Location

Polokwane, South Africa

Program Description

This one-of-a-kind study abroad is designed to serve nursing and majors from many different disciplines. Students will explore the histories and the diversity of cultures in South Africa and their impact on the healthcare system and practice across different settings. Students will explore the breadths of rural living, significant cities' impacts, the other uses of land and water, and the potential of sustainable renewables. During this experience, students will be nurtured/supported to be global citizens who are aware of and sensitive to the complex global human-environment interaction crisis impacting societal well-being and willing to act competently.

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 homestays, city living, lectures/class discussions, readings, and other assignments into studies of South African dialects and human-environment interactions.

Location Description

Students will be based in Polokwane City, Marowe Village Limpopo Province in South Africa.

During this study abroad, students can explore Kruger National Park to see South Africa's Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo). Kruger National Park is one of the biggest parks in Africa, featured in the Safari Tours and the National Geographic channel. Students might also have the opportunity to see Victoria Falls, a six-hour drive from Polokwane City.

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 14 days, students who are United States citizens do not require a visa to enter South Africa.

While in the city of 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.

Applicant Criteria

Open to juniors and seniors in all majors.

Students must be in good academic standing.

Nursing Majors must be in their 4th semester and co-enroll in NSG 453 and NSG 453L courses.