Field Studies Tanzania

4 weeks

open to grades 9-12

Overview

From the small farming villages of the Usambara Mountains to the bustling streets of Arusha, from the vast expanse of the Serengeti to the snows of Kilimanjaro, Field Studies Tanzania will immerse you in the vibrant life, sublime beauty and terrific promise of this remarkable land.

We’ll start with a few days of hiking and camping in the Usambara Mountains in northeast Tanzania. In this region of small farming villages we’ll hike along paths and through fields to viewpoints high above valley floors. From the Usambaras we’ll head northwest to Arusha, Tanzania’s most attractive city with a cool climate and a dramatic setting with Mount Meru towering above the city and Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

In Arusha our focus is service. For eight days, we’ll volunteer in an orphanage and primary school, teaching English to young children, playing soccer and helping with after-school chores. In the evenings, we’ll study Swahili with a native-speaker language instructor and learn about the geography, culture and history of Tanzania.

From Arusha we’ll head out on safari to the wildlife-packed Ngorongoro Crater and spectacular Serengeti. Our route includes great wildlife viewing opportunities plus a number of hikes in beautiful natural areas off the beaten track—along the rim and down into the Empakaai Crater, across the shoulder of the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, and to a waterfall near Lake Natron. Our trip will end with Africa’s greatest hiking challenge—a week-long summit bid on Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak on the continent.

At the end of our time in Tanzania, we’ll look back on four incredible weeks of learning, service and exploration.

“It was the trip of a lifetime and I’m so grateful that I had this opportunity!” Mary Lawrence Phillips, Louisville, Kentucky

Highlights

Study Tanzania’s people, history & culture
Learn basic Swahili
Explore the Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti
Volunteer at an orphanage
Make a summit bid on Mount Kilimanjaro (19,340 feet)

Grade

For students completing grades 9-12 in June 2012

Multiple sections are grouped by grades

Call us (413-458-9672) to check on current availability

“I think I’m a better person for having done this trip.” Sam Corey, Birmingham, Michigan

Challenge Level

8 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York

Accommodations

30 days total.

2 nights on an airplane.

15 nights of camping in the Usambara Mountains, at a lodge in Arusha, while on safari and on Kilimanjaro. While camping in the Usambara Mountains and in Arusha for a total of 4 nights, students will have access to running water, flush toilets and basic showers with cold water. While on safari for 5 nights, students will have access to bathrooms, running water and showers at most campsites. While on Kilimanjaro for 6 nights, students will have no access to running water or showers. Our guides will boil water to sterilize it for consumption.

12 nights of indoor accommodations at the Living Water Children's Centre volunteer facility and at a hotel before and after climbing Kilimanjaro. Bathrooms, running water and showers available.

Dates and Fees

4 weeks

Friday, June 22 to Saturday, July 21

$6995 (airfare not included)

PLEASE NOTE: Overland will arrange a group flight for this trip. Families are responsible for group flight airfare.

“My daughter had a life-altering trip. It was more than I could have hoped for.” Nick Ghnouly, Santa Ana, California

Itinerary

Trip Start
We’ll meet in New York and fly as a group with one of our Overland leaders. Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to New York. Overland has arranged for a group flight from New York to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

The Usambara Mountains
Our introduction to Tanzania begins with a trip south to the beautiful town of Lushoto. We’ll travel by private bus to this leafy highland town in the cool climate of Northern Tanzania, where we’ll camp for two nights. We’ll explore the beautiful Usambara Mountains and lush forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains on a moderate day hike. This time will allow our group to get to know each other better before returning north to Arusha.

Volunteering in Arusha
In Arusha, we’ll spend eight days volunteering at the Living Water Children’s Centre, an orphanage and primary school in rural Tanzania several miles outside of Arusha. We’ll spend our days working with the children, teaching them English, playing games and helping with chores. In the evenings, we’ll return to our separate volunteer accommodations where we’ll study the basics of Swahili with a native-speaker language instructor and learn about the geography, culture and history of Tanzania.

