UMass Boston

This program has been offered in Massachusetts for over two decades. Since the summer of 1995, the Institute has been conducted at the Harbor Campus of UMass Boston under the joint collaboration of the Africana Studies Department and the Haitian Studies Program.

This year the Institute will offer a three-week intensive program in different levels, geared toward the acquisition and practice of Haitian Creole. Also offered is a course in techniques of translation for advanced students. In addition to class work, all courses make use of cultural activities to enhance the study of the language. Evaluation of student achievement and proficiency for placement and progress will be conducted both informally and formally during and at the conclusion of the course.

To give participants an additional immersion in the Haitian-speaking environment they will have an opportunity to participate, on a voluntary basis, in field work activities in different Haitian community-based organizations and agencies outside the classroom time.

Participants for the Institute come from a variety of settings across the United States looking to develop or improve their language skills. The program is designed to meet the needs of those who plan to conduct research in Haiti or in the Haitian diaspora, or who work in a volunteer or professional capacity either in Haiti during the reconstruction efforts, or with Haitians abroad.

Although many Institute participants come from the Boston area, the Institute staff will assist out-of-town participants to find accommodations with Haitian families, where participants are immersed in a language and culture-oriented environment.