Student Affairs Global Experience
Cultural Immersion 2012: SAGE Trip Explores Culture,
Identity and Religious Life in South Africa
Twenty-five students and six Spelman College faculty and staff members are going global this holiday season. Spearheaded by Sisters Chapel, the Spelman College 2012 Student Affairs Global Experience "Empowering Women For Change Study Tour" will travel to Cape Town, South Africa, Dec. 7-16.
The theme of this year's global engagement experience is “Exploring Identity, Culture, and Religious Life.” While in South Africa, students will immerse themselves in the culture. Some of the highlights include touring Robben Island, the place where former South African president and anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27-year prison term; and a visit to the Sarah Baartman Women's Shelter to meet with staff and resident clients.
Students will also complete a community service project, "Soil for Life," where they will help plant a sustainable vegetable garden alongside local South African women. Designed to support the College's Quality Enhancement Program's overall goal of global engagement, this study tour aims to increase student learning by comparing cultural differences and similarities based on reflective discussion about political, economic, educational, religious, and gender issues in South Africa.
About SAGE
The Division of Student Affairs developed the Student Affairs Global Experience program to provide a global immersion experience for our students. SAGE annually provides opportunities for students to gain exposure to world travel experiences as we live and work in an increasingly interdependent world. The program is designed to provide students with the tools and leadership skills necessary to becoming a global citizen. Students, faculty and staff have traveled to Rome, Paris, Egypt, and Japan. The Office of Student Life and Engagement works with the Student Government to identify the trip location.
The Student Affairs Global Experience is an outstanding learning experience that provides meaningful connections with Spelman students studying abroad in addition to connecting to the educational, political and social climate which significantly enhances the overall student growth and development. Our students learned a lot about themselves and other cultures as they are able to successfully immerse themselves into various world cultures. The SAGE program fees range from $1,900 to $3,300, and includes round trip airfare, bus transfers, internal flights, overnight stays in private hotel bathrooms, lunch/dinners, full-time guide, sightseeing tours and special attractions. Students are supported by faculty and staff chaperone.
The Student Government Association also provides scholarship opportunities for students in need of financial assistance. For more information, please contact the Office of Student Life and Engagement at 404-270-5136 or email studentactivities@spelman.edu.