Namibia and South Africa
Nation Building, Globalization and Decolonizing the Mind
Program Destinations | Application Process | Funding
Photos | Reflection Seminar | GO! Initiative
Global Service-Learning Homepage
In cooperation with the Center for Global Education at Augsburg College, APPLES is pleased to provide an opportunity for students to spend the fall semester in Namibia and South Africa.
The program is based in Windhoek, a modern city of 250,000 located in central Namibia. The city reflects the German colonial influence as well as the impact of apartheid and South African occupation. It is surrounded by hills, trees, gardens, and greens that provide a contrast to the aridity of much of Namibia. Its climate is dry but pleasant, with an average high temperature ranging from 68 to 86 degrees. English is the official language of Namibia; Afrikaans, German, Oshiwambo, Otjiherero, Nama/Damara, and numerous other indigenous African languages are also spoken. The program also includes a two-week travel seminar to Capetown and Johannesburg, South Africa.
A Heritage Scholarship program is available for students of Pan Afrikan descent through the Center for Global Education at Augsburg College. This scholarship covers tuition, fees, room and board, in country expenses and medical insurance.
| Program Highlights | |
| Terms | Fall 2010 |
| Dates | August - December |
| Application Deadline | February 18 |
| Notification | March 12 |
| Global Orientation | April 17, 10:00-3:00pm |
| Reflection Seminar | Available spring 2011 |
GO! Global Orientation on Culture and Ethics
In the spring, APPLES prepares students for their experience through a comprehensive orientation focusing on issues related to intercultural competency, cross-cultural service, ethics and communication.The Orientation highlights the importance of linking the global experience with local service-learning after returning to North Carolina. In addition to the Orientation, students participate in a half-day Ropes Course and reflection experience prior to departure. Participants must register for GO! by March 18, 2009.
Tips on working with people of African descent
Academic Coursework
Learn about the struggle to build nationhood and the long-term project of decolonizing the mind from the people of Namibia and South Africa. These nations deal with challenges posed by under and unequal development, by the rapid process of globalization in today’s world, and by their legacies of apartheid and colonialism.
- Political and Social Change in Namibia: A Comparative Perspective
- Racism and Resistance in Southern Africa and the U.S.
- The Development Process – Southern Africa
- Religion and Social Change in Southern Africa
- Service-Learning Internship
Service Experience
While in Namibia, participants experience 90 hours of hands-on service with local, non-governmental organizations, deepening their understanding of Southern African culture and society as well as enhancing their own language skills. This allows for a level of interaction and practical experience that is hard to achieve in the traditional classroom, and thus supplements and complements the rigorous academic curriculum.Participating in a service-learning placement allows students to:
- Deepen understanding of Namibian culture and society
- Learn more about and practice skills needed for working collaboratively in a regional and a global context
- Strengthen capacity for cross-cultural understanding and communication
- Form valuable relationships with local persons and organizations
- Contribute in a positive way to the host community
Service placements are made based on interests, goals, and the needs of the community, specifically working with orphanages, schools, social service delivery, and advocacy for social change.
Namibian Service Agencies
Housing
Students live together in a large house in Windhoek with other program participants. During the trip to South Africa, modest hotels and guest houses serve as accommodations. The programs also include a 10-day homestay with a rural family in Northern Namibia; an eight-day homestay with an urban family in Katatura, Windhoek; and a five-day homestay with an urban family in Soweto, Johannesburg.
Educational Travel
The program includes a two-week travel seminar to Capetown and Johannesburg, South Africa. Shorter trips to other parts of Namibia include the Etosha Game Reserve and relaxation in Walvis Bay/Swakopmund on the Atlantic Coast. There are also opportunities for personal travel on weekends and during breaks.
Reflection Seminar
On returning to Carolina, students have the opportunity to enroll in “Connections”, a reflection seminar that purposefully links students' global service-learning experiences to the dynamics of globalization, migration transitions, and the concerns faced by immigrants and refugees, locally in North Carolina. Primary among these concerns are education and English language learning, health and access to health care services, and social/economic/legal concerns. Returning students engage in local service-learning in a variety of locations addressing these issue areas. Two course credits are offered for participation in the seminar which includes a minimum of 30 hours of local service in the community.
To obtain contact information for the current GSL Chair, please refer to the APPLES' Organizers directory.
