Middlebury C.V. Starr School in Africa: Cameroon
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Middlebury C.V. Starr School in Africa: Cameroon
Director: Ariane Ngabeu
Phone: +237 672 28 37 60
Email: angabeu@middlebury.edu
International Programs
Sunderland Language Center
Middlebury College
Middlebury, VT 05753
tel. 802.443.5745
fax. 802.443.3157
e-mail: internationalprograms@middlebury.edu
Copyright 2015 by Middlebury College. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted,
in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photographic or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Middlebury College. Please
note that information in this handbook is subject to change.
Bienvenue au programme académique de Middlebury College au Cameroun.
Le Directeur/personnel du Cameroun a préparé ce manuel pour vous aider à faire des préparatifs préliminaires pour les
études au Cameroun. Vous devriez y trouver des réponses à plusieurs de vos questions et c’est pour cette raison que
nous vous demandons de l’examiner soigneusement et de l’amener avec vous au Cameroun.
La vie au Cameroun est marquée par une forte diversité d’offres et d’attentes des habitants à l’égard d’un étranger. Dans
ce pays les populations sont sincèrement accueillantes et disposent de leur temps pour répondre à la curiosité de
l’étranger. Cependant, il est important de cerner et d’observer les attitudes des uns et des autres avant de se lancer plus
loin dans des attaches personnelles. On attend donc de vous maturité et prudence dans les affaires, surtout dans les
milieux urbains où vous serez amenés à vivre : s’engager de manière mesurée et monter en puissance dans les rapports
aux autochtones. Néanmoins, vous devrez avoir assez d’humour pour aborder aisément certaines difficultés et même
certaines frustrations prévisibles face à la nouvelle culture que vous embrassez en vous installant ponctuellement au
Cameroun.
L’enjeu de votre séjour étant de profiter pleinement de votre expérience au Cameroun pour asseoir votre connaissance
de l’Afrique et de ce pays très diversifié qui résume en lui l’essentiel de l’Afrique en termes de climats, de peuplement et
d’art culinaire, vous devriez faire un effort de ne parler que la langue française que les populations des deux principales
villes du Cameroun (Douala et Yaoundé) ont en commun. La meilleure façon de pénétrer ce pays diversifié à partir de
Yaoundé où se trouve l’Université Catholique d’Afrique Centrale (UCAC), c’est de parler français, qui facilite votre
intégration dans ce complexe culturel et social, mais aussi pour honorer la promesse de Langue comme l’exige
Middlebury College.
Vous rencontrerez probablement un environnement avec moins de structures et moins d’efficacité par rapport à ce que
vous connaissez habituellement. La clé de la réussite de votre séjour est dans votre aptitude à embrasser toutes les
contradictions et toutes les subtilités des rapports à l’Autre susceptibles de s’imposer à quiconque arrive dans un nouvel
environnement académique ou social. Pour que votre expérience au Cameroun constitue une opportunité d’évaluation
personnelle face à un univers non-américain, il vous faudra en permanence bricoler des solutions adaptées à vos besoins.
Deux exemples simples : la coupure d’électricité et les bibliothèques. Il peut arriver que l’électricité soit rationnée dans la
capitale camerounaise ou en zone rurale, et vous devez penser à des sources de lumière et d’énergie alternatives, à
charger vos téléphones et ordinateurs portables en permanence, de façon à garder une plus grande autonomie dans votre
travail. De même, les bibliothèques au Cameroun ont des heures limitées, de sorte qu’il est impossible d’y travailler
pendant la nuit. Il arrive que dans ces bibliothèques, la documentation adéquate soit introuvable.
Notre rôle est aussi de vous aider à trouver des solutions possibles et adaptées. Ce manuel est au commencement des
multiples efforts que nous ferons pour vous aider à vous intégrer dans votre nouvel environnement, et rappelez-vous
que notre bureau à Yaoundé attend vos e-mails, vos appels téléphoniques et vos enquêtes. Notre personnel sera toujours
disponible pour parler à vos parents et répondre à toutes les questions qu'ils peuvent avoir au sujet de votre séjour au
Cameroun, et ceci à chacune des étapes.
Nous vous encourageons pour cette aventure passionnante et nous nous réjouissons de vous recevoir bientôt au
Cameroun !
Ariane Ngabeu
Table of Contents
Predeparture Information............................................................................................................................... 1
Approximate Program Costs ...................................................................................................................... 1
Expenses .................................................................................................................................................... 1
Student Visa ............................................................................................................................................... 1
Important General Information ................................................................................................................. 2
Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon ...................................................................................................... 3
Customs ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Registering with the U.S. Department of State............................................................................................ 3
International Students ................................................................................................................................ 3
Travel to Cameroon ................................................................................................................................... 4
TSA Regulations .................................................................................................................................... 4
Airline Luggage Regulations ................................................................................................................... 4
Travel Arrangements .............................................................................................................................. 4
Immunizations ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Water ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Checklist of Items to Pack.......................................................................................................................... 5
General Packing Suggestions ...................................................................................................................... 5
Clothing ................................................................................................................................................. 5
Bed and Bath Linens .............................................................................................................................. 6
Prescriptions .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Electrical Appliances .............................................................................................................................. 6
Computers ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Toiletries ................................................................................................................................................ 6
Gifts....................................................................................................................................................... 6
Arrival in Cameroon....................................................................................................................................... 7
Flights ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
How to Get to Downtown Yaoundé from the Airport ............................................................................... 7
Orientation ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Academic &Administrative Matters ................................................................................................................ 8
Université Catholique de l'Afrique Centrale (UCAC) - Yaoundé ................................................................. 8
Academic Calendar .................................................................................................................................... 8
Credit ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
All Undergraduates................................................................................................................................. 8
Middlebury Undergraduates ................................................................................................................... 9
French Majors from Middlebury College ................................................................................................ 9
Students from Other Colleges and Universities ...................................................................................... 9
Registration ................................................................................................................................................ 9
Exams ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
Grade Equivalency ................................................................................................................................... 10
Academic Resources ................................................................................................................................ 10
Libraries and Bookstores ...................................................................................................................... 10
Computers ........................................................................................................................................... 10
Tutorials............................................................................................................................................... 10
Learning Outside the Classroom .............................................................................................................. 10
Internships ........................................................................................................................................... 11
Volunteer Work ................................................................................................................................... 11
Cultural Activities ................................................................................................................................. 11
