SIT Study Abroad: South Africa: International Relations

The SIT program in Durban has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life! One of the greatest gifts of this program is that it would be impossible to recreate on your own or with any other company. The opportunity to meet with so many local people in Durban working to make change, attend book talks/lectures by a variety of professors, hear the experiences of local people working to make change post-apartheid, and about their experiences during apartheid, and living in home-stays is only possible through this SIT program. From day one, the cohort felt like a family, and learning from Dr. Buccus a privilege. The program offers safety, diversity in experience and excursions, fosters community between students, and was responsive to the individual passions and interests that each of us brought. I truly cannot overstate my gratitude towards the staff of SIT for offering such a well-rounded, academically rigorous, and culturally immersive program.

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I loved every moment of this abroad experience. From the relationships I built with SIT staff, to the meaningful conversations I had with local community leaders and organizations we worked with, to my fellow students, who are now family for life, to every little moment of learning and laughter. A once in a life time experience that I wouldn't trade for the world. Thank you SIT!

I think I was perfectly underprepared for this experience in that the best way to approach this program is to have no expectations, to leave Western perspectives at the door, and to exist as a perpetual student in and beyond the classroom. As an American, one of the most important things to me is learning and experiencing life from completely different perspectives and positionalities. The beauty of this program is that for every difference, there are at least 3 similarities of shared humanity across cultures that made my 3 months of school and work transform into a period of introspection and changemaking that will impact me for a lifetime. I learned a lot about concepts like development theory that help my aspirations of a career in peacemaking, conflict resolution, and diplomacy. Furthermore, I got to begin this career by interning at the #1 continential NGO working on peace and conflict resolution: The African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD). It was the experience of a lifetime that has directly impacted my future plans academically and professionally.

This study abroad deeply changed my perspective and thinking in terms of the Global South position in International Affairs. My positionality in which I approach academics and my professional trajectory has been deeply informed by my time here. Dr. Imraan Buccus, the Academic Director, is an amazing source of information and connections for whatever you are curious about. The program also allows for lots of time to explore the natural beauty of the country through hikes, a safari, and spend time at Durban's beaches. This program allows you to explore the major cities of SA, thoroughly travel the Province of KwaZulu Natal, get to know Durban, and also visit Mozambique. During the program, you will take 4 courses plus an internship or research project. On the program, you live with 3 homestays and then also move around a lot with travel and independent accommodation. The program emphasizes experiential learning with field trips, activities, and speakers. Truly an amazing time abroad!

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!

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.

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