Summer Block: May 11 through July 3, 2025
Travel Dates: May 11 through May 25, 2025
Leaders: Dr. Wesley Long and Jennifer Jarvis-Denny, MHR
This course is designed to teach students about the history of apartheid (the system of institutionalized racial segregation that existed in South Africa from 1948 to 1994) and show them, firsthand, the current state of race relations in South Africa from the perspective of local civic leaders, education administrators, cultural icons, and individuals who experienced apartheid. This in-depth, in-country study will help students conceptualize the process of building race relations that has occurred in a short 28-year span, after the abolishment of apartheid, while also identifying the obstacles that still exist for many racial groups formerly marginalized by law. Through impactful educational lectures, meaningful observation of the cultural healing of a nation, and hands-on community service, students will gain a new perspective of their own culture and how they can be an agent of positive change within their home communities while maintaining long-standing relationships with individuals in a nation who are also on a journey of healing.
Program Requirements: Students must have a passport valid through six months after the conclusion of the study abroad program. For this program, students must have a passport valid until December 2025.
| Day | Date | Itinerary |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | May 11, 2025 | Depart from OKC in the morning. Travel overnight. |
| Monday | May 12, 2025 | Arrive in Cape Town early afternoon and transfer to the Taj hotel for check-in and dinner. Attend welcome and orientation in hotel. |
| Tuseday | May 13, 2025 | Visit Boulder Beach, Cape of Good Hope, and Cape Point. Lunch at Cape Point restaurant. Afternoon with Ursula Williams, Founder of Children With a Need. |
| Wesnseday | May 14, 2025 | Conduct Capella House service-learning project. Lunch with Capella House Principal, Malie Ntshangase. Participate in small group discussions. Lunch at Moyo in Kirstenbosch. Lunch in botanical gardens with Community Cohesion. |
| Thurday | May 15, 2025 | Depart for Johannesburg early morning. Visit Soweto, Hector Pieterson Museum, Constitution Hill. Lecture from Banele Bunzi, local resident and guide. Discuss partnerships. Dine at Carnivore restaurant with Kirby Group. |
| Friday | May 16, 2025 | Visit Pilanesberg National Park. Dine in Mandela Square with Nathi Nyathi, director of Onthatile, and Kirby Group |
| Saturday | May 17, 2025 | Conduct service-learning project with Onthatile. Braai in the evening. |
| Sunday | May 18, 2025 | Visit Regina Mundi church. Attend local services and spend time with church leaders, conducting service-learning projects. |
| Monday | May 19, 2025 | Return to Cape Town at 9:30 a.m. Depart for Waterfront at 11:30 a.m. 1:00 visit to Robben Island. Dine at GOLD: Opulent African Cuisine at 8:00 p.m. |
| Tuseday | May 20, 2025 | Depart at 4:55 a.m. for sunrise hike on Table Mountain via Platteklip Gorge. Breakfast at hotel upon return. At 2:00, visit Stormers High Performance Centre. |
| Wedsenday | May 21, 2025 | Walk to local historic sites and visit the art fair. Small group discussions. Watch Mandela movie in the afternoon and listen to lecture. Dine at Waterfront. |
| Thursday | May 22, 2025 | Visit Nonceba to learn about the challenges women face in South Africa. Dine with partners. |
| Friday | May 23, 2025 | Morning lecture reflecting on service-learning projects. Create final in-country project in small groups and present to selected stakeholders. Farewell dinner with South African partners. |
| Saturday | May 24, 2025 | Small group meetings. Final lecture before return to U.S. Free time for last souvenir purchases and site visits. Prepare for evening departure. |
| Sunday | May 25, 2025 | Arrive in U.S. |
| *** Itinerary subject to slight changes to best accomplish academic objectives. For questions about specific itinerary details, contact Jennifer Jarvis-Denny at jjarvisdenny@ou.edu or 405-227-8885. | ||
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Budget Estimate: There are three cost categories for study abroad courses. The categories are tuition and campus fees, the program fee, and airfare.
a. Tuition and campus fees are based on a 3-hour course. The student’s enrollment status, resident or non-resident, along with college fees, will determine the amount billed to the student. This course takes place during the Summer Block (May 12 to July 3); therefore, it is possible to use rollover hours for this course. Also, students should consult with the financial aid office to see if additional aid , specific to study abroad, and any scholarshipsthey may receive from other sources may be applicable.
b. The program fee for this program is $5,700. This program fee is all inclusive. It includes lodging accommodations, all meals, in-country transportation, excursions associated with the course, and insurance. Students will need only spending money for personal needs and souvenirs. The application for the scholarship from the Human Relations department to cover a portion of the program fee will be available January 20 – January 26, 2025. Applicants will receive notification of the award by Monday, February 10, 2025. To reserve a space in this program, a nonrefundable $200 deposit is due by January 20, 2025. The remainder of the program fee will be due by March 3, 2025.
c. The airfare varies based on many factors. On average, the cost of airfare to travel to Cape Town, South Africa at this time is $1,400. The PITF is a scholarship through OU to cover the cost of airfare. The application deadline is March 1, 2025, with a decision date of March 7 th .
Orientation: Students must attend two pre-departure orientations. The orientation dates and times will be determined at a later time. During pre-departure orientations, we will discuss course and servicelearning details, a detailed packing list, conduct expectations while in country, inherent risks associated with international travel, potential mental and physical health challenges while traveling abroad, and traditions and customs specific to South Africa. The orientation will allow students the opportunity to ask any questions they may have to better prepare for the experience.
For more information, contact Damon Cravens at damoncravens@ou.edu or Jennifer Jarvis-Denny at jjarvisdenny@ou.edu. or 405-227-8885
