Summer in Benin - Cotonou, Benin
This 6-week summer program offers a unique immersive opportunity for students to study and gain a deeper understanding of West African culture through one of two electives.
Cotonou, Benin’s economic center, is a dynamic and rapidly developing city. Through a range of cultural excursions, which include day trips to the historical slavery route and the Door of No Return, students will contextualize Beninese culture into the larger context of West African history. Students will also learn more about the history and ongoing effects of the transatlantic slavery trade and colonialism, the role of spirituality and religion in everyday life, and a range of other contemporary issues, depending on the elective course chosen.
While the elective courses (which vary by year) take place separately, students from both classes make excursions together. Open to all majors. Students apply to the program through their chosen elective.
Here is some information to help you learn what it is like to live and travel in Benin, given your identity markers.