How do I apply for the Arts Exchange Program?
Please send an email to bagamoyosculpture@gmail.com with the following information:
- Name
- Group Size
- Date of Arrival
- Length of Stay
- Preferred Art Style (clay/stone sculpture, wood carving, painting, drawing, jewelry)
How do I pay for my tuition?
Money can be transferred through Western Union or bank transfer. Please contact the school for details.
Can you accommodate groups of students?
Yes! We are able to accommodate both small and large groups. Study abroad students, school groups, retirees, international volunteers, and families are all welcome.
What is the deadline for payment for the Arts Exchange Program?
A 50% deposit is due 30 days before arrival at the program through wire transfer. Please contact the school for more information. The balance of the tuition fee can be paid upon arrival at the Bagamoyo Sculpture School. We gladly accept payments in US Dollars, Euros, or Tanzanian Shillings.
Is there an age limit for the program?
Children ages 12-17 are welcome at the Bagamoyo Sculpture School when they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Families are welcome to bring their young children with them to Bagamoyo, but children under 12 cannot participate in the school activities.
What is a typical day like at the Arts Exchange Program?
The format of the school day will vary, but will typically include a balance of Art Study Sessions, cultural learning activities, Kiswahili language lessons, and free time.
7:30am – Breakfast at Hotel
8:30am – Arrive at Sculpture School
8:30am to 10am – Art Session #1
10am to 10:30am – Tea Break
10:30am to 11:30am – Kiswahili Language Lesson
11:30am to 12:30pm – Art Session #2
12:30pm to 2:30pm – Lunch / Break
2:30pm to 4:30pm – Cultural Learning Activity
4:30pm to 6pm – Optional Enrichment Art Session #3
The content of Art Session #1, #2, and #3 will be determined by your preferred mode of study. Programs can be designed for half-day or full-day art study, depending on your schedule and interests. Meals are not provided by the Bagamoyo Sculpture School. Students are welcome to eat at their hotels, or the school can provide suggestions of places to eat nearby.
What styles of art can I study?
The Bagamoyo Sculpture School offers a wide variety of programs. Students are welcome to study clay sculpture, stone sculpture, wood carving, drawing, painting, and jewelry making. Students doing the one week intensive course can choose 1-2 areas of study. Short-term stay students may choose to work with a variety of materials, or focus on a single material more intensely.
Should I bring any materials with me for the program?
No, all materials needed in order to create your art products will be provided by the Bagamoyo Sculpture School. However, if you wish to bring specific materials from home, you are welcome to do so.
How many teachers are there at the school?
There are two full-time teachers and two part-time teachers at the school. Other instructors may be brought in for Kiswahili language lessons, cultural learning activities, and other special events. Please look at the Staff section to see more detailed information about our teachers.
Can I extend my stay with the Arts Exchange Program at any time?
Yes, in general it is possible to extend your stay with the Arts Exchange Program after you have already arrived in Bagamoyo. Please check with the school staff with as much advance notice as possible and we will work to accommodate your needs.
HOUSING
What are the housing options in Bagamoyo?
There are a variety of local accommodations ranging from budget hostels to beach-front hotels. Please view the link below to the Housing Accommodation Guide for more detailed information about our suggested locations.
Housing Accommodation Guide
Housing Accommodation Guide
How do I pay for my housing expenses?
You are responsible for booking and paying for your own accommodations while in Bagamoyo. Please use the Housing Accommodation Guide and contact the hotel directly with any questions. Some of the locations offer student discounts, so please remember to mention that you will be working with the Bagamoyo Sculpture School.
AROUND TOWN
What kinds of cultural activities and attractions does Bagamoyo offer?
- TaSUBa: Largest entertainment venue in Eastern Africa, which features concerts and traditional music
- Kaole Ruins: Has remnants of two mosques and a variety of tombs that can be dated back to the 13th-17th centuries.
- Roman Catholic Mission: First Catholic church in Tanzania and all of East Africa begun in 1868.
- The Bagamoyo College of Arts: Internationally recognized arts college which teaches painting, sculpture, drama, dancing, and drumming.
- Kaole Ruins: Has remnants of two mosques and a variety of tombs that can be dated back to the 13th-17th centuries.
- Roman Catholic Mission: First Catholic church in Tanzania and all of East Africa begun in 1868.
- The Bagamoyo College of Arts: Internationally recognized arts college which teaches painting, sculpture, drama, dancing, and drumming.
How do I get around Bagamoyo?
Bagamoyo is a very walking friendly town and you will be able to see much of the area on foot. In addition, there is local transportation available in the form of taxis, bajajis (three-wheeled, open door vehicles), and motorcycles. You can also rent or buy a bike for the duration of your stay.
Is there cell phone service?
