SIT Study Abroad: South Africa: Internship in Diplomacy, Politics & International Relations

I had an absolutely unforgettable time during my Summer in South Africa! This was my first time ever leaving the United States, and I feel so unbelievably lucky that this was my first destination. I met such wonderful people, those within the program and locals alike. The staff at SIT Durban were incredible and provided us with an incredibly comprehensive overview of the country so that we felt at ease. There was a perfect level of structure and free time, allowing us to explore on our own and with the help of those with experience living in the Global South. I learned so much here, and I will truly never forget it. I will definitely be back one day!

I cannot recommend a study abroad program in South Africa enough, especially in a location like Durban in KwaZulu Natal. Durban’s rich history and evolution of the city provide an environment that is incredibly fertile with knowledge and significance. I saw the opportunity of traveling to South Africa as both an academic and personal challenge. Starting in Johannesburg, moving to Durban (our home base), and ending our semester in Cape Town, I enjoyed getting a brief glimpse into different areas of South Africa. I quickly became acquainted and aware of the country's history of struggle and liberation movements that led to apartheid ending through conversations I had with activists as well as the many museum visits the program entails. South African people are very funny and the Bolt adventures en-route to different places were when I met some of the most entertaining people. Durban’s location on the coast allowed easy access to the beach and shops near the beach. While it did get very humid towards the end of the semester, the weather was nice for most of the program which I enjoyed.

Additionally, visits to the US Embassy in Mozambique, and organizations like SAIIA and ACCORD, helped me become informed on South-South Relations through these experiences and understand South Africa's position on the global stage from a non-Western perspective.

The homestays were extremely rewarding and enlightening, especially the rural homestay, where we became exposed to life that was separate from the connectivity and hustle, we are used to. I loved this homestay so much and wished it had been longer. Homestays were some of my favorite experiences on the program because I truly understood how different families operate based on their circumstances and differing values.

I will emphasize how good the support from program staff was through emotional, logistical, and academic challenges for me. They took care of me and our academic director and program manager made themselves available to talk to and support me about different challenges I was going through. We were informed by them of book launches, historical talks, and other events we could attend on our own time, some which I took advantage of. Our driver was also one of the funniest and most engaging South Africans I met in the office, who I thoroughly enjoyed conversing with.

The ISP portion of the semester was by far the most stressful and the most academically rewarding experience of the program. I chose to research a former female activist and combatant within the underground armed wing of the African National Congress. This project took me to different parts of KwaZulu Natal, where I was able to meet prominent activists and learn from them firsthand, what it meant to make history and hear about their relations to my subject.

I cannot recommend this program enough and all of the amazing memories that I gained because of the choice to go to South Africa. The cohort I traveled with will remain lifelong connections and friends, and I will always remember the kindness I received from the South Africans I became close with.