Living in Cameroon ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Housing ................................................................................................................................................... 11
Meeting Cameroonians............................................................................................................................. 12
Cultural Differences ................................................................................................................................. 12
Travel Within Cameroon .......................................................................................................................... 13
Visits from Family and Friends ................................................................................................................ 13
Health and Safety ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Sexual Assault and Harassment ................................................................................................................ 14
Health Clinic in Yaounde ......................................................................................................................... 14
Psychological Health and Counseling ....................................................................................................... 15
Birth Control and Sexually Transmitted Diseases ..................................................................................... 15
Diet and Health........................................................................................................................................ 15
Allergies and Accommodations ................................................................................................................ 15
On-Site Money Matters ................................................................................................................................ 15
Currency Exchange .................................................................................................................................. 15
Money and Banking ................................................................................................................................. 16
Emergency Cash ...................................................................................................................................... 16
Credit Card Cancellation .......................................................................................................................... 16
Working in Cameroon .............................................................................................................................. 17
Communication with Home and Friends...................................................................................................... 17
Communication and Immersion ............................................................................................................... 17
Language Pledge ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Mail .......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Packages............................................................................................................................................... 18
Internet and Email ................................................................................................................................... 18
Phones ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
Communication with Middlebury in Cameroon........................................................................................ 19
Local Information ........................................................................................................................................ 19
Emergency Numbers ............................................................................................................................... 19
Public Transport ...................................................................................................................................... 19
Shopping.................................................................................................................................................. 20
Eating Establishments .............................................................................................................................. 20
Entertainment .......................................................................................................................................... 20
Movies ................................................................................................................................................. 20
Performing Arts ................................................................................................................................... 20
Museums.............................................................................................................................................. 20
Sports................................................................................................................................................... 21
Media ................................................................................................................................................... 21
Television............................................................................................................................................. 21
Returning to the U.S..................................................................................................................................... 21
Cameroonian Customs Regulations .......................................................................................................... 21
PREDEPARTURE INFORMATION
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM COSTS
Estimate of program costs for full and half-year students as of February 2015 can be found on our website.
Please remember that Middlebury College only bills you for the tuition portion and the room charge (and the
$1,500 per semester study abroad fee for Middlebury students); the remaining expenses will be out-of-pocket.
Figures may vary depending on individual lifestyles and situations. Please note that the “personal” figure
covers only some basic necessities (e.g. local transportation, personal items, cell phones, laundry, cultural
activities, bank fees, etc.) and does not and is not intended to include students’ discretionary spending (e.g.
entertainment and travel). Students are provided with treated drinking water in their homestay; students who
elect to purchase bottled water will need to budget extra to pay for it.
Fluctuating exchange rates make advanced planning of costs challenging. We advise that you overestimate
your costs to accommodate these fluctuations. Please be sure to confirm the exchange rate shortly before
your departure so that you budget accordingly.
EXPENSES
Keep in mind that the amount of money you spend
ultimately depends on the lifestyle you choose.
Remember to budget extra if you are planning to travel
before or after your program. Plane tickets are often
more expensive than in the U.S., but overland travel has
remained relatively inexpensive. If you are a big spender
in the U.S., bringing more money would be a good idea.
It is often more expensive for US students to live in
Africa than it is for locals who know how to get the best
price for goods and services, especially at the beginning
of your stay.
STUDENT VISA
A long-stay [student] visa gives you permission to be a student in Cameroon for the duration of your studies
and is required of all students, except for citizens Cameroon. This procedure requires that a student already
have a valid passport. Students must apply for the visa from the Embassy of Cameroon in Washington, DC
or at the Cameroonian Embassy with jurisdiction over their permanent address if not in the US. Students
should apply for a long-stay visa, which is valid for six months after the date of entry into Cameroon.
Students staying for more than one semester will extend this visa once in Cameroon.
The Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon in Washington, DC currently requires the following:

Original passport with validity period of at least six months after the projected expiration date of the
visa;
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




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Two application forms (both with original signatures) to be completed and signed by the applicant;;
Two (02) passport-size photographs with white background (BOTH EARS MUST BE SEEN) that
must be either glued or stapled to each of the two application forms;
APPLICATION FEE (cf. Consular Fees) paid in Cash (only for applications submitted in person to
the Embassy) or in the form of a money order, certified check or a check drawn from a business
bank account. Payments with personal checks, checks drawn from a business bank account, or credit
cards WILL NOT be accepted, and will result in delays or in the rejection of the visa application as a
whole;
A VISA FEE (cf. Consular Fees) submitted separately, paid in cash (only for applications submitted
in person to the Embassy) or in the form of a money order, certified check or a check drawn from a
business bank account. Although your UCAC letter says sans frais, previous students have had their
visa applications rejected without payment, so please do submit the processing fee.
COPY of the vaccination certificate showing proof of yellow fever immunization. Do not send the
original vaccination certificate. You will need to make an appointment at a travel clinic to receive the
yellow fever vaccination, at which point you can discuss an anti-malarial as well as other vaccinations
recommended for you, but yellow fever is the only one currently required for entry into Cameroon.
You should plan to make this visit three months prior to your travel.
Letter of acceptance from a recognized school in Cameroon (provided by Middlebury).
Letter from US school acknowledging the student’s trip to Cameroon and eventually guaranteeing
financial and legal responsibilities for the student while in Cameroon (provided by Middlebury).
Non-U.S. citizens and students applying from outside the U.S. should inquire about additional requirements.
For all types of visa: any other document or information to be requested by the Embassy. [This is the catchall that allows them to decide to ask you for anything they might like, but a normal document they may ask
for is your driver’s license or student ID .]
IMPORTANT GENERAL INFORMATION
Payment with personal checks or credit cards will NOT be accepted.
