Gordon In South Africa

VISION
"Umuntu ngamuntu ngabantu." In Xhosa, that saying means "People become people through other people." Gordon-in-South Africa believes that through their studies at University of Western Cape and engagement with the local Woodstock community in which they live, students participating in this spring-semester program have the opportunity to engage deeply with the issues shaping contemporary life in South Africa. In being challenged by people from all walks of life, students will be not only challenged academically, spiritually, and socially, but also transformed.

The semester-long program in Cape Town, South Africa focuses upon contemporary issues of reconciliation and social justice in a nation which plays a pivotal role in the larger continent of Africa yet still faces major challenges within in terms of employment, economic justice, education, and infrastructure. Through Gordon-in-South Africa students receive an look at the recent struggles of South African democracy, as well as struggles with poverty and HIV/AIDS.

• Through their service-learning work in the community of Woodstock in which they live and the larger Cape Town area, students become participants in the work of South Africans experimenting with new approaches to solving problems of reconciliation and justice.
• Through their course work at the University of Western Cape--the historically "black and colored" institution--students take classes in their major in an institution with a long history of struggle against oppression and discrimination and a proud commitment to cultural diversity and responding creatively as well as critically to a society in transition.
• Through the Easter Holiday trip to other parts of South Africa and short-term homestays across the economic spectrum, students gain a wider understanding of the variety and breadth of South African society.

QUALIFICATIONS
While the program is oriented to issues of understanding South Africa's recent struggles with social justice, this opportunity is not restricted to students in any particular major. The program accepts applications from any student* who:

• Makes the statement of faith expected of Gordon students
• Agrees to abide by the College's behavioral standards
• Satisfies criteria set by the Global Education Office
• Has sophomore standing or above
• Has a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher

*Non-Gordon students are encouraged to apply.

CREDITS
Students earn 16 credits during the 15-week term. The semester begins on Gordon College's campus in Wenham, Massachusetts, where students take the one-week intensive course SAS301 South Africa Seminar (2 credits) in preparation for the semester in South Africa. In order to match the South African University schedule, students will arrive in Cape Town in early February and be required to stay through the University exam period in mid-June. Please do not apply unless this schedule will fit with your plans.

In South Africa, students take the following:

• Three courses at the University of the Western Cape in any of the following faculties:
• • Arts
  • Sciences*
  • Economic and Management Science
  • Community and Health Services*

• SAS336 Social Change and Development in Practice: The South African Case (2 credits)
  

In addition to classes, students will also be involved in 8-10 hours of non-credit community service in ministry/service areas of interest to them.

*Please note that practicum supervision is not available for Education or Social Work Majors, nor are courses in the Natural or Lab Sciences.

DEADLINES
Gordon students are given first priority for seats in the program but must file a seat application no later than September 30. The number of seats is limited to 20 per year. Completed applications from both Gordon and non-Gordon students are due no later than October 15.  

Students applying for Gordon-in-South Africa should have valid passports at time of application.

COST
Gordon tuition and fees cover costs of:

• Tuition
• Room and Board
• Round-trip airfare from your home port (maximum of $1500)
• Ground transportation in South Africa for travel related to program

CONTACT

The Global Education Office
p: 978.867.4399

Dr. Liesl Smith
Assistant Director
p: 978.867.4113