South Africa has been on the world's main stage for several years. A country of great diversity in its people, geography, wildlife and economy, South Africa is not easily explainable or forgotten.
CSB/SJU students on the South Africa program travel to Port Elizabeth, situated on the Indian Ocean near the southern tip of the African continent. With a population of over one million, it is South Africa's fifth largest city and host to several World Cup matches. It has a sunny, dry, temperate climate similar to that of Southern California, combined with the wind of Chicago.
Students study in classrooms at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). Students choose from seminar courses designed specifically for our program including political science, literature, South African music, and marine biology. In addition, all students enroll in the Study Abroad Seminar taught by their faculty director.
CSB/SJU students have access to library, computer lab, recreation and sports facilities with South African and other international students at NMMU. Many choose to get involved with the local clubs and organizations.
Volunteer and Service Learning are major components of this program. All students enroll in a Community Service Learning course and participate in one of two projects sponsored by CSB/SJU. Each week students spend 6 to 8 hours on-site in some of PE's most impoverished areas.
For a complete list of classes please refer to page 2 of the South Africa brochure.
Participants live in apartments at Langerry Holiday Flats which overlook the beach. Each flat is fully furnished and equipped so students have the facilities to prepare their own meals. The flats are located approximately two miles from NMMU's campus. Students can use the public transportation system between NMMU and their flats, or walk.
- South Africa is at the same time a first world and a third world experience.
- Excursions to Cape Town, the frontier, and other local attractions are included in the program.
- The cost of living in South Africa is quite affordable compared to many other programs. Daily expenses can be lower than many other metropolitan areas.
The approximate program dates for South Africa are late January to late May.
For more information on the Program Fees for this program, please refer to the South Africa Program Brochure. Another great resource is the Financing your Experience brochure. This brochure includes estimates of what past participants spent on this program, along with information regarding scholarships and financial aid for study abroad. Please note: to obtain the required visa to study on this program you will need to travel to a South African Consulate in the US for visa processing (most commonly, Chicago). This is not included in your program fee.