Systems Thinking for Innovation in Angola

Learn to use tools from Systems Engineering to apply space technology and other tools to sustainable development, through environmental monitoring, communication, positioning, microgravity research, technology research and fundamental science. Join a team of MIT faculty, students and Angolan leaders to explore activities in Luanda, Angola that apply advanced technology to address needs such as drought monitoring and greenhouse gas emissions. Professor Wood has led projects since 2019 with leaders in Angola. 

This is a combined class with MIT and Angolan students. MIT students will be invited to participate as guest speakers and collaborators with Angolan students on class project work.

(Class is inspired by this MIT course: https://www.media.mit.edu/posts/spring-2022-class-space-technology-for-the-development-leader-mas-859/)

Program Dates: January 11-22, 2027

Credit: This course is 3 units. Course number will be provided soon.

This Global Classroom will take place in Luanda, the capital of Angola. Instituto Superior Politécnico de Tecnologias e Ciencias (ISPTEC - https://www.isptec.co.ao/) will host the course for a few hours of class time per day and additional activities will take place across and around Luanda. Learn more about Angola here.

Requirements:

• The course is taught entirely in English. There is no language requirement, but Portuguese language is appreciated!
• No GPA minimum or pre-required courses.

Application opens: September 2, 2026

Application deadline: October 22, 2026

Apply here

There is no program fee.

Housing information will be provided soon. There will be one student per room.

No visa is required for US citizens (up to 30 days) - https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/angola.html

International students should consult the Angolan Migration service website (http://www.smevisa.gov.ao/) to see if they need a tourist visa upon entry. 

The program will help all students who need a visa apply for one.

January is the hottest time of the year in Angola; be prepared for sun/heat exposure and coordinate personal needs for heat safety. 

Security and transportation are to be coordinated as a team, since English is not widely used. Students may be less independent on this Global Classroom than they are on MIT's campus.

There will be a fair amount of walking each day. 

Students with questions about accessibility are encouraged to contact misti-africa [at] mit.edu (misti-africa[at]mit[dot]edu) and MIT Disability and Access Services (das-student [at] mit.edu (das-student[at]mit[dot]edu)) early to discuss accommodations.