Visa applications are accepted by mail or in person between 9:00am and 12:00pm, Monday through Friday at
the Cameroon Embassy. Processing time for a visa is approximately seven business days.
When issued, a visa must be used within 90 days (so do not apply for the visa more than three months before
you plan to fly to Cameroon); the six month validity begins when the student enters Cameroon.
Passports can be picked up only between 3:00pm and 4:00pm. Applicants unable to pick up their passports
in person must supply the Embassy with a pre-paid, self-addressed USPS Priority mail envelope at the time of
application. When you purchase this envelope, you should request (and pay extra for) tracking capability.
While your visa is being processed, your passport will be unavailable for your use.
A letter certifying the student’s acceptance to the School in Africa as well as proof of enrollment at the
university in Cameroon will be supplied by our Vermont office. We will also enroll you for our insurance
plan and send you proof of enrollment. You are responsible for collecting all other requisite documentation.
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Students who will be applying for a student visa at a Cameroonian Embassy outside of the U.S. must contact
International Programs (IPOCS). Students who are not U.S. citizens must also contact IPOCS. These cases
may require more paperwork and/or longer processing times.
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON
Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon
1700 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20007
Phone: 202.265-8790
Fax: 202.387-3826
cs@cameroonembassyusa.org
CUSTOMS
If you plan to bring any new, non-U.S.-made articles of value,
such as cameras, MP3 players, computers, bicycles, or jewelry
that are less than six months old, you should register them with
U.S. Customs and Border Protection before departure (CBP
Form 4457). Alternately, you can carry your original sales receipts
to prove that you purchased them in the U.S. This avoids having
to pay a duty upon your return. Customs regulations vary from
country to country; there are usually limitations on liquor,
cigarettes, and other goods.
REGISTERING WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
In addition to securing a visa, all U.S. students are required to register themselves with the U.S. Embassy in
Cameroon before departure from the U.S. In the event of international, political, or family emergencies, or in
the event that a passport is lost or stolen, the U.S. Embassy will be much better able to assist registered
students. Please visit the Department of State’s website and follow this link to register.
Registration is fast and costs nothing. Please print the confirmation page after you have registered; leave one
copy at home and take a copy with you. Students of other nationalities should check to see if it is possible to
register with your own Embassy in Cameroon. Some students will not have this option and it is imperative
that if you cannot register you take a certified copy of your birth certificate with you to facilitate replacement
should your passport be lost or stolen.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
If you are an international student, you should meet with the international student advising staff at your home
institution as early as possible to discuss how study abroad may affect your international student status in the
U.S. and the ways it may impact your future plans.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) require re-entry documents for some foreign
nationals. If you are living in the US but are a citizen of another country, check with the USCIS to determine
the regulations that apply to you and be sure to obtain all necessary re-entry documents before you leave the
United States.
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TRAVEL TO CAMEROON
TSA Regulations
The Transportation Security Administration regulates what items may be carried aboard the aircraft and, as
these regulations are subject to change frequently, you should consult their website close to your date of
departure. Possessing certain items while going through security may result in fines or, in the case of firearms,
may be considered a criminal offense.
Airline Luggage Regulations
Students should contact their airline to confirm exact luggage allowances. We strongly suggest you stick to
these guidelines, or be prepared to pay excess baggage fees, which can be quite expensive. We also suggest
that you consider insuring your luggage through a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Also be aware that
international travel from the US to Cameroon may have difference allowances than a domestic flight within
Cameroon (i.e. from Douala to Yaoundé).
Travel Arrangements
Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements. We recommend using a student travel agency for
flexibility and the best rates:
www.travelcuts.com
www.studentuniverse.com
www.statravel.com
Consult the School in Africa calendar when planning your travel dates. You should fly directly into Yaoundé
(not into Douala and then overland to Yaoundé); you will be travelling with all of your belongings for the
semester or year, making the already long and difficult overland trip even more taxing. It is especially
important that you not plan your return to the United States nor travel to another destination before the date
of the last final exam. Exam dates will not be changed to accommodate students’ travel plans. No exceptions
will be made.
IMMUNIZATIONS
The only required vaccination for entry into Cameroon is Yellow Fever. You must show proof of
vaccination as part of your visa application. You may wish to consult the CDC and/or travel clinic personnel
in advance of your departure to discuss other vaccines you may wish to get. You should have an idea of
other places you may wish to visit in order to be prepared for all vaccines. This is also a good time to discuss
malarial prophylaxis options with medical personnel.
WATER
You are not advised to drink tap water in the city of Yaoundé. Families will boil and filter their water making
it safe for consumption, but many Westerners prefer buying bottled water, at least at the beginning of their
stay. You do not need to take a water purification system with you. If you believe that you have contracted
giardia (symptoms include severe diarrhea, sulfur-smelling burps, low grade fever, headaches, cramps,
bloating, which continue for more than seven days), seek medical help immediately.
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CHECKLIST OF ITEMS TO PACK
o
Passport (and photocopy)
o
Visa – this will be affixed to your passport (and photocopy)
o
Airline ticket/itinerary (and photocopy)
o
Insurance card (to be printed from the HTH Worldwide website after Middlebury enrolls you)
o
Debit/Credit cards
o
Calling card to cover you until you purchase a cell phone
o
Certified copy of original birth certificate (in case your passport is lost or stolen)
o
Medications in original containers with generic drug name and with the corresponding doctor’s
prescription (even OTC medications must be kept in original packaging)
GENERAL PACKING SUGGESTIONS
Plan carefully what to bring, keeping in mind that you will have to carry all of your own luggage while
traveling. This means travel light. We cannot emphasize this strongly enough. Choose each item carefully and
avoid duplication.
As you pack for the flight over, also keep in mind that when you travel you will be carrying this same luggage
by yourself, sometimes over great distances or in crowds.
Take things that are easy to manage and avoid over-packing.
One rule of thumb is to pack your bags and walk around the
block with them three times; then re-pack.
We suggest that you insure your luggage through a travel
insurance policy which you can research through the
Internet. Remember to also check whether luggage
accompanying you is limited by weight or by physical
dimensions.
