(Reprinted with Permission of Elizabeth Hayford, ACM President; modified to fit CC Summer Session Course Issues by Walt Hecox)
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(Reprinted with Permission of Elizabeth Hayford, ACM President; modified to fit CC Summer Session Course Issues by Walt Hecox) |
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Introduction
for Summer 1999 CC Students
The material below was developed
for ACM students spending a semester in Zimbabwe, studying at the University
and having a home-stay with families. Therefore some of the information
is not directly relevant to the 4 week course we will spend in Zimbabwe
during the "winter" season. However, the material is a good general introduction
to issues you will face and will answer some questions you may have about
preparing for and spending 4 weeks in Zimbabwe.
When students first arrive in
Harare, many are surprised not by the differences but by the similarities
between Harare and other western cities with which they are familiar. Some
past participants have had their expectations of Africa and Africans challenged
by these first impressions. With time, students discover that they do,
in fact, encounter many cultural differences during their stay in Zimbabwe.
For your own Zimbabwe experience to be successful, it is important that
you remember two things: take time to understand Zimbabwe's unique culture
and history, and try to approach your experience with sensitivity and an
open mind.
Zimbabwe is still a relatively
new country. For many black Zimbabweans, the oppressive policies of Rhodesia's
white settler rule are a painful and recent memory. Liberation fighters
fought a long, violent struggle for independence in the 1960s and 1970s.
Following the Lancaster House Agreement, the nation of Zimbabwe was born
in 1980. Many white Rhodesians fled the country, but others have remained
in Zimbabwe under the non-racial policies of the government of President
Robert Mugabe. At present, Zimbabwe enjoys political stability and a high
level of social and economic development.
Zimbabwe's achievement is viewed
by many as a model for unity and development in Southern Africa. Yet despite
the considerable progress Zimbabwe has made towards multi-racial harmony,
tensions still exist. It is important to bear in mind the history of racial
segregation as you navigate the cultural differences you encounter with
people you meet, university lecturers and Zimbabwean friends. Inconsiderate
or rude behavior on the part of American students (frequently unintentional)
can be interpreted by Zimbabweans as arrogance or even racism. It is very
important to be respectful and courteous to others at all times.
You should be aware of some of
realities of contemporary Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean society—and the urban population
of
Harare—is not homogenous; several socioeconomic classes exist. Zimbabweans
themselves distinguish between upper, upper middle, lower middle, and low
classes. However, what Zimbabweans term middle class may seem upper
class to some Americans. All of these strata are represented in Harare's
population.
Because a person's understanding
of courtesy is culturally based, it is important to realize that an American's
understanding of what it means to be courteous is not necessarily the same
as a Zimbabwean's. Zimbabweans tend to be much more formal, and relationships
both within families and between students and lecturers at the University
are informed by a general African unwritten, but real, code of conduct
exemplified by respect for elders or superiors. Thus no Zimbabwean student
ever addresses a professor by his or her first name, particularly in public.
And, in public, husbands and wives usually refer to one another by their
formal title (Dr. Nkiwane may address his wife as Mrs. Nkiwane and not
as Pretty, her first name). Students need to be sensitive to these cultural
differences and aware that their host parents may be taken aback to be
addressed by their first names rather by Mrs., Mr., or Dr. and their last
name.
Because Dr. Nkiwane and some other
university lecturers have had a great deal of experience with American
students, they are comfortable having students address them by their first
names provided it is not done in a public place like a classroom or reception.
(How this would apply if CC Summer students were living with host families):
In your interactions with your host family, you should plan to address
your parents as Mr., Mrs. or Dr. unless they specifically ask you to do
otherwise. If you are observant, your host family can provide you with
many insights about cultural differences—some subtle, some not so subtle—that
will enrich your understanding of Zimbabwe and help you strike the right
balance of formality with people in other settings.
Suggested
Readings (Titles of Possible Interest to CC Summer Session Students)
Since preparatory reading will
greatly enhance your experience on the program, Dr. Chamlee-Wright suggests
that you purchase the following books from your local bookstore and read
them before you leave for Zimbabwe. Make sure you bring them to Zimbabwe
since they are required reading for Culture and Society.