Bagamoyo does have cell phone service for many international phones. However, this can often be very expensive, so please check with your cell phone provider in order to determine the cost. If you need a cell phone, it is recommended that you purchase a local phone through VodaCom or Tigo or a variety of other local providers. Additionally, if you have an unlocked phone, you can simply purchase a local SIM card in order to make and receive calls and text messages.
What is the local currency? What is the exchange rate?
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling and most local stores, restaurants, and bar will not accept any other currency. However, many hotels, safari companies, and other travel accommodations do accept foreign currency (in particular, the US Dollar) and some accept credit cards. If you bring US Dollars, please be sure that they are dated after 2006, as you will find that bills dated before this will often not be accepted. The exchange rate varies, but current data can be found here.
Is there access to a bank or ATM in Bagamoyo?
Yes, there is the NMB bank located in Bagamoyo which also has an ATM. There is another ATM nearby, though both are not always stocked with adequate amounts of cash. These ATMs only accept VISA debit cards and you must be sure to have a 4 number PIN. Just in case, be sure to exchange money at the airport in Dar es Salaam and bring enough money to finance your stay in Bagamoyo.
Is there access to a bank or ATM in Bagamoyo?
Yes, there is the NMB bank located in Bagamoyo which also has an ATM. There is another ATM nearby, though both are not always stocked with adequate amounts of cash. These ATMs only accept VISA debit cards and you must be sure to have a 4 number PIN. Just in case, be sure to exchange money at the airport in Dar es Salaam and bring enough money to finance your stay in Bagamoyo.
Is there access to medicine or a hospital nearby?
Yes, there is a hospital in Bagamoyo as well as a pharmacy which dispenses commonly needed medicines. There is a larger hospital in Dar es Salaam.
Is the food and water safe?
The safety of food and water varies greatly by location within Bagamoyo. Your hotel can give you more information about safe places to eat and drink.
Can I send and receive mail in town?
Yes. There is a post office located centrally in town. You can purchase stamps and send mail locally and internationally. You can receive mail and packages while in Tanzania though this service is often slow, and you will have to pay for your goods when you pick them up at the post office. The post office also provides Western Union money transfers.
Is there internet available?
Yes. Some hotels offer internet access for a price. There are also internet cafes located in town which often charge less (approximately 1000 shillings per half hour – less than $1).
How close is the beach to the Bagamoyo Sculpture School?
The beach is located a short 5 minute walk from the school and it is safe to swim in the Indian Ocean. Many hotel accommodations also have beach access.
Do I need to know Swahili before I come?
No, it is not necessary, though it would be helpful to learn a few words and phrases before you arrive. Kiswahili (Swahili) language lessons will also be provided as part of the Arts Exchange Program curriculum and additional tutoring sessions can be arranged at an extra cost.
What should I pack?
Tanzanian people pay particular attention to their appearance. No matter what the economic situation of a person, they strive to be clean and well-groomed. While you are in the village, it is important to show respect to our neighbors by dressing appropriately.
Women should dress conservatively and should wear pants or skirts that fall below the knee. It is also important for women to cover their shoulders. Tight clothes should be avoided.
Men are free to wear shorts or jeans, though it should be noted that Tanzanians rarely wear shorts in public. T-shirts and button-downs are both appropriate to wear.
Other important items to bring include:
Hard To Find Items:
What should I pack?
Tanzanian people pay particular attention to their appearance. No matter what the economic situation of a person, they strive to be clean and well-groomed. While you are in the village, it is important to show respect to our neighbors by dressing appropriately.
Women should dress conservatively and should wear pants or skirts that fall below the knee. It is also important for women to cover their shoulders. Tight clothes should be avoided.
Men are free to wear shorts or jeans, though it should be noted that Tanzanians rarely wear shorts in public. T-shirts and button-downs are both appropriate to wear.
Other important items to bring include:
- Raincoat/Umbrella (March - May rainy season)
- Swimsuit (one-piece preferable)
- Sneakers/Tennis Shoes
- Daypack/Small Backpack
- English-Swahili Dictionary
- Water Bottle
- Travel Alarm Clock
- Copies of passport and visa, credit card and debit card information, health insurance cards
Hard To Find Items:
- Adapter/Converter (240-250 volt)
- Contact Lens Supplies
- Female Sanitary Items
- Batteries
- Basic First Aid Supplies (Bandages, Antiseptic Wipes, Hand Sanitizer etc)
- Medicine (Tylenol/Aspirin, Immodium, Benadryl, etc)
- Mosquito Repellant with DEET
OTHER
Is it possible to make a donation to the Bagamoyo Sculpture School?
Yes! Donations can be given to the school through wire transfer or in person while in Bagamoyo. All donations will go to improving the school grounds, purchasing materials, and providing a more comprehensive program for future students.
Can I buy art that I see at the Bagamoyo Sculpture School?
Yes. Art produced by teachers, former students, and other local artisans is available for sale at the Bagamoyo Sculpture School.