In view of frequently-changing airline
regulations, it is essential that you find out from your airline
which items may be transported in checked baggage, and
which may or must be hand carried.
Clothing
Yaoundé is located in the equatorial south of Cameroon, where you’ll find has two wet seasons and two dry
seasons. The first wet season falls from March to June and the great wet season from August to November;
other months of the year are dry. The average temperature in Yaoundé ranges from 18 to 29 degrees Celsius
(64 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit) with an average annual precipitation of 4,030 mm (159 inches).Because of the
climate and because laundry is generally washed by hand, articles made of 100% cotton tend to stretch.
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Bed and Bath Linens
We do not recommend that you bring linens with you. They are too heavy and take up too much space in
your luggage. Sheets and blankets will be provided by your host family and you may purchase a towel upon
arrival. You may consider bringing one hand towel and washcloth, but not more.
Prescriptions
If you are taking any prescription medication, including an anti-malarial drug, you should bring a full supply
of what you will need with you on the plane together with all the appropriate prescriptions. Mailing medicines
across international borders is extremely complex and often impossible. Prescription medicines should be left
in the original containers, be accompanied by a doctor’s prescription, and be packed in your carry-on bags.
Please also note that in the event that a prescription must be replaced in Cameroon, you should have the
GENERIC NAME of your medication on the prescription, in addition to the American 'brand' name.
If you are under a doctor’s care for a specific condition, you may want to bring a copy of your medical history
with you or sign a release of information form with your doctor in case your medical history needs to be sent
to a doctor in Cameroon.
Electrical Appliances
Electrical current in Cameroon is 220 volts/50 cycles rather than the 110/60 cycles found in the U.S. You
should make sure that any appliance you bring is 110/220 compatible (50/60 cycles). If not, you will need a
transformer. You should buy any transformers or adapter plugs before you leave or in the airport. The plug is
the round two or three prong type.
Computers
Students should be advised that computer resources in Cameroon will be more limited than in the U.S. and
are therefore encouraged to bring their own laptops. Consult your dealer to determine whether it has dual
voltage (110/220). Most, if not all, new models are equipped with self-setting transformers (requiring no
special equipment to change the voltage, just an adapter for the wall plug). You should take a flash drive with
you so you do not need to transport your laptop around the city. You can then take your flash drive to an
internet café to print papers, send emails, etc.
Toiletries
Although some U.S. brands are sold in Cameroon for a higher price, if you cannot do without certain items
or if you are not willing to experiment with local products, take a sufficient supply with you. This refers
especially to sunscreen, contact lens solution, feminine hygiene products, and over the counter medications.
This a good time to consider wearing glasses for your time abroad instead of contacts, and also menstrual
cups instead of tampons for feminine hygiene in a place where it isn’t always convenient to wash your hands
or dispose of used products.
Gifts
Host families appreciate gifts with significance to you. Consider the following:




Books with lots of photos
Small souvenirs of the U.S. and gifts: postcards, buttons, pins, stickers, U.S. stamps, small handicrafts
Items representative of where you are from (e.g. maple syrup, saltwater taffy)
Athletic clothing from your home state or college
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DON’T FORGET PHOTOS! Your friends will be interested in where you come from: your family, town,
friends, and school. Take pictures that help explain parts of your life in the U.S.
ARRIVAL IN CAMEROON
FLIGHTS
Students should fly directly (there will be connections) to Yaoundé Nsimalen (NSI) airport and avoid the
overland journey from Douala when first arriving with your bags. Be aware that flights from the US to
Yaoundé are generally overnight flights, so be sure to book a ticket to leave the day before you need to be in
Cameroon. See your calendar for dates.
You should enter your itinerary on Studio Abroad (your on-line account to study abroad) so that our director
can track you down in case of delays etc.
HOW TO GET TO DOWNTOWN YAOUNDÉ FROM THE AIRPORT
If you arrive on the scheduled arrival date (highly recommended), you will be met at the airport by local staff.
You will be taken to a hotel for your first night in Cameroon and orientation will begin the following day with
Middlebury’s on-site director. After orientation you will move in directly with your host family.
You may find it beneficial to purchase a travel book such as Lonely Planet before you leave the U.S. They
provide information on good, inexpensive food and accommodations and are updated annually by the
publishers.
ORIENTATION
Orientations will be held for all students in Yaoundé prior to the beginning of classes. Please consult the
calendar for dates and times.
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Orientation sessions are mandatory for all students. Once you arrive on- site, our director will assist with
housing, introduce you to the university staff, and begin orientation.
ACADEMIC &ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE L'AFRIQUE CENTRALE (UCAC) - YAOUNDE
Founded in 1989 by the Association of the Episcopal Conference of the Central African Region, it opened to
just over 100 students in 1991. Today the university boasts three campuses: two in downtown Yaoundé and
the larger, main, campus outside the city limits.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Students are expected to remain in
Cameroon until they have finished all
academic obligations including program
courses and exams, university courses and
exams, internships and all associated work,
independent and research projects, etc.
Students who choose to leave before the
established date for the end of the semester
may forfeit credit for the entire semester.
Students from universities other than
Middlebury should take careful note that the
fall semester ends in late January, generally
not in time to return to your home campus
and enroll for spring term classes. Students
from outside of Middlebury will enroll for the full year, the spring only, or the fall to be followed by another
experience abroad (where calendar issues can be overcome and applicable visa deadlines met).
CREDIT
All Undergraduates
Every student’s academic program must be approved by the Director of the School in Cameroon. Students
are not permitted to take lighter loads, nor will they receive additional credit for heavier loads. Forms are
available at the School in Cameroon office to help students document all information relevant for course
recognition and transfer to their home institutions.
Normally, students will enroll in two program courses, at one unit of credit each, as well as two 36-40 hour
university courses or three 24 hour university courses. A student who chooses to take an internship for credit,
this will receive one unit of credit and can replace either one program course or one 36-40 hour university
course.
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Middlebury Undergraduates
Middlebury College students receive four units of credit for the fall or spring semesters and five units of
credit for the fall/winter or winter/spring semesters and nine units of credit for the academic year. Where Jterm equivalency credit is awarded, reduced course loads result in the loss of this credit as well.
