Snapshot
Dates
| Term | Application Deadline | Confirmation Deadline | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2027 | February 1, 2027 | February 14, 2027 | TBD | TBD |
About the Program
Program Highlights
- Learn about South Africa’s history, culture, and social welfare system
- Visit places of historical and cultural significance including: Robben Island, District Six Museum, Iziko Slave Lodge, Tabletop Mountain, and Bo Kaap Neighborhood
- See South Africa's vibrant wildlife via biking, hiking, birding, and snorkeling
- Tour the world famous "Garden Route" along South Africa's rugged southern coast
- Take a guided tour of Addo Elephant National Park
Program Overview
Spend an unforgettable two weeks immersed in South Africa’s rich culture and vibrant ecosystems. Meet with local social workers to gain insight into South Africa’s social welfare systems and learn how a history of colonialism and Apartheid has shaped South Africa’s social and political landscape.
In Cape Town, you’ll stand where history was made on Robben Island, visit the place Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and walk through the powerful exhibits of the District Six Museum, which tells the story of communities forcibly removed during Apartheid. At the Iziko Slave Lodge, you’ll confront the deeper roots of both inequality and resilience that continue to shape South Africa today. You’ll also experience the vibrant culture of neighborhoods like Bo-Kaap, known for its colorful homes and rich cultural heritage, and take in sweeping ocean views from Table Mountain. Then, connect with a local social work program during our tour of Stellenbosch University before embarking on a hike through the breathtaking Jonkershoek Nature Reserve via the aptly named Panorama Trail.
During the second week, you will tour South Africa’s renowned Garden Route, where questions of environment, community, and wellbeing intersect. As you travel through diverse landscapes, you’ll explore how access to social services varies between urban and rural areas and how environmental factors shape community resilience. Guided excursions in Garden Route National Park and Addo Elephant National Park offer not only incredible encounters with nature and wildlife, but also a deeper understanding of conservation, sustainability, and their connections to social equity.
Academics
Prerequisites:
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Students may participate in study abroad anytime after freshman year (or completing 24 college credits post completion of high school). Note: Students may apply to a program during freshman year but must have completed freshman year in good standing to participate in the program.
South Africa Social Welfare, ILSA 4555/5555, 3 credits
Course Topics:
Objective 1: Gain knowledge about the host country, including South Africa’s history, culture and the social welfare system.
Objective 2: Identify and describe how personal experiences, identity, culture, and biases contribute to worldview and engagement with other cultures.
Objective 3: Analyze your own cross-cultural responsiveness.
Objective 4: Reflect on the impact of the international experience on your personal and professional identity and apply knowledge as it relates to your chosen major/profession.
This course is approved to count for:
- Liberal Education: Global Perspectives Category
Cost Information
Use this cost estimate to help calculate expenses and budget for your study abroad program. This includes all program fees billed to your UMD student account and necessary out-of-pocket expenses. Please note that cost estimates and fees may change depending on international economic factors. We will post final fees once enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined in order to provide the most accurate pricing. We strive to post final fees by October 1 for Winter and Spring programs, March 1 for May/Summer programs, and May 1 for Fall and Academic Year programs. This cost does not include the $50 application fee.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Scholarships are Available!
- Financial aid applies! Share the cost estimate with One Stop Student Services to understand how your financial aid can contribute to your study abroad program.
- Note: Credits taken on study abroad programs cannot be used toward the Bulldog Bundle.
Travel Documents
Get a passport right on campus! Processing times vary, but it can take several weeks to a few months to receive one. If you already have a passport, make sure its expiration date goes at least 6 months beyond the end date of your program so it's valid the entire time you're abroad.
Contact
Program Instructors
Sandra van den Bosse, MSW, LGSW, is a faculty member in the Department of Social Work at the University of Minnesota Duluth where she teaches and directs the undergraduate program. Born and raised in the Netherlands, she has lived in several different countries and traveled extensively in Europe and South East Asia. She’s an avid birder, biker and hiker.
UMD College of Education and Human Service Professions
Dept. of Social Work
BohH 208
218-726-6071
[email protected]
Jon Phillips, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of Minnesota Duluth where he teaches courses in theory, policy, and research. He has rock climbed all over the western United States, sailed throughout the Caribbean, and has travelled to Europe and South Africa.
UMD College of Education and Human Service Professions
Dept. of Social Work
BohH 203
218-726-607386
[email protected]
Study Abroad Instructor-Led Program Coordinator
Apply
Before you click on the "Start my application" button below, make sure you know how to identify the correct program by searching for the:
- Program Name: UMD - Instructor-Led: Social Work in South Africa - Summer Session;
and the - Term (e.g. Summer 2027)
A $50 non-refundable application fee will be billed to your One Stop account upon submission of an application.
After you apply
- After approximately 20 minutes, you will see checklist items for you to complete.
- All application checklist items need to be submitted by the application deadline which is noted near the top of the page.
- Your UMD Program Contact will review your application materials.
- You must complete the Confirmation of Participation form to confirm your participation.
- Once we receive your confirmation, your UMD account will be billed a confirmation deposit.
If you decide you cannot participate, you must log in to the online application system and submit the "Cancellation Request form."
Program health and safety information
is available at GO SAFE.
