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Saltieli Munisi speaks to UW Oshkosh Professor Kay Neal's class about what they could experience studying abroad in Tanzania.

Instead of University of Wisconsin Oshkosh students immersing themselves in Tanzania culture, study-abroad trip organizer and host Saltieli Munisi immersed himself in American culture with his first visit to campus May 3.

Stepping foot on campus

Munisi came to UW Oshkosh to meet with students, faculty and staff members who have taken part in the Poverty and Privilege study abroad program, offered through the Office of International Education. He also spoke with those interested in applying for the upcoming trip in January 2012.

“I was invited to the Midland Lutheran College in Nebraska, but was surprised when I found out about the visit to Wisconsin,” Munisi said. “I never thought that I would get the opportunity to come to Wisconsin, so when I received this email saying that ‘friends in Wisconsin want you to visit there,’ I said ‘certainly.’”

After arriving in Wisconsin May 1, it was not long before UWO faculty member Carmen Heider, associate professor of communications, had him “on the go.” Munisi and Heider visited many sites in the Fox Valley, including a Siberian Husky outpost and a dairy farm that sells homemade ice cream.

Munisi explained that the dairy farm, where the creamery shop was located, was an enjoyable and unique experience he will be taking back with him.

“We went to the creamery shop where they make chocolate potato chip ice cream,” Munisi said. “I emailed my people about that ice cream, and I said if that ice cream was anywhere in Tanzania, we would not buy ice cream from any other store.”

Studying abroad in Tanzania

Since 2008, Munisi has acted as a trip organizer and host to UW Oshkosh students and faculty traveling to Tanzania for a study-abroad experience that focuses on women’s studies and social justice issues.

“I was the key person who created the itinerary,” Munisi said. “It not only includes staying at a hotel, but also visits to many sites. The trip is two weeks full of activities, including visits to parks and schools.”

Heider said it is a pleasure working with Saltieli because he is able to keep UW Oshkosh students busy and focused on topics they are studying. He also is able to plan last-minute engaging activities.

“It’s wonderful working with Saltieli. We feel like we’re in good hands and will have a good trip. He does an amazing job tailoring trip activities to what we want to focus on,” Heider said.

The next study-abroad trip to Tanzania is scheduled for January 2012, and will include a short hike on Mount Kilimanjaro. For more information, visit the OIE Activism, Gender and Social Justice in Tanzania program.