In May and June 2015, 19 students joined Professor Mark Drayse on the first CSUF study-abroad program based in Cape Town, South Africa. We visited the infamous Robben Island prison, where the apartheid-era government held Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners. We took eye-opening tours of District Six, a Cape Town neighborhood from which thousands of residents were expelled in the 1960s and 1970s, and Langa Township, a vibrant community where we witnessed people raising families and trying to make a living in a poor "shantytown". Students visited urban farms in diverse parts of Cape Town, where local people are incorporating ecological principles to promote food security, better nutrition, and economic opportunity. We also explored the natural beauty of Cape Town and the Western Cape province, including the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, the Garden Route, and the Stellenbosch wine country.
Student Perspective
Words will never be able to describe the growth and knowledge I gained during my time in the amazing city of Cape Town, South Africa. The opportunity to take part in this summer program has changed my perspective of the world around me, and the unique connection of classroom material and hands-on learning practices allowed me to feel immersed in the education process like never before. As a non-geography major, I was initially apprehensive of the course material, especially due to my lack of exposure to geographical principles. However, my time in South Africa would have never been shaped like it was if it wasn't for the community of geography students who shared this monumental time in my life, and my geography professor, Dr. Drayse, whose teaching format allowed the education process to be student-driven! I have a newfound respect for geographical perspectives on the relationship between nature and cities, national parks, sustainability, and biodiversity and balance between people and nature. I recommend this study abroad program to anyone who wants be challenged intellectually as well as spiritually. You will gain a better appreciation of our place in the world, and you will ultimately leave this experience changed!
Mante Petersen
CSUF Sociology, Class of 2015
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