Program 
The Solar Engineering Service-Learning program will introduce and teach students the concepts of humanitarian engineering by utilizing a practical, real-world engineering service-learning experience. Students will collaborate with an established in-country partner to bring useful, sustainable solar technologies to the community. Students participating in this program will assess the needs of the in-country partner, and then research, design, develop, prototype and plan various solar projects to meet those needs. Students will evaluate the cost, sustainability and local ownership of the projects, as well as the potential entrepreneurial opportunities that could be developed for the local community as a result of the projects. During the in-country travel, the students will implement and evaluate these projects. Following the in-country trip, the students will document their accomplishments and present the projects to faculty, staff, administrators and other students.
Students will learn about the history, culture, politics, socioeconomics healthcare, educational system and specific needs of the community. Project teams will develop their assessment, research, problem-solving, project management, time management, communications and teaming skills in a real-world international service-learning environment. Students will also learn how to work in an environment that has limited resources.
By participating in this program, students will:
1. Identify and analyze the impact of sustainable technology on a developing country in terms of the environment, public discourse, economy, education, cultural attitudes, socio-economics, and public health
2. Devise practical and sustainable solar energy solutions that involve the local partner and community
3. Synthesize the theory and practice of service-learning within a global context
4. Be challenged to think, live and work in a new way and explore attitudes and values as global citizens
We achieve these goals through a variety of course work completed prior to travel during the second session of spring term.
Locations
Most of the program will take place in Arusha, Tanzania, located in north-eastern Tanzania and the capital of the Arusha region. National parks are nearby and students will travel on safari as a cultural excursion during the program.
Accommodations
Participants will reside in a guest house in Arusha, Tanzania. The house provide hostel-style accommodations, with shared bathrooms. Students will eat group meals prepared by the base-camp staff.
Resident Directors
Paul Berger
Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
berger.143@osu.edu
Greg Allenby
Professor, Fisher College of Business, Marketing and Logistics
allenby.1@osu.edu
Ohio State Program Contact
Leslie Roberts
roberts.1795@osu.edu