Research & Thesis Program — Art in Tanzania
Your research deserves a context that makes it matter.
Tanzania is one of the world's most dynamic development environments — a country navigating climate change, rapid economic growth, evolving human rights frameworks, and deep community transformation, all at once. For students and graduates conducting academic research, that context is not background noise. It is the point.
Art in Tanzania has supported research and thesis work since 1996. We know how to make it work — logistically, academically, and in the field.
About the Program
Art in Tanzania is a self-sustaining non-profit NGO with nearly three decades of continuous community development work across Tanzania. We host approximately 250 participants annually, drawn from over 1,000 partner universities worldwide — spanning a diverse range of academic disciplines and professional backgrounds.
Our Research & Thesis Program is designed for students and graduates who want to conduct meaningful fieldwork in real-world development contexts, with structured institutional support.
How It Works
Research and thesis work can be undertaken alongside an internship placement, or as a standalone programme — depending on your academic requirements and timeline.
Art in Tanzania provides hands-on support throughout your research, including:
- Data entry and data management assistance
- Meeting and interview arrangement with relevant community members, partner organisations, and institutional contacts
- Daily supervision from academic-level team leaders who understand both the local context and the demands of academic research
- Weekly planning and reporting to keep your work structured and on track for your submission deadlines
Your programme is fully tailored to your research topic, methodology, and academic requirements. We work with you before and during your placement to ensure the conditions are right for your work to succeed.
Research Themes & Fit
Our programmes span a wide range of development sectors, making Art in Tanzania a relevant and productive research environment for students working across disciplines, including — but not limited to:
- Community and clinical psychology
- Public health and epidemiology
- Environmental science and climate change
- Gender studies and women's rights
- Human rights and international law
- International development and relations
- Business, entrepreneurship, and CSR
- Education and vocational training
- Disaster management and resilience
If your research focus connects to community development, sustainable development, or life in a fast-growing East African economy, there is almost certainly a relevant placement pathway here.
Structure & Support
Academic-level team leaders oversee your daily work and guide your placement. Progress is tracked using a weekly planning and reporting system — keeping you accountable, supported, and on schedule.
Start and end dates are fully flexible. All programmes run year-round, and your timeline can be shaped around your university's submission calendar and any other travel plans in Tanzania.
Life in Tanzania
Beyond your research, Tanzania offers one of Africa's most extraordinary living environments. Vibrant local culture, stunning landscapes, and remarkable wildlife are part of everyday life here. Affordable, eco-friendly safaris and tours are available for you and visiting friends or family, making it easy to experience the country beyond your fieldwork.
Funding
Erasmus+ funding may be available for this placement. Speak to your student office about grant options that could make your research trip fully or partially funded.
Ready to Discuss Your Research?
To explore whether Art in Tanzania is the right fit for your research or thesis, get in touch with Kari Korhonen directly to discuss planning and feasibility:
📧 < sähköposti poistettu turvallisuussyistä > 📱 WhatsApp: +255 767 777 73 🎥 Schedule a Zoom call — reach out by email
Explore Further
📋 Apply now 🌐 Visit our website 🏡 See the compound ✈️ Pre-travel info 🎓 EVOLVET volunteer development programme 💬 Read testimonials 🎁 Benefits & perks