Tsitsi Dangarembga, Nervous
Conditions.
Dambudzo Marachera, The House
of Hunger.
Shimmer Chinyoda, Harvest of
Thorns.
Chenjerai Hove, Bones.
The following books provide an
excellent overview of Zimbabwean history, contemporary politics, economics
and social issues. You will find them extremely useful for your course
work.
Your local bookstore should be
able to order this for you through Humanities Press in three to four weeks.
Christine Sylvester, Zimbabwe: The Terrain of Contradictory Development. Westview Press, 1991. (ISBN 0-8133-8248-3, paperback).
This excellent overview of Zimbabwean
history, contemporary politics, economics and social issues is part of
the "Profiles of Nations of Contemporary Africa" series. It is out-of-print,
but your local bookstore might be able to track down a copy for you. It
is worth trying.
Doris Lessing, African Laughter: Four Visits to Zimbabwe. Harper Collins, 1992. (ISBN 0-06-092433-0, paperback).
The distinguished writer, forced
to leave her native "Rhodesia" because of her political views, returns
on four visits from 1982-1992 and offers compelling accounts of the white
reaction to the civil war, independence and the challenge of constructing
a multiracial society.
Africa on a Shoestring
Spectrum Guide to Zimbabwe
Backpacker's Guide to Southern
Africa. Great for backpackers!
The Lonely Planet Guide to
Zimbabwe
Traveller's Guide to Zimbabwe
(The CC Summer Program will be
mostly in the field, thus bring duffel bags and/or backpacks; hard-sided
luggage is much more difficult to carry across rough terrain to tented
camps, lodges or thatched huts).
A word to the wise: put your essential
documents, all your money, a few toiletry and health care items, prescription
medication, corrective lens and a change of clothes in your carry-on. Most
lost luggage is found again, but just imagine what your first two days
in Harare will be like with the same three-day-old clothing, no toothbrush,
no Advil and a stress-induced headache.
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Clothing may be tricky to get
right. While it will be natural for you to want to dress as casually and
comfortably as you do on your own campus, you need to realize when this
is appropriate. Casual, sturdy clothing will be necessary for all field
trips but inappropriate in many spots around Harare. Granted, you are going
to stick out no matter what you wear, but you want to wear clothing that
will make people respect you as a serious student. Clothing is a "symbolic
resource," a kind of communication about how we want others to see us and
how we evaluate the situation we are in. For example, what you choose to
wear will tell your University instructors a lot about whether you consider
them worthy of respect. Do you feel that they and other Zimbabweans are
worth taking the trouble to accommodate? It is extremely arrogant, and
perhaps even racist, to take the attitude that just because you are in
Africa and an outsider all that matters is how comfortable you are. It
is not a matter of comfort, but of respect.
Christianity and Islam have highly
influenced dress in Zimbabwe, and though you can wear casual clothing,
shorts and t-shirts are not normal daywear. Appropriate dress is modest.
Zimbabwean women do not typically wear shorts and tank tops because it
is considered inappropriate to show shoulders, cleavage and upper thighs.
Casual skirts or dresses and neat pants and jeans are entirely acceptable.
Student attire at the University will vary from dressy to informal, but
even informal dress is neat and stylish. Students do not wear holey or
ripped clothing.
Smart Casual attire would be slacks
or skirts, shirts or blouses, simple dresses and neat leather shoes or
sandals. Fashionable jeans with a nice blouse or shirt and shoes are also
worn by Zimbabweans.
While you are on the University
of Zimbabwe campus (IN THE FIELD), you will have more flexibility in the
way you dress, but smart casual attire will definitely be appropriate for
trips to other parts of the city, especially downtown; for interviews and
lectures with faculty and government officials; and in many places after
dark, especially restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Thus, men should be
sure to bring some neat pants and collared shirts, ( TAKE THIS OUT UNLESS
YOU ARE GOING TO WANT THEM TO DRESS UP FOR SOMETHING PRETTY FANCY - and
probably a tie). Women should bring one or two nice dresses or skirts and
avoid any shorts or skirts that show off the upper-thigh.
