Description

AIDS Ride South Africa offers a unique/lekker study abroad/field research opportunity led by several alumni of the NYU International Education PhD program as well as independent researchers and faculty to interact with HIV and AIDS higher education programs in the epicenter of the world's AIDS pandemic while cycling across South Africa over a 3-week period.

Through activist research, participant observation, journaling, ethnographic videography, podcasting, and other methods, students have the opportunity to earn variable undergraduate or graduate credit of independent study or study abroad field work internship credit through this hybrid course depending on the major and course of study of the home institution.

The group is comprised of students and non-students, South Africans and participants from around the world. Our second annual ride will take place from 29 July to 15 August 2012. AIDS Ride South Africa, Ltd. is a not-for-profit corporation registered with New York State, USA. AIDS Ride South Africa, Ltd. has applied for 501 (c) (3) status pending Internal Revenue Service approval.

Highlights

Making a difference, HIV and AIDS education, community interaction, cycling, and seeing South Africa the slow way!

Qualifications

Majors and interests to which the course caters are generally: African Studies, Art Education, Communication Studies, Community Service, Conflict Education, Culture Studies, Higher Education Administration, International Education, Media Studies, Multiculturalism Studies, Peace Studies, Photography, Public Health, Reconciliation Studies, Social Justice Education, and Video Ethnography.

With over 5.5 million HIV positive, HIV and AIDS still finish first as leading causes of manageable pain in South Africa. The country enjoys a national enthusiasm for sport, some of the most amazing topography in the world, and many low and flat areas making it a near cycling paradise.

We are men and women of all ages and of all nationalities, infected and affected, cycling together to raise awareness about issues and concerns to HIV positive and HIV and AIDS infected and affected individuals in South Africa. It is understood that helping HIV positive individuals of both infected and affected communities and raising their chances of success in society that all of society benefits, regardless of an individual's status, and that helping others helps ourselves.

Languages

• English
• Afrikaans
• Xhosa

Cost in US$:

2750 + airfare (not included)

Cost Includes:

• Travel while in host country
• Housing
• Food
• Excursions
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support

Program Fees Include:

AIDS Ride South Africa is a mobile program, changing cities everyday along the way through South Africa. Participants and volunteers generally budget 50 USD/day for food & housing, a high estimate. ARSA organizes lodging and meals for participants throughout the journey, though prices fluctuate depending on the exchange rate, final number of riders, and so on. Additionally, some riders may have specific dietary needs so may have to budget accordingly. The group pools resources to reduce costs in each city, so chances are you will not use all of your housing/meals money. In addition to all of the cycling, some excursions are included. The 2750 USD fee for the course covers ARSA overhead costs of local staff, support vehicle for luggage, bike repair-person & equipment, first-aid, meals, and other ARSA necessities.

Airfare to/from South Africa is not included. You are responsible for getting yourself to and from South Africa.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Majors and interests to which the course caters are generally: African Studies, Communication, Community Service, Conflict Education, Culture Studies, Higher Education Administration, International Education, Media Studies, Multiculturalism, Peace Studies, Public Health, Reconciliation, Social Justice Education, and Video Ethnography. The group is comprised of students and non-students, South Africans and participants from around the world.

Age Range

18-99

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Guest House
• Home-stays
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 10-20

Scholarships are Available

Economic Hardship Waiver for Cyclist Registration

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

immediately

AIDS Ride South Africa's Mission Statement

We are men and women of all ages and of all nationalities, infected and affected, cycling together to raise funds and awareness about issues and concerns to HIV positive and HIV and AIDS infected and affected individuals in South Africa.

Year Founded

2008