Study Abroad

Summer Institute On African Expressive Culture In Ghana West Africa

July 21 - August 15, 2008

Alternate Spring Break in South Africa - 2007-2008

March 27 - April 8, 2008

Program Mission

The mission of the alternative break is to promote service on local, regional, national and international levels through break-oriented programs that immerse students in different cultures.  Alternative spring break programs will place students in communities where they perform short-term projects while learning about such issues as poverty, educational and cultural literacy, racism, hunger, the environment, homelessness and health related issues.  These educational experiences are designed to heighten social awareness and promote lifelong social action.

Program Overview

For the 2006 & 2007 spring breaks, we traveled to South Africa and worked with the non-governmental organizations. LoveLife has initiated an all out effort to educate South Africans about this deadly disease. In the process of working with the organizations’ targeted population, we were also educated on the impact of HIV/AIDS in South Africa and took part in their efforts to help eradicate it in 2006.  In 2006, our participants engaged in various community service projects at various middle schools in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Additionally, students will experience the various museums, townships and historic places of South Africa in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria.  We will visit the Apartheid Museum, Table Mountain, District 6, Constitution Hall, Museum of Africa, Alexandria, Robben Island and other sites of importance in understanding the culture and history of South Africa.

During spring break 2008, we will return to South Africa and continue our work with various AIDS projects, orphanages, schools and community programs.  These projects contribute significantly to the efforts of the people of South Africa to build a nation that supports and celebrates all of its peoples and the different cultures.  It will also assist in eradication of AIDS through the education and moral support of the youth of South Africa.  We will also assist in the development of youth leadership through workshops and conferences in Johannesburg.

Course Requirements

 During the spring semester students will enroll in AFRAS 499 for three units of credit.  Before travel, participants will attend lectures and discussions concerning South African history, culture and AIDS.  While in South Africa, participants will attend all tours, lectures, nightly debriefing sessions and other cultural events.  Students will chronicle their experience through journals and similar writing or creative activities.  All students will participate in the service learning experiences planned.  Upon return, every student will make at least one approved presentation to a campus or community group about the trip, South Africa and/or AIDS.

Fund Raising & Program fees

Participants are encouraged to organize several fundraising events as well as seek donations or sponsorships.

Student Fees:   $3150 (double occupancy) and $3450 (single occupancy)

Non Student Fees:  $3300 (double) and $3600 (single)

Fees include all airfare, lodging, ground transportation, museum fees, tours, safari, daily breakfast and some lunches.

Application Process

Applications are due on November 30, 2007 to the Africana Studies department accompanied with a copy of the $500 deposit. With your application, submit 2 letters of recommendation(to be completed by empolyer, pastor or professor) and on an attached page, please explain why you are interested in attending an Alternative Spring Break-South Africa. What qualities, skills or characteristics can you provide that will enhance the mission of ASB-South Africa? Outline the steps you have taken to prepare yourself for this experience, and how you anticipate this experience will relate to your future goals. The essay should be typed or clearly printed with your name on each page.

Application and other form can be obtained below.

(NOTE) You must have all forms completed in order to complete the application process.

Application Form (.pdf)

Alternative Spring Break Reference Form (.pdf)
(TWO reference forms must be submitted)

E-Z Tour Payment Form I (.pdf)

Please returen complete application with a copy of the cashiers check or money order to:

The Department of Africana Studies

San Diego State University

5500 Campanile Dr.

Arts and Letters Rm 373

San Diego, California 92182 -6032

For more information contact:

Dr. Adisa A. Alkebulan at 619-594-5174 or Africanasdsu@aol.com
Dr. Shirley Weber at 619-594-6550 or weber2@mail.sdsu.edu
LaShae Collins, Administrative Coordinator at 619-594-5341 or lsharp@mail.sdsu.edu