South Africa Today 2012

by Vanessa Gamache

Dear Students,

I am writing to invite you to apply to USF’s summer South Africa Today program. Summer 2012 will be the 10-year anniversary of the South Africa Today program. We are excited about marking this occasion by encouraging students of all majors to join us. This is a Service Learning course that offers students the opportunity to learn about the complexities of race relations in South Africa, the struggle against Apartheid, and the problems plaguing the New South Africa such as HIV/AIDS and stark economic disparities.

The four-week program is based in Durban at Umthombo’s Center for Street Children. USF students have a unique opportunity to contribute to Umthombo’s many engagement and outreach programs, which include vibrant surfing, soccer, music, and art programs, health, nutrition, and life skills education, medical and street outreach through a medical van, and after-care programs.

Students also visit Durban’s townships and informal settlements, nearby rural communities, and urban development centers. They witness firsthand the issues confronting street children, while developing relationships with the children and staff and contributing to changing the way that society perceives and treats street children in South Africa.

Tuition for the program is discounted ($920 per unit). Students will receive 4 units and Service Learning and Cultural Diversity credit. Students will be eligible for the 50% tuition scholarship (so students will only pay for 2 units or $1840 for tuition). In addition to tuition, students are responsible for housing, meals, airfare and other incidentals.

Students can apply through the Center for Global Education website and get more information at the Spring 2012 study abroad fair on February 14. To hold your spot, a $500 deposit is due by March 5. So sign up now! And spread the word!

I am happy to further discuss the program with interested students. Please feel free to contact me at hjhoag@usfca.edu or (415) 422-5412.

Best,

Prof. Heather Hoag

History Department