Tanzania

Living Conditions & Daily Life 

Students participate in a structured schedule of classes and field activities from approximately 7 AM to 7 PM, including some weekends. A daily curfew is enforced at 7:00 PM. 

Students live in shared dormitory-style housing (2–3 per room) and share communal meals with fellow students and staff. Evenings and most weekends offer personal time or optional SFS-organized activities. 

During the semester, students may have the opportunity for brief independent travel (3–4 days), though free time is otherwise limited. The program includes 1–3 multi-day camping excursions, with students away from the center for extended periods. 

Physical Readiness 

Fieldwork includes data collection, game drives, wildlife tracking, and hiking up to 3 hours on uneven terrain under hot, dry, and dusty conditions. Students should prepare for extended sun exposure, bumpy safari vehicle rides, and long days outdoors. 

Those with respiratory issues (e.g., asthma), dust allergies, or conditions affecting the neck, spine, or lower limbs may find aspects of the program particularly challenging. 

A baseline level of physical fitness is essential, and accessibility is very limited for individuals with mobility impairments or special health conditions. 

Travel & Transitions 

Students are based at a rural field station near Rhotia village, about 3 hours from Arusha, and frequently travel to national parks and conservation areas such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Natron. 

Travel often includes long drives on rugged roads and multi-day camping trips without access to Wi-Fi, internet, or phone service. Semester students may also participate in brief local homestays, which can present austere and unfamiliar living conditions. 

Field logistics are complex, and schedule changes due to weather, vehicle issues, or field conditions are common. 

Program Location & Natural Environment 

Set in the agricultural village of Rhotia, the SFS Center is surrounded by diverse wildlife and expansive natural landscapes. The area offers high sensory immersion—from monkey calls and vivid landscapes to insects, reptiles, and birds. 

Nearby sites include the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Natron, where students conduct immersive fieldwork. 

Cultural & Linguistic Differences 

Tanzania is home to multiple ethnic groups and languages, with traditions that influence social norms and expectations. Students engage directly with local communities, gaining insight into traditional gender roles, customs, and expectations. During community interactions, conservative dress is required (e.g., covered shoulders, long pants or shorts and skirts past the knee is required) and students are expected to follow local gender norms. Public displays of affection or expressions of sexual orientation or gender identity are discouraged and may not be culturally accepted.

Swahili and English are official languages. All SFS coursework is in English, and students receive basic Swahili language and cultural instruction during the semester. 

Allergies & Dietary Preferences 

Tanzanian cuisine commonly includes maize, starches, chicken, eggs, peanuts, and spices. In the field, meals are simple (e.g., sandwiches and a protein).

Gluten-free products and vegan alternatives are scarce, especially in remote locations.

While traveling or dining outside the Center, substitution options are limited, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed, especially on overnight camping expeditions. Gluten-free products and vegan protein sources are difficult to find, especially in rural areas.

Cross-contamination accommodations for advanced allergies abroad may not be feasible. Students with severe or life-threatening allergies and/or strict dietary requirements must consult with medical professionals and studentlife@fieldstudies.org before applying.

Required Vaccinations & Health Care 

SFS requires students to obtain the Yellow Fever vaccine and take malaria prophylaxis for the program duration. For additional recommendations, consultation with a travel medicine professional is strongly advised before departure.

Basic care is approximately 30 minutes from the SFS Center; advanced medical care is about 3 hours away in Arusha. At times, students may be 6+ hours from medical support.

Routine in-person medical and counseling services are not feasible during the program. Students must bring a full supply of any prescription medications, including psychotropic medications, for the entire duration of the program, as local refills may not be available without prior arrangements.