Faculty, students experience South Africa

By Richard D. Berrett        
Professor of Child and Family Sciences

On occasion there are those experiences that have a lasting impact on life.  Visiting a foreign country is such an opportunity.  From Cape Town to Johannesburg , from ancient history to contemporary challenges, from apartheid to President Mandela, 10 Fresno State students and two faculty members experienced the complexity of South Africa during the summer of 2003.

Through readings, lectures, site visits and service-learning, participants explored the historical, political, and cultural aspects of this intriguing country.  Special features included a service-learning placement related to student areas of interest and the option to live with South African families for part of the tour.

It was unanimous; this experience changed my life.  Fortunately another group of 11 students is preparing for the Experience South Africa course during the summer of 2004.

For more information about the experience, see PDF file report.