University of Hargeisa -

International Teacher
Program 2009/10

Contents
Introduction to the University of Hargeisa International Teacher Program 2

Background to Somaliland 2

Somaliland today 3

Program details 4

Life in Hargeisa 5

Medical issues 7

Travel advice 7

Contacts and further information 7

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Introduction to the University of Hargeisa International Teacher Program

The University of Hargeisa is the largest national higher education institution in Somaliland and
is looking to expand its operations and develop its teaching capacity. English language studies
form a large part of the undergraduate curriculum and it is the universitys continuing goal to
equip all eventual graduates with a high level of English language ability. It is hoped that these
graduates will subsequently be able to utilise these language skills in employment and further
education in Somaliland and further afield. With this ambition in mind, The University of
Hargeisa has established a program which will bring native-English speaking volunteer
teachers to Somaliland to contribute to the development of English studies. In return for
providing accommodation and basic living expenses volunteers will be expected to teach a
defined English curriculum to classes of undergraduate students. Aside from having the chance
to participate in university life and build teaching and communication skills, volunteers on the
program will have a unique opportunity to experience life in Somaliland and develop an
understanding of the people, language, culture and history of this fascinating and dynamic part
of the Horn of Africa.

Hargeisa University Campus

Background to Somaliland

The Republic of Somaliland is the de facto independent Somali nation state established in 1991
after nationwide civil war and the collapse of the centralised state of Somalia. Located in the
northern part of the Somali Horn of Africa the Republic of Somaliland is territorially and
governmentally distinct from what is still defined on maps as the recognised state of Somalia.
Despite its largely peaceful development and its establishment of governmental and democratic
systems, Somalilands independence remains unrecognized by the international community.
Somaliland derives its boundaries (and claim to independence) from the former colonial
borders of British Somaliland. This territory joined in union with the Italian-colonised south to
become an independent Somali state in 1960. Following decades of developmental bias and
military persecution against the Northern territory from the dictatorial regime of Siad Barre in
the South, the moment of Somali state collapse in the early 1990s brought a renouncement of
the former union and declaration of Somalilands secession.

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 Map of Somaliland

Somaliland is an ethnically and religiously homogenous society. The nationally spoken

language is Somali (with certain regional dialects) and the vast majority of the population would
define themselves as Sunni Muslims. Clan or lineage based forms of social organisation
derived from traditional practices of nomadic pastoral agriculture play an important role in
structuring social relations and conditioning Somaliland/Somali politics. For a detailed and
concise introduction to Somali society and politics written by a Somalia expert see Ioan Lewis
Understanding Somalia and Somaliland (Hurst & Co. 2008).

War and Independence Memorial, Hargeisa

Somaliland Today

As the Republic of Somaliland remains internationally unrecognized travel advice from western
governments (from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office or US State Department)
usually includes Somaliland in a wider definition of Somalia. The effect of such blanket travel
warnings can be misleading as the situation in Somaliland and Hargeisa differs greatly with
developments in the South. Southern Somalia is currently experiencing a brutal and debilitating
civil war fought between an internationally recognized government in Mogadishu and various
self defined Islamist militant groups. Somaliland, on the other hand, is largely continuing along
its course of far more stable and peaceful political and economic development. Whilst the
overall picture that emerges from Hargeisa is one of stability, a few violent incidents have
affected the Republic over the last couple of years. In October 2008 Islamist-linked bombings
struck government and UN facilities in Hargeisa, and in September 2009 the city experienced
civil unrest following the disputed preparations for the delayed general election will now most

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likely take place in 2010. This most recent political crisis seems to have been largely defused
and Hargeisa is, once again, calm. These are developments which all prospective volunteers at
the University of Hargeisa should take into account. The university endeavours to provide a
safe and rewarding experience for volunteers and it is our belief that Somaliland continues to
exhibit a level of stability which will allow for the successful establishment of the International
Teacher Program.

Regardless of the current security situation, Somaliland remains a challenging place in which to
live and work. The rewards of a stay in this fascinating part of the Horn of Africa are
considerable, however prospective volunteer candidates will need to demonstrate a level of
adaptability and cultural sensitivity in order to get the most out of the experience. Somaliland
suffers from numerous economic and social problems, and levels of infrastructure and social
services differ greatly from those found in the West. Having said this, Hargeisa remains a
dynamic urban centre and Somalilanders are justifiably proud of their nations peaceful post-
independence development. The University of Hargeisa appreciates the important role which
higher education plays in wider processes of development and this is one of the reasons why
the institution is so keen to encourage international volunteers to come and help develop its
English language program.

Program details

The University of Hargeisa pledges to provide volunteer teachers with a high quality of shared
accommodation, a basic living stipend of US$400 per month and transportation to and from the
university campus. Accommodation is provided in the form of a modern furnished house which
will be shared with other international volunteers. The house is well equipped and single rooms
are provided for each volunteer.

