The School of Public Policy (SPP) offers a variety of Study Abroad opportunities every year. These include trips to Mexico, India, South Africa and Oxford. The program based in South Africa has been particularly successful. Student Jenny Whitmar commented that:

"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 on the trip."

The program examines the political, economic and security challenges confronting South Africa today. These include poverty alleviation, black economic empowerment, the HIV/AIDS crisis, security, education and housing. The program is led by Dr. Maxi Schoeman and Dr. Desmond Dinan, while a variety of academic specialists and practitioners supplement the material with presentations and visits to government and non-profit institutions.

"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" says SPP student Patrick Martin.

The program is built to enable a full understanding and appreciation of the rapid change that South Africa experienced during the last decade and the multifaceted and dynamic nature of Africa's emerging powerhouse. Everyone associated with the program, from professors to students, would agree that the program not only meets, but exceeds its initial objectives.

"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

For more information about this, and other study abroad program please visit http://policy.gmu.edu/programs/programs_abroad.html.