To receive major credit for courses taken abroad, you need to bring the following information back with you:
·
·
·
Course syllabi
Course work
Any other material you think will be useful in determining the course content
French Majors from Middlebury College
When registering for your classes abroad, the French Department wants you to keep in mind that the French
major consists of a body of courses whose content relates to francophone language, literature and culture. To
consider courses for the major or minor, more than half of their content has to be directly related to one or
several francophone countries. Courses in French that do not follow this description will not receive French
credit. For instance, a course like History of Philosophy with no emphasis on French or francophone
philosophers will not count. Also, French majors from Middlebury College are required to take a History
course during their time abroad.
Students from Other Colleges and Universities
Middlebury College considers a semester/academic year abroad equivalent to a semester/academic year in the
U.S. Students who transfer their credits to other institutions typically receive 15-16 credit hours per semester
or 20-25 quarter units per semester for a full course load. Because an undergraduate student’s home
institution determines the number of credits awarded for work abroad, students are urged to consult with
their advisers well ahead of time.
REGISTRATION
Program course descriptions are available on the School in Cameroon website; university courses will be
selected on-site.
The actual registration for classes will take place in Cameroon under advisement of the Director of the
School in Cameroon. At that time, more detailed information about studying at the university will be given,
and specific questions will be addressed. Students will take a combination of program courses, university
courses, and in some cases an internship or independent project.
EXAMS
Students are required to take all exams when and where they are scheduled, even if students on other study
abroad/exchange programs are allowed to opt out or rearrange exam schedules. This means that you are
required to sit for exams at the same time and place as students in the host country. In many of our partner
institutions, local students have multiple dates to take a final exam. Students enrolled in the Middlebury
Schools Abroad are not permitted to avail themselves of this option.
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GRADE EQUIVALENCY
Grades received at African universities will be evaluated by the Director of the School in Cameroon and
converted to U.S. grades. The following is an approximate conversion table. This may be modified according
to the course taken and the work required. The conversion takes into account the difficulties inherent in
studying within a different university system. Due to the late reporting of grades by the individual universities,
students should understand that you will not receive your grades until a few months after the end of the
semester.
Cameroon
≥ 16
≥ 15
≥ 14
≥ 13
≥ 12
≥ 11
≥ 10
≥9
≥8
<8
U.S.
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD
F
ACADEMIC RESOURCES
Libraries and Bookstores
The university has a library with resources open to all students. The National Archives is located in Yaoundé
and serves as the National Library of Cameroon and has a library of 64,000 volumes. There is a public library
system with 40 branches.
Students may also register at the French Institut Library in Yaoundé. The cost is 5000 Fcfa (about $10) a year.
Students who are registered at the French Institut Library in Yaoundé may then participate in their cultural
activities, including movies, dances, concerts, etc.
Computers
Computers are available at internet cafés throughout Yaoundé. Students generally prefer to take their laptops
with them.
Tutorials
Tutors are available upon request through the office of the Middlebury College School in Cameroon.
LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
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Internships, volunteer work, language exchanges, and cultural activities provide students with opportunities to
deepen your social immersion in Cameroonian culture, enhance your language skills, and gain a better
understanding of present-day Cameroon. For this reason, the School in Cameroon requires all students to
take full advantage of their experience abroad by participating in learning outside the classroom.
Internships
Through an internship in a host organization, students will gain in-depth knowledge and exposure to the host
culture as well as the local work environment. This experience will also provide students with new skills that
can lead to greater opportunities in the future. Students may earn one unit of credit for the internship.
Students must work 10-15 hours per week and submit a substantial academic project at the conclusion of the
internship. Interested students will find application materials in your pre-departure information and should
return these to International Programs.
Volunteer Work
Students wishing to contribute their time and service to the
community may choose to work as volunteers with organizations
in the non-profit sector. The director in Cameroon can assist
students in finding volunteer opportunities.
Cultural Activities
Other options that facilitate student immersion include language
exchanges, cultural, and outdoor activities. Middlebury College in
Cameroon subsidizes participation in cultural activities through
refunds up to a certain amount per semester.
LIVING IN CAMEROON
HOUSING
All school in Cameroon students are placed in homestays to maximize immersion in the local
culture. Students are housed based on information they provide on a questionnaire prior to departure. All
hosts have been personally recommended and are pre-screened by our director.
The cost of room and board is not included in the tuition, but due to the difficulty of obtaining larger sums
of cash, this cost will be billed to the student along with the tuition. Board includes two meals per day
(breakfast and dinner). The cost of lunches is the student’s responsibility. When students undertake
independent travel, they will not be reimbursed by the host for meals not taken with the family. During
program excursions, some meals will be covered by the program.
The composition of host families and location of the homestays varies. As in the U.S., family structure and
lifestyles also differ. We try to choose hosts with maximum potential for interaction, but we cannot
guarantee your version of an "ideal" situation. Most home-stays also require lengthy commutes. Regardless of
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the arrangement you find yourself in, the placement will be in a hospitable, francophone environment in
which you will live as if you were Cameroonian.
From a cultural perspective, home-stays are both challenging and rewarding. Although all students will be
given their own rooms, you should be prepared for tighter living quarters and less privacy than you are
probably accustomed to at home. Cameroonian families are typically very close, and parents play a much
more active role in their children’s lives than is customary in the United States. Families can sometimes
appear nosey or domineering from an American cultural perspective. This is done with the most sincere and
well-meaning intentions from the Cameroonian point of view, but it can be strange to someone who is used
to living on their own at an American college.
MEETING CAMEROONIANS
One of the questions we are asked most frequently is how to go about meeting local students. Those of your
predecessors who have been successful in this respect would say that the best approach is to find a group
activity that includes local people: choral singing, hiking or sports, volunteer work or internships, etc. You will
need some courage and a good deal of initiative; results may not live up to your expectations, especially right
away, but be patient. Keep in mind the strategies you would use at home to meet people you are interested in
knowing: you try to be where they are, you try to share an interest or an activity that will bring you into
contact with them, you get to know people who know them. It goes without saying, if you have one or two
local acquaintances to start, it can only make things easier. Conversely, if you decide to break the Language
Pledge and insist on speaking English it will make interacting with locals more difficult.
