Tanzania
Dates
June 4 – July 4, 2026
Subjects
Public Health, Nursing, Social Work, Service-Learning Practicum
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS Tanzania program offers students an immersive experience into the heart and essence of Africa. Set in a country known for its global landmarks, such as Lake Victoria, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Zanzibar Islands, and the Serengeti, this program brings together academic instruction with rich hands-on practicum opportunities in public health and related disciplines. Students from diverse majors such as nursing, medicine, pre-med, biology, health administration, social work, public health, and environmental or occupational health will engage deeply with Tanzania’s healthcare system, its people, and its rich cultural heritage. The program explores major public health issues commonly occurring across the sub-Saharan region and thus promoting professional and personal growth. Each year, the program includes a Global Health Practicum, offering meaningful field experiences and cultural interactions in settings such as community and private hospitals, HIV clinics, local neighborhoods, and orphanage homes.
The program is based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s vibrant coastal city, and features excursions to famous regions of the country, a day-long Safari in one of the country’s major National Parks, and the Zanzibar Islands. The program will include a visit to the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a 2–3 hour guided hike along the path to the summit. This hike is optional and designed for those who are physically prepared and eager to take on the challenge. For others, the visit to Kilimanjaro’s foothills still offers a meaningful encounter with one of the continent’s most iconic natural landmarks. Through this program, students will not only learn and explore but also internalize what it means to live and belong to a global community.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Practicum Opportunities
Available for both undergraduate and graduate students in health professions such as health administration, medicine, nursing, nutrition and social work. Interested students should contact KIIS Tanzania Program Director Dr. William Mkanta to begin making preparations.
One of the leading private and teaching hospitals in the country. Students will be involved in nursing, community health, hospital services and social work rotations to learn and work side by side with practitioners, instructors, and technicians within the hospital. Involvement with both Kairuki and Sinza hospitals will offer students an opportunity to compare different aspects of services between public and private hospitals in Tanzania.
Tanzania Youth Alliance (TAYOA) engages both clinical and non-clinical individuals in programs aimed at reaching the youth in schools and communities for education on HIV control and prevention. Practicum involves school outreach activities and site education on HIV.
Msimbazi (0-2 years) and Kurasini (up to 18 years) are practicum sites that offer you the opportunity to care and interact with the children and staff in different activities including teaching, food distribution, feeding the children, playing, helping in homework, reading, etc.
UHC Acts as a health center providing services to the closed population of students and other members of the community affiliated with the university. Relevant for nursing and human services practicums.
Sinza Hospital is classified as a district hospital within the structure of the Tanzanian health system. It is designed to offer inpatient and outpatient services to a large volume of people from diverse social backgrounds. Women’s health, labor & delivery, counseling, administration, minor and major operating theatres are popular settings for practicum experience.
WAMATA is one of the leading HIV care and support agencies in Tanzania. You will learn about HIV while engaged in clinical and administrative internships. It includes patient-student interactions, US-Tanzania student interactions, outreach activities and home health care.
Program Excursions
A flight to Mwanza takes us to the banks of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and the second largest freshwater lake in the world, for an excursion that provides a blend of historic, nature, cultural, social, and national expeditions. It includes: a day of Rock City Tour; a day of wildlife Safari in the world-famous Serengeti National Park that hosts the second largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world; an integrative cultural museum and village life excursion; a visit to a Back…
A day excursion to a small uninhabited picnic island off the coast of Dar es Salaam. We can explore the island by hiking, swimming and snorkeling. The huts on the island are perfect for group meals and quiet time. Alternates with Bagamoyo excursion.
One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bagamoyo is on a former slave trade route and was the first capital of Tanzania during the colonial era. It is the home of Swahili people and culture. Excursions include Kaole ruins, the first Catholic church in East Africa and old German tombs. Alternates with Mbudya Island excursion.
