UDSM Deepens Global Academic Ties Through Washington and Lee University Summer School
By Yolanda Massawe, DICA
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has continued to strengthen its international academic partnerships through hosting the first Summer School cohort from Washington and Lee University, bringing together students and scholars in a rich academic and cultural exchange programme focused on media, culture, society, and global learning.
The programme, which combines classroom engagement with experiential learning, has provided participants with an opportunity to gain deeper understanding of Tanzania’s social, cultural, and historical context while building meaningful academic and personal connections within the UDSM community.
A total of 16 students accompanied by Prof. Mohamed Kamara and Prof. Dayo Abah are spending 29 days in Tanzania, including nine days at UDSM, where they have been participating in lectures, discussions, and cultural activities facilitated by experts from different disciplines across the University.
Welcoming the delegation to UDSM, the Director of Internationalisation, Convocation and Advancement, Dr. Augustina Alexander, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. William A. L. Anangisye, described the programme as an important milestone in strengthening international cooperation and intercultural understanding between the two institutions.
“We are delighted to welcome students and faculty from Washington and Lee University to the University of Dar es Salaam. This programme reflects our shared commitment to academic excellence, cultural exchange, and building global citizenship among students,” she said.
During their stay at UDSM, the students have attended interactive lectures covering a broad range of topics related to Tanzanian society and contemporary issues.
A Senior Lecturer in Journalism and Media Studies and Head of University Communication and Marketing, Dr. Dotto Paul Kuhenga, delivered a lecture on Tanzania Media and Society, where he highlighted the evolving role of the media in shaping public discourse, national development, and social transformation in Tanzania.
He also discussed the relationship between media, culture, and democracy in the country’s contemporary communication landscape.
In another session, UDSM Director of Social Services, Dr. Lulu Mahai, presented a lecture on Gender and Culture in Tanzania, guiding students through Tanzania’s cultural diversity, social values, traditions, and the importance of intercultural understanding in a rapidly globalising world.
Other lecture sessions focused on themes such as Health and Environment in Tanzania by Dr. Colman Msoka, History and Culture of Tanzania by Dr. Albertus Onyiego, as well as Religion and Politics in Tanzania by Dr. Thomas Ndaluka.
A vibrant platform for intellectual exchange and dialogue
The programme has created a vibrant platform for intellectual exchange and dialogue between students from the two universities, allowing them to share experiences and broaden their global perspectives.
According to the programme coordinators, the Summer School is designed not only to provide classroom-based learning but also to immerse students in real-life cultural experiences that strengthen intercultural competence and international friendship.
Beyond academic sessions, the students are actively participating in cultural and experiential learning activities intended to deepen their understanding of Tanzanian life and traditions. Through interactions with host families and host buddies, the students experienced everyday community life, learned local cultural values, and built lasting friendships.
The programme also include educational excursions to some of Tanzania’s iconic destinations, including Mikumi National Park, where students will explore Tanzania’s wildlife heritage, as well as Bagamoyo and Zanzibar, where they will learn about the country’s rich historical and cultural legacy.
Importantly, the Summer School programme marks a significant step in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UDSM and Washington and Lee University. The collaboration demonstrates the shared commitment of the two institutions to advancing internationalisation, academic partnership, and cross-cultural learning through student and staff exchanges.
As UDSM continues to expand its global partnerships, initiatives such as this Summer School reaffirm the University’s position as a leading centre for academic excellence, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration in the region.