Safari
After the hiking in Lushoto we'll be ready for our next challenge: a six-day driving and walking safari. Our guides will pick us up in Arusha, and we’ll travel in our safari vehicles west to the National Parks where we'll view the most spectacular vistas and impressive wildlife that Northern Tanzania has to offer. We’ll circle through the region, spending time in the Nogonogoro Conservation Area, Empakai Crater, Lake Natron, Olduvai Gorge and the Serengeti. This route gives us great wildlife viewing opportunities (wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, elephants and lions) and the chance to challenge ourselves with a number of day-long hikes off the beaten track: around the Empakai Crater, across the shoulder of the Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano all the way to Lake Natron and its’ beautiful waterfalls.

Kilimanjaro
After our hikes in Lushoto and on safari, we’ll be ready to tackle Africa’s greatest hiking challenge – a week long summit bid on Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak on the continent. We’ll convene at a mountain lodge to meet our guides and prepare for our summit attempt. Over the course of five nights we’ll slowly move towards the summit of Kilimanjaro, hiking the Rongai route with professional guides from the African Walking Company at a pace that will allow us to adjust to the daily gains in altitude as we ascend towards the roof of Africa.

Trip End
At trip’s end we’ll celebrate with a final dinner in Moshi and board our plane the following evening for a flight from the Kilimanjaro International Airport back to New York. Overland has arranged for a group flight to New York. Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to the student's final destination from New York.

“From the first trip, Rob’s experiences seem to only get better. I think these trips will someday be looked back upon as the best times of his youth. Keep up the good work. You have changed our children’s lives.” Pam Stone, Summit, New Jersey

Trip Details

Service Hours

40 hours of service

SPECIAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

All Overland students must be current on their routine vaccinations. Overland advises students traveling to Tanzania to consult with their family physician for information about protection against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, yellow fever and malaria. Please check with your physician as soon as possible about receiving the necessary vaccinations and to learn more about taking an anti-malarial drug prior to departure.

For complete health and safety information regarding travel to Tanzania, please visit the CDC website at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/Tanzania.htm.

ITINERARY INFORMATION

Upon your visit to the doctor or travel clinic, please bring the following trip-specific information:

-In 2012, Field Studies Tanzania will travel to Arusha, Moshi, the Ngorongoro Highlands, the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro.
-The group will be camping on Mt. Kilimanjaro (5 nights, 6 days) at an elevation between 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) to 4700 meters (15,420 feet). On their summit day the group will reach an elevation of 5,896 meters (19,344 feet).
-The group will also camp on safari (5 nights, 6 days) in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Photos

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Enrollment Forms

Enrollment Forms 2012

Field Studies Pre-Trip Forms 2012

Prepare & Pack

Preparing for Your Trip

International service, language learning and cultural understanding require dedication, selflessness and hard work. Begin your preparations for a great summer now by organizing your clothing and gear. As the summer nears, stay active and fit through sports and exercise. The more you prepare, the more you will enjoy your program. Then once your program starts, commit yourself wholeheartedly to your group and all of its activities.

Special Health Requirements

All Overland students must be current on their routine vaccinations.
Overland advises students to consult with their family physician for information about protection against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, yellow fever and malaria. Please check with your physician as soon as possible about receiving the necessary vaccinations and to learn more about taking an anti-malarial drug prior to departure.
Overland requires all students to travel with an international certificate of vaccination, showing proof of yellow fever vaccination, to present at passport control. Additional vaccinations may be documented on this form.
For complete health and safety information regarding traveler's health, please visit the CDC Website at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/tanzania.htm.

Passport & Visa Information

In order to travel to Tanzania, each student must have a passport and a visa.
The passport must not expire within six months of the date the student leaves Tanzania (July 20, 2012, therefore the passport must not expire before January 21, 2013) and should be applied for as soon as possible in order to obtain a travel visa. It can take between four and six weeks for your passport application to be processed.
Complete information on applying for a passport is available online on the U.S. Department of State website.
We ask that all students apply for a visa this spring before the trip starts. File a Visa Application Form with the Embassay of Tanzania as soon as possible as it can take serveral weeks to process. You wil need proof of travel plans to apply. Download this sample student visa application as a guide.
Please see the Tanzania Pre-Trip Forms 2012 for more detailed instructions.

