Program Overview

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 local community members to practice their conversation skills and learn more about Tanzanian society. Additionally, 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 Usa River, 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 live with host families, who give them an opportunity to experience life in a Tanzanian family and practice Swahili outside of class. In Arusha, students will eat breakfast and dinner with their families almost every day, which allows students to gain insight into Tanzanian culture and develop close bonds with their families.

Outside of formal classes, the CLS Swahili Program offers students a unique chance to engage with the local community through a variety of hands-on activities. In the past, these activities have included a group trip to a local coffee farm as well as a weekend trip to learn about environmental conservation at the famous Ngorongoro Crater.

CLS Swahili students can expect to spend a lot of time outdoors, whether playing volleyball on campus after class, shopping at the colorful markets in Arusha town, or hiking near Kilimanjaro. Situated on the slopes of Mount Meru at an altitude of 3900 ft. (1200 m), Arusha enjoys a nice climate, but it may be cooler than you expect! From May – August, the weather is typically 50–60 °F (10–15.5 °C). We recommend students bring a warm jacket and some good walking shoes to take advantage of all the memorable opportunities CLS Arusha has to offer!