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SIT Study Abroad: South Africa: Intl. Relations in the GS

by: SIT Study Abroad

8.5 (2)Verified

On South Africa: International Relations in the Global South, explore non-Western perspectives on South-South and continental relations through lectures, visits, and internships involving diplomats, activists, and intellectuals in South Africa and Mozambique. This program offers an opportunity to learn non-Western perspectives in international and South-South relations and examine broad policy qu...

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Program Highlights

Explore career paths while engaging with diplomats and NGOs working in international relations to learn about South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy.

Witness the mechanics and dismantling of South Africa’s apartheid system.

Travel to Mozambique to learn about its role in the struggle against apartheid.

Examine South-South relations and political and social developments through the lenses of various partnerships and governing bodies, such as BRICS and the African Union.

Visit residents of an informal shack dwellers settlement, an African traders’ market, an ecotourism project, a center for jazz and popular music, and local schools.

Quick Details

Locations
  • Maputo, Mozambique
  • Cape Town, South Africa
Availability
Year(s) OfferedYear RoundTerms Available:
  • Fall
  • Spring
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects:
  • African Studies
  • Government
  • International Policy & Diplomacy
  • International Relations
  • Political Science & Politics
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Awards

GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Winner - Marketing & Digital MediaInnovation in Marketing & Digital Media Winner 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

8.5

Total Reviews

2

Culture, Politics, & Diplomacy in Durban

March 09, 2025by: Elise B - United StatesProgram: SIT Study Abroad: South Africa: Intl. Relations in the GS
8

I honestly can say this program changed my perspective of the world. The title lives up to its name, "International Relations in the Global South," as you learn about South Africa's apartheid history, how its history shaped its relations with neighbors, and how those inform a Global South view of international relations. You learn all about these things through both lectures from incredible guest speakers as well as field trips/site visits to various NGOs and political offices around Durban. The program starts with a week in Johannesburg, spends the majority of the time in Durban, and ends with a few days in Cape Town. During the semester you also have excursions to Mozambique and the South Coast in South Africa. You also spend a week in a rural town where you use the isiZulu language you've been practicing during the semester. Every day is filled with activities and opportunities to learn as much as possible. I highly recommend this program for people interested in international politics and history as well as an interest in learning about South African cultures. It's an adventure everyday, so be flexible and have fun!

A Life Changing Experience in South Africa

February 15, 2025by: Neha Srikanth - United StatesProgram: SIT Study Abroad: South Africa: Intl. Relations in the GS
9

I cannot recommend a study abroad program in South Africa enough especially in a location like Durban in KwaZulu Natal. Durban’s rich history and evolution of the city provides an environment which is incredibly fertile with knowledge and significance. I saw the opportunity of traveling to South Africa as both an academic and personal challenge. Starting in Johannesburg, moving to Durban (our home base) and ending our semester in Cape Town, I enjoyed getting a brief glimpse into different areas of South Africa. I quickly became acquainted and aware of the country's history of struggle and liberation movements that led to apartheid ending through conversations I had with activists as well as the many museum visits the program entails. South African people are very funny and the Bolt adventures enroute to different places were when I met some of the most entertaining people. Durban’s location on the coast allowed easy access to the beach and shops near the beach. While it did get very humid towards the end of the semester, the weather was nice for most of the program which I enjoyed. Additionally, with visits to the US Embassy in Mozambique, public policy think tanks and engaging lectures, I became informed on South-South Relations through these experiences and understood South Africa's position on the global stage from a non-western perspective. The home stays were extremely rewarding and enlightening, especially the rural homestay, where we became exposed to life that was separate from the connectivity and hustle, we are used to. I loved this homestay so much and wished it had been longer. Homestays were some of my favorite experiences on the program because I truly understood how different families operate based on their circumstances and differing values. I cannot overstate how good the support from program staff was through emotional, logistical, and academic challenges. They took care of us and our academic director and program manager made themselves available to talk about different curiosities and problems we had. We were informed by them of book launches, historical talks, and other events we could attend on our own time, some which I took advantage of. The ISP portion of the semester was by far the most stressful and the most academically rewarding experience of the program. I chose to research a former female activist and combatant within the underground armed wing of the African National Congress. This project took me to different parts of KwaZulu Natal, where I was able to meet prominent activists and learn from them firsthand, what it meant to make history and hear about their relations to my subject. I cannot recommend this program enough and all of the amazing memories that I gained because of the choice to go to South Africa. The cohort I traveled with will remain lifelong connections and friends, and I will always remember the kindness I received from South Africans I became close with.

Durban North, where we stayed in apartments for a week at the beginning of our semester!Warwick Junction, one of Africa's largest informal markets located in DurbanA photo from Mozambique, close to the hotel we stayed at in Maputo

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Maputo, Mozambique
  • Cape Town, South Africa

Types and Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • African Studies
  • Government
  • International Policy & Diplomacy

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

  • All Nationalities

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Medical / Accident Insurance

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Home-stays
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)

Application Procedures

  • Transcript
  • Online Application
  • Letters of Reference
  • Physical Exam/Health Records
SIT Study Abroad

SIT Study Abroad

8.5Verified

Ready to Learn More?

On South Africa: International Relations in the Global South, explore non-Western perspectives on South-South and continental relations through lectures, visits, and internships involving diplomats, activists, and intellectuals in South Africa and Mozambique. This program offers an opportunity to learn non-Western perspectives in international and South-South relations and examine broad policy questions in sub-Saharan Africa through the lenses of youth employment, conflict, and poverty. An introduction to South African politics sets the groundwork for the program's focus on international relations and foreign policy, providing an opportunity to engage in major contemporary debates in the Global South. We examine the African Union and other continental influencers, including international...

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