Suggested
Packing List for Clothing
"Bring as little clothing as possible,
and not your favorite items. Handwashing is hard on clothes. Bring some
shorts and t-shirts, and some nice attire. You will be able to tell if
more proper attire is needed for certain situations (e.g. rural areas)
or when shorts are okay. Bring some warm things because it gets cold at
night in April and May."
Keep clothing loose and comfortable—especially
for warmer periods.
(CC Summer Students: remember
that you are arriving for a stay during the Zimbabwean "winter" so have
several layers of clothing that you can combine for colder and warmer days
and temperature variation throughout the day and evening. Also remember
that outside of Harare there will not be sources of heat in buildings,
and some sleeping situations will be at outside temperatures). WEATHER
IN ZIMBABWE IN JUNE AND JULY IS A LITTLE LIKE WEATHER IN COLORADO IN APRIL
Past participants recommend bringing clothing you wouldn't mind leaving behind as gifts to make room for the things you've purchased in Zimbabwe. This list contains recommendations and is not meant to be a required packing list. You should bring clothes you feel comfortable wearing yet do not appear especially out of place. Very nice clothing is also readily available in Zimbabwe.
(Clothing suggested for the Jan
– May ACM Semester, CC Summer Students should modify as necessary and plan
for a 4 week stay, NOT a 4 month stay).
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Throughout most of Africa, domestics
wash clothes by hand, so lightweight fabrics that will withstand rough
hand washing are highly recommended. Consequently, very delicate clothing
may show wear over several months, and you may need to buy replacements.
For CC Summer students there are
the following items suggested for the ACM semester program; any of these
you desire should be brought with you, there will not be time to obtain
them during your 4 weeks in Zimbabwe.
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These are just the basics you
shouldn't leave home without. Health care and toiletry items like Band-Aids
and toothpaste are available in Harare. Harare has several good opticians,
so bringing a prescription for extra contacts or eyeglasses should be sufficient.
Some contact lens solutions are also readily available.
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Protection
Against the Elements and Insects
Remember that you will need to
protect yourself against the rain, sun and insects. You can buy all this
in Harare or bring your favorites from home.
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Toiletries, cosmetics, sunscreen,
tampons and pads are readily available in Zimbabwe. You may not be able
to find familiar brand names and some items may be more expensive. If you
prefer a particular brand, however, you may want to bring it with you.
Almost everything you will want is available in Harare.
(NOTE FOR CC SUMMER STUDENTS:
We will primarily be in the field outside of Harare, away from urban areas;
also there will be little "free" time for you to shop and limited mobility
around town. THEREFORE: try to bring a 4 week (or extra if you are staying
on in Africa) supply of ALL toiletry and prescription drug items; DO NOT
depend upon having time or finding items you forget!)
You will, of course, need a valid
passport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least two months after
your scheduled return to the United States. If it expires during that time,
you should renew it immediately.
CC Summer Students will enter
Zimbabwe on a tourist visa, which you will obtain at the Harare airport
upon arrival.
NOTE: CURRENTLY THE ENTRY FEE
INTO ZIMBABWE IS US$30 AND THE DEPARTURE FEE IS US$20 – THIS HAS TO BE
PAID
EVERY TIME YOU CROSS THE BORDE. IT IS NOT COMPLETELY CLEAR
THAT YOU CAN USE TRAVELLER’S CHECKS, SO YOU SHOULD HAVE ENOUGH US CASH
TO COVER THIS COST!
Visas to other African countries
can be obtained at embassies in Harare, but travel during the program,
including the break in February, will be restricted to Zimbabwe. Visas
can take several weeks to process, however, so be sure to plan any post-program
travel well in advance. Some countries require photos and application fees.
