Location

Johannesburg, Polokwane, South Africa

Program Description

Experience the Vibrant Culture and Rich Diversity of South Africa: Study Abroad in Johannesburg and Polokwane. Immerse in the culture and enjoy local hospitality.

This immersive study abroad experience invites students to explore South Africa’s cultural diversity and its impact on healthcare across both rural and urban settings. Special emphasis is placed on rural health nursing and public health practice, providing students with hands-on opportunities to engage with underserved communities and address population-level health challenges.

Program Highlights:

• Experience a Safari in Kruger National Park—home to the Big Five and featured on National Geographic.
• Investigate the influence of South African cultures on healthcare delivery. 
• Assess individuals and vulnerable populations in rural and urban community settings. 
• Lead and implement evidence-based, population-focused public health and nursing interventions. 
• Analyze the impact of societal and cultural changes across the lifespan. 
• Apply theories of health promotion and disease prevention in nursing practice. 

Students will systematically assess individuals and vulnerable populations in community settings, and work collaboratively to lead the development and implementation of evidence-based, population-focused community health nursing interventions. The impact of increasing societal and cultural changes across the lifespan will be analyzed. Students will incorporate theoretical concepts of community-based health promotion and disease prevention of vulnerable populations into their nursing practice. The two-credit South Africa study abroad incorporates home stays, city living, lectures/class discussions, readings, and other assignments into studies of South African dialects and human-environment interactions.

Location Description

South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. With a rich history and cultural heritage, it offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. South Africa is a popular tourist destination, known for its world-renowned wildlife reserves, including the famous Kruger National Park; which students will have a chance to experience.South Africa offers a one-of-a-kind experience, with its stunning landscapes, unique culture, and diverse opportunities. South Africa, especially Johannesburg, is a cultural melting pot, where you will find all 11 official languages spoken in what is informally called Fanakalo. Limpopo province offers a range of vibrant traditions and customs. South Africa is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a blend of adventure, history, and modernity.

South Africa is the most exotic country in the African continent; in size, it is three times the size of Texas. South Africa is also known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural diversity, and wildlife Safaris. Some fun facts about South Africa: the Lion, the cheetah and the wildebeest are three of the fastest animals in the world and they all live in South Africa. This program offers the students an opportunity to experience the two extremely different provinces in one county. Gauteng Province is one of the smallest provinces; nicknamed “the place of gold” because it had a lot of gold mines where people from all over the country went for work. Currently, Johannesburg is buzzling with the young up-and-coming South African entrepreneurs. Additionally, the apartheid museum and the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage is located here. Limpopo Province is a mosaic of superb scenic landscape, a fascinating cultural heritage, an abundance of wildlife species. Cultural experiences include architectural and archaeological treasures, culinary activities, festivals or events, historic or heritage, sites, monuments and landmarks, museums and exhibitions, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, religious venues, temples and churches.

Director

Modjadji Choshi | choshimm@jmu.edu | School of Nursing

Accommodations

Accommodations are provided throughout the program.

Students will be in shared double rooms.

All meals will be provided as part of the program. In many instances, meals will be included as part of the accommodation. In other cases, students will receive stipends to cover food costs.

Additional Items to Consider

All students must have a valid passport to travel. Because we will be in South Africa for approximately 17 days, students who are United States citizens do not require a visa to enter South Africa.

While in the city of Johannesburg and Polokwane we will have internet access; students must consult with their cell phone service provider for international service programs. The international service usually costs $10/24hrs.

Tentative Itinerary, subject to change: January 2nd: Arrive OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Gauteng province. January 2-5: Stay in Johannesburg. January 5: Travel to Polokwane Limpopo province (3hrs drive). January 5: Stay in Polokwane for 12 days. Go to a safari during the weekend while in Polokwane (January 10-12) January 18th: Travel back to the US.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 3.0

Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors in all majors

Student must have completed Nursing Semester 3 Fall 2025 and starting Nursing Semester 4 Spring 2026.The program is primarily designed for Nursing Community Health Clinical (NSG 453L)