Study Abroad

Summer Institute On African Expressive Culture In Ghana, West Africa

July 11-August 2, 2010

The Department of Africana Studies invites you to the Summer Institute in Ghana, West Africa informational meeting on Wednesday, November 4, 2009  at 4:00p.m.

During this three-week, 6-9 unit institute, students will take workshops, at the University of Ghana in Legon, in Twi, the most widely spoken language in Ghana, Ghanaian music, literature, drum & dance and other topics focusing on the rich cultural expressions of the country’s people. You will also travel to Ghana’s second largest city, Kumasi, in the Asante region and learn about Ghana’s rich traditions in making kente cloth, woodcarving and adinkra printing. SDSU students will have lectures at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology while in Kumasi. You will also observe artists and take part in kente weaving, woodcarving and adinkra printing. Students will enroll in AFRAS 485 Blacks in the Arts and AFRAS 499 (optional) through the college of extended studies.

In addition to exploring African expressive culture, students will also learn about the history of the European slave trade. They will visit Ghana’s notorious slave castles, slave markets and other historic sites exploring this human tragedy. The institute will also include several field trips:

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Museum & W.E.B. Dubois Pan-African Cultural Center
National Theatre & National Museum
The Art Center (African Market Place)
Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle (Slave Dungeons)
Cultural centers & museums in Kumasi

Alternate Spring Break in South Africa

March 26 – April 6, 2010

View the video promo on YouTube

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 2007 & 2008 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 2008.  In 2008, 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 2009, 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:  Double Occupancy $3035/Single Occupancy $3810

Non Student Fees: Double Occupancy $3335/Single Occupancy $4110

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

Application Process

Applications are due on November 30, 2008 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 employer, 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)

Payment Form (.pdf)--this form has not been made accessible for the disables, please contact the department for a hard copy of this form.

Please return 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