A NOTE FOR CC SUMMER STUDENTS
STAYING ON AFTER THE COURSE: YOU NEED TO DETERMINE NOW IF YOU WILL NEED
ANY VISAS FOR TRAVEL TO OTHER PARTS OF AFRICA AND OBTAIN THOSE VISAS PRIOR
TO THE START OF THE COURSE. THERE WILL NOT BE TIME DURING THE 4 WEEKS OF
THE COURSE FOR YOU TO BE GOING TO VARIOUS EMBASSIES TO OBTAIN VISAS, AND
LIKELY YOU WILL NOT WANT TO SPEND SOME DAYS OF YOUR TIME AFTER THE COURSE
IS OVER OBTAINING SUCH TRAVEL PERMISSIONS BEFORE YOU START YOUR TRAVELS.
FOR
THE MOST PART, OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE REGION DO NOT REQUIRE PREVIOUS VISAS
TO ENTER. THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS MOZAMBIQUE (TO VISIT OR TO PASS THROUGH
ON THE WAY TO MALAWI). BUT THE STUDENTS SHOULD CHECK FOR THEMSELVES.
Do not pack your passport in your
checked luggage since you will need to show it several times while in transit.
Always know where your important documents are!
The U. S. Department of State
estimates that 25,000 American passports will be lost or stolen this year,
and will have to be replaced. You can take a few precautions to speed up
the process of replacing your passport if it is lost. Photocopy your passport
(the page with the number and the place and date of issue) and carry it
separately from your passport. Also keep a few extra photos and an extra
copy of your birth certificate. Given the slow mail service between Africa
and North America, it can be quite a delay to have any of these items sent
from home. You will be responsible for any expenses incurred in case of
loss of your passport.
Especially while you are traveling,
it would be safest to keep your passport separate from your wallet in a
moneybelt or other concealed carrier. That way, if you should lose your
wallet, you won't have lost your passport as well. This is useful advice
both for traveling to Zimbabwe and for travel within the country. While
Zimbabwe is a safe country, pickpockets are becoming more common with the
increase in tourism, and international airports are always popular spots
for thieves.
When you arrive in Harare, here's
what you can expect. Before you leave the plane, you will be asked to complete
the Visitor's Form provided by the airline staff, which you will
take into the terminal. Upon entering the terminal, you will stand in a
line leading to an immigration officer who will check your passport, your
airline ticket, and Visitor's form. The officer will stamp your passport
with the date of your entry into Zimbabwe.
Following this, you will enter
a large space where the baggage from the flight will be delivered. Baggage
is usually inspected by customs officers before you can pass through immigration
into the public areas of the terminal where the program staff will be waiting.
When entering and exiting the
country, you should be prepared to declare all of your cash and traveler's
checks, so be sure to ask for a Currency Declaration Form as you go through
immigration. The customs officer will then stamp this form. If you do not
fill out a Currency Declaration Form upon entering, you run the risk of
not being allowed to take U.S. currency out of the country. Save your currency
exchange receipts as proof of exchange for when you leave the country.
(CC Summer Students: refer to
the terms and conditions of Oswald & Assoc. for your travel and policies
that apply to any changes you desire. Remember that neither Oswald &
Assoc. nor Colorado College are responsible if you are unable to rearrange
your flight dates or miss your return flight.)
Keep receipts for any major purchases
you make in Zimbabwe since you may be required to present them upon re-entry
through customs in the United States. U.S. residents are allowed up to
$400 of purchases without paying duty. You will also have to pay a $20
airport tax in U.S. currency when you leave Zimbabwe.
Remember to continue taking your
malaria medication for one month after your return. Also make sure you
visit your physician immediately if you experience any flu-like symptoms.
(CC Summer Students: this section
might be of special interest to those of you staying on after the course
and planning travel to other parts of Africa.)
Students are encouraged to use
some of their free weekends for travel in Zimbabwe. Students are encouraged
to focus their independent travel during the program on Zimbabwe; your
exploration of different regions will bring to life some of the classroom
discussions of Zimbabwe's history and character. In the past, interested
students have traveled alone or in small groups to other Southern African
countries before returning to the U.S. The Zimbabwean staff can offer useful
guidance in planning these trips, and travel agents in Zimbabwe can also
help you with arrangements.
