Nation Building, Globalization, and Decolonizing the Mind

Program Description

CGEE programs offer a unique model of experiential programs, rooted in social justice, and focused on direct community engagement. The Namibia/South Africa program also offers English-speaking internship opportunities in a development agency or other organization working directly within the Namibian community.

Students learn the challenges how to create the following: a national identity, an inclusive multi-party democracy, and a model for development. Studying Southern Africa's approach in both an historical and current-day context to such issues is unique in understanding globalization and nation-building struggles throughout the world.

Highlights

Students will meet with members of major political parties, human rights activists. feminists, church leaders, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) representatives, and students and professors from the University of Namibia and the Polytechnic of Namibia.

The countries of Namibia and South Africa provide a rich context in which to view nation-building and development challenges today. CGEE program participants will view first-hand the tremendous positive changes and challenges which arise from the region's long history of genocide, oppression, and colonization.

Along with the themes of the program, students will enjoy learning about cultural traditions while taking in the beautiful scenery and variety of landscapes the Southern Africa region offers.

What`s Included

Regional travel including: An orientation in Johannesburg, South Africa, a seminar in Cape Town, a trip to the Namibian Atlantic Coast, and excursions to rural Namibia.

Housing: Students will live in the CGEE study center in Windhoek, Namibia. The program also includes a weekend homestay in Soweto Township, South Africa, a week-long homestay in an urban household in Windhoek, and a homestay in rural Namibia.

Optional internships are available.