Tanzania
Tanzania
Field Research in Tanzania
Program Summary
As one of East Africa's most dynamic nations, Tanzania is navigating a complex transition from its deep historical roots to a fast-growing modern economy. This evolution presents unique challenges and opportunities for sustainable development, particularly at the intersection of global marketing and the political economy of tourism. These changes exist against a backdrop of immense cultural diversity—comprised of over 120 ethnic groups—and a history that stretches from the earliest remnants of human life to the modern union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
Through classroom instruction, online engagement, and immersive field research, we will explore how mission-driven organizations and local communities balance heritage with contemporary conservation and economic self-determination. We will apply marketing concepts, sustainability frameworks, and interdisciplinary perspectives to real-world challenges through field research, community engagement, and experiential learning.
The travel component will take place over eight days in March, centered in the vibrant regions of Arusha, West Kilimanjaro, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will spend time learning onsite from local nonprofit organizations, such as the Watoto Foundation and the United African Alliance Community Center, and engage with conservationists and social enterprises like Adumu Safaris.
You will also visit world-renowned natural and cultural sites, including the lower slopes of Mt. Meru, a UNESCO World Heritage site that serves as a living classroom for wildlife behavior, ecology, and sustainable land management. The trip includes a safari in the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, where you will engage in game drives and wildlife viewing to observe animal behavior and ecology firsthand. By meeting with rangers from the Ngorongoro Rhino Project, you will gain a nuanced understanding of the real-world marketing and leadership challenges involved in ethical ecotourism.
Course Information
Participants will be registered for MKTG 498 (3 credits).
This honors course combines scheduled classroom instruction, online learning, and international field experience. Students enrolled at University Park are expected to attend all class meetings in person. Students enrolled at Penn State Commonwealth Campuses will participate remotely in real time while engaging alongside their University Park peers.
The course also features online lectures from international guest speakers, including academic scholars, business leaders, nonprofit professionals, conservationists, and community partners from Tanzania and other global organizations. These sessions will expose students to diverse international perspectives on sustainability, ethical marketing, tourism, conservation, social entrepreneurship, and community development.
Because many guest lecturers will be joining from different regions of the world, meeting times may be adjusted to accommodate international time zone differences. Students will receive advance notice of any schedule modifications.
Estimated Costs
| Schreyer Scholars | Non-Scholars | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Fee* | $1,800 | $4,300 |
| Flight** | $1,800 | $1,800 |
| Miscellaneous | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Total | $4,600 | $6,900 |
*Program fee covers room, all meals, airport transfers, ground transportation, cultural and academic excursions, and all mandatory taxes and fees. Schreyer Scholar cost accounts for a refund via scholarship.
**Estimated cost of round trip travel from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Airfare and Explanation of Costs
A chartered bus will transport University Park students to the Dulles International Airport. Penn State Commonwealth Campus students are encouraged to travel to University Park and join the group for the bus transfer.
Flights will be coordinated through a third-party travel provider, which will arrange each student's itinerary to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). While students are encouraged to travel with the cohort, exceptions may be made for those who need to make their own travel arrangements due to personal circumstances.
All participants are expected to arrive in Tanzania within the designated program arrival window on March 6. Airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), as well as all regional ground transportation during the program, are included in the program fee.
Out-of-pocket expenses include round-trip international airfare to Tanzania, passport and visa fees, personal health and travel insurance (strongly recommended), incidental expenses such as laundry services, additional beverages beyond those included with meals, optional spa services, gratuities for guides and lodge staff, souvenirs, and any personal expenses not explicitly included in the program itinerary. Additional need-based funding may be available for Schreyer Scholars.
How to Apply
Complete the application form below by 5:00 p.m. on November 16, 2026. We will share decisions by November 20, and students who accept their offer of participation must submit their financial commitment by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 30, 2026.
Tentative Itinerary
Funding & Questions
To explore funding options or for questions about this trip, contact Sarah Lyall-Combs.
Sarah Lyall-Combs
- Coordinator of Academic and International Programs
Make an appointment to discuss: Study abroad