Study Abroad Programs in Durban, South Africa


1 Durban, South Africa Study Abroad Programs
Save this program?

SIT Study Abroad
SIT Study Abroad: South Africa: Intl. Relations in the GS
On South Africa: International Relations in the Global South, exp...
Popular Providers
Latest Program Reviews
A Life Changing Experience in South Africa
by: Neha Srikanth - United StatesProgram: SIT Study Abroad: South Africa: Intl. Relations in the GSI 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.
CFHI HIV/AIDS Durban, South Africa
by: Tamaraben - Columbus, OhioProgram: Global Health in Durban, South AfricaI had an absolutely amazing experience with CFHI’s HIV/AIDS program in Durban, South Africa. As an incoming 3rd year medical student at the Ohio State University, this was one of my first hand’s on clinical experiences. Our coordinator, Maureen, housed all 6 of us with local Zulu families. They provided us with a place to stay and home cooked traditional Zulu meals. Many of them had children our age that we were able to spend time with. This greatly enhanced our understanding of the Zulu culture and language. Over the following 3.5 weeks I rotated through various departments at King Edward Hospital in Durban, a public secondary hospital. During the first week I was able to participate in Pediatric morning rounds, Intern lectures, and assist in my first Caesarean section. I spent the following week with a team of general surgeons. I was able to observe various endoscopic procedures, observe general clinic days and stay on overnight calls to observe and assist in surgeries. I was able to assist in a leg amputation and observe an appendectomy, gastrectomy, lymph node biopsy, inguinal hernia repair, exploratory laparotomy, as well as other smaller procedures. I learned procedural skills for the first time as well as continued to expand my medical knowledge. During the 3rd week I rotated through various departments including Psychiatry, Urology, and Casualty. Although many of the conditions were similar to those seen in the US (burns, asthma, GSWs, hydrocele, etc) many cases were complicated by concurrent HIV/AIDS and/or Tuberculosis. Virtually every patient is screened for both of these conditions- something that is rarely done in the US. It was incredible to see how these diseases can manifest in hundreds of different ways-ways that I may never observe in the US. In my final week I worked at the Blue Roof Clinic, a clinic providing free HIV/AIDS care to the community. I was able to shadow a HIV specialist and observed how she incorporated education and wellness into each of her patients care. Aside from the clinical experience there was ample time to explore South Africa. On my first weekend, I went on a Safari in St. Lucia and Hluhlwe Game Reserve. Maureen helped coordinate this experience with a local tour guide. On the second weekend, our group stayed in Durban to go horseback riding , experience the local nightlife and attend a township tour organized by CFHI. On my third weekend, I went to Cape Town-which was certainly a highlight of my time here. During the week days, we had most of our afternoons free. We were able to go to the beach on various occasions (Durban weather is warm almost every day of the year), Victoria Market, Durban Botanical Garden, Pavilion Mall, and Florida Road. Overall, the CFHI clinic schedule allowed for a balance of educational clinical experience and social and cultural exploration of South Africa. With no reservations, I would recommend this program to any student interested in pursing a health care related field that has an interest in exploring a new culture and health care system.
A Life Changing Experience in South Africa
by: Neha Srikanth - United StatesProgram: SIT Study Abroad: South Africa: Intl. Relations in the GSI 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.
CFHI HIV/AIDS Durban, South Africa
by: Tamaraben - Columbus, OhioProgram: Global Health in Durban, South AfricaI had an absolutely amazing experience with CFHI’s HIV/AIDS program in Durban, South Africa. As an incoming 3rd year medical student at the Ohio State University, this was one of my first hand’s on clinical experiences. Our coordinator, Maureen, housed all 6 of us with local Zulu families. They provided us with a place to stay and home cooked traditional Zulu meals. Many of them had children our age that we were able to spend time with. This greatly enhanced our understanding of the Zulu culture and language. Over the following 3.5 weeks I rotated through various departments at King Edward Hospital in Durban, a public secondary hospital. During the first week I was able to participate in Pediatric morning rounds, Intern lectures, and assist in my first Caesarean section. I spent the following week with a team of general surgeons. I was able to observe various endoscopic procedures, observe general clinic days and stay on overnight calls to observe and assist in surgeries. I was able to assist in a leg amputation and observe an appendectomy, gastrectomy, lymph node biopsy, inguinal hernia repair, exploratory laparotomy, as well as other smaller procedures. I learned procedural skills for the first time as well as continued to expand my medical knowledge. During the 3rd week I rotated through various departments including Psychiatry, Urology, and Casualty. Although many of the conditions were similar to those seen in the US (burns, asthma, GSWs, hydrocele, etc) many cases were complicated by concurrent HIV/AIDS and/or Tuberculosis. Virtually every patient is screened for both of these conditions- something that is rarely done in the US. It was incredible to see how these diseases can manifest in hundreds of different ways-ways that I may never observe in the US. In my final week I worked at the Blue Roof Clinic, a clinic providing free HIV/AIDS care to the community. I was able to shadow a HIV specialist and observed how she incorporated education and wellness into each of her patients care. Aside from the clinical experience there was ample time to explore South Africa. On my first weekend, I went on a Safari in St. Lucia and Hluhlwe Game Reserve. Maureen helped coordinate this experience with a local tour guide. On the second weekend, our group stayed in Durban to go horseback riding , experience the local nightlife and attend a township tour organized by CFHI. On my third weekend, I went to Cape Town-which was certainly a highlight of my time here. During the week days, we had most of our afternoons free. We were able to go to the beach on various occasions (Durban weather is warm almost every day of the year), Victoria Market, Durban Botanical Garden, Pavilion Mall, and Florida Road. Overall, the CFHI clinic schedule allowed for a balance of educational clinical experience and social and cultural exploration of South Africa. With no reservations, I would recommend this program to any student interested in pursing a health care related field that has an interest in exploring a new culture and health care system.
Popular Searches

to get exclusive discounts on meaningful travel programs!