Off-Campus Programs/International Studies
South Africa Term (Spring 2014)
Applications now available in the Office of Off-Campus Programs/International Studies, CC320A.
Learn more about the Reconciliation Studies major at Bethel University!
| Courses | Location | Cornerstone | Accommodations | Travel | Program Dates | Cost | |
Highlights
Study at a spiritually nurturing and academically challenging Christian college • A unique opportunity to live in a society that intentionally practices reconciliation • Interaction with local students and families through homestay and travel • Learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission • Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 19 years in prison • Gain an international focus and learn from South Africa, one of the most significant and successful efforts in reconciliation.
Program Description
The South Africa Term integrates learning and experience in one of the few nations in history to successfully achieve reconciliation. Bethel students will be immersed in South African culture and life and transformed through interaction with professors, students, government leaders, community leaders, and pastors who are actively creating a new South Africa. For one semester, students will live and breathe reconciliation, and witness a united body of believers powerfully serving the surrounding community in Christ’s name.
Courses (19 credits total)
Following an orientation course taught by a Cornerstone faculty member to prepare for their stay in South Africa, the students then enroll in reconciliation related courses at the Cornerstone Institute, and take educational tours. This experience earns additional credit as a Bethel spring term cross-cultural course, SCS387. South Africa term and its component courses meet the requirements of Bethel University’s major in Reconciliation Studies. South Africa Term fulfills the Z-tag requirement of the General Education curriculum.
Course Offerings
Interim Course: (Taught in Cape Town)
RES240 Introduction to South African History and Culture (3 credits)
Semester Courses:
Practical Theology: Reading the Bible from the Margins (3 credits)
Sociology: Perspectives on Transformation (3 credits)
Christian Studies: African Worldviews (3 credits)
Directed Study: The Truth & Reconciliation Commission (3 credits)
SCS387 Cross-Cultural Experience (4 credits)
About Cornerstone
Cornerstone Institute, located within the city of Cape Town, is the only Christian liberal arts college in South Africa. It has a well-equipped campus with a library, a computer lab, and a student center – the core of student life. The college is characterized by a vibrant, multicultural student body and active Christian servanthood in the Cape Town community.
Location
In one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Cape Town is situated at the southern-most tip of the African continent, surrounded by majestic beaches and mountains. This city of over 3 million people boasts a mosaic of cultures, traditions, and attractions, while South Africa’s history makes it the ideal venue for students to be immersed in the concept and practice of reconciliation.
Travel
(subject to change)
Students have the opportunity to explore various regions in South Africa through travel (included in program fee):
| Table Mountain | Visit this majestic site overlooking Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean. |
| Cape Point Nature Reserve | One of the world's richest fauna sites. |
| Mayibuye Struggle Museum | Visit this archive of the political struggle. |
| Eastern Cape | Sites including Jeffrey's Bay |
| Addo National Park | This is home to South Africa's "Big Five" wild animals. |
| Johannesburg | Enjoy a weekend in this major South African city. |
Accommodations
Participating in a homestay with a South African family will allow maximum cultural interaction, with two students per home. The on-site director chooses host families with great care. Students receive most meals at home.
Faith Formation
At a Christian college, participants will benefit from weekly worship chapels, student connection groups, and the integration of faith and learning in classroom discussions.
Requirements
- Minimum sophomore standing
- Prerequisite course: Introduction to Reconciliation Studies or permission from Curtiss DeYoung, Reconciliation Studies Director
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- See application for additional policies
Dates
Tentative dates are January 7 – May 10, 2014.
* see below for pre-departure important dates *
Cost
Students pay a comprehensive fee, which is the equivalent of Bethel tuition, room (junior level), and full board (Royal meal plan). For Spring 2014, the fee is $20,235. This includes tuition and fees, room, most meals, several trips/ excursions, and round-trip airfare (Minneapolis – Cape Town). Financial aid applies (with the exception of work-study and Bethel performance scholarships, i.e. orchestra, forensics). Additional costs include meals on excursions longer than one day, South African student visa, passports, immunizations, and personal spending.
Next steps
- Talk with Curtiss DeYoung, program director, Townhouse I-206, 651.635.8611.
- Talk with your academic advisor – off-campus study should complement your field of study.
- Ask questions – feel free to contact the Office of Off-Campus Programs/International Studies for info.
- Obtain an application from CC 320A.
Important Dates
Applications include a $50 nonrefundable application fee. A $250 confirmation deposit will be required two weeks after acceptance to hold the spot.
| Oct 15 | Application deadline |
| Nov 17 | Mandatory Study Abroad Orientation |
| January | Final program payment due with Spring 2012 bill |
| Jan 7 | Orientation begins at Bethel |
| Jan 9 | Tentative departure date |
| May 10 | Tentative return date |