CGEE: Windhoek - Nation-Building, Globalization, and Decolonizing the Mind
Center for Global Education and Experience at Augsburg University
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Namibia and South Africa provide a rich context in which to explore the theme of nation-building. as these two countries demonstrate that the transition to independence is both a beautiful and painful process. Students learn about historical and ... read more
All Reviews
Words cannot describe what I learned abroad because it was an amazing experience. I am still thinking and processing everything I saw. My classes were great, and I really loved how they were set up, because we were able to interact with predominant individuals within the Windhoek and Namibian community. The travel seminars durin... Miranda Louise Madeleine W - Clark University - Worcester View Entire Review
A better sense of place; greater independence Emily N - Augsburg College View Entire Review
www.taryninafrica.wordpress.com Taryn D - Siena College View Entire Review
Yes! It was the best experience I have had so far in my life! Tamara S - Pacific Lutheran University View Entire Review
My time in Namibia has just opened my eyes to more clearly see the effect that Molly K - Valparaiso University View Entire Review
YES. I plan on going back to Namibia as soon as I can. It was the most beneficial and amazing experience of my life and I miss it every day. I made great friends there that became my family, both Namibian and American, and cherish this experience and how it has impacted my life and future plans. Siobhan K - Clark University View Entire Review
My experienced abroad definitely changed my future plans. Prior to Namibia I though that by studying international development I can enter into the profession I want, however, while having my internship in Namibia I realized that economics is much more useful. That realization has made me do double major in both econ and ID, ins... A B - Clark University View Entire Review
Yea, academically, personally and professionally Alissa K - Valparaiso University View Entire Review
This was the best experience of my entire life. I learned more about international development in one semester than I did in 3 years of college. The program is well-organized and Namibians are wonderful people. I wish I was still there. Kimberly H - Clark University View Entire Review
It was amazing. It helped mold me into a better, more understanding, sympathetic person. Carlee N - Valparaiso University View Entire Review
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile, even when it didn't go smoothly. I think I learned flexibility, a willingness to learn and be positive. I was surprised at my ability to adapt, and I definitely fell in love with the country. Hannah L - Clark University View Entire Review
It was worthwhile for me for personal reasons. I know it was worthwhile for many of my peers for academic reasons. Allison E - Valparaiso University View Entire Review
Most of all i learned to be more independent and be self reliant. The program really challenged my notions of racial issues as well as socio-economic issues and my internship really helped me put all that I had learned about development into practice. Anneke K - Clark University - Worcester View Entire Review
to share what I have with those who are in need, even if I do not have a lot. Sharing benefits everybody Gabrielle K - Valparaiso University View Entire Review
I'm not much of a cry-er. I haven't cried in years but I cried when I had to say goodbye to namibia and all the friends I made there. I would do it again in a heartbeat; I would do it again now. It really changed a lot of the ways I view the world and helped me grow as a person. Steph F - Clark University View Entire Review
Yes!!! A good combonation of comfort (supportive staff, living with Americans) and challenge (living with host families, going on trips, taking a language class). Very sensitive to cultural differences and encouraging of open-mindedness and understanding. Wonderful program. Helen W - Clark University View Entire Review
Yes it was worth it. It really helped me to grow up and look at the world from a different pair of eyes. Katelyn S - Valparaiso University View Entire Review
I gained so many understandings pertaining to the way of life and culture of Southern Africa. These include understandings/knowledge/perceptions of apartheid, economic inequalities, racial relations, trauma, food, poverty etc. It has given me a greater cultural awareness through an understanding of the way of life of diverse p... Joel M - Valparaiso University View Entire Review
Yes, very much so. When speaking of multicultural in my class here this semester, we just skim the surface of the depth that I have dove into. Jessica M - Valparaiso University View Entire Review
Absolutely. It was eye opening and insightful and amazing and all these wonderful things plus some. It is not your traditional study abroad where you are just in college in another country--it was more hands on and educational and you get a much higher level of exposure to modern problems and real culture and things like that. I... Jenna C - Trinity University View Entire Review
Honesly, this experience was so personal and profound I do not even know where to begin to explain how huge of a positive inpact it has made in my life. Not only did I learn about a new place and remember everything I have learned, I had the oportunity to meet with very important people, and most importantly I learn about myself... Jessica C - Valparaiso University View Entire Review
My study abroad experience was worthwhile, but more because of the location than because of the program. Margaret K - Clark University View Entire Review
A large focus of this program is on reflection and discussion. The thing I gained most was not from the program directly, but from this emphasis. I was able to step back from the academic focus for a semester and prioritize my remaining semesters and plan for the future. The group of people here are caring and are very pleasant ... Kenneth K - Valparaiso University View Entire Review
Absolutely. I gained understanding, both of the globe and of myself. Mitchell T - Valparaiso University View Entire Review
About
Namibia and South Africa provide a rich context in which to explore the theme of nation-building. as these two countries demonstrate that the transition to independence is both a beautiful and painful process. Students learn about historical and present-day challenges in creating national identity, an inclusive multi-party democracy, and a model for development. Studying Namibia and South Africa’s model and approach to such issues provides a useful context for understanding globalization and nation-building struggles throughout the world. Gain hands-on work experience in a development agency. Earn credit in Political Science, Religion, Interdisciplinary Studies, or History.
Students will learn about the process of building a nation and identity amidst challenges such as underdevelopment, extreme inequality, and painful racial and colonial legacies. Students will also explore the impact of gender, race, culture, and identity on democratic processes, human rights issues, and social and economic advancement today. The program is experiential and community-based with an emphasis on conversations and engagement with numerous local people and leaders including members of the African National Congress and opposition parties, church leaders, feminists, human rights activists, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) representatives, and students and professors from the University of Namibia.
This program features exciting and informative travel in both Namibia and South Africa (although most of the time in spent in Namibia). Travel includes:
Students will learn about the process of building a nation and identity amidst challenges such as underdevelopment, extreme inequality, and painful racial and colonial legacies. Students will also explore the impact of gender, race, culture, and identity on democratic processes, human rights issues, and social and economic advancement today. The program is experiential and community-based with an emphasis on conversations and engagement with numerous local people and leaders including members of the African National Congress and opposition parties, church leaders, feminists, human rights activists, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) representatives, and students and professors from the University of Namibia.
This program features exciting and informative travel in both Namibia and South Africa (although most of the time in spent in Namibia). Travel includes:
- An orientation in Johannesburg, South Africa to visit various sites of resistance and to meet with activists involved in the liberation struggle and current social justice issues
- A seminar in Cape Town to learn about the history of slavery, the formation of coloured identity, and the unique challenges facing the city today
- A trip to the Atlantic Coast to learn about Namibia’s role in international trade and the impacts of foreign investment
- Excursions to rural Namibia to learn about Community Based Natural Resource Management as well as other income-generating projects created for rural Namibians
Namibia and South Africa’s emergence from a long history of genocide, colonization, and oppression sets the stage for nation-building and development today. This program is based in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, a modern city of 300,000 located in the geographical center of the country. The city reflects the German colonial influence and the impact of apartheid and South African occupation, as well as the presence of 11 different ethnic groups. The program also spends several days in South Africa during short-term travel seminars.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadInternship
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Environmental Studies
- African Studies
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Global Studies
- Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Religion / Religious Studies
- International Relations
- Political Science and Government
- History
Year Founded:
1979Website
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