Free weekends are spent at Mbalamwezi beach where we enjoy a family feel among Tanzanian families. The beach house offers local cuisine as well as a live band and beach volleyball area.
During our three days and two nights in Zanzibar, we take a boat ride across the Indian Ocean. Cultural and historic outings include: spice farm, stone town, Safari Blue (a day in the Indian Ocean), slave market and offshore island visits.
What's Included
Program Cost: $5,595 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), Tanzania entry visa ($100); details provided at Orientation, one meal per day + personal expenses (approx. $300-$700 depending on your food tastes/spending habits), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Required Group Flight
Estimated Cost: $2,250 – $2,350
The group flight is required for all Tanzania participants. The Tanzania group flight will depart from either Washington, D.C (IAD) or New York (JFK) to Dar es Salaam (DAR), Tanzania. The group flight price includes an internal flight between Dar-Mwanza-Dar (KIIS Tanzania safari excursion). KIIS will purchase these flight tickets for you. The group flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1.
Participants on the group flight have the option to stay at a hotel near the departure airport on the night of June 3. The cost of the hotel is covered by the group flight airline ticket.
Flights to Tanzania are typically overnight. The program departs the USA on June 4, arriving in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on June 5. Return flights from Tanzania to the USA also are typically overnight. The program departs Tanzania on July 3, arriving in the USA on July 4. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.
Student Voices
“Through this study abroad program, I gained a new perspective of Tanzania: it’s beauty, it’s people, it’s way of life. While helping in hospitals and visiting orphanages, we got to experience the need firsthand, while hopefully bringing some joy along the way. The interactions that I had with the hospital staff, the patients, the kids, the locals, and the other students are so special to me, for they are what made this trip so spectacular.”
– Lora, Tanzania
“When our daughter expressed interest in traveling to Tanzania, we were somewhat concerned. It’s so far away, is it safe? Our concerns were quickly resolved as we gained information regarding the program success, stability and purpose. Our daughter has had a life-changing experience; the beauty of Africa, an amazing culture and the formation of lasting personal relationships. I recommend each student takes advantage of this opportunity!”
– James and Rona, parents of Tanzania and Zanzibar student
“Studying abroad in Tanzania and Zanzibar for our daughter Molly was an incredible adventure. Helping and learning in the nursing field allowed her to gain an immense amount of experience while also enhancing her compassion, empathy and respect for the field. Stepping out to new and different cultures is a great way to learn, share skills and allows students to become well-rounded. Getting to experience new parts of the world, creating lifelong friendships and the great staff at KIIS is an added bonus! We are so happy our daughter had this opportunity!”
– Alisa, parent of Tanzania & Zanzibar student
“Stepping out on faith to study abroad was something I was often nervous about because I knew I didn’t have the personal funds to pay for my study abroad program. I depended on highly competitive scholarships. With lots of help and dedication to construct a strong essay, I became a Gilman scholarship recipient. For that I am forever proud of myself, and grateful.”
– Jade, Tanzania
“Africa has given me a whole new perspective on life. It has allowed me to learn more about myself and fall in love with the Tanzanian culture and its people. It has given me a new love for nursing and reassured me why I chose to become a nurse in the first place.”
– Claire, Tanzania
“The KIIS Tanzania program was more than I ever imagined. It gave me the most meaningful relationships and experiences in such a short amount of time. If you want to study abroad, KIIS offers something for everyone; and it will be unforgettable!”
– Cierra, Tanzania
“I appreciate your involvement before they went – making parents like me feel comfortable and confident of her safety while gone. I appreciate you communicating with us as she prepared to leave. In a world where we don’t always express appreciation, I just wanted to let you know you are appreciated!”
-Kim, parent of Tanzania student
“I spent 5 weeks with KIIS Tanzania working with 15 orphans under the age of 2. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary and I will forever be grateful that I chose to study abroad.”