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
The language barrier and living as a foreigner in a strange city will present a variety of challenges. Culture
shock and cultural differences specific to Cameroon will be discussed in your on-site orientation, but it is a
good idea to begin preparing yourself for some of these challenges now.
During your stay in Cameroon, you will need to adapt to new patterns of behavior. The best way to begin
this is to keep in mind how you as an American appear to local citizens. Notice the differences in the
behavior of students of your gender and age. Our participants do not go to Cameroon deliberately indifferent
to local sensibilities. However, some customs and attitudes differ from ours, and it is possible to offend
someone unintentionally. You will also sometimes be offended by the behavior and comments of locals.
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Because material goods are often more expensive and/or difficult to obtain, it is also necessary to show more
respect towards your own and others' possessions. The attitude that we are Americans, and therefore we are
automatically entitled to the best, is one that we must all be on guard against, especially since local friends will
often try to give us the best, just because we are Americans. It is far too easy to develop an exaggerated idea
of one's own importance or feel guilty because of the extra attention. Be gracious and appreciative when you
are offered the best cuts of meat at dinner; you are the guest, even though you may grow tired of being
treated that way. Return the gesture however you are able.
TRAVEL WITHIN CAMEROON
One trip outside of your host city is included in the cost of the program each semester. Group trips are led
by the director. Group trips are open only to participants on the School in Cameroon program.
The School in Cameroon likewise encourages students to take advantage of independent travel opportunities
available in West Africa. Students are, however, expected to adhere to the following guidelines when
embarking on independent travel:
Independent travel is permitted only on weekends and holidays. No class time may be missed to
accommodate independent travel plans. All independent travel plans must be discussed with the Director.
Students are strongly discouraged from traveling in West Africa alone. All students who plan to travel
independently must submit (hardcopy or by email) their travel plans to the Director before their
departure. This form must include travel dates and destinations, accommodation information, and contact
telephones and addresses. This information will be kept confidential and used only in cases of emergency or
urgent messages from parents.
Students are forbidden to travel to any area that has a U.S. State Department Advisory or warning. For the
latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's
Bureau of Consular Affairs' website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as
the Worldwide Caution.
All independent travel is undertaken at the students’ own risk. Middlebury College cannot be held
responsible for students' safety and well-being while traveling, as outlined in the Conditions of Participation.
Never travel without your passport, visa, registration documents, and migration card.
VISITS FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Visits by parents, relatives, or friends do not constitute a valid excuse for not attending classes. We do not
encourage extended visits that will distract you from the language pledge and the academic purpose of your
stay in Cameroon. Please also remember that visitors cannot be included on any official group excursions or
trips. The most appropriate time for people to visit is at the close of the program, when you are confident in
your language abilities and really know your way around the city.
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HEALTH AND SAFETY
Foreign women in Cameroon need to be more cautious than they would at home, keeping in mind that in this
more traditional culture, actions that we consider normal can be taken as overly forward or inappropriate. If
you look too friendly, or enter too freely into conversations with men, you may have problems ranging from
the amusing to the seriously annoying or dangerous. Be careful of putting yourself in situations that might be
misinterpreted.
In all situations with Cameroonians, it will take you a while to figure out who's who. At home you can tell
pretty quickly if a new acquaintance is someone you want to get to know better or can trust, or if this new
acquaintance spells trouble. In Cameroon you will lack the cultural background needed to make these
determinations and may miss some signals, especially at the beginning of your stay.
In other words, use common sense. As a foreign student, you should take the same precautions you would in
any large city, anywhere in the world. During orientation, we will address the issue of security in greater
depth.
Students are prohibited from travelling to the far northern province (north of the city of Maroua) as well as to
within 50K of the border with Chad. When considering travel to the north, students should only go as part
of an excursion organized through the Middlebury program or through the UCAC. Travel to other regions is
safest when students are accompanied by their Cameroonian family members or trusted friends. For more
information about general conditions in Cameroon, you can also see the State Department information page.
SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT
A recent study has shown that studying abroad may increase your risk of unwanted sexual contact. The
Department of State has this to say: http://studentsabroad.state.gov/smarttravel/forwomentravelers.php
Our Director in Cameroon is your primary resource for advice to keep yourself safe and can also direct you
to local support resources, including the American Embassy, Cultural sites, School administrators at UCAC,
Middlebury Center’s Teachers and International Scholars.
Furthermore, sexual relations between Cameroonians and foreigners should be handled with sensitivity. The
locals might see a relationship that an American student considers a casual friendship as something more.
Even a casual relationship does not go unobserved by others.
Finally, students should be aware that same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Cameroon and homosexual
students, especially, should inform themselves on this issue prior to travel to Cameroon.
HEALTH CLINIC IN YAOUNDE
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Dr. Njoya Oudou Universitaire +237 699 81 1717
Travel and study in a foreign country can be very strenuous and in the event of an illness, you should use
your common sense about whether or not to seek outside help. You should speak with your host family
and/or director before agreeing to treatment from a particular local clinic or doctor.
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PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH AND COUNSELING
Students should be very realistic about their abilities to function in a high-stress environment. Cameroon is a
difficult place to live and, rather than disappearing in the new surroundings, conditions like depression and
eating disorders are often exacerbated by a stay in Cameroon. Extremely limited psychological counseling
services are available in Cameroon, and they are not provided by the School in Cameroon. Students with
particular concerns in this area are encouraged to consult with International Programs at Middlebury College
prior to departure.
BIRTH CONTROL AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
Plan and pack a supply to last your entire stay if you are taking birth control pills and wish to continue while
abroad. Even if you are taking the pill to prevent pregnancy, good sense
dictates the use of condoms as well to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
DIET AND HEALTH
The best way to stay healthy while living in Cameroon is to choose your food
carefully and eat enough of it. Be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables. It is
wise to peel them as well. Bring a supply of vitamins and take them daily.