Many countries in southern and
eastern Africa are within reach of Zimbabwe. In the past, ACM students
have visited South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia,
Tanzania, and Kenya. If you plan to travel outside Zimbabwe, you should
check about required inoculations before leaving the U.S. Also consult
the Health Care section.
Transportation to these countries
can be arranged by bus and sometimes train; both are significantly cheaper
than flying. Each of these countries has different regulations concerning
visas; in some cases, even passing through the country on the way to another
requires a special transit visa. In almost every case, visas need to be
obtained in advance. This should not be done in the U.S., however, but
in Harare. Students who have attempted travel outside Zimbabwe without
proper visas have encountered significant delays and financial problems.
(CC Summer Students: This section
will give you some idea of the weather prior to your arrival; assume it
will be colder during the 4 weeks you will be in Zimbabwe for "winter.")
It can be quite hot in Zimbabwe,
and you will need to be prepared for summer weather. You will arrive in
the rainy season when the humidity may be high, so rain gear will be useful.
Toward the fall season (March, April, May), temperatures will be in the
mid-80s, but evenings may be chilly. Houses do not have central heating,
so bring some warmer clothes (sweatshirts, sweaters) for the end of the
program.
Long distance calls to the United
States are generally somewhat easy to make, but they are very expensive
and the connection may not be very good.
We strongly recommend getting
a calling card from AT&T or another long-distance carrier. Check to
make sure the carrier you plan to use provides service to Zimbabwe before
applying for the card. Using an AT&T card to place calls to the U.S.
saves a considerable amount of money.
Also having the party you are
calling abroad immediately call you back at a pay phone or other location
can result in huge savings on the per minute rate, if this is feasible.
Students on last year's program
thought traveler's checks were still the safest and easiest way to handle
your money. For convenience, you may want to bring all the money you will
need in traveler's checks since it can be a real hassle to have funds sent
from home. A small fee is often charged for cashing traveler's checks,
so you may want to bring larger denominations ($20 or $50 checks). American
Express traveler's checks are still the most widely accepted.
Many students last year also recommended
bringing a VISA or American Express card because they worried less about
running out of money and had more flexibility in their budgets. American
Express and MasterCard are not as widely accepted as VISA. ATM cards are
only useful if they have the VISA logo. Barclays Bank and Standard Bank
in Harare both have ATM machines where it is possible to get money in local
currency. Branches of these two international banks can also be found in
Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare and Victoria Falls. One advantage of using an ATM
or credit card is that you get the bank rate of exchange and avoid charges
for changing money. the disadvantages include overspending your budget,
unreliable ATM machines, and possible theft or fraud. Consider using the
card only for emergencies and make sure you know how to report a missing
or stolen card.
NOTE FROM ERIC HECOX, SUMMER
COURSE PARAPROF: IN MY EXPERIENCE, THE ATM MACHINES WORK ABOUT 50%
OF THE TIME. THEY HAVE TO CONECT WITH AN INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER TO VERIFY
FUNDS, AND IF THE PHONE LINES ARE DOWN (WHICH IS OFTEN) THE TRANSACTION
CAN’T GO THROUGH. THEREFORE DON’T RELY SOLELY ON THE ATM’S FOR CASH ALTHOUGH
IT CAN BE GOOD TO HAVE FOR EMERGENCIES. VISA AND MASTERCARD ARE ACCEPTED
AT MANY PLACES AND CAN BE USED AS CREDIT CARDS. ANOTHER GOOD WAY TO GET
MONEY IS CASH ADVANCES ON MASTERCARDS OR VISAS. THIS IS RELATIVELY EASY
AND YOU CAN GET AS MUCH AS YOUR CREDIT LIMIT ALLOWS. THE BANKS IN HARARE
DO NOT CHARGE A TRANSACTION FEE SO YOU WILL ONLY HAVE TO PAY WHAT YOUR
BANK IN THE US CHARGES AS SERVICE CHARGES. BE AWARE HOWEVER THAT WITH CASH
ADVANCES YOU START PAYING INTEREST ON THE WITHDRAW THE MOMENT IT GOES THROUGH.