Before Your Trip

We strongly advise you to spend some time hiking this spring to feel fit and comfortable with a backpack and to break in your boots. We cannot emphasize enough how essential this is for a safe and enjoyable trip. Throughout the spring, wear your boots at home and go on several long walks or hikes in them.
You should go on at least three 5-mile hikes in your boots with a backpack with some weight in it. The additional hiking you do will make you better prepared for the trip.
While Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb and requires no mountaineering skills, it is an extremely challenging physical undertaking and you will be best prepared if you are fit and enthusiastic about the hiking required for the climb. You’ll be glad you did and it will make your trip much more enjoyable!

Climbing Kilimanjaro

During the last week of the trip, the group will hike the 6-day Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro (19,340 feet) with professional guides provided by the African Walking Company. Students should be active throughout the spring so they are comfortable with hiking for five consecutive days over uphill terrain. In addition to providing general guiding and logistic support, our mountain guides will monitor each student's and leader's overall health and fitness as we hike. Our leaders and students need to be honest with one another and communicate clearly with their guides about how they feel as the climb progresses. If any of our students are experiencing significant discomfort due to the altitude, our guides will send the group member, accompanied by an Overland leader, down to lower elevation, and they will administer Diamox (also called acetazolamide) to speed the hiker's recovery.

Many hikers on Kilimanjaro take Diamox as a prophylactic to ease the transition to a higher altitude. For this reason, you may consider taking Diamox on your Kilimanjaro hike. Our policy is to leave this decision to each student, his/her parents and their family physician. Therefore, we encourage all families to consult with their family physician regarding the use of Diamox as a prophylactic on Kilimanjaro. If you decide to take Diamox, please have your physician prescribe it for you and report that to us on the attached form. Please note: Diamox is a sulfonamide drug and should not be taken if the student is allergic to sulfa drugs.

As with everything we do, safety is our first priority. Hiking Kilimanjaro is a great experience and well worth the effort, but reaching the summit will simply be a goal, not a necessity. We’ll enjoy our time on Africa’s tallest peak and we’ll stay safe.

Packing for Your Program

Please note that modesty is highly valued in Tanzanian culture and this is reflected in the way Tanzanians dress. Often it is culturally inappropriate for girls to wear short skirts, short shorts or tank tops; this clothing can bring unwanted and possibly unpleasant attention.
The group will experience many different types of climates while in Tanzania. Please follow the packing list closely – our experience has shown that being well prepared with a variety of layers for different temperatures will make you feel comfortable and safe during the trip.
Be sure to bring comfortable clothes that can get dirty and be worn while volunteering.
Lightweight travel pants (three-quarter length or full-length), capri-style pants, long skirts, t-shirts and loose-fitting clothing are all appropriate.
Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.
You will have the chance to do laundry periodically so please stick to the packing list and bring only the clothes and items listed below.
Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack.
Some of our favorite brands in terms of quality of product for a reasonable price include REI, EMS and L.L.Bean.
If you need to rent an insulated jacket, four season sleeping bag or walking poles, please indicate that on your Field Studies Tanzania Forms. Payment for rented gear should be made by the student directly to the outfitter in US dollars.
Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool like a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool.

Clothing

Fleece Jacket or Pullover & Long Fleece Pants
The fleece should be medium to heavy weight and reasonably compact. Your fleece can also double as a pillow. Please do not bring jeans or sweatpants. They are heavy, bulky and will not keep you warm if wet.

Thick Insulated Jacket
To stay warm while climbing Kilimanjaro. We recommend using an insulated jacket with a hood. Students will have the option to rent these from the African Walking Company. Please let us know if you intend to rent an insulated jacket on your Field Studies Tanzania Forms.

Synthetic Long Underwear Top & Bottom
To stay warm on cool nights. Top can also be worn while hiking on cooler days.

