Notes & pictures by Moira O'Neal

L’Université Catholique D’Afrique Centrale. Also known as UCAC or “La Catho,” the university was originally a seminary but it is now a private, selective university serving accepted students from all over Central Africa. There are two campuses. One campus is in Nkolbisson and the other is in Ekounou; they are neigborhoods in the city of Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon. These two campuses are on the limits of the city, but they are not far from the downtown. The campus of Nkolbisson provides courses in the social sciences such as sociology, anthropology, political science, and theology while the Campus of Ekounou provides courses in the social sciences concerning business such as economics, accounting, and political science.

Campus Facilities. Well-landscaped with beautiful palm trees and lots of lawn areas, each campus has a private, outdoor, chlorinated pool for students and faculty as well as a soccer field, and a outdoor, covered basketball court. There is one cafeteria on both campuses that serves lunch and dinner. Students are welcome to sit in the dining room to eat where there is a public television. Academic facilities include a library on each campus with tables for studying, much in the same way as Holy Cross. Students can usually find most of the information they need at the campus library but if not, the librarians are more than willing to suggest other libraries in town.

Academics. All classes are taught in French. Classes are lecture and discussion oriented. The professors encourage student participation and students tend to gladly contribute to class discussions. Student presentations are expected by most professors. Due to limited book materials, outside supporting information is up to the student. Students are encouraged to consult with professors on suggested readings and use the university library to find additional information. Most classes meet once a week for two hours or four hours depending on whether or not the course is for half the semester or the full semester. The first semester runs from the beginning of October to the end of February. The semester ends with finals, which are conducted in a similar way to those at Holy Cross. The second semester runs from the beginning of March to mid-June. Holidays include a short break at Christmas and a week-long break at Easter. National and religious holidays are also observed.

Life on Campus. Because UCAC is a highly selective institution in Central Africa, most students are very dedicated to their studies. Students are very friendly and outgoing. Students love to go clubbing, to the bars, to the movie theatre, to concerts and to travel. Both guys and girls love to play sports. What really brings the whole campus together is watching the “Indomitable Lions”, the Cameroonian national soccer team.
In terms of dress, most prefer Western-style clothing. There is an informal dress code which is knee-length skirts and covered-shoulders and back for girls as well as a one piece or a modest two piece bathing suit for the pool.
There are many student clubs including: a dance ensemble, a university women and men’s basketball team, varsity soccer team, a chapel choir, student government, and student-led organizations. At the end of every school year there is an “Jeux Universitaires,” which is an intercollegiate Olympic-style competition for all the sports teams across the country to compete against one another. Events include track and field, basketball, soccer, and tennis. The chapel choir, in addition to performing at mass, also performs several concerts throughout the year. The choir sings a mixture of both classical music and traditional African music.

Yaounde. Yaounde is the nation’s capital. It is the home to all the Embassies as well as the government buildings including the office of the prime minister. There are lots of things to discover in Yaounde. There are a number of restaurants both chic and cheap. For those who are interested in cinema, there is a movie theater. There are also many cultural opportunities. The French Cultural Center is a great way for students to meet local artists, find out about upcoming concerts, take African drum or African dance lessons, learn to sculpt, or make African jewelry and have access to a great library.

Traveling. Known as “Africa in miniature,” Cameroon has vast territories to explore. Traveling around Cameroon is one of the most exciting experiences for a student studying abroad. In the east of Cameroon, students can visit the rainforest and the local people who live there. In the northern part of Cameroon, students can visit the Muslim area and experience the desertlike vegetation. The north is also an area where students can go on safaries in Waza National Park. The westcoast of Cameroon provides students the opportunity to visit the various beaches. Also along the westcoast is Mount Cameroon, an active volcano that many students choose to hike with a professional guide.

Why Cameroon? What makes the Cameroonian program so amazing is the authenticity of the experience. Students take regular classes in French with other Cameroonian students. Also, because there are not many other foreign students, study abroad students are encouraged to integrate themselves into the culture.

Internships. Finding an internship is the responsibility of the student. There are many opportunities for students to do unpaid internships. Students are encouraged to research online before going abroad and contact the various NGOs or other organizations that may be willing to accept an intern. Volunteer opportunities are usually available through the various churches.

Housing. Students live with host families. These families are usually wealthy, Cameroonian families that can provide a comfortable living environment for the student. Students get the opportunity to eat authentic Cameroonian food (or request American food if they prefer). The host families are also a great resource for getting to know the city of Yaounde and Cameroonian culture.
There is dorm housing, however usually students live with host families. The dorms are located on campus and provide safe housing as they are inside the gates of the campus entrance. Each student gets a private room with a private shower and toilet. Each dorm has a kitchen where students can prepare their own food or keep their food in the refrigerator.

Americans and Cameroonians. Cameroonians are friendly, outgoing, animated people who love to joke around. Cameroonians have no particular hostility toward Americans. They will often speak out against American foreign or domestic policy but they are very welcoming to all foreigners, including Americans. Cameroonians love to share their culture and they truly appreciate the opportunity to experience other cultures, as many can not afford to travel outside of their country. They are not prone to negative behavior of any kind toward Americans.

Safety. Despite many Americans perception of Africa, Cameroon is no less safe than most other areas. However, students are cautioned to take the same precautions that should be taken of any student studying abroad. After dark, stay in groups of 3 or 4. At all times, but especially in the markets, pay attention to pick-pocketing. NEVER take a taxi by yourself late at night. Basic safety precautions should be taken. If there should be an emergency or any questions, the embassy is very helpful to all their citizens in the country.

Health. Malaria is a big problem in Cameroon. Taking preventative medications during the year is recommended. Malaria medications can be very expensive in the United States so if necessary students can get access to these medications in Cameroon through consultation with their doctors. A yellow-fever vaccinations is required for entry into the country. Other vaccination information or health and safety information are available on the U.S. State Department’s website.

American and European doctors are numerous in Cameroon. Bilingual doctors are also available upon request. They are well-trained and have access to all the necessary equipment. Specialized doctors such as gyneocologists and dermatologists are also available. Through your Embassy, students should have access to the names, numbers, and locations of American and bilingual doctors in the Yaounde area.

Links

• Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon
• Embassy of the United States in Cameroon
• Lonely Planet / Cameroon

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