One student's experience:
Economic Studies in South Africa

Graduate Student Jamilah Stephens enrolled in the 2005 Economics Study Abroad program. Here is her account of the experience.

During Maymester 2005 a small group of travelers visited South Africa as part of the joint study abroad program between the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University and the Division of Economics and Business Administration at Morehouse College. The group was led by Dr. Glenwood Ross, a Morehouse College economics professor and an AYSPS adjunct faculty member. Dr. Ross, who also teaches a spring semester course on the economy of South Africa has directed this program for five years and has regularly traveled to this region of the world since the 1980s.

For two of the group's travelers, this trip was their first opportunity to journey overseas. One was an elementary school student from North Georgia who was traveling with his grandfather, a GSU alumnus. The other was myself, the sole female traveler and a graduate student in the Nonprofit Management certificate program in AYSPS. Finally, two recent Morehouse College graduates rounded out the diverse group which, together with Dr. Ross, totaled six.

In an effort to prepare myself for the Maymester trip, I enrolled in the undergraduate course The Economy of South Africa that was offered in the Spring. I soon learned from Dr. Ross that the course would be taught from a sub-Saharan context with an emphasis on the southern region of the African continent. More specifically, the lessons focused on the historical development of South Africa and its current political and socio-economic challenges and prospects. The course compared and contrasted developments in South Africa with those in other parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The course was a perfect entrée to the study abroad program. It provided me with the necessary background to more fully appreciate the experienced that were to come.

The itinerary for the Maymester trip was thoughtfully planned to include visits to many historical landmarks. From walking through the home in which Nelson Mandela lived to hearing formal lectures given by doctoral students and faculty members of the University of Pretoria to going on a real safari, the entire trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I learned a lot about myself during this trip. My favorite aspect of the journey was meeting the beautiful South African people as we traveled from Pretoria to Johannesburg and finally to the city of Cape Town. South Africans have skin in various hues and their lives are as varied as ours in the United States. From young African Ph.D. students studying at the University of Pretoria to older Indian women whose descent and lineage also lies within this great country, every person I spoke to was warm, respectful, and beamed of immense pride not only for their people but also their land. Everyone I met was accommodating of the visitors from the U.S. and had a generous spirit overall.

Today when I refer to this trip in casual conversation, people are amazed by the fact that I had an opportunity to travel throughout South Africa. I am often asked what the country is like and whether I enjoyed the trip. My answer is always in the affirmative and in addition to expressing my interest in returning to this part of the world I encourage others to do so too.

Twelve days is hardly enough time to venture beneath the surface of any great city. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina I am inspired by the citizens of Louisiana as they work to preserve their culture despite massive destruction of this natural disaster. However, twelve days is long enough to know that at least in these parts of South Africa, or even Louisiana, wherever there is evidence of human life whether at home or overseas people are more alike than different.

This concept is simple, almost trite, yet always overlooked. I believe that learning about other nation's cultures and history is important especially as a student in one of the most culturally diverse institutions in Georgia. In the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, one does not have to look far beyond the eponymous name to understand the impact that one person can have on international relations and community service. In the same spirit of international collaboration between countries, faculty members conduct policy research and have a teaching relationship with many countries in the far reaches of the globe.

As a student ambassador of Georgia State University , I look forward to my next study abroad trip planned for Maymester 2006. I'm grateful for the South African experience and look forward to my next journey. This time, I'll be a seasoned veteran of traveling overseas and I hope to touch as many, if not more, lives that touched mine while in South Africa.

An inside look into my initial impressions and experience during this trip follow:

Day One: Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Arrived in South Africa at Johannesburg International Airport in the morning. The group all piled into a van and traveled more than one hour to our lodging at the University of Pretoria High Performance Centre.

Day Two: Wednesday, May 25, 2005

The first stop of the day was a tour of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). The SABC is the state owned broadcaster in South Africa and was for many years a monopoly, controlled by the white minority National Party government. After stopping for lunch at Mike's Kitchen, the group visited the Apartheid Museum at Gold Reef City. The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and is known as the leading museum in the world dealing with apartheid in South Africa during the 20 th century. The museum illustrates the rise and fall of Apartheid and allows visitors to tour the facility through a whites or blacks only path. The exhibits include film footage, photographs, text panels and artifacts highlighting events and human accounts that are part of the history of apartheid.

Day Three: Thursday, May 26, 2005

On the morning of day three, the group heard lectures at the University of Pretoria. The first lecture was given by Moses Sichei on Kenya. The second lecture was given by Professor Chris Harmse who provided an extensive presentation on the history and economy of South Africa. After leaving the University of Pretoria, the group traveled to The Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria. The monument was constructed in 1937 in honor of the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854. The tour of Pretoria continued with visits to the Union Buildings and Church Square. The Union Buildings is South African Parliament which convenes in the winter months. In the summer months it moves to Cape Town. Church Square is dominated by a large bronze statue of Paul Kruger, the first president of the South African Republic.

Day Four: Friday, May 27, 2005

Today, the group heard lectures at the University of Pretoria. The first lecture was given by Jacques Kimbambe on the Democratic Republic of Congo. The second lecture was presented by Margaret Mabugu on the background and history of land reform in Zimbabwe. Next, the group had lunch at Wandies Place, a restaurant named after Wandi Ndaba who started operating an illegal shebeen from his Soweto house in 1981. Ten years later, the restaurant was licensed and the popular eatery now serves local dignitaries and celebrities and is a tourist's destination that attracts an average of 100 visitors per day.