Winter Hat & Gloves/Mittens
Hat and gloves/mittens should be insulated and warm, not knit and porous.

Bandana or Balaclava
Optional.

Waterproof Rain Jacket & Rain Pants
Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water and/or wind resistant). GoreTex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabrics, but there are many of these fabrics to choose from. We recommend rain jackets with hoods. Ponchos are not acceptable. Rain pants provide protection from wind and rain and are an extra warm layer when needed.
Lightweight Travel Pants
Two pairs, three-quarter length or full length. Made of synthetic material. Girls can bring skirts (past the knee) if they choose.

Shorts
Two pairs, made of synthetic material.
T-Shirts
Five, synthetic material preferred. Please no spaghetti strap tanktops.
Underwear
Seven pairs.
Socks
Three pairs of thick wool or synthetic socks made for hiking. Sock liners are optional. Five pairs of athletic socks for use with sneakers.

Sandals
Optional. Flip flops or Crocs work well.

Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
One lightweight pair of comfortable sneakers to wear for volunteering.

Pajamas
Optional. Pajamas aren't required as many students sleep in shorts and a t-shirt.

Bathing Suit
One.

Hiking & Camping Equipment

Hiking Boots
Waterproof hiking boots that are mid to high cut (recommended price range $100 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack.

Backpack
4,000-5,000 cubic inches. Before you purchase a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips. We recommend getting fitted at a store where you can try on a number of different packs.

Waterproof Pack Cover
If your backpack does not come with a cover, choose one that fits your pack well.

Day Pack
Your day pack can be used as a carry-on for your flight and will be necessary for day hikes. This can be a very basic backpack, maybe even just your school backpack. You should be able to carry it over both shoulders (i.e., NOT a satchel) and it should be big enough to hold your lunch, 2 water bottles, snacks and some extra warm layers and rain jacket.

Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sack
We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag (synthetic or down) that is rated to 15 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack which can then be cinched down to 12-20” in length.

Sleeping Pad
Compact, full or ¾ length. Closed cell foam (thin and firm—e.g., RidgeRest) or self-inflating (e.g., Therm-a-Rest) is acceptable. Your sleeping pad can fit inside your pack or be strapped securely to the outside.

Water Bottle
One 1-liter Nalgene (or similar) water bottle. Overland will provide you with a second water bottle on arrival. A Camelbak or similar water bladder is acceptable.

Utensils
6" to 8" plastic dish or bowl with top, spoon, fork and insulated plastic mug. These don't need to be special camping utensils. A Rubbermaid (or similar) dish and regular spoon/fork are fine.

Headlamp & Extra Batteries
A small flashlight is OK but headlamps are great because your hands are freed up for other tasks.

Small Safety Whistle
Plastic or metal with a string or lanyard attached. This is for safety reasons in case a student is separated from the group.

Micellaneous Items

Valid Passport, Visa & International Health Certificate
Please make at least four photocopies of your passport, visa and international certificate of vaccination. Leave one copy of both documents with your family and put photocopies of each in both your checked luggage and carry-on luggage for the flight, separate from your actual documents. Please also send a photocopy of your passport & international certificate of vaccination to our office if you have not already done so.
Student ID
Current school identification (if you have one).
Spiral Notebook & Pen (for class)
Community Donation Items
A few items of second hand clothing (for children or adults), arts & crafts material (e.g., markers, paint brushes, construction paper), or your favorite children's book.
Towel
Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.

Plastic Bags
Five large 1-gallon ziplock bags and two large trash bags. The ziplock bags are used to organize and waterproof your gear and small items. The trash bags are used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag.

Toiletries
All items should be travel size. If necessary, you will be able to restock during the trip.

Moleskin or Molefoam
One full package for blister protection.

Medications
Bring all appropriate medications prescribed by a physician for travel to Tanzania. Your leaders will collect those medications and administer them as prescribed.

Sunglasses & Hat with Visor
Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Please bring ample amounts of sunscreen.

Personal Journal or Book
Optional.