A note to vegetarians: You are already used to thinking carefully about your
food and nutrient intake, a habit that will be especially useful to you in
Cameroon. It is possible to live healthily without meat, but vegetarianism as a
concept does not really exist in this country. Be prepared to be offered fish, especially, and just about
everything made with bouillon by well-meaning hosts, no matter how you define your vegetarianism. It's
always best to ask twice before digging in. You may want to consider redefining your dietary preferences
while abroad.
ALLERGIES AND ACCOMMODATIONS
If you have any serious allergies that may be an issue in Cameroon or require accommodation for any
condition while abroad, please be in touch with the Middlebury staff before making a final commitment to
the program to ensure that your needs can be met abroad.
ON-SITE MONEY MATTERS
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
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At the time this handbook was edited the exchange rate was $1=504 CFA (XOF). However, the exchange
rate may fluctuate between now and when you arrive in Cameroon. The easiest way to know the current
exchange rate is to check this website.
The best place to change money is the bank. We do not encourage you to change in the airport and certainly
not on the street. Never exchange money with a private citizen on the street. Single dollar bills are virtually
useless; the most useful denomination is $100 and we recommend taking a few hundred dollars in cash. Bills
should be as new and as crisp as you can find, without tears or marks on them from the newest series, which
has a watermark across one end.
Students often underestimate the amount of time and energy it takes to get money during their stay in
Cameroon. We ask you to review the following section carefully with your parent(s).
It’s a good idea to get some CFA before leaving home in order to have some money for your initial needs.
Larger banks can usually order it, given enough lead time.
MONEY AND BANKING
We suggest that you travel with several sources of money (ATM/debit card, credit card, and cash). This will
ensure that if one of your means for accessing money fails, you will not be stranded without money.
ATM/debit cards can be used to obtain cash if they have a major credit card logo (Visa) on them, but they
should not be relied upon as a consistent option, since they are subject to breakdowns, fraud, and other
scams. If you do plan to use debit or ATM cards while overseas, be sure to check with your bank regarding
applicable fees, which can sometimes be quite steep, but this is the most convenient way to access your funds.
Also, be sure to notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling so they do not freeze
your account and to insure that your PIN will work while you are abroad. If you choose to bring cash with
you, please examine your money carefully before departure to make sure it is in good condition.
Traveler’s Checks are not accepted in Cameroon.
Students should have a VISA card in Cameroon (MasterCard and others are not as widely accepted).
EMERGENCY CASH
There are many ATMs in Yaoundé and in other cities as well. Student are able to withdraw cash in CFA.
However, before you leave, you should discuss with your family and friends a plan for getting more money
during your stay. The easiest way to get money in an emergency, is a cash advance on a credit card. Parents
can also wire money (through their own bank, Western Union, or by using a money gram), which can take
between 2-5 days, but significant fees are usually charged on each end.
CREDIT CARD CANCELLATION
Be sure to leave all your credit card account information with a family member at home so that your card(s)
can be canceled if lost or stolen. Calling your card company from Cameroon can be problematic, and a
contact in the U.S. will be able to cancel your cards much more quickly than you will.
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WORKING IN CAMEROON
Students should not go to Cameroon with the hope of finding paid work, as there are many English-speakers
(unlike in other places where students are paid to teach English to children).
COMMUNICATION WITH HOME AND FRIENDS
COMMUNICATION AND IMMERSION
Students who seek maximum immersion should note that regular communication with home can significantly
hinder your language progress and your adjustment to the new culture. If your goal is maximum immersion,
you should prepare family and friends for the reality that you may be difficult to contact and that, even when
possible, regular calling or e-mailing may interfere with your linguistic and cultural acquisition. If something
has gone wrong, your family will learn about it immediately. Otherwise, you can remind them that no news is
good news.
LANGUAGE PLEDGE
Among the many things that Middlebury College expects during study abroad is for students to develop a
degree of independence and to take responsibility for themselves. Here is a copy of the pledge you signed
when you enrolled in the program:
To take fullest advantage of my time abroad, I will maintain the spirit of the Middlebury Language Pledge to speak only the
language that I am studying. I understand that no English is to be used in the School’s offices, except in emergency consultations
with the Director and his or her staff. I recognize that the Language Pledge plays a major role in the success of the academic,
social, and personal dimensions of my time abroad, both as a symbol of commitment and as an essential part of the language
learning process, as proven by the successes of the summer Language Schools. I understand that speaking the target language with
other students on the program as well as with locals will help me focus my energies on the acquisition of the language and
internalize the patterns of communication and the cultural perspectives associated with the language.
Violation of the Language Pledge deprives me and my fellow students of a valuable opportunity. By signing this, I agree to abide
by the Middlebury College Language Pledge.
Calls to family and friends overseas are permitted, but students should realize that frequent contact with
anyone back home removes them from the experience they signed up for.
MAIL
Letters mailed from the United States generally take two weeks (and sometimes longer) to reach Cameroon,
so do not be discouraged if you do not receive mail at the beginning of your stay. Registered mail from the
U.S. usually takes less time and aerogrammes from the United States often arrive more quickly than regular
letters or postcards. They are available at any U.S. post office.
You may receive mail at the university until you have an address for your host family:
P.O. Box: 35594 Yaoundé-Bastos. Tel. +237 672 28 37 60
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Letters from Cameroon to the United States should be sent via airmail. Many short letters are preferable to
lengthy letters, since some letters will inevitably be lost in transit. Letters can be dropped off in any mailbox
and should take three to four weeks to reach the United States, although delivery time varies
When writing home, consider that if using regular mail it will not be received in the U.S. for several weeks.
On a given day you may be feeling upset, but by the time your relatives receive your letter you will be in good
spirits again. Remember that your friends and relatives will be very concerned about you and have little
recourse from the United States. For daily troubles, nearby friends are the best people to consult.
Problems and inconveniences that you feel are significant enough to mention to your parents (by mail, e-mail,
or phone) should also be discussed with your Director. International Programs at Middlebury College often
receives calls from worried parents with valid concerns. If you have not communicated these concerns to
your Director, however, the Middlebury office is unequipped to address your parents' concerns.
