Travel Writing in Cape Town, South Africa
Travel Writing
in Cape Town, South Africa
Overview
Overview
South Africa was once a global pariah, a country that legalized racism under the brutal system of apartheid. But three decades ago, apartheid ended and South Africa began a long and painful process of healing and attempting to unite a people deeply divided. So, what can America learn from the South African experience as it grapples with its own ugly history?
This course will take you to Cape Town, the crown jewel of South Africa, where you will explore the city through a social justice lens. You will be on the campus of the University of Cape Town, where classes will focus on race, identity, culture and history. You will learn by hearing from South Africans who were victimized under apartheid and then rose to fight against it as well as by visiting museums, historical centers and social agencies. You will delve into how the lessons learned in dismantling apartheid can be applied to America’s own struggle with the legacy of slavery. What worked in South Africa? What are its failures?
LEARN MORE: Attend an information session this Fall to learn more.
o Thursday, September 19 – 3:00-4:00pm (PAF Conference room – 239 – 2nd floor)
OR
O Wednesday, October 2 – 12:30-1:30pm (239A – 2nd floor)
May 2025 program dates:
Students are to arrive in Cape Town, South Africa on May 18th, 2025.
The program will end and students are to depart Cape Town, South Africa on June 7th, 2025.
Students will receive six hours of elective course during this program. JOUR 5570- Introduction to Travel Writing (3 hrs) and JRLC 5400 – Social Justice Journalism (3 hrs).
The objectives for the Introduction to Travel Journalism course are for students to develop an understanding of foreign travel and to learn and practice the skills required of a travel journalist. To think critically about gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other forms of diversity in relation to travel journalism and to evaluate how various digital media are disrupting travel journalism.
We seek students from diverse backgrounds interested in learning about and telling stories centered on people from a variety of perspectives. We aim to center this writing experience about South African culture through the lens of Social Justice journalism. Strong writers and students with a passion for equitable storytelling are encouraged to apply.
We are open to all majors who are interested & passionate about social issues. We encourage students who have an open mind and are passionate about telling stories with purpose. We aim to have students who want to learn about, write, and explore a diverse country with a rich history. Strong candidates interested in identity, race, politics, anthropology, history, journalism, writing, photography are encouraged to apply due to the strong emphasis of the subject matter and educational aspects of the courses.
Apply TODAY
Applications open before August of each year. Applications for Summer 2025 are due before midnight, Monday, November 4th, 2024.
Costs & Logistics
The program costs vary from year to year depending on number of students enrolled, exchange rates, and logistical cost changes. The ESTIMATED program fee for Summer 2025 has not been determined at this time and is subject to change from what is advertised to students. Come back soon for an estimated program fee!
In addition to the program fee, students are expected to pay 6 hours of in-state tuition and UGA Mandatory Fees through their Athena student accounts after registration. The HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships can be applied towards TUITION only if applicable. **non-UGA transient students may have an additional $250 fee upon registration**
The program fee listed above includes the following:
- Lodging in double-occupancy, air-conditioned rooms with a full bath.
- Travel Health Insurance through UGA
- Daily breakfast, misc. lunches, a welcome dinner, and a closing dinner
- Transit pass for trams, buses, subways
- A dedicated classroom with WiFi access
The program fee listed above does not include:
- 6 hours of in-state tuition and UGA Mandatory fees (See UGA’s website for updated tuition and fees rates for 2025)
- International airfare (Typically around $2,200 – $2,500)
- Ground transportation (personal travel)
- Meals other than breakfasts, welcome dinner and closing dinner
- Books – if applicable
- Laundry
- Personal Purchases and weekend travel
- International Data plan for your personal cell phone. This is a requirement.
- Passport cost if the student does not have one already
- Miscellaneous expenses
Housing & Meals
2025 Lodging information is in the works. Stay tuned for updated information in the weeks ahead! Students will be provided a daily breakfast, several lunches, and a welcome and closing dinner. Students are expected to pay for all other meals on their own.
Program Faculty & Staff
Moni Basu
Charlayne Hunter Gault Distinguished Writer in Residence; Director of the MFA Narrative Nonfiction Program