THEREFORE BE PREPARED FOR THAT. A WAY AROUND THIS IS TO PREPAY ON YOUR
CREDIT CARD SO THAT THE TRANSACTION IS COVERD THE SECOND IT GOES THROUGH
AND THERE SHOULD BE NO INTEREST CHARGES. I WOULD RECOMMEND A COMBINATION
OF US CASH, TRAVELERS CHECKS, CREDIT CARDS (POSSIBLE WITH SOME MONEY PREPAID)
AND AN ATM CARD FOR EMERGENCIES.
If you run out of money, having
a credit card provides an easy solution. If someone at home has an American
Express card, he or she can transfer money to an American Express office
in Harare for a small fee. (NOTE FROM ERIC HECOX: I WOULD AVOID
THE AMERICAN EXPRESS OFFICE AT ALL COSTS. LOCAL BANKS HONOR CASH ADVANCES
ON MASTERCARDS AND THAT SEEM MUCH BETTER.) If you have an American Express
card, you can also cash personal checks for small amounts at the American
Express office; with the Visa or MasterCard you can receive a cash advance
in local currency at one of the major local banks. With an ATM card carrying
the VISA logo, you can get money from a cash machine.
Anti-drug laws in Zimbabwe are
severe and enforced with notable rigor. Any accusation against a student
by the police could have severe repercussions on the program, the staff,
and the students. Therefore, the possession or use of any illegal drugs
will result in immediate dismissal from the program. If you are arrested
because of suspected involvement with drugs, Colorado College and the American
Embassy will be able to do very little to help you.
Student
Conduct and Discipline
Enrollment in an off-campus study
program obligates you to conduct yourself as a responsible member of that
program. While on the CC Summer program, any behavior by a student that
discredits the student or the program, as determined by the program rules
and the program director, may result in disciplinary action. The program
director reserves the right to discipline or dismiss a student whose conduct
is seen as being in conflict with the best interests of the program and
in violation of its rules, either academic or social. The director of the
program also has the authority to remove a student from the program because
of a medical or psychological crisis or any other serious situation that
might arise. Life-threatening events, serious involvement with the police,
unscheduled loss of contact with a student, and incidents having the potential
for serious public relations consequences may also warrant dismissal.
The following guidelines emphasize
individual and group responsibility while allowing students to enjoy a
high degree of social and academic freedom.
Class Attendance The Zimbabwe
program
is meant to provide an integrated experience and participation in all the
components is necessary for the program's success. You must participate
to the fullest extent possible in the planned activities and scheduled
classes of the semester.
2. Students are expected to attend all scheduled general lectures, field trips and program activities.
3. Students need to be certain
that whatever plans they make for weekend travel or for the week-long break
will not prevent them from meeting their obligations to the program. Make-up
classes and exams are arranged only at the discretion of the instructor;
unexcused absences will result in lowered grades.
1. Informal warning by a member of the staff.
2. Formal oral notification by the director detailing the program.
3. Placing a short description of the student's behavior on the final grade report.
5. Dismissal from the program.
The value of your time in Zimbabwe
will be enhanced by your willingness to be open to new ideas and new experiences.
You will find Zimbabweans to be very open and willing to give their time
and attention to you. At the same time, you shouldn't forget that, while
in Harare, you are in a modern capital city of about 1,000,000 persons
– a city which, unfortunately, shares some of the same hazards as large
cities anywhere.
You should think of issues of
personal safety in much the same way you do when in any large American
city. In Harare, especially in the city center, you should be mindful of
your personal possessions. You can expect the occasional panhandler, even
a fast-talking con man, just as you might if you were walking through downtown
areas of Chicago or Milwaukee. If you use a backpack, you should bring
small padlocks for the zippered compartments. This will give you one
less thing to worry about!
Be extra cautious about night-time
transportation. They will give you sound advice. As in most U.S. cities,
women should avoid being out alone at night, and all students are advised
to take taxis home in pairs or groups at night.
None of these concerns should
interfere with an enjoyable and productive experience in Zimbabwe as long
as you give them the same consideration you would if you were residing
in a large city anywhere.
Your cross-cultural experience
in Zimbabwe will include gender roles and expectations. American students
may be surprised at the highly patriarchal structure of Zimbabwean society.