Digital Camera & Extra Batteries
Great for documenting the trip. Make sure you bring a large enough memory card (1 to 4 GB).

Converter (optional)
Tanzanian outlets are typically "Type G " British BS-1363, also known as a 13-amp plug. American electronics will not be compatible with this outlet. If you wish to charge your camera while in Tanzania, please bring a converter with surge protection capabilities.

Spending Money
$100 total in cash or with a debit or ATM card. US dollars can be exchanged for Tanzanian shillings (TSh) upon arrival. Only US dollars made after 2003 will be accepted in Tanzania. As an alternative to carrying cash, ATM cards are also easy to use and widely accepted in Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Please be sure to inform your bank before traveling that your ATM card will be used outside the country.

Cell Phones, Electronics and Personal Property

Please note the following important policies:

Our programs offer the opportunity to strengthen independence and self-reliance. To maximize these benefits, we do not permit phone calls to or from our students (except in the case of emergency).

If it is important for your son or daughter to be able to call you while en route to Overland, we recommend that you purchase an inexpensive phone card that your son or daughter can use at any airport pay phone.

If you feel that it is necessary to send your son or daughter with a phone, please do not send an expensive smart phone like an iPhone or BlackBerry. Send an inexpensive prepaid cell phone instead. On arrival we will collect all phones but we have found that safeguarding these phones is problematic given that our programs move from place to place. Despite our best efforts over $25,000 in phones have been lost, damaged or stolen in the last two years alone. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Communications

To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails or text messages to or from our students (except in the case of an emergency).
Your child will call home with our phones and assistance on arrival and departure if he/she flies to his/her program.
In the case of an emergency, we will make sure you are in touch with your child as soon as possible.

Cell Phones

Cell phone use is prohibited on all Overland programs.
Any phone brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and returned at departure.
If you decide to bring a phone, do not bring an expensive smartphone (e.g., iPhone or BlackBerry); instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone (better yet, bring an inexpensive prepaid calling card).

Personal Electronics

We do not permit personal electronics (e.g., iPods, Kindles or iPads) except for digital cameras.
We do not permit emergency response or GPS tracking electronics.
Any electronics brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and mailed home or returned at departure.

Personal Property

Overland is not responsible for any student’s personal property—including but not limited to: phones, electronics, cameras, equipment, bicycles and clothing. Please schedule all expensive items on your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that your child/ward’s personal property and equipment is covered against loss, damage or theft.

No Reimbursements for Lost, Damaged or Stolen Phone, Electronics and Personal Property

Despite taking precautions, some phones, electronics and personal property brought by students (and collected by us) have been lost, damaged or stolen. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Questions or concerns? Please call us. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

Travel Information

Trip starts and ends at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Please note: Overland will arrange a group flight from JFK with a member of our staff as an escort.

DROP OFF AT JFK: Meet us at the KLM International Airlines Check-In Area in Terminal 4 between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Friday.
PICK UP AT JFK: Meet us at Terminal 4 Arrivals, outside of passport control/customs at 1:50 p.m. for the group flight arrival on Saturday
FLIGHT ARRIVAL TO JFK: Arrive between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Collect bags and proceed to KLM International Airlines
Check-In Area in Terminal 4 on Friday
FLIGHT DEPARTURE FROM JFK: Schedule flights home for between 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday

Flight & Travel Information 2012

Program Start & End Information 2012

Mail Stops

Coming Soon.

Helpful Reminders

Checklist and Reminders 2011

Apply Now

HOW TO APPLY

You have two choices. You can apply online with a credit card by clicking the link below.

Apply Online

Or you can download the 2012 Overland Application as a PDF (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Then mail your completed one-page application and $795 deposit check to:

Overland
P.O. Box 31
Williamstown, MA 01267

For overnight mail via UPS or FedEx, please use our street address:

Overland
63 Spring Street
Williamstown, MA 01267

Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

Learn about our admissions process.

Eliza O'Neil

Hometown: Lincoln, Massachusetts
School: Bates College
Leadership: European Explorer, Field Studies Tanzania
More about Eliza »

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