Study Abroad in Namibia - southern Africa
Augsburg College, Center for Global Education program in Namibia
Learn about Namibia and South Africa as they struggle to build nationhood, deal with the legacies of apartheid and colonialism, and the challenges posed by the rapid process of globalization in today's world; the challenges posted by under- and unequal development; and the long-term project of decolonizing the mind. Gain hands-on work experience in a development agency. Earn credit in Political Science, Religion, Interdisciplinary Studies, or History.
This program is based in Windhoek, Namibia, a modern city of 200,000 located in the geographical center of the country. The city reflects the German colonial influence as well as the impact of Apartheid and South African occupation. It is surrounded by hills, trees, gardens and greens that provide a contrast to the aridity of much of Namibia. English is the official language of Namibia however numerous indigenous African languages are also spoken.
Download the complete brochure.
This program is especially designed for study abroad students and there are a limited number of courses to choose from. Students enroll in 4 classes to receive 16 credits for the semester. Students choose 4 courses from the following:
- Racism and Resistance in Southern Africa and the U.S. : Struggles Against Colonialism, Apartheid and Segregation (History 327)
- The Development Process - Southern Africa (Interdisciplinary Studies 312)
- Political and Social Change in Namibia : A Comparative Perspective (Political Science 353)
- Religion and Social Change in Southern Africa (Religion 346)
- Internship
- Independent study
For complete course descriptions please visit their website. Since students can only take 4 courses on this program, students are able to use the SJU 4 Course Policy. This policy allows students to either 1) have a free elective waived or 2) take an overload and not be charged for it. For a full explanation of the 4 course policy please click here.
The academic calendar is similar to a typical semester at SJU, with Fall classes starting in early September and ending in mid-December and Spring classes starting in January and ending in May. This is a newly approved program and students will be responsible for gaining approval from Department Chairs for all of the courses taken abroad. Students will be expected to complete the SJU Study Abroad Course Approval Form before leaving for Namibia.
Students live dormitory-style in a large house in Windhoek West for most of the semester. During the trip to South Africa modest hotels and guest houses serve as accommodation. The program also includes an eight-day urban homestay in Katatura, Windhoek; a 10-day homestay with a rural family in northern Namibia; and a short homestay with an urban family in Soweto, Johannesburg.
- GPA Requirement: 2.5
- Must be in sophomore, junior or senior standing
- Must be in good academic and disciplinary standing
- Demonstrate an ability to adjust to new cultural and living situations
Students will remain registered at SJU and pay SJU tuition for the semester or year they will be studying abroad plus a Continuing Registration Fee of $100. Tuition rates are assessed to a student based on the student's primary matriculation at Saint Joseph's University as determined by the academic policies of the University.
Saint Joseph's University will then pay Augsburg College for the tuition portion of the program. Students will be responsible for all non-tuition fees associated with this program. To request a copy of the Financial Information Sheet which outlines additional estimated costs for this program, please send an email request to: cip@sju.edu
For information on scholarships and financial aid for study abroad visit our scholarships page.
You will need to complete several forms and return ALL of them to the CIP office. What to return to CIP as soon as possible:
1. SJU Study Abroad Application
2. Completed Augsburg College Study Abroad application: for a copy of the application please go to http://www.augsburg.edu/global/apaapplic.pdf
- Include a $50 application fee (check made payable to the Center for Global Education)
3. Two Recommendations: one (1) should be given to a faculty member who can judge your academic qualifications, and the other (2) should be given to a person particularly acquainted with your personal attributes, interests and activities, and who is not a fellow student or family member (use the recommendation forms on the Augsburg application - see above)
CIP will obtain a copy of your official transcript and forward it to Augsbug College on your behalf ONLY after we receive your completed application materials and your application is approved by our office.
A passport and visa are required for this program. If you do not already have a passport, go to the following site to apply for a passport: http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html
If you already have a passport check the validity dates. Your passport will need to be valid for 6 months after the END of your program. Details on how to apply for a visa will be provided to accepted students at a later date. You MUST have your passport before you can apply for a visa!