Study in South Africa
June 8-20 2008
Political, Economic, Social and Security Challenges

STUDENT COMMENTS/TESTIMONIALS

The South African study abroad program was magnificent. This program was the perfect blend of socio/political and socio economic studies with the extra bonus of a tremendous cultural experience. Great professors, great tour guides great country. I highly recommend it. -Maria Matthews

The entire South Africa trip was an amazing experience. The lectures were interesting and informative. The abilty to see both the tourist sites and the "real" South Africa was unforgettable. It is an experience I will never forget!
- Alexis Zeiden

South Africa is unreal. Everybody we met from the university professors and
students to store owners and locals on the streets were full of information
and willing to share their knowledge and stories with us. The experience is
not something that you can ever learn in a classroom or from a book. -Patrick Martin

There aren't really words that could explicate what a wonderful experience South Africa was. Being able to integrate the academia with the tourist experience was absouletly awesome. I couldnt have asked for a better vacation/learning experience. Who would have thought that I would be able to on one day ride in the wild viewing animals in the natural habitat to the next day sitting in lectures at the University of Pretoria home of the Turks. My peers that I shared this experience with were once strangers but now can be viewed as friends. I would highly reccommend the South Africa study abroad to any student in the School of Public Policy. - Lakeisha Thomas

Mason's abroad trip to South Africa was incredible and beautiful and this trip was what attracted me to Mason's policy program. Between the lectures and the well coordinated day trips we were able to learn and better understand South Africa's policies and culture in such a short amount of time. I definately recommend this trip and visiting South Africa. Thanks again Michal, I still talk and see some of the trip members and we just can't get over what a wonderful trip it was. I hope the program continues on. - Marnie Suss

I greatly enjoyed the South Africa study abroad. The program provided great depth and breadth that matched up well with the collection of SPP disciplines of my classmates on the trip. The mix of academic, government, and private sector speakers served to enhance the scope of the program by providing multiple and unique perspectives. Traveling through South Africa was also a tremendous learning experience. From depressed areas of Johannesburg to wild game reserves in Pilanesburg to the beauty of Cape Town, every area we visited offered an outstanding visual backdrop for our learning experience.-Mookie Hojiwala

Our trip to South Africa through GMU was amazing! You could read dozens
of books and attend hours of lectures in the States without gaining as much insight into the country's policy challenges as you get in just a few days of the
trip. The group was fantastic - we learned a lot together, saw incredible sights, and met some very interesting people! I'd recommend this trip to anyone. It has a great balance of academics and touring the country.-Jenny Whitmar

The program/trip has been one of the most fulfilling events of my life. The lecturers were more than I could ever get out of a textbook. The subject matter was organized in a way that enabled me to see the issues from the very broad to the specific, giving me a well-rounded perspective of the country. The academics were perfectly centered around extra curricular activities. Overall, a very eye opening experience that I was grateful to share with a dynamic and gracious group of people.

I was quite impressed at the professional level of the lectures. The coursework combined with the different site visits gave a terrific knowledge and experience of South African issues.

I had a wonderful time and learned so much. It was great. The program was absolutely amazing.

The tours really brought the program to life and made it more real. I would highly recommend the program.


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