Photo courtesy of Stellenbosch University Students from Stellenbosch University smile while sporting their school colors. Stellenbosch University is home to approximately 28,000 students, more than 3,000 of which are studying abroad.

Photo courtesy of Stellenbosch University
Students from Stellenbosch University smile while sporting their school colors. Stellenbosch University is home to approximately 28,000 students, more than 3,000 of which are studying abroad.

By Maddison Cervantes

Beginning in July 2015, the University of Nevada, Reno’s University Studies Abroad Consortium will send select students on an educational and culturally diverse venture through the heart of the South African wine country.

The Western Cape Province of Stellenbosch, South Africa will provide an opportunity for USAC students to explore the country’s archaeological, biological and ecological variety. These elements have created a location that accommodates students interested in studying multiple subjects.

UNR students that study abroad will enroll in courses and earn credits at Stellenbosch University.

According to Kim Stenderup, coordinator at the USAC University Relations Department, the goal behind the program is to offer students interested in studying in Africa a second and different option from the existing USAC Ghana program.

“USAC’s Ghana program, now in its 13th year, does an excellent job of exposing students to West African history, traditions and cultures but it cannot begin to capture all aspects of the extremely diverse African continent,” Stenderup said. “South Africa is a newly industrialized country with significant regional influence, and a unique history of racial, ethnic and political interactions.”

According to Stenderup, students participating in the program will be able to choose from a variety of courses, from arts and social sciences to general sciences, education, engineering and economics. Each of these courses will be offered in English.

USAC students can also enroll in courses primarily for international students, such as African languages and South African perspectives on economics, theology, public health and politics.

Aside from Stellenbosch University’s selection of subjects, Stenderup believes that exploring the South African landscape is also a valuable experience.

Spenser Blank, a university relations student worker for USAC’s central office and a UNR senior, has been involved in spreading the word about the program. Although Blank will not be on the trip, he finds the Stellenbosch program to be one of the most unique options from USAC.

“Students will have many opportunities to immerse themselves in the South African culture. With close proximity to Cape Town, USAC students will have access to beaches, museums and other phenomenal activities,” Blank said.
Blank went on to explain the Stellenbosch “Matie Buddy” program, and how it differentiates the Stellenbosch trip from others that USAC offers.

“USAC students will have the opportunity to partner with a student from Stellenbosch,” Blank said. “The program is a great opportunity for students to get accustomed to living in Stellenbosch, as well as have a friend to take them to unique places that students may not know about in the city.”

Along with the buddy system, Blank believes that studying at Stellenbosch University is one of the most beneficial aspects of the program.

Belen Figueroa-Cazares, a student marketing employee for USAC and a UNR senior, has explored programs similar to the South African venture, studying abroad in Bangalore, India in the fall of 2013. She also agrees that the cultural opportunities provided in South Africa are valuable.

A journalism and international affairs major, Figueroa-Cazares found herself comfortable working with the USAC organization.

Figueroa-Cazares is enthused by USAC’s breaking ground in South Africa. The socioeconomic structure of the country fascinates Figueroa-Cazares, and she said that if it were not for her graduation date in May 2015, she would be headed to Stellenbosch in July.

“While I always encourage fellow students to study abroad where their hearts take them, I also believe in challenging them to step out of their comfort zones and discover what being globally aware and engaged really means,” Figueroa-Cazares said. “South Africa is rich in culture and has a beautiful and complicated history. Is it daunting? Yes, but it’s also exciting, and thrilling. It’s not just new, it’s different.”

Figueroa-Cazares believes that studying in a place like Stellenbosch, where the struggles of communication are amplified, will help students to become one with their global leadership abilities and allow students to put these skills to good use.

Students will be able to practice these leadership skills and reside in the Western Cape Province for an affordable price during their stay.

USAC works to provide students with the most cost-friendly study abroad programs possible. According to the website, the average for most semester-long USAC study abroad programs are between $5,000-$8,000, placing the upcoming trip to Stellenbosch in the lower price range at $5,920 for the program fee. Along with varying price options, USAC also offers program-specific interactive budget sheet tools on the website. With these budget sheets, students have the ability to estimate the full costs associated with their study abroad experience before applying to the program of their choice.

Stenderup said three students have submitted applications for the Stellenbosch program, leaving 10 spots open for the first semester in South Africa (July-December 2015.) The deadline to apply for the upcoming trip is Feb. 15, 2015.

The first session will begin when the South African spring semester begins in July. The next session will be held during UNR’s spring semester (January-June 2016,) with another option being the entire South African academic year (January-December 2016.)

Stenderup stated that USAC’s mission is to offer programs that are unique to study abroad, and that allow students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to succeed in the global society of the 21st century.

“South Africa, and Stellenbosch as well, are definitely ‘off the beaten path’ and unique study abroad locations,” Stenderup said. “South Africa’s particular history and current social climate make it an ideal location for students to learn how to live and interact with a diverse group of peoples that are working together to improve their nation.”

Maddison Cervantes can be reached at mcervantes@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @madcervantes.