South Africa: Social and Political Transformation

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: August to December/ February to May

Description: When Nelson Mandela cast his vote in Durban in 1994, South Africa's system of legislated apartheid
receded into history. With this historical election, South Africa headed down the path of a new political and social era. However, past inequalities and a difficult history continue to challenge South Africa as it copes with a pressing need for social, political, and economic development.

Durban, South Africa's second largest city, is located on the Indian Ocean in an area known for its coastal beauty. A fusion of African, Western, and Eastern cultures, Durban is home to, among others, the proud Zulu nation, the descendants of British settlers, and the descendants of indentured Indian laborers. It was here that Mahatma Gandhi led a nonviolent struggle against apartheid nearly a century ago and here that the African National Congress (ANC) held its first national convention in South Africa. With its progressive history and interesting political landscape, Durban offers unique opportunities to explore the interdependent spheres of reconciliation
and development.

Highlights: Five-week homestay in the Durban area and a two-week rural homestay. Educational excursions to Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria, and Northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: contact sponsor

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement: SIT Study Abroad is the accredited higher education institution of World Learning, a private, nonprofit international organization promoting international and intercultural understanding, social justice, and economic development through education, training, and field projects around the globe. SIT prepares students to be interculturally effective leaders, professionals, and citizens through SIT Study Abroad, undergraduate, field-based academic programs operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, and thorough short-term professional training and graduate degrees in language teaching, conflict transformation, international education, social justice in intercultural relations, management, and sustainable development.

Year Founded: 1932