In return for these provisions volunteers will be expected to teach classes of around 40-45
undergraduate students with a curriculum designed especially for the International Teacher
Program. This integrated system is based on Oxford University Presss Headway English
language program and includes reading, writing, speaking and listening components. The
course is designed around three levels of instruction elementary/beginner, intermediate and
upper-intermediate. First year students will be tested and placed in classes of the appropriate
level. Students will study for one academic year (two terms) at each level and sit examinations
to move up to the next grade in the following year. The ultimate goal of the program is for all
students to pass the upper intermediate section of the course by their third year of study. This
standard is measured against TOEFL-type requirements for further study in an English
speaking institution and will allow for effective English language use in a professional working
environment.

The academic year is based around two terms which run from October to February and March
to July respectively. The university week runs from Saturday to Thursday. Volunteer teachers
will be expected to teach between 6 and 12 hours of classes per week and put in an
appropriate time commitment for lesson preparation and class evaluation (i.e. grading).

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 Graduates of Hargeisa University

This is a new program and the university is hoping to develop opportunities for volunteers to
take programs of study (e.g. Somali language courses) and facilitate wider community level
work for international teachers who are interested in developing skills and experience in other
fields. Numerous local and international non-governmental organisations have a presence in
Hargeisa and opportunities for volunteer work abound.

Life in Hargeisa

Hargeisa is a sprawling and vibrant capital city. In general, Hargeisa is a safe place to live and
crime against foreigners is rare. People on the streets are overwhelmingly friendly and
interested in foreign visitors who come to Somaliland. It is somewhat unusual for Hargeisa
residents to see foreigners walking around unaccompanied (or outside of an NGO landcruiser)
so expect to be stared at. Begging is common though not as pronounced as in other regional
capitals like Addis Ababa. As with any big city certain safety precautions should always be
taken: it would be unwise, for example, to walk around alone in the middle of the night. There
are issues with infrastructure in terms of waste disposal and road quality though Hargeisa is not
an unpleasant city to walk or bus around.

Hut housing in Hargeisa

The local currency is the Somaliland shilling. The Shilling is greatly devalued so be prepared to
carry big wads of bank notes around with you. The international currency (or currency for any
big transaction) is the US Dollar and subsequently this is by far the most convenient currency
to change in the city. Be advised that there are no ATMs which accept foreign cards and cash

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advances on VISA/AMEX etc. are not facilitated by banks. Bring US Dollars (crisp new bills if
possible) or arrange for money to be wired to you through a remittance agency the local
Dahabshiil money transfer service is very reliable, gives good rates and has numerous
international branches. Having said this, the stipend of $400 per month provided by the
university should easily cover all living costs.

Whilst Somaliland lacks a national or international postal service there is a DHL office in the
city which, whilst not cheap, can send or receive packages. Telecommunications in Hargeisa,
on the other hand, are very developed. The university will provide local SIM cards for mobile
phones which can be topped up at minimal cost by the volunteer teacher. Internet access is
widespread though connection speeds and reliability varies. The university plans to put a
wireless connection into the international teachers accommodation and there is an internet
caf within walking distance of the house.

Market, Downtown Hargeisa

Somaliland is an Islamic state and is socially very conservative. Standards of behaviour and
dress are followed by both men and women though outward observance varies. Women almost
always cover their heads in public (from a simple headscarf to a full niqab) and it is rare to see
men and women eating together in the same restaurants downtown. This doesnt apply at the
big hotels which host a more cosmopolitan clientele. Alcohol is prohibited by law and is not sold
in Hargeisa. Narcotics are similarly illegal although the chewing of qaat leaves is endemic
throughout the Somaliland. These leaves, mostly imported from Ethiopia, act as a mild narcotic
and are on sale and chewed everywhere. Qaat use has increased over recent decades
(perhaps as a result of war, social upheaval and economic stagnation) and continues to have a
detrimental affect on Hargeisa society.

Hargeisa is a friendly and outwardly orientated city - the Somali diaspora has contributed
greatly to the citys development and Somalilanders abroad continue to play a large role in
society and politics in the country. A degree of cultural sensitivity and adaptability to the
practices and pace of life in Somaliland is, however, essential for any prospective
volunteer on the International Teacher Program. The International Teachers Program will
give volunteers challenging and rewarding responsibilities and a willingness to put in
the effort and fully engage with university life is most definitely needed.

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Medical Issues

A full set of vaccinations for travel in the Horn of Africa would be required for anyone planning
to come to Hargeisa. Consult your medical professional for a list of the necessary vaccinations.
It is also advisable to take precautions against malaria - this would involve taking anti-malarial
drugs (again, consult your physician) and using mosquito repellent.

Travel Advice

Hargeisa is most easily reached by air from either Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) or Djibouti. Regular
flights on carriers such as Ethiopia Airlines or Daallo service Hargeisa.

Visas

Somaliland visas are available from Somaliland missions found in the UK or US. A visa can
also be obtained from the Somaliland diplomatic representatives found in Ethiopia and Djibouti.
The process is generally very painless and the university can provide assistance with
applications.

Contacts and Further Information

We hope that this information pack has provided a comprehensive overview of the International
Teachers Program and we look forward to welcoming new volunteers at the University of
Hargeisa.

Should you have any further queries regarding the International Teachers Program then please
contact us at hargeisauniversity@yahoo.com

Visit the university website at http://www.hargeisauniversity.net/