UMKC Study Abroad Cape Town - South Africa

My time at UWC was possibly the most profound experience of my professional education. Culturally, I found South Africans to be warm, inviting, and almost without limits in their capacity for forgiveness and reconciliation. The diversity of Cape Town is extraordinary. I interacted with Malay, Hindu, Christian, Zulu, Tembu, Xhosa (Mandela’s tribe) and many more.
Former UMKC health sciences student after studying at University of the Western Cape

May 25-June 1, 2013 in Cape Town South Africa
intensive pre-trip class sessions: February 23 9:00am-12:00pm, April 12 &13, April 26 & 27, and a post trip debriefing in June/July 2013.

Application deadline: February 8, 2013 *Extended to February 15th

Earn 3 UMKC credits in through this intensive, interdisciplinary health course led by UMKC Health Administration faculty from UMKC’s Bloch School and hosted by UMKC's sister institution, University of the Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa.

Course Number: PA 5587/470

The course will focus broadly on global health from the perspectives of national and international policy, economic and cultural issues, and activities that can alleviate the world-wide burden of disease. Intensive pre-trip sessions will include sessions on South African economic, political and social history in a 21st century context, recognizing the extraordinary dynamism of this very important country. Upon their return to Kansas City, students will be asked to reflect on their experience.

Students with an interest in health care as a clinical, political or economic topic are invited to participate in this unique opportunity.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is South Africa’s second largest city. It is famous for its spectacular geographic setting with iconic Table Mountain overlooking “the Fairest Cape in all the world”. Forbes calls it one of the most beautiful cities on the globe. Apart from its physical beauty, Cape Town boasts great cultural diversity, a vibrant jazz scene and is at the heart of a legendary wine producing region. Its significance in the overturning of apartheid cannot be overemphasized.

The University of the Western Cape

Located in a northern suburb of Cape Town, UWC enjoys a proud history, having grown from a minor university of the apartheid era for local “colored” students to become a prominent force for political and academic freedom in modern South Africa. Archbishop Desmond Tutu serves as Chancellor of UWC.

In 1986, the University of Missouri became the first American university to sign an agreement of academic cooperation with a historically black South African university. Since that time, both systems have benefitted from years of student and faculty exchanges.

The School of Public Health at UWC has become a major resource in promoting optimal health in South Africa and within the world’s developing nations. It accomplishes this by preparing well informed policy makers and public health workers who share “a commitment to equity, social justice and human rights”. Local course work and field trips will be led by faculty from the UWC School of Public Health.

Syllabus

Click here to view the syllabus for the Cape town summer study abroad program

Post course excursion

An optional visit to a South African game park, shark-diving, or to the wine country will be arranged for students wishing to extend their African experience.

Accommodations

Students will stay in off-campus houses near the campus to experience Cape Town community life. Single and shared accommodations are available. Students will be responsible for their own meals.

Travel to Cape Town

Students will travel independently to Cape Town and back to Kansas City. Several students may wish to travel together. Cape Town International Airport is 45 minutes from the UWC campus.

Financial Aid

Students are advised to check with their home academic units or the Financial Aid office regarding the availability of financial assistance.

Approximate costs

UMKC tuition and fees for three credit hours
Program fee-$750 (includes lodging, group meals, local group transportation, some entrance fees)
Meals-$250
Mandatory Study Abroad insurance: $45

Personal Necessities: $100
Passport-$100 (no visa required for US Citizens)
Roundtrip airfare-$1850

Insurance

The University of Missouri System requires each study abroad participant to enroll in the UM HTH Worldwide Health Insurance Plan for the period of their program. HTH specializes in study abroad. The UM System has worked with them to create a comprehensive plan fitting our specific needs. Insurance is approximately $50 with no deductible.

Application information

Further information can be obtained from: Bloch School faculty (Mr. Michael Wood mikewood100@yahoo.com; Tel 816-361-9693 or Dr. Arif Ahmed ahmedar@umkc.edu ; Tel 816-235-2319); International Academic Programs (international@umkc.edu or 816-235-5759)

Important dates

Application deadline: February 8, 2013
Organizational meeting—TBA

Get started by applying

Click here to fill out an application form
Please turn in all application forms and letters of recommendation to the Bloch School.