Study in Benin

Worldwide, an estimated 6,000 people, mostly children, die each and every day from water related disease, There are affordable and efficient methods to provide clean water even in the most remote parts of the world. Together we can help whose in need learn how to access clean water.

WATER: West African Appropriate Technology, Education, and Reciprocity 
Students in this program take a common course, WATER and, as part of the course, may travel to sub-Saharan Africa. WATER focuses on the engineering, public health, and cultural dimensions of improving water and sanitation in a developing country.  Students in the course study one of the central problems of international development through both traditional textbook-style learning and a two week in country service learning experience. WATER is an interdisciplinary course with a three part focus:

• cross-cultural  and in-depth study of West African culture
• study of health conditions and health marketing in developing countries
• practical technologies for eradicating waterborne illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa

The W.A.T.E.R. program is open to all college students in good standing. This work is paid for by tuition, grants, and donations to the program. Dr. Bradley Striebig, associate professor of engineering at James Madison University, teaches and leads the water quality portion of the program. Dr. Susan Norwood,  professor of nursing at Gonzaga University instructs the epidemiology and health care portion of the program. Father Nzamujo Godfrey, founder and director of the Songhai Center, demonstrates successful strategies for sustainable development. Students that participate in the program spend 8 weeks studying issues related to sustainable development, then travel to Benin for two weeks and work at the Songhai Center to develop and implement training workshops and transfer technology.

The course objectives for students are to:
1. Describe contemporary health problems in Africa and their contributing factors.
2. Describe the relationship between water, sanitation, and causes of morbidity and mortality in Africa.
3. Demonstrate communication skills for providing culturally appropriate health education.

Service Projects 
We have been invited by the Songhai Center to return next year. At this point, we anticipate that the following needs/activities will shape next year's course:

• Water quality evaluation of ceramic filters
• Ceramic manufacturing
• Health teaching and basic first aid training
• We also plan to work with Central Afrika Obata to identify a service project we could undertake at the rural clinic. This project might be painting the facilities, installing solar-powered lights, working on sanitation issues, improving storage conditions for clinic supplies, etc.

1. Application (pdf) completed and signed by the applicant
2. Essay written and signed by the applicant
3. Copy of mid-term grades (undergrad only)*
4. Student Life Clearance form (undergrad only) - complete online
5. Academic Services Clearance form (undergrad only) - complete online
6. One recommendation
7. $25 non-refundable application fee payable to Gonzaga University

*Students must have above a C average for the mid-term course grade in order to be eligible to travel with the class. Expenses incurred are non-refundable.

• Incomplete applications cannot be considered until all materials have been received and unless places remain available.
• Please take note of any and all individual program requirements.
• Deposit: Students admitted to the program must reserve their place in the program by paying a non-refundable $500 deposit. This deposit is due two weeks after you receive your acceptance letter, and is applied against the cost of the program.
• Visa:  A visa is required for entry into Africa. The Study Abroad Office will provide detailed instructions and forms to admitted students.

Check out the WATER web site or contact:

Susan Norwood, Ph.D.
Tel: 509.313.6646
Email: norwood@gu.gonzaga.edu