SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Community Health and Social Policy
- Location(s): Durban, South Africa
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad
SIT Study Abroad
Examine community-based health concerns from a South African perspective, exploring the roles of the South African state, the media, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) mobilizing existing assets on a community level.This program focuses on t... read more
All Reviews
I learned to be comfortable in any new situation and how to adapt. I also gained a much broader world view than what I began with. Miranda Powell - Tulane University View Entire Review
I learned so much -- not just about health in South Africa, but about my own interests. I was constantly challenged and put in situations that I have never faced. The people around me inspired me to keep going when it felt like I hit a wall, and in the end, I am grateful for the opportunity to have studied with SIT in Durban. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned more about everything from the people that live there and their customs, to me and the way I learn. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
My journey in South Africa was a humbling one. I learned about the health system, explored a topic of interest during my independent study project, and made friends and family that will last a lifetime. My host families openly shared their personal experiences with me, which not only taught me about their traditions and culture,... Joleen C - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned many things from my experience abroad, one would be how the greater sense of community in other societies play a role in many aspects of life, including health. It was definitely worthwhile. Joel B - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about South African healthcare and the challenges they face. This knowledge can be applied to my learnings about other healthcare systems. It was definitely a worthwhile experience. I also got to go to amazing and beautiful places and make new friends. It was a good break from regular college life. Alexander B - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Very worthwhile. I learned that I have so much, a lot about health and health care, and to chill out. A student - Tulane University View Entire Review
very worthwhile. I couldn't have planned a better program Telise F - Pacific Lutheran University View Entire Review
I learned a lot more about Community Health and Social Policy and learned a lot more about South Africa. I also learned how to be adaptable and to learn from and engage with new environments. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I gained an understanding of a new culture and new people, I gained wonderful connections with people and a sense of self. It was difficult many times but it was worthwhile. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about my spiritual and mental health because of my ISP. My class also talked about "whose reality counts." Taking in others' perspectives and others' truth is a huge takeaway Makayla - Bucknell University View Entire Review
I learned about the health issues facing an impoverished community. It was an incredible, worthwhile experience that helped shift my worldview. A student - Trinity University View Entire Review
I learned so much about another culture, but mostly I learned about myself. My views on health, wealth and the world were challenged this semester, and I am a more thoughtful and understanding person because of that. I learned about the realities facing South Africans, like the AIDS epidemic and Apartheid, and people's resilienc... Erica G - Brandeis University View Entire Review

Greater knowledge of South Africa as a country, particularly health issues, skills in carrying out primary research, greater knowledge of my abilities to handle challenging situations and of my strengths and weaknesses A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I loved this program and the opportunity to learn and participate in a new culture. I was offered a job in South Africa working in the clinic I did my ISP with and I would love to go back. After learning about Community health I am excited about Nursing school, where as before I was hesitant to start. I learned first hand abou... Kiersten D - Pacific Lutheran University View Entire Review
About
Examine community-based health concerns from a South African perspective, exploring the roles of the South African state, the media, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) mobilizing existing assets on a community level.
This program focuses on topics such as health communication strategies, prenatal care, access to healthcare, and health education. You will consider how various health paradigms — ranging from biomedical to holistic — and health policies have achieved mixed results in addressing the healthcare needs of South African people.
Major topics of study include:
- Healthcare delivery in rural South Africa, including the practice of prevention and promotion of healthcare
- The role of the media in promoting, communicating, or influencing health issues in South Africa
- The ways in which specific health issues in South Africa are being targeted or addressed
- Rural health and social justice
- The pharmaceutical industry
- Traditional healing
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- African Studies
- Medical Administrative Services
- Public Health
Website
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SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
Students who are Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Scholars will receive a $2,000 award for SIT Study Abroad semester or summer programs.
$2,000
To recognize and support alumni of EIL summer high school programs who also participate in SIT Study Abroad programs. $1,000 for semester programs and $500 for summer. A $400 scholarship is also available to students who indicate that they have an immediate family member who has participated in an EIL or its College Semester Abroad program.
$400 - $1,000
For students enrolled at Hispanic-serving institutions, including member institutions of HACU who demonstrate financial need, SIT will award a $3,000 scholarship for participation in a semester program and $2,000 for a summer program.
$2,000 - $3,000
For students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and who demonstrate financial need, SIT will award a $2,000 scholarship for participation in a semester program or $1,500 for a summer program.
$1,500 - $2,000
To recognize students participating in this community service program. Upon receipt of confirmation from a student’s Bonner mentor, SIT will award $2,500 for semester programs and $1,000 for summer programs.
$1,000 - $2,500
To recognize students participating in the National Security Education Program (NSEP) funded award, which focuses on study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to US interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Upon receipt of the student’s Boren confirmation letter, SIT will award a $1,000 scholarship.
$1,000
For students enrolled at Big 10 Academic Alliance universities. Eligible students demonstrating financial need will receive a $1,500 scholarship for semester programs and a $750 scholarship for summer programs.
$750 - $1,500
This is an automatic scholarship to recognize and support students who participate in two or more SIT Study Abroad programs, including alumni of short-term summer programs. The scholarship will be applied to a student’s second full term of study with SIT. The scholarship is $1,000 for a fall or spring semester program or $500 for a full-term, international summer program.
$500 - $1,000
An average of $4,500 (amount varies) is awarded to one female student, 22 years of age or younger, who demonstrates international awareness and a desire to create a more peaceful world through international exchange. This scholarship is available for summer programs only.
$4,500
This $10,000 scholarship opportunity is for one student per year. The student must demonstrate extreme financial need, attend an HBCU (or other minority-serving institution), be a first-generation college student, and have never previously traveled abroad.
$10,000
SIT matches Federal Pell Grant funding up to $2,500 for semester students who use their Pell Grant to help pay the cost of their SIT program. Students utilizing their Federal Pell Grant for SIT Study Abroad summer terms receive up to a $1000 match.
$1,000 - $2,500
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