An informal journal can be kept by recounting your activities in letters home and requesting that your friends
and relatives keep the letters for you. You may want to number your letters so that all letters can be tracked,
and the people receiving them will know when one has been delayed or lost.
Students often enjoy blogging as a way to chronicle their adventures and to keep friends and family in the
loop without having to send individual letters and emails which can take lots of time and detract from the
experience of living in Cameroon.
Packages
Using regular mail service for shipping packages can be risky. Packages travel very slowly and do not always
arrive with all of their original contents, if they arrive at all. We do not recommend sending valuables via
regular post. If you do decide to take this route, keep in mind that air mail for packages via the U.S. Postal
Service takes at least two months.
It is possible to mail packages via the U.S. Postal Service's Express Mail. This method has proven to be
relatively quick and reliable, with a mailing time of about two weeks; it is, however, expensive. Check at your
local post office for details.
United Parcel Service (UPS), Federal Express and DHL have more dependable service to Cameroon;
however, prices are usually very high (min. $60 for the first pound).
In general, students should not plan on receiving packages from home regularly, as service is unreliable. If
you will need supplies of something from home, the School in Cameroon recommends that you take these
supplies with you. Keep in mind that you may also have to pay a customs fee upon receipt of the package in
Cameroon for anything valued at more than $50, so anything sent should be labeled as “used personal
belongings” and if anything new is shipped, it should have the tags removed and have been washed.
INTERNET AND EMAIL
Internet is available at the university, but may not be available in your host family. Students generally prefer to
work at internet cafes where the connection is faster and they have access to a printer. It’s a good idea to set
a weekly computer time limit and then stick to it. Most of your free time should be spent exploring life
outside of the virtual world.
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PHONES
Cell phones may be very easily purchased in Yaoundé . Students will not purchase a monthly plan, but will
buy minutes as they go. We do not recommend that you take a phone from the U.S., even if it is unlocked
and has international calling capabilities. You will not want to have the nicest phone on the block.
COMMUNICATION WITH MIDDLEBURY IN CAMEROON
It is of vital importance that the director in Cameroon always has your current phone number and home
address.
If your cell phone is lost or stolen, it should be immediately reported to the director. In the event of an
emergency, you should do your best to contact the director to let her know if you are alright.
LOCAL INFORMATION
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Students will receive an emergency contact card during orientation, which you should carry on your person at
all times. In addition, students should memorize the following emergency numbers:
Students will receive Emergency numbers during orientation.
Fire
118
Police
117
For ambulance service, students should contact our Director at 672 28 37 60. Host families are also available
for medical emergencies.
When a student is sick he should contact the doctor at CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) +237 699 81
1717 and should alert the director.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The only public transportation convenient in Yaoundé is taxi. There are two types of taxis: shared and depot.
A student can take a shared taxi that carries many people during the day to go to school or for shopping, but
during the evening, we encourage students to avoid shared taxi and use “taxi depot.” At this time, the driver
will carry only one person or a group of students who are going to the same place. This type of taxi is more
expensive but is safer than the shared taxi (about $10 dollars for round trip, depending on the distance).
Students are not permitted to ride motorcycles for any reason.
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SHOPPING
Cameroonian stores do not often have a particular name, with the exception of Casino (downtown Yaounde
or Bastos), Mahima (downtown Yaounde or Elig-Essono), and DOVV (Bastos or Essos) supermarkets.
Stores are often referred to simply according to what they sell:
·Boulangerie: Bakery: bread, rolls, cookies
·Restaurant/bar: drinks, juice, beer
·La cave: wine, liquors
·Prêt a porter: Shoes, clothes
·Supermarché: for many needs
·Parfumerie: body lotion, perfume
·Cafeteria: coffee, bread, eggs, chocolate, milk
·Poissonnerie: fish
·Boucherie: beef
Much shopping is also done at the market.
EATING ESTABLISHMENTS
As in the U.S., every city has good restaurants and restaurants to be avoided at all costs. Service is generally
slow no matter which restaurant you choose, so do not plan on eating in an hour before going to a show.
When dining in a restaurant, make sure that you know exactly what you are being charged for and that the
server knows that you are keeping track. Ask for a menu with price listings if one is not offered to you.
ENTERTAINMENT
Movies
Students are encouraged to register at the French Cultural center in Yaoundé for documentation and to Keep
abreast of its movie listings. Currently, there is no theater in Yaoundé, but students can watch movies on
televisions as Canal 2, CRTV, STV, etc.
Performing Arts
In Yaoundé, there are many “cabarets” where local artists perform almost every night, but the most activity
happens on the weekends. It is an ideal place for foreigners to enjoy Cameroonian culture.
Museums
There are many art galleries in Yaoundé where students can visit and buy Cameroonian art, African design
and artifacts.
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Sports
Sporting events are organized in Yaoundé (soccer, volleyball, handball, basketball, etc.). Usually, people are
informed through radio or national television (CRTV), but we encourage students to go to the stadium with
local friends.
Media
Cameroon has both daily and weekly newspapers:
·
·
·
·
·
·
Cameroon Tribune: it is a national bilingual daily news paper
Nouvelle Expression: a daily newspaper that provides general information about society
Le Jour: a daily newspaper featuring cultural and political issues
Mutations: a daily newspaper featuring political, economic and cultural issues.
Le Messager: a weekly newspaper featuring politics, economy, culture and business.
Le Popoli: satirical newspaper
Television
In Cameroon, there is one national television station (CRTV) that broadcasts bilingual (French and English)
news and entertainment. There are many local, private stations including Canal 2, STV, Ariane TV and many
European stations such as Euronews, France 2, Canal + for sports, RTL9 for European movies, CNN, etc.
RETURNING TO THE U.S.
CAMEROONIAN CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Upon departure, you will be required to complete and submit a departure customs declaration, together with
your original entry declaration (if you completed one and had it stamped). All items of value (jewelry, musical
instruments, etc.) that were declared on your original form should be listed on your departure declaration as
well.
Failure to follow customs regulations may result in confiscation of the property in question on the border. All
travelers are required to pay the exit fee at the airport 10.000cfa (about $20).
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