Ready to Go to Tanzania
Frequently Asked Questions
Students ask . . .
Do I need a passport?
YES!!!! Please visit the U.S. State Department travel pages for the most up-to-date information regarding passport application and fees, or visit our Know Before You Go page.
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Do I need a visa?
If you are a US citizen, you can either purchase a visa before you depart the US (strongly recommended), or on arrival in Tanzania. Please see the Know Before You Go page for more information.
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What about insurance?
Arcadia University enrolls all participants in a health and accident insurance plan with HTH Worldwide. The plan covers the costs of treatment for most sicknesses and injuries up to $500,000 with no deductible. Details of this coverage are outlined in the health and accident insurance section of our website. Specific questions should be addressed to the insurance carrier. Please note that Arcadia University does not provide insurance for your possessions. We encourage you to purchase coverage for them or to leave irreplaceable valuables at home.
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Will my credits transfer back home?
Only your home college can answer this question, so be sure and safe – ask now, and obtain all the approvals you'll need. For more information regarding credit transfer policies, please visit the “Credits/Grades/Transcripts” section of our website.
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Should I make copies of my papers?
Yes. Many home colleges want to review the work you completed overseas before final credit is awarded. Unless you make specific arrangements with your tutors prior to departure, final exams and/or papers will not be returned to students. It is important to keep copies, therefore, of your papers, reading lists and syllabi from all of your courses.
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How much money will I need initially?
You will need to have at least $100 on you once you arrive in order to purchase a visa. We also suggest about $100 for meals and basic expenses during your first few days. Take travelers checks in US dollars, and an ATM card that's linked to your US primary checking account. If it is linked to Visa systems, your card will work in most cash machines throughout the country. Make sure you know your PIN in numbers.
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Should I take my computer?
Many of the resources you will use for classes are online books or articles, so most students bring a laptop. You will need to make sure you have the right converters. Electricity in Tanzania is 220 volts, 50 hertz. Check your computer for a dual voltage switch. If there isn't one, then check with your manufacturer. You may need a converter and an adapter. Finally, leave your printer at home, it is cumbersome and unnecessary. And be sure your stuff is insured! (See the section on Security and Insurance under “What to Pack”). You will have access to computers in the Nyerere center as well as wireless internet and a printer. No matter whether or not you bring your laptop, do be sure to bring a USB key.
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Is there any financial aid to study abroad?
Arcadia University has a scholarship fund for accepted students. See the Scholarship section of our website or call our office for further details.
Ask the study abroad adviser on your campus about other financial aid possibilities and investigate the Stafford loan and the Plus loan scheme.
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What's the weather like?
Arusha has varying weather conditions. It can be quiet hot, so it is important to wear a lot of sunscreen. During the months of October, November and December it is typically very dry and hot. During the months of March, April and May is the wet season and it will be warm but it can get much cooler in the evenings.
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Will I feel culture shock?
There will be many significant differences to which you must grow accustomed when living and studying in Tanzania. It is a nation of contrasts: You will see beautiful landscapes and fancy hotels not far from poverty and rural life. You will grow to love the country, but it may take some time. Read the section on Culture Shock for more details.
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What happens when I arrive in Tanzania?
All students will go through Immigration and Passport control immediately upon arrival in Tanzania. If you did not already secure a Tanzania visa in the US, you will need to do so before proceeding, You will be asked to pay a US $100 visa fee which you are responsible for. You will not be able to exchange money prior to crossing the border; so please be sure to have obtained at least US $100 prior to leaving the United States. For all students: you may be required to produce proof of vaccination, so be sure to have documentation on hand.
Once you retrieve your luggage you will pass through customs and enter the lobby of the terminal. You will either be met by a member of the Arcadia staff, or you will be met by a driver carrying a sign with your name or Arcadia’s name on it. Your transport has been arranged by Arcadia in-country staff, so you should politely turn down offers of transport from the many taxi drivers at the airport.
Detailed instructions in the form of a travel guide will be sent to you a few weeks before you depart.
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How soon after the program concludes will I receive my Arcadia University transcript?
We will send an official copy of your transcript to your home school and an unofficial copy to you. Your transcript will be withheld by Arcadia University if you have an outstanding balance on your account resulting from nonpayment of the program fee (in whole or in part) or special course surcharges, any late fees or returned check fees, damage charges, library fines, or other unmet financial obligations as deemed appropriate by Arcadia University.
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