In most families, for example, you will find that women do all the housework
and cooking while men will enjoy special privileges. At the same time,
however, many Zimbabwean women are highly educated and lead successful
professional careers. Your friends and acquaintances may seem to mix aspects
of both African and European gender expectations, which can be confusing.
Nervous
Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga provides an excellent introduction
to these contradictions.
American women students may find
that Zimbabwean men are more socially assertive or forward than men on
their home campuses. In previous years, women students have experienced
unwanted male attention in specific settings—for example, in bars, clubs
and at concerts. Setting clear boundaries while retaining your cross-cultural
sensitivity can be a difficult challenge.
American men students, on the
other hand, will have different gender issues to deal with. Being given
a privileged position within the family on the basis of gender may feel
uncomfortable to American men who are concerned with gender equality. Zimbabwean
women may have different expectations from dating relationships.
Differences between your past
experiences with gender relations, your expectations and standards, and
the gender roles in Harare will be one of the most challenging aspects
of living in Zimbabwe. Yet it is also one of the most difficult to predict.
While you are in Zimbabwe, you need to be aware of your health and your responsibility for monitoring new or familiar medical concerns. You have had inoculations against diseases that are not prevalent in the U.S., and you should pay particular attention to sanitation and food and water, especially in rural areas. Malaria is widespread in Zimbabwe, particularly in the rainy season, and you should follow preventative measures such as taking your malaria prophylactic regularly, wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent. AIDS is also widespread, and if you are thinking about being sexually active, you should take this seriously. ESTIMATES PLACE THE FREQUENCY OF AIDS IN ZIMBABWE AT AROUND 25% IN SOME SECTIONS OF SOCIETY. A GOOD WAY TO COMPREHEND THE EXTENT OF AIDS IN ZIMBABWE IS TO REALISE THAT POSSIBLY ONE OUT OF EVERY FOUR PEOPLE YOU SEE COULD HAVE HIV OR AIDS.
The information provided here
may appear worrisome, but you should know that prior students have had
few health problems and certainly none serious. The breadth of this information
is simply meant to help you make informed decisions about precautions for
maintaining good health while in Zimbabwe. For further information about
these inoculations and disease prevention contact the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention in Atlanta. They will fax you free information about
international travel and health precautions. You will receive more information
about local health concerns during the orientation in Harare. All participants
must have received the following inoculations before going to Zimbabwe.
Adult Booster Shots You must receive
booster shots as an adult for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); tetanus
and diphtheria (Td); and polio. It is your responsibility to have your
physician verify that these inoculations are current.
Childhood Inoculation Series This
includes measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
(DTP); and polio. Some younger students may have also received hepatitis
B. Your physician should verify that you have received a complete childhood
immunization series.
Hepatitis A Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver transmitted by the fecal-oral route; through direct person to person contact; from contaminated water, ice, or shellfish; or from uncooked fruits or vegetables contaminated through handling. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, dark urine, jaundice, vomiting, aches and pains, and light stools. Havrix® or VAQTA®, two effective inoculations for Hepatitis A, are now available. If they are not available, you should receive an Immune Globulin (IG) injection. Although Immune Globulin will lessen the effects of the disease, it will not keep you from contracting Hepatitis A.
Think about these inoculations
if you plan to travel extensively in rural areas or outside Zimbabwe:
Cholera Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by Vibrio Cholera bacterium. Infection is acquired by ingesting contaminated water or food. Symptoms include an abrupt onset of voluminous watery diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, and muscle cramps. Cholera is highly preventable and does respond well to antibiotic treatments.
Yellow Fever Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted to humans by mosquitoes which tend to be most active during the evening hours. Symptoms range from fever, chills, headache, and vomiting to jaundice, internal bleeding, and kidney failure. Because an effective drug for treatment does not exist, prevention is important when traveling to infected areas. Zimbabwe has no incidence of yellow fever. Certificate of vaccination is required if traveling to Zimbabwe from infected countries in Africa or South America or if returning to the U.S. from an infected African country. If you plan extensive travel in Africa, check with the ACM office.
