Description

The Marquette University South Africa Service Learning Program offers students the unique opportunity to pursue the dual path of academic coursework and real-world learning. While students attend weekly classes at the University of Western Cape, a school which played a key role in ending apartheid, they also work part time at local nonprofit organizations. From educational to health awareness organizations, these nonprofit placements allow students to truly become a part of the community they are studying. In this single program, students integrate rigorous academic studies with direct immersion in another culture, gain rare insight into the leadership needed for a more peaceful world, and become catalysts for positive change.

Highlights

Students will study with South African professors who are experts in their fields at the University of Western Cape (UWC) and the Leadership Academy of the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre. Both institutions have long been dedicated to building peace in South Africa and have been leaders in guiding the country from a legacy of violence to a cooperative peace.

Students have the opportunity to select two to three elective courses from UWC, which offers a wide variety of disciplines. In addition, students are required to take the following two courses: 1) Theology of Forgiveness, Reconciliation and Justice & 2) Leaders in Grassroots Organizations: Community Development and Social Analysis.

Along with those courses, students do part-time service learning work at local nonprofit organizations. These service placements are organized by the program director, and students are allowed to pick from among their top preferences. Past placements included educational programs, an HIV awareness organization and a grassroots radio station.

Toe help ensure a positive experience, a full-time academic director and full-time resident director are on site in South Africa to guide students.

Housing: Students live in a communal house arranged by the program. Transportation is provided to and from classes and service learning placements.

Duration/Deadlines:
- Fall Semester (July - November) Application Deadline: October 1st
- Spring Semester (January - June) Application Deadline: March 1st

Requirements: (Language of instruction is English)
- 2.75 GPA
- Course work in African history or equivalent

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

17,880

Program Fees Include:

Program Cost Includes: tuition, housing, transportation, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions. Visa not included.

Experience Required

yes

2.75 GPA

This Program is open to

American Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 - 14 days

Post Services Include

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Marquette University's Mission Statement

Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university dedicated to serving God by serving our students and contributing to the advancement of knowledge. Our mission, therefore, is the search for truth, the discovery and sharing of knowledge, the fostering of personal and professional excellence, the promotion of a life of faith, and the development of leadership expressed in service to others. All this we pursue for the greater glory of God and the common benefit of the human community.

Year Founded

1881