Location

Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Etosha National Park, Namibia

Program Description

Information Session

October 22 from 6:00- 7:00PM in HBS G012

Refreshments provided. Please RSVP to brysonbj@jmu.edu

Join us for four weeks in the unique African country of Namibia, to learn African ways of knowing to explore health, social services, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in an African context, forging new perspectives and friendships. Namibia is a modern country with both city and small-town vibes, where wildlife is abundant, and the world’s oldest desert dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean. Germany once colonized Namibia, and much of that flavor remains as many Germans live in the same cities as African Namibians. Students will take six credit hours in two courses: AAAD 200 (a general education and elective course that is also a requirement of the AAAD minor) and SOWK/FAM/NPS 487 (special topics). Prior to departure, an asynchronous Canvas module and two in-person class sessions will prepare students for intercultural exchange. Each week in Namibia, students will hear from local health/medical and social service professionals, visit local agencies and healthcare facilities, and tour and engage with the University of Namibia’s students and faculty. Students will participate in a community service project with a local community organization. Major excursions include the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay with a stop to see thousands of flamingos and the Tropic of Capricorn, climb some of the world’s highest dunes, visit an African traditional community, and view wildlife at Etosha National Park.

Students will take two courses: AAAD 200 (a general education and elective course) and SOWK/FAM/NPS 487 (special topics). Prior to