After lunch the day's tour remained in Soweto as the group visited The Mandela Family Museum in Orlando West, Soweto. The museum consists of the former home of South African president Nelson Mandela and a restaurant located across the street which was created by Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. The house contains memorabilia, photographs, and honorary degrees awarded to Nelson Mandela from various colleges and universities around the world. As a final stop of the day the group went to the Hector Pieterson Museum which is dedicated to the memory of Hector Pieterson and the June 1976 Soweto riots. Hector Pieterson became the image of the Soweto riots when a picture of him being held by a fellow student after suffering a gunshot wound was published around the world. The museum is located two blocks away from where Hector was shot and later died at the age of 12.

Day Five: Saturday, May 28, 2005

The group arrived at Pilanesberg National Park around lunchtime. The park is located in the Bojanala Region of the North West province. The park is one the largest volcanic complexes of its kind and contains a large lake called the Mankwe Dam. Pilanesberg is home to the "Big 5". Animals spotted on the evening game drive included: owls, giraffes, and impala, zebras, and a rarely spotted brown hyena.

Day Six: Sunday, May 29, 2005

Before leaving Pilanesberg National Park , the students set out on an early morning safari drive. Animals spotted during the day included: impala, Egyptian geese, elephants, white rhino, ostriches, giraffes, warthogs, wildebeest, zebra, a small pride of lions, one baboon, and various species of birds. After leaving the game park the students were driven to Sun City, an entertainment and casino complex. Sun City is the inspiration of self-made millionaire hotelier Sol Kerzner in the 1970s. Today, the resort continues to attract visitors to its many attractions which include the recently added Kwena Gardens where Nile crocodiles can be viewed in their natural habitat.

Day Seven: Monday, May 30, 2005

On this day, the students visited the Lesidi cultural village for an overnight stay. Lesidi is located north of Johannesburg. The village is dedicated to the four African tribes (Zulu, Basotho, Xhosa, and Pedi). After the presentation, guests are entertained by an African dance routine. Overnight guests are treated to a traditional African cultural program that begins with a video presentation of the history of these tribes. Finally, guests are treated to a Pan African buffet in the Nyama Choma restaurant where kudu and zebra meat were served.

Day Eight: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

The students embarked on a short flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town, South Africa. After the group checked into our hotel rooms, we traveled to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for dinner. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is located between Robben Island and Table Mountain in a harbor. The waterfront has a spectacular backdrop of mountain and ocean views and is home to various entertainment, food, and retail outlets.

Day Nine: Wednesday, June 1, 2005

Today, the students toured Cape Town. First, they took a ferry to Hout Bay Harbour and Seal Island. Next they trekked to Table Mountain, the city's signature tourist attraction. Members of the group took a cable car to the top of the mountain where one can gain spectacular views of the city at over 3,500 feet. After having lunch at Two Oceans Restaurant, which is set into the cliffs above Cape Peninsula, they all traveled to Table Mountain National Park to view African penguins.

Day Ten: Thursday, June 2, 2005

The group traveled around Cape Town, South Africa. After touring various neighborhoods and learning about the history of British and Dutch presence in the architecture of Cape Town 's most popular areas, Cape Malay and Wall Street. Then the group visited the District 6 Museum. Next, the group was given a walking tour of Langa Township one of Cape Town 's oldest townships. The informal settlement is a legacy of apartheid, home to about 100,000 Capetonians living in houses ranging from shacks to formal buildings, and facing all the economic challenges and opportunities of a country in the process of transformation. At last, the students traveled to Stellenbosch Vineyards where they received a tour of the vineyard and an inside look into the process of harvesting wine.

Day Eleven: Friday, June 3, 2005

On the final full day of the trip, the group was given a tour of the diamond jewelry store, Shimansky Collection, located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The store contains both a factory and showroom on the premises. In the on-site workshops, the group was able to view actual jewelry manufacturing, diamond cutting, and polishing first-hand. Next, the group traveled to Robben Island. Robben Island is located 12 km off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa in Table Bay. Since the end of the 17th century, Robben Island is known as a prison which was mainly used to isolate political leaders in South Africa. The most notable political prisoners include Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and Govan Mbkei. From 1896 to 1931, the island was used as a leper colony. Today the island is a popular tourist destination and declared a World Heritage Site in 1999. Nelson Mandela, wore prisoner number 64446 and was held in Cell #5 for 18 of the 27 years that he was imprisoned. During his confinement here, he wrote the book A Long Walk to Freedom.

Day Twelve: Saturday, June 4, 2005

The group enjoyed a full morning at leisure before departing their hotel in Cape Town, South Africa. A full day of traveling awaited them. First, they flew from Cape Town back to Johannesburg, their first destination. Next, the students boarded the long flight from Johannesburg, South Africa, back to Atlanta, Georgia.

Day Thirteen: Sunday, June 5, 2005

Arrive in Atlanta.

Although each member of the small group of students is unique in terms of their background and knowledge, they all safely returned to Atlanta having learned not only that humanity is the same in all nations throughout the world but also that this travel abroad experience was the tie that bound them as Americans here at home.