EDU Africa

I would advise someone to ask about courtesy when visiting people's homes. After we visited a particular location, I contacted our host (who provided lunch, conversation, and dancing for my group and me). I asked if she had any recommendations for us for the next time, and she said that it would be appreciated if we brought small gifts for the ladies in the group.

Also, I'm going to encourage my next group of students to remember that many times, the accommodations may be smaller than they expect. Because we stayed in hostels in major cities (Johannesburg and Cape Town), the rooms were smaller than they were typically accustomed to in parts of the United States.

Each day was jam packed with activities and learning experiences. Be prepared to wake up early and meet a wide variety of people from community members to magistrates and attorneys to museum docents. Students should be prepared to think critically about the issues and topics, ask questions, and reflect on what they learned.

In Cape Town, the students were able to explore the area, dine out, and enjoy the night life!

Before we left, I was nervous that many of my students would be nervous or hesitant to immerse themselves in the culture. They surprised me, though, because many of them jumped right in! They asked questions, tried new foods, danced with local community members, and explored areas that were completely new and foreign to them. I was really proud of them for their willingness to learn, especially because many of them had never left the country to experienced urban settings before the trip.

For future trips, I will continue to encourage students to be open-minded and inquisitive, and I will remember that my students will constantly surprise me!

My favorite part of the trip was our tour guides, Nompilo and Alfonso. They were so helpful and fun! They made sure that they answered all of our questions, made sure we were always safe, and consistently went above and beyond the call of duty. Both were incredibly knowledgeable, and they often explained or clarified things based on their own perspectives. I'm lucky to now call them my friends, and I look forward to seeing them again soon!

The entire trip was incredible for me. I had been to Johannesburg in 2012 for an academic conference, but it paled in comparison to this trip. I learned so much about the rich history and many cultures that make up South Africa, and meeting people and hearing their experiences made each activity and interaction meaningful and intimate. I feel like there's so much more to learn, and I can't wait to go back. I thank EDU Africa, Nomplio, Alfonso, and Sara (SVC Study Abroad Coordinator) for the amazing opportunity!

This is tough -- so many of our students have great stories. The best ones are those that show students' maturation; that studying abroad in Africa has challenged their preconceptions and stereotypes, made them kinder and more compassionate, and encouraged them to broaden their thinking on multiple levels.

The Ecology program in Kenya!

It's interdisciplinary, it offers students access to world-class academics in the form of Dr. Sharon Kahara and Dr. Stewart Thompson, and it raises much-needed awareness about the wonderful projects of restoration underway in Kenya (forest, wetlands, and savannah). Students also spend the bulk of the program in the Maasai Mara (which is really a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list destination), meaningfully contributing to research in the area.

I think our commitment to the transformation of the students that travel with us, as well as a commitment to ensuring students have a positive impact on the communities and countries they engage with in Africa, is unique. Additionally, we're more than just a ground-handler: we're invested and engaged with the educational aspects of the programs we facilitate.

A commitment to, and belief in, the value of Family.

It is certainly one of EDU Africa's core values and ensures that we treat each other with loyalty, empathy, and respect (even though we may disagree at times!). The students and faculty that travel with us are an extension of that family, and I do think it's what makes us successful.