Most illnesses can be avoided
simply by following these preventive measures: guard against insect bites,
especially at night; do not handle any animals; do not swim or bathe in
fresh water because of possible parasitic infection (salt water and chlorinated
water are fine); be careful about drinking water (and ice) and eating uncooked
foods. Here are some other precautions which will help ensure good health.
AIDS AIDS is common throughout
Africa and endemic in Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, it is transmitted primarily
through heterosexual sex and intravenous drug use. Thus all sexual relations
pose dire risks.
Avoid Mosquitoes Make sure you
use toiletry items without perfume like deodorant, shampoo and conditioner,
makeup, and laundry soap; keep your skin covered by wearing socks and heavy
shoes, long sleeves, and pants; use original scent Avon Skin-So-Soft as
a non-toxic insect repellent; treat your clothes with an insect repellent
like Permanone which contains Permetrhrin (do not apply to your skin);
vitamin B1 taken 100 mg three times daily will make your blood less attractive
to mosquitoes; and remember to take your malaria prophylactic regularly.
Lactobacillus/Acidophilus Building
up your body's good bowel bacteria with lactobacillus and acidophilus,
which are found in cottage cheese, yogurt and milk, will aid against traveler's
diarrhea. This is especially recommended after a course of antibiotics
because such medicines also kill beneficial bacteria. Health food stores
carry acidophilus pills. Make sure you buy the ones that do not need refrigeration,
and start taking them before you leave the U.S.
Pepto Bismol Two tablets before
each meal for two weeks will also aid against diarrhea.
Watch What You Eat Boil it, cook
it, peel it, or forget it! Especially avoid unpasteurized diary products
and lettuce.
Water The water is perfectly safe
to drink in Harare as far as the bacteria level is concerned but several
environmentalists have raised questions about the level of chemical toxins
in the water supply. Keeping in mind that these questions are often raised
about the water supply in the U.S., you may want to bring a personal-sized
Pur or Brita water filter if you already have strong feelings about drinking
filtered water.
Drinking water in rural areas
is often safe, but extra caution should be exercised. When in doubt, ask
and if still unsure drink bottled water or treat water to your satisfaction
so you feel comfortable. Water filters are one approach; another is use
of water treatment pills, one of which is Potable Aqua, available in the
US at camping and hiking stores.
Remember in situations where you
are unsure about the water to avoid ice and open your own bottled beverages
to prevent contamination.
WHO Card Get a World Health Organization Card from your physician, County Health Office, or Public Health Service. This card records your inoculation history and will make giving your medical history to a Zimbabwean physician much easier. You will also have a concise inoculation history available if you travel to other countries in the future.
Georgia Oswald & Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 218
Olney, IL 62450
Phone: 800 842-0059
Email: oswald@omegabbs.com
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Department of State
Room 4800
Washington, DC 20520-4818
Phone: 202 647-5225
Phone: 202 647-3000 (FAX info. service)
travel.state.gov
CDC
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
1600 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: 404 639-3311 (main operator)
Phone: 404 332-4565 (FAX info. service)
www.cdc.gov/travel
CIEE
Council on International Educational Exchange
205 E. 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017-5706
Phone: 888 268-6245
www.ciee.org
Zimbabwe Tourist Board Offices
Zimbabwe Tourist Board
Rockefeller Center, Suite 412
1270 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212 332-1090
Zimbabwe Tourist Board
Tourism House
Jason Mayo Avenue and 4th Street
P.O. Box 8052
Harare, Zimbabwe
Phone: 011 263 4 793666 or 706571
Embassies
Embassy of Zimbabwe
1608 New Hampshire N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202 332-7100
U.S. Embassy
172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue
P.O. Box 3340
Harare, Zimbabwe
Phone: 011 263 4 794521
American Express Offices
American Express
Second Floor Travel Center
Jason Mayo Avenue
P.O. Box 3141
Harare, Zimbabwe
Phone: 011 263 4 703421
American Express
Fidelity Life Center
Fife Street and 11th
P.O. Box 310
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Phone: 011 263 9 62521