Syracuse University suspends program in Zimbabwe

Syracuse University suspends program in ZimbabweMay 18, 2001Kevin Morrowkdmorrow@syr.edu

Syracuse University’s Division of International Programs Abroad (DIPA) has suspended its 2001-02 study program in Harare, Zimbabwe, due to increased political instability inside the country. DIPA has made arrangements to enable students already accepted for the Fall 2001 Zimbabwe program to participate in Brown University’s Tanzania program at the University of Dar es Salaam. Students may also choose another Syracuse University program site. The University maintains programs in Florence, Italy; Hong Kong; London; Madrid; and Strasbourg, France. The suspension of the Zimbabwe program is based on the current political and security situation in the country, and the possibility that the situation may worsen with the approaching presidential election, anticipated to occur in late spring or early summer of 2002. DIPA Executive Director Nirelle Galson worked with an all-University committee to develop the proposal for an SU program in Africa, and she accompanied the first group of students to Zimbabwe in September 1993. Galson says she regrets having to temporarily close the program but is hopeful that it can be reopened in the near future. “We have worked long and hard to develop an excellent program in Africa with on-campus faculty and student support,” Galson says. “We hope to reinstate the program as soon as the political situation allows.” A total of 381 students have studied at the Harare center since its opening in Fall 1993. The Spring 2001 group of 14 students concluded their semester in Zimbabwe May 5. SU’s Zimbabwe program is operated under the auspices of the Southern African Political Economy Series Trust (SAPES), a major research institution in Southern Africa. The program is interdisciplinary, with special emphasis on contemporary African issues. Participating students are offered field experience opportunities–including internships and a traveling seminar–along with course work in anthropology, geography, history, language and literature, political science, religion, sociology and women’s studies. Although the program’s suspension means no students will be traveling to Zimbabwe, SU’s Harare center will remain operational. “Our home base in Zimbabwe will continue to provide a connection to Zimbabwe for faculty and researchers, and we will continue our relationship with SAPES,” Galson says. “Resident director and professor Victor Machingaidze is working out the details on site.”