– Andrea, Tanzania
Take Your Education Further
Description
Dates
June 4 – July 4, 2026
Subjects
Public Health, Nursing, Social Work, Service-Learning Practicum
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS Tanzania program offers students an immersive experience into the heart and essence of Africa. Set in a country known for its global landmarks, such as Lake Victoria, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Zanzibar Islands, and the Serengeti, this program brings together academic instruction with rich hands-on practicum opportunities in public health and related disciplines. Students from diverse majors such as nursing, medicine, pre-med, biology, health administration, social work, public health, and environmental or occupational health will engage deeply with Tanzania’s healthcare system, its people, and its rich cultural heritage. The program explores major public health issues commonly occurring across the sub-Saharan region and thus promoting professional and personal growth. Each year, the program includes a Global Health Practicum, offering meaningful field experiences and cultural interactions in settings such as community and private hospitals, HIV clinics, local neighborhoods, and orphanage homes.
The program is based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s vibrant coastal city, and features excursions to famous regions of the country, a day-long Safari in one of the country’s major National Parks, and the Zanzibar Islands. The program will include a visit to the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a 2–3 hour guided hike along the path to the summit. This hike is optional and designed for those who are physically prepared and eager to take on the challenge. For others, the visit to Kilimanjaro’s foothills still offers a meaningful encounter with one of the continent’s most iconic natural landmarks. Through this program, students will not only learn and explore but also internalize what it means to live and belong to a global community.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Practicum Opportunities
Available for both undergraduate and graduate students in health professions such as health administration, medicine, nursing, nutrition and social work. Interested students should contact KIIS Tanzania Program Director Dr. William Mkanta to begin making preparations.
One of the leading private and teaching hospitals in the country. Students will be involved in nursing, community health, hospital services and social work rotations to learn and work side by side with practitioners, instructors, and technicians within the hospital. Involvement with both Kairuki and Sinza hospitals will offer students an opportunity to compare different aspects of services between public and private hospitals in Tanzania.
Tanzania Youth Alliance (TAYOA) engages both clinical and non-clinical individuals in programs aimed at reaching the youth in schools and communities for education on HIV control and prevention. Practicum involves school outreach activities and site education on HIV.
Msimbazi (0-2 years) and Kurasini (up to 18 years) are practicum sites that offer you the opportunity to care and interact with the children and staff in different activities including teaching, food distribution, feeding the children, playing, helping in homework, reading, etc.
UHC Acts as a health center providing services to the closed population of students and other members of the community affiliated with the university. Relevant for nursing and human services practicums.
Sinza Hospital is classified as a district hospital within the structure of the Tanzanian health system. It is designed to offer inpatient and outpatient services to a large volume of people from diverse social backgrounds. Women’s health, labor & delivery, counseling, administration, minor and major operating theatres are popular settings for practicum experience.
WAMATA is one of the leading HIV care and support agencies in Tanzania. You will learn about HIV while engaged in clinical and administrative internships. It includes patient-student interactions, US-Tanzania student interactions, outreach activities and home health care.
Program Excursions
A flight to Mwanza takes us to the banks of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and the second largest freshwater lake in the world, for an excursion that provides a blend of historic, nature, cultural, social, and national expeditions. It includes: a day of Rock City Tour; a day of wildlife Safari in the world-famous Serengeti National Park that hosts the second largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world; an integrative cultural museum and village life excursion; a visit to a Back…
A day excursion to a small uninhabited picnic island off the coast of Dar es Salaam. We can explore the island by hiking, swimming and snorkeling. The huts on the island are perfect for group meals and quiet time. Alternates with Bagamoyo excursion.
One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bagamoyo is on a former slave trade route and was the first capital of Tanzania during the colonial era. It is the home of Swahili people and culture. Excursions include Kaole ruins, the first Catholic church in East Africa and old German tombs. Alternates with Mbudya Island excursion.
Free weekends are spent at Mbalamwezi beach where we enjoy a family feel among Tanzanian families. The beach house offers local cuisine as well as a live band and beach volleyball area.
During our three days and two nights in Zanzibar, we take a boat ride across the Indian Ocean. Cultural and historic outings include: spice farm, stone town, Safari Blue (a day in the Indian Ocean), slave market and offshore island visits.
What's Included
Program Cost: $5,595 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), Tanzania entry visa ($100); details provided at Orientation, one meal per day + personal expenses (approx. $300-$700 depending on your food tastes/spending habits), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Required Group Flight
Estimated Cost: $2,250 – $2,350
The group flight is required for all Tanzania participants. The Tanzania group flight will depart from either Washington, D.C (IAD) or New York (JFK) to Dar es Salaam (DAR), Tanzania. The group flight price includes an internal flight between Dar-Mwanza-Dar (KIIS Tanzania safari excursion). KIIS will purchase these flight tickets for you. The group flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1.
Participants on the group flight have the option to stay at a hotel near the departure airport on the night of June 3. The cost of the hotel is covered by the group flight airline ticket.
Flights to Tanzania are typically overnight. The program departs the USA on June 4, arriving in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on June 5. Return flights from Tanzania to the USA also are typically overnight. The program departs Tanzania on July 3, arriving in the USA on July 4. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.
Student Voices
“Through this study abroad program, I gained a new perspective of Tanzania: it’s beauty, it’s people, it’s way of life. While helping in hospitals and visiting orphanages, we got to experience the need firsthand, while hopefully bringing some joy along the way. The interactions that I had with the hospital staff, the patients, the kids, the locals, and the other students are so special to me, for they are what made this trip so spectacular.”
– Lora, Tanzania
“When our daughter expressed interest in traveling to Tanzania, we were somewhat concerned. It’s so far away, is it safe? Our concerns were quickly resolved as we gained information regarding the program success, stability and purpose. Our daughter has had a life-changing experience; the beauty of Africa, an amazing culture and the formation of lasting personal relationships. I recommend each student takes advantage of this opportunity!”
– James and Rona, parents of Tanzania and Zanzibar student
“Studying abroad in Tanzania and Zanzibar for our daughter Molly was an incredible adventure. Helping and learning in the nursing field allowed her to gain an immense amount of experience while also enhancing her compassion, empathy and respect for the field. Stepping out to new and different cultures is a great way to learn, share skills and allows students to become well-rounded. Getting to experience new parts of the world, creating lifelong friendships and the great staff at KIIS is an added bonus! We are so happy our daughter had this opportunity!”
– Alisa, parent of Tanzania & Zanzibar student
“Stepping out on faith to study abroad was something I was often nervous about because I knew I didn’t have the personal funds to pay for my study abroad program. I depended on highly competitive scholarships. With lots of help and dedication to construct a strong essay, I became a Gilman scholarship recipient. For that I am forever proud of myself, and grateful.”
– Jade, Tanzania
“Africa has given me a whole new perspective on life. It has allowed me to learn more about myself and fall in love with the Tanzanian culture and its people. It has given me a new love for nursing and reassured me why I chose to become a nurse in the first place.”
– Claire, Tanzania
“The KIIS Tanzania program was more than I ever imagined. It gave me the most meaningful relationships and experiences in such a short amount of time. If you want to study abroad, KIIS offers something for everyone; and it will be unforgettable!”
– Cierra, Tanzania
“I appreciate your involvement before they went – making parents like me feel comfortable and confident of her safety while gone. I appreciate you communicating with us as she prepared to leave. In a world where we don’t always express appreciation, I just wanted to let you know you are appreciated!”
-Kim, parent of Tanzania student
“I spent 5 weeks with KIIS Tanzania working with 15 orphans under the age of 2. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary and I will forever be grateful that I chose to study abroad.”
– Andrea, Tanzania
Take Your Education Further
Additional information
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Term | |
| Subject | Graduate, Health Care Administration, Nursing, Practicum, Pre-Med, Public Health, Social Work |
