Madagascar: Urbanization and Rural Development
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Homestays
The SIT Madagascar: National Identity and Social Change program incorporates three different homestays in order to offer students a rich variety of perspectives. In each location, students experience the ways in which the extended family is a cornerstone of Malagasy society. The homestay family also serves as an important program partner; these contacts increase student access to experiences and opportunities within the wider community.
Antananarivo (Tana)
The program's first and longest homestay is in Tana, the capital city and program base. Host families range from lower-middle to upper-middle class and from newly established households to households containing three generations. Students have the opportunity to speak French on a regular basis and also are encouraged to practice Malagasy with their host family.
As the largest city in Madagascar, Tana offers a range of activities and cultural offerings, including music, dance, theatre, and sporting events. Tana is home to many associations and social clubs devoted to specific interests. Students live with a Tana host family for the duration of their stay in the capital.
Mahajanga (Majunga)
Students live for two weeks with families in the port town of Mahajanga, located on the country's northwestern coast. Living conditions in Mahajanga are normally more modest when compared with standards in Tana. Due to the hot climate, schools, offices, and most businesses tend to take a lengthy break during the middle of the day. Unlike the highlands, people tend to be much more active during the cooler evening hours. Students have the opportunity to speak French on a regular basis and also are encouraged to practice Malagasy.
A local non-governmental organization, Malagasy Mahomby, serves as the program partner. The organization focuses on community development and education projects. Malagasy Mahomby helps coordinate the program's homestays in Mahajanga and other program-related activities.
Antsirabe
Students experience a village stay lasting five nights in rural areas in the vicinity of the market town of Betafo, located in the Vakinankaratra region. Antsirabe, the regional capital, serves as the program base for this portion of the program. As minimal French is spoken in the area, the village stay is an excellent opportunity for students to practice their Malagasy language skills.
The village stay is an indispensable experience that provides students with an opportunity to learn about rural life from Malagasy villagers. Conditions in the rural homestay are very basic; homes do not have running water, electricity, or telephones. Many students find it to be one of the most challenging and rewarding portions of the semester.
Other accommodations during the program may include hostels, private homes, educational institutions, or small hotels.
Duration: 15 weeks
Program Base: Madagascar, Antananarivo
Language Study: French, Malagasy
Prerequisites: 2 semesters French Read more...
View Student Evaluations for this program:
About the Evaluations (PDF)
Spring 2012 Evaluations (PDF)
Fall 2011 Evaluations (PDF)
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