Why African-American Studies Majors Should Study Abroad
By James Ochwa-Echel, Ph.D.
Program Coordinator, African-American Studies
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"The Study Abroad Experience provides students with both academic and personal growth. It gives students the unique opportunity of self-discovery as they experience different cultures, which may include learning and speaking a foreign language, pursuing courses or study not available in America and most importantly seeing the world through the eyes of other people. It liberates one from the confinement of a one-world perspective and contributes to global understanding and to one’s responsibilities as a global citizen." |
Recommended Study Abroad Programs for African-American Studies Majors
Botswana
University of Botswana (AIFS Program)
Gaborone
Spring Semester
Gaborone is Botswana's economic hub and headquarters of Government Ministries, Parliament, the House of Chiefs and most international organizations. It is a modern city with interesting markets, good hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and clubs which offer live music by local artists. Courses are offered in African Studies, Business, Economics, History, Literature, Political Science and other disciplines plus internships.The program at the University of Botswana offered by AIFS offers core courses that Africana Studies majors can take, regardless of concentration.
South Africa
Nation-Building in the New South Africa (Faculty-led)
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Dennilton, and Kruger National Park
Summer
The course introduces students to the historical, literary, geographical, political, economic, educational and environmental issues involved in the process of building a non-racial society in the new South Africa. This course comprises an integrated series of lectures, seminars and field trips that will include students and community members from both the U.S. and South Africa. It’s possible to earn 6 credits in this month-long overseas course, and service-learning opportunities are available.
University of Cape Town
Cape Town
Semester
Due to Cape Town’s extensive history as a port city, Cape Town’s 3 million people are a blend of African, European, and Asian heritage and tradition. Cape Town is vastly diverse in landscape, people, and activities. You will find no shortage of things to do and learn in Cape Town. UCT is situated on a hillside slope of Table Top Mountain with views of the ocean and easy access to both the mountain and the water. From the many courses offered at UCT, Africana Studies students can find core courses for concentrations in Literature and in Politics and International Development.
Stellenbosch University (AIFS Program)
Stellenbosch
Summer, Semester, or Year
South Africa’s million-plus square kilometers host a variety of landscapes, from breathtaking coasts and mountains in the south to the grassland bush in the north. The tip of the continent encompasses everything from the austere flats of the Karoo Desert to the subtropical beauty in Natal’s exotic beaches, capped by the majestic Drakensberg mountain range. Spend a summer, semester or year studying abroad with AIFS in South Africa and explore this diverse and wild land for yourself! The AIFS program at Stellenbosch University offers Africana Studies majors with concentrations in History-Culture and Politics-International Development core classes.
Find more programs in our program finder!
