SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Social and Political Transformation
- Location(s): Durban, South Africa
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad
SIT Study Abroad
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(For American Students)
Explore the socioeconomic, political, and cultural dynamics of South Africa—an extraordinarily diverse country in transition—and enjoy unparalleled engagement with renowned activists, intellectuals, and political leaders.Through coursework and com... read more
All Reviews
For the first time, I was able to experience and understand the importance of positionality to a higher level prior to this program. I was able to work with an organization that taught me so much about the world which is an experience I could not have gotten to the same extent without this program. A student - Dickinson College View Entire Review
This was the most worthwhile thing I’ve ever done! I gained a whole new world view and international connections that I plan to utilize as I apply for jobs after graduating from University. I learned so much about the inner workings of South Africa and post colonial politics. The program also taught me so much about the United S... Olivia Babcock - University of Puget Sound View Entire Review
I learned a lot of South Africa, especially the country's history and politics. Matthew Kim - George Washington University View Entire Review
I learned so much about how to learn from others and how to truly view another culture while trying to not impose my own westernized thinking. It was definitely worthwhile. Shana Kleiner - Skidmore College View Entire Review
I realized my privilege in a way I’d never seen before. It was something that pushed me to see everyone as human, imperfect, yet dedicated to becoming their best. Corey D. Smith - Morehouse College View Entire Review
I learned so much everyday. I learned more about myself, about the world outside of the US, how people in various countries view the US, I saw myself as a global citizen for the first time. Mariana - Hope College View Entire Review
Absolutely worthwhile. I gained priceless knowledge about South African culture and history. Faith O - Trinity University View Entire Review
It was the best. I can't wait to go abroad again. Erin C - Trinity University View Entire Review
Definitely worthwhile. I learned how to interact in a new environment and put all my skills to the test. It gave me a chance to prove who I am to me. I feel more confident as a person knowing what is out there and where I stand. STANTON B - Trinity University View Entire Review
A new perspective that will better prepare me to begin my adult life. maya s - Simmons College View Entire Review
It was very eye-opening to see what life was like in a developing country. I was able to enjoy city life, beautiful nature, and vibrant beaches and nightlife, while at the same time learning about Southern African politics and the daily struggles of everyday citizens. Not only did I have a lot of fun, but I really felt like I le... James S - The College of William and Mary View Entire Review
I have learned the importance of family values and the history of South Africa, which these were worthwhile and so important within how South Africa is today. Chantel Palmer - Franklin & Marshall College View Entire Review
I was able to live with four different homestay families while abroad and each taught me invaluable lessons which I will take with me forever. Marguerite Leek - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill View Entire Review
I think I developed a much more advanced understanding of self while abroad. I think the experiences I had in South Africa shaped who I am for the rest of my life and I am so grateful. I learned so much about respect, approaching things with an open heart, and learning from those around you. They're lessons I will treasure and b... A student - Trinity University View Entire Review
This program provided me with an entirely new lens on issues like race and socioeconomic status, and taught me the power of human connection. SO worthwhile. Tori M - Villanova University View Entire Review
I wish I could do it again. Everything was incredible. Romi M - Barnard College View Entire Review
More than I could have ever imagined and indescribable with words. More than worthwhile. A student - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I wouldn't change my study abroad experience for the world, unless of course it meant going back and experiencing it all again in order to gain even more insight. That sounds cheesy, but its true. In a mere three and half months, Durban became my home. I miss it incredibly. If anything, I learned that each and every person in th... Elizabeth G - Pacific Lutheran University View Entire Review
It has made me a more globally aware citizen. I will never take for granted what I have here in America again/ Hannah W - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
About
Explore the socioeconomic, political, and cultural dynamics of South Africa—an extraordinarily diverse country in transition—and enjoy unparalleled engagement with renowned activists, intellectuals, and political leaders.
Through coursework and community engagement, you will focus on issues of memory, reconciliation, development, and nation building as they relate to South Africa’s social and political transformations in the 20 years after apartheid. The program includes multiple excursions, including a comparative visit to neighboring Mozambique, which played a significant role in South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and has pursued a different path in its own recent history of independence.
Major topics of study include:
- The historical background of South Africa's apartheid system, the dismantling of that system, and emerging visions for post-apartheid South Africa
- Re-membering the past through individual and popular memory and the role of memory in healing the trauma of the past
- Reconciliation through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
- The evolution from the Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP) to a developmental state
- The role of civil society, education, and media in the goal of nation building
- The challenges of transition
- Gender and social change
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Area, Ethnic and Group Studies
- Social Sciences
Website
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SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
SIT Study Abroad awards need-based scholarships and grants. We do not offer merit-based awards at this time. Average awards range between $500 and $5,000 for our semester programs, and between $500 and $3,000 for our summer programs. Our scholarships and grants are available to all students accepted into an SIT Study Abroad program irrespective of citizenship, national origin, or home school. We do not require a separate scholarship application for each scholarship fund; eligible students will be evaluated for all funds for which they are eligible. Please note: SIT Study Abroad scholarships and grants are only applicable to tuition and room/board fees billed by SIT Study Abroad. We do not award scholarships or grants to cover any other expenses, including, but not limited to, immunizations, visa fees, books, or study abroad fees charged by your home school. If your home school has an established billing agreement with us, it is your responsibility to communicate with your home school as to how your SIT scholarship or grant will be passed on to you by your home school. For a list of available scholarships and grants, click here.
$500 - $5000
