Contemporary Issues in International Public Health - South Africa

2009 Program Dates: June 12-28, 2009

Highlights

Includes guided travel to diverse regions of South Africa, including Cape Town and Kruger National Park
Visit to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 25 years
Visit to Cradle of Humankind, home of some of the most exciting archaeological finds in history
Nature and wildlife encounters at Kruger National Park and DeWildt Cheetah Reserve Earn academic credit from Purdue University (transferable to your home degree)
Learn about Public Health from an international perspective

The Program

This course is taught by Dr. James D. McGlothlin, a Faculty Scholar in the College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Sciences at Purdue University. The 3-credit program comprises lectures, industry case studies, workshops, guest speakers, field excursions and travel throughout the most spectacular areas of South Africa. It will provide students with a uniquely engaging and enriching way of learning about public health from an international perspective.

Dr. McGlothlin will present most of the lectures, but will seek additional guest lectures who are experts in South Africa. This course will be taught primarily in a classroom setting, but some lectures may occur on historic sites where significant public health activities occurred. Last year, Dr. McGlothlin led previous programs to Australia (2006) and India, Cambodia, and Thailand (2007).

Locations and Guided Travel

The program commences in Johannesburg, a vibrant city with a diverse population that reflects the new South African spirit. Jo'burg, as it's called, is today a posterchild for urban renewal and social regeneration. From here, we visit the DeWildt Cheetah Reserve for an up-close-and-personal encounter with these famed cats, and the Cradle of Humankind where some of the oldest fossil remains in the world have been found.

The program continues to Kruger National Park. Sprawling over 6.2 million acres, this is the Africa that legends are made of. The Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffaloes, and black rhinos) roam the savanna and this is truly one of the best safari destinations on the planet. Morning and night drives are sure to be awe-inspiring.

The final stop in this amazing journey through the top of Africa is Cape Town, a city that truly boasts an extraordinary view. With the stunning sandstone figure of Table Mountain forming the backdrop, diversity reigns supreme in Cape Town. From zebra and wildebeest grazing peacefully on mountainous slopes to trend cafes and eclectic shopping, this is a vibrant city perched on the very tip of the continent. While here, you will have the opportunity to spy penguins at Boulders Bay, take in the fantastic scenery of Winelands, and experience a taste of the country's colonial legacy.

Download the full itinerary here.

Accommodations

Students will be accommodated in modern and comfortable western style hotels while in South African cities. At Kruger National Park, students will be housed in safari camp accommodations.

Hotels will include the following or similar substitutes. Due to strict South African reservation policies, the exact hotels will be determined at a later date.

Joannesburg: Valley Lodge

Kruger National Park: Kapama River Lodge, Protea Hotel Hazyview

Cape Town: Protea President Hotel

Program Fee

The 2009 cost for land arrangements is $2,955. The academic component and 3-credit hours of tuition from Purdue University is $993. Students are required to purchase insurance for $32. The total for the entire program is $3,980 plus an estimated $1,700 - $2,300 for international flights to South Africa and two domestic flights within South Africa. Domestic flights in the US will be extra and vary depending on your home city. The program includes all accommodation, comprehensive arrival orientation, ground transportation, academic credit from Purdue University, various excursions and tours, entrance fees to National Parks, cultural centers, etc. and all breakfasts. Students will incur additional costs for personal spending, additional meals and extra travel. A full itinerary is provided upon application to the program.

Travel

The Education Abroad Network will assist students in booking international airfare. We will also arrange all internal flights within South Africa. Upon application participants will be provided more airfare details.

Credit

Participants in the program are able to obtain credits through universities and colleges in the United States. This program is approved by Purdue University and students will receive their grades on a Purdue University transcript. Credit transfer (generally 3.0 U.S. credits) is subject to home institution regulations so please consult your academic advisor for guidance. Purdue will provide all documentation to institutions to assist in credit transfer. A complete syllabus will be available upon admission into the program.

Eligibility

In order to participate on the program students must be currently enrolled in a degree-granting institution, have completed one year of coursework on a college or university campus by the program start date, and achieved a minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0. However applications will be reviewed by examining the student’s overall application materials including: Course of Study, Letters of Recommendation, and Personal Statement. If you fall below the GPA requirement, please contact The Education Abroad Network to discuss your eligibility to participate in the program. There are no pre-requisites required.