program Highlights

• Exploring Livingstone, Zambia
  • Experiencing the wonder of Victoria Falls
  • Visiting Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park
  • Learning about Zambia history at the Livingstone Museum
  • Shopping at local and craft markets
  • Optional: Bungee jumping, zip lining, or swinging from Vic Falls bridge
• Three-day safari at Chobe National Wildlife Park, Botswana
• Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River

Housing and Meals

• Livingstone, Zambia and Botswana: hotels
• Mwandi: Shared rooms in guest house

Admission Requirements Open to all Davidson students who are in good standing in all areas. For academics, "good standing" is defined in this case as having a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher (exceptions may be made in certain circumstances). The application process includes an interview.

Contact Information
Professor Verna Case, Program Director
Faculty Emeritus, Department of Biology
vecase@davidson.edu

Access Statement

The college welcomes requests for accommodations related to disability and will grant those that are determined to be reasonable and maintain the integrity of a program or curriculum. To make such a request or to begin a conversation about a possible request, please contact the Office of Academic Access and Disability Resources, which is located in the Center for Teaching and Learning in the E.H. Little Library. It is best to submit accommodation requests as early as possible.

Beth Bleil, Director
Office of Academic Access and Disability Resources
bebleil@davidson.edu
704-894-2129

Alysen Beaty, Assistant Director
Office of Academic Access and Disability Resources
albeaty@davidson.edu
704-894-2939

Visa Warning: Visas will be purchased upon arrival in Zambia. Passports must be valid for at least six months after a student's return date to the United States. Any student who also plans to study abroad in the fall in a country that requires a visa should consider the timing of that visa application process and consult with an Education Abroad Adviser. Passports often must be surrendered as part of the visa application process. Since it may take up to 90 days to receive a visa and have your passport returned to you, participating in consecutive study abroad programs in different countries, particularly between summer and fall, may be problematic or impossible.

International students should meet with International Student Programs to discuss their U.S. visa status.

Davidson College and consulate staffers cannot guarantee that a visa will be granted by a foreign government in any circumstance or in any time frame.
                                                                      
Davidson College reserves the right to cancel or modify part or all of a study abroad program should changing circumstances make it necessary to do so. In cases where the college has security concerns, the Director of Education Abroad and the program director will gather information and make a recommendation to the Dean of Faculty. The dean will take a decision to the president, who retains ultimate authority to decide whether or not a particular Davidson-sponsored program should proceed.

Davidson admits qualified students without discrimination of race, color, religion, national origin, age, handicap, gender, or sexual preference.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Program is contingent upon having a minimum number of participants.