​Program structure

The CLS Swahili Program provides an intensive 8-week language learning environment designed to cover the equivalent of one academic year of university-level Swahili study. Formal classroom language instruction is provided for a minimum of 20 hours per week, and the program is designed to meet the needs of students from a variety of language levels and backgrounds, from beginning to advanced learners. Students will also have regular one-on-one meetings with language partners for conversational practice, as well as cultural activities and excursions designed to expand students’ understanding of Tanzanian life and culture.

This year, the CLS Program has developed a specialized optional course focusing on Business and Entrepreneurship for CLS Swahili participants. Finalists for the CLS Swahili program will be given more information in the spring.

The CLS Swahili Program is hosted by the MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation (MS-TCDC), a state of the art development management training institution, located in Arusha in northern Tanzania. Established in 1967, MS-TCDC has gained a reputation for high quality training of civil society organizations and their partners, donors, and government agencies. In addition to Swahili language courses, MS-TCDC offers a range of short-term training courses for international development practitioners as well as accredited certificate programs, diplomas, bachelor’s, and master’s programs. Visit the MS-TCDC website for more information on their year-round language, culture, and training programs.

CLS Swahili students will stay with host families for the duration of the summer. Monday-Friday, the host family will provide breakfast and dinner, while lunch will be provided on campus by MS-TCDC. On weekends, host families will provide three meals per day, unless students are traveling on a mandatory CLS group excursion outside of Arusha. Situated on the slopes of Mount Meru at an altitude of 3900 ft. (1200 m), Arusha enjoys a nice climate through the year. From May – August, the weather is cooler, around 59–68 °F (15–20 °C).

Language Levels Offered:

• Beginning: No previous study of Swahili, or less than one academic year of study or the equivalent.
• Advanced Beginning: Minimum requirement: completion of one year of college-level Swahili, or its equivalent, prior to the start of the program.
• Intermediate: Minimum requirement: completion of two years of college-level Swahili, or its equivalent, prior to the start of the program.
• Advanced: Minimum requirement: completion of three years of college-level Swahili, or its equivalent, prior to the start of the program.