Fall Semester: August 31st to December 21st, 2008
Spring Semester: Late January to Mid-May
Academic Year: August 31st, 2008 to Mid-May

The Niamey International Development Program offers a semester or academic year in the capital city of Niamey, Niger. The program combines the study of development, language, and society in the Sahel region of West Africa with individual community service placements that examine Niger’s culture and ongoing development efforts. The program is offered in cooperation with the Faculté des Lettres et Sciences Humaines de l’Université Abdou Moumouni, and courses are taught by Nigerien, Canadian, American, and, occasionally other affiliated educators. Upon successful completion of a semester, students earn 16-20 Boston University credits. Download a program one-sheet.

Upon arrival in Niamey, students are provided with an intensive orientation by the faculty coordinator and resident staff. Introduction to Hausa and Zarma languages begin at this time. Plans for field placements, upcoming study trips, and independent projects are organized.

Following orientation, all students enroll in a core course on either Nigerien cultural and social issues, or international development, a fieldwork course, and two elective courses covering some aspect of Nigerien society, African culture, or language. Students may choose to enroll in one language course without credit.

In addition to courses and fieldwork, the program also offer participants a number of planned study trips and cultural activities. In the past, these excursions have included visits to Peace Corps volunteers' villages, an overnight stay in a game park, a day trip to a weekly live-stock market, and an outing to see the last free-roaming herd of giraffes in West Africa.

Program Options
Students may enroll in the Niger program for the fall or spring semesters or for the academic year. Students may also choose to combine a semester in Niger with a semester in Geneva, Grenoble, or Paris.