In 1994, recognizing the potential institutional benefits of quality study abroad programs and the fact that fewer U.S. students study in Africa than in any other region of the world, the 15 African Title VI NRCs formed the National Consortium for Study in Africa (NCSA). Its agenda was to promote and expand quality study abroad programs in Africa. Initiated with funding from the Department’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) the NCSA:

• Developed guidelines for quality and equitable programming in Africa;
• Hosted the first U.S. conference to focus study abroad programming in Africa that included representatives from African universities as well as from Title VI centers and university based study abroad offices;
• Developed a comprehensive searchable Web-based database on study abroad programs in Africa, http://www.isp.msu.edu/ncsa/;
• Provided program development grants to member Title VI centers that resulted in the development of new programs in Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, and Namibia; and
• Produced and nationally distributed two videos: Study in Africa: New Frontiers for American Students (a 27 minute video promoting study abroad in Africa); and Before You Pack: Preparing for Study in Africa (a 40 minute video manual on preparing for study in Africa).

Conclusion