This service learning experience benefits both South African students and WSU students who also learn from the leadership training they will implement.
The program begins with an examination of the processes and practices of community development, including those advocated by international agencies such as the United Nations Development Program and South African agencies and non-governmental organizations. WSU students will engage with local government personnel, educators, community residents, and nongovernmental agency professionals as they embark on this journey.
WSU students will be trained to facilitate a community-based leadership workshop designed to teach high school students to assess their communities, plan service projects, and utilize their personal and community assets to implement them. WSU students will also conduct classes under the direction of Dr. Subban and other professionals who contribute their content expertise. In past programs, the community based-Leadership training has been implemented in five themed areas: Community Based Leadership and Service, Youth Entrepreneurship, Sports (Soccer), Art (Visual and Poetry), Photography, Music, Film and Environmental Sustainability. An added benefit is that WSU Students will work in the City of Durban (eThekwini), a city committed to innovation and sustainable development. Durban is a vibrant coastal city that offers a range of cultural experiences, excellent for students interested in innovative community development practices.
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Students of all majors are invited to join this program. Students will enroll in
URS 4900 Youth Leadership Development Practicum for summer C term and are encouraged to participate in URS 4940 Youth & Community Engagement during Spring 2020. URS 4940 examines the pedagogies that encourage youth in developing the capacity to participate responsibly and effectively in the civic life of their communities. URS 4900 provides students with hands on experience training South African youth to serve as agents of chance in their communities.
Additionally, there will be mandatory meetings to learn more about South Africa and the city of Durban. They include conversations about the country’s history and culture, it’s social and political climate, the communities we serve, and ways to make the most of your Ambassador experience.
All study abroad students are required to participate in a mandatory online pre-departure orientation offered by the UCIE before travel to South Africa.
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About the Faculty Program Advisor:
JENNIFER SUBBAN, PhD.
Jennifer Subban, a native of South Africa, has a PhD in Urban Studies, and is an Associate Professor of Urban and Public Affairs and Interim Director of the Office of Service Learning and Community Engagement. She has been involved in a range of community development projects locally and in South Africa. Since 2009 she has been working to build community capacity among youth in Durban and has supported local community building efforts. Her efforts earned her the College of Liberal Arts and the Frederick A. White Distinguished Professor of Professional Service. Dr. Subban also directs the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Certificate which prepares students as nonprofit professionals. Her work with the youth leadership training builds on the goLEAD Youth Leadership Institute which she delivered to Dayton Area high school students through the Wright LEAD program with assistance from graduate students in the MPA program. Dr. Subban has been implementing this study abroad program in Durban every summer since 2010. She collaborates with local and South African agencies and schools to ensure the project is effective.
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Students will live in modest accommodations that accommodate two persons per room. Meals will include individual meal choices as well as meals prepared for the group (when students are working with schools or have working dinners). Students will have several opportunities to explore local restaurants on evenings and free days. South Africa has strong influences from many cultures around the world and this is reflected in their cuisine, which includes African, European, Indian and Malaysian influences.
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Students will coordinate the flight to purchase with Dr. Subban closer to the time of departure. UCIE recommends the following travel agencies that work with university students. They may be able to provide payment plan options:
STA Travel and
Student Universe.
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The cost of the program is
$2,400. This includes lodging, most meals, health and accident insurance, local travel costs, and costs related to cultural activities and excursions.
Not included: airfare, some meals, passport application fees, and tuition.
To officially reserve a spot on the program, you will need an application fee of
$100 and a program deposit of
$500 upon application.
$950 will be due March 1
$950 will be due May 1
All payments are non-refundable.
The UCIE reserves the right to adjust program price up to 10%.
WSU financial aid is applicable to this program and scholarships and fundraising opportunities are available.
Talk to Dr. Subban before you decide you can’t afford this opportunity!
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WSU financial aid is applicable to this program. To learn more about your specific financial aid options you should contact studyabroad@wright.edu to make an appointment with the financial aid advisor.
Some academic departments offer scholarships for study abroad, there are some scholarships available nationally as well. Please ask your study abroad coordinator for more information.
Many students reach out to family, friends, and community and religious organizations for support. Some choose to create an online funding site, others send out letters requesting support.
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A valid passport is required for all international travel. Its best to apply for a passport now as processing times may vary. The UCIE is an official US Passport Center and we can help you with your photo and passport processing needs.
See here for more information.
Some study abroad destinations will require you to obtain a visa. A visa is permission given to you by your host country to allow you to enter the country for a specific amount of time. In order to obtain country-specific visa instructions and resources, refer to your host country’s embassy web page. One way to access this information is visa the
US Department of State’s webpage.
The UCIE is happy to guide you to possible resources about visas for study abroad. Although, applying for the necessary visa for travel is the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements change frequently and we advise you to pay close information to consular updates. It is your responsibility to knowing and addressing the requirements for your host study abroad destination.
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WSU is committed to student and faculty safety while abroad. The following are a few resources for travel abroad.
WSU faculty, students and staff are responsible for their own health and safety abroad. Please consider reviewing the following sites for further information:
Before travel WSU students, faculty and staff can utilize International SOS in several ways including:
- Read about travel health information with medical advice, food and water safety, and cultural tips
- Explore travel security with personal safety tips and travel risk ratings for locations abroad
- Get advice on how to travel with your medication
- Sign up to receive email alerts for medical and security information, customizable to various locations abroad
WSU faculty, students and staff traveling abroad should register their travel abroad through the
US Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of an emergency abroad.
If you are participating in a WSU Ambassador Program, you are automatically covered with
UHP International Insurance through University Health Plans.
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University Center for International Education (UCIE)
studyabroad@wright.edu
937-775-5745
Program Coordinator:
Megan Trickler
Education Abroad Coordinator
megan.trickler@wright.edu
937-775-5746
Faculty Program Advisor:
Dr. Jennifer Subban
Jennifer.subban@wright.edu
937-775-3650
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