The Program

Known as the Rainbow Nation, South Africa is a society in transition. You can experience several aspects of this fascinating country through classroom study, academic fieldtrips, and service-learning.

Your host in Durban will be the Howard Campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Their International School began in 1998 as a way to address the desire of students from around the world to learn more about South Africa. Most students who enroll in the International School IIS) come from the United States but students from Brazil, Japan, the Netherlands, and Nigeria have also attended. Some South African students also enroll in the IS classes.

Location

Durban (population of 3,200,000) is the third largest city in South Africa. Located on the Indian Ocean, it is a major port and a vacation spot for the people seeking sun and surf. Durban is located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the most culturally diverse region in South Africa.

Courses

You will choose two of the three classes listed below. The program itself fulfills 1/3 of the UW-Eau Claire Foreign Culture requirement; in addition, each of the courses carries Foreign Culture credit. By successfully completing the program, you fulfill the entire Foreign Culture requirement.

Service in a Developing Nation (3 credits)
Elec. Upper Division, GE III, Foreign Culture, Meets Full Service-Learning Requirement
This course seeks to build understanding of the South African policy and context of helping through comparing social policies between South Africa and the home country, North-South relationships, the impact of structural sources of oppression and exclusion, and the powerful intersection of race, class and gender in the South African context. A service-learning placement is a required part of the course.

Zulu Language, Art and Culture (3 credits)
INTS Elective UD, GE IV and Foreign Culture
Half of this course will be spent on Zulu language, culture and customs; in the second half, you will be exposed to local culture, artistic traditions, and practices. This intensive course includes lectures, seminars, and a field trip.

Culture and Diversity in the Rainbow Nation (3 credits)
HUMS Elective, UD, GE IV and Foreign Culture
As South Africa forms itself into a new nation, its tapestry of cultures, languages, and forms of social life is being highlighted by constitutional policies which value diversity. . This course will explore the diversity of the KwaZulu Natal province, from Zulu Kings to modernist poets. The course will consist of five modules: History, Art, Music, Multilingualism, and Film/Architecture/Space.

Accommodations

Most International School students in Durban are housed in the same residence hall. Men and women live on different floors. You will have your own bedroom and shared bathroom/shower and kitchen facilities. There is also a lounge area in a central part of the building that is open to all residents.

Academic Calendar

The program runs from the end of June until the end of July. Exact dates will be available the semester prior to departure.


Expenses

The estimated summer 2009 Wisconsin resident fee is $3,650. This includes six UW-Eau Claire credits, CISI insurance, housing, excursions, and administrative fees, Minnesota residents may apply for reciprocity, while non-residents should add $900.

Additional costs: passport, visa, meals, books, personal expenses, local transportation, and airfare. Estimate an additional $3,500 for these expenses.

Total Wisconsin resident estimated cost for the program is $7,150. Cost estimates may change at any time.

Financial Aid/Scholarships

If you qualify for financial aid, you can apply your aid to program costs. Your financial aid package will be based on actual costs in South Africa, including the cost of round-trip airfare. You can learn about additional options, including a study abroad grant through the UW-Eau Claire Foundation; a Wisconsin Grant for Study Abroad, scholarships for specific majors and national study abroad scholarships at http://uwec.edu/CIE/sac/finaid.htm.

Eligibility

To apply, you must be a currently-enrolled, degree-seeking, undergraduate UW-Eau Claire student. You must be in good academic standing, and have a minimum 2.3 cumulative resident GPA. You may apply as a sophomore but must have junior standing when the program begins.

Application Deadline

Applications for Summer 2009 will be accepted beginning September 2, 2008. The priority application deadline for Summer 2009 is November 17, 2008.

Complete applications will be reviewed after this date. Late applications will be considered if space on the program is still available. Please contact the Center for International Education to find out if spaces are available before submitting a late application. No applications will be accepted after January 30, 2009.

You can download an application at online applications, or stop by to pick up an application in the Center for International Education.

Comments

My experience in South Africa was amazing. The program exceeded any expectations that I had! -Nora, past participant

South Africa was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I saw things I never thought I would and took part in things such as drum circles and Zulu dances with the locals. -Kelsie, past participant

South Africa has so much to offer. The people here are so friendly, and willing to help you understand their city and culture as a whole. It has been an amazing adventure, and I am certain that I will return. -Megan, past participant

My time in South Africa challenged me mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. My time volunteering in the community was the most eye-opening and rewarding experience of my life. I will never forget it, and I am a changed person because of it. -Katie, past participant

I learned a lot not only about a culture that is rich in diversity and opportunities, but also about myself. I grew so much as a person! -Kate, past participant

This experience was a life-changing experience. Working in the service learning program was one of the best things I could have done here with my time. Meeting the people of South Africa, with all of its diversity adds to the great experience here. -Anna, past participant

This program is for anyone who is looking to step outside of their comfort zone. It dares you to look closely at yourself, as an American and as a citizen of our world.
-Erin, past participant

My experience in South Africa was nothing short of life-changing. It's a beautiful country full of amazing, friendly people. The country has struggled immensely through the dismantlement of Apartheid and the implementation of a new democracy. It's impossible to participate in this program without discovering an entirely new outlook on life.
-Lucas, past participant

This has been the most interesting, fun-filled, and enlightening five weeks of my life. I not only learned a great deal about South African culture and history but also about myself and how I can make a difference on a global level.
-Robert, past participant

My time in South Africa was absolutely priceless. I have had the opportunity to reexamine my priorities and look at what is truly important in life through our work in the Service Learning program. I know I will carry these lessons with me always and I am truly grateful for that.
-Kelly, past participant

I've traveled to eight other countries. Nothing compares to what I have experienced here in South Africa. I saw firsthand the HIV/AIDS pandemic and effects of poverty and crime; yet behind all of these terrible truths of life in South Africa, there are communities of people with more joy, love and hope than I have ever experienced in another culture.
-Terri, past participant

Additional Information

For more information and a program application, contact:
 
Center for International Education

Schofield 111
UW-Eau Claire                                                                       
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4002

Phone: (715) 836-4411
Fax: (715) 836-4948
Email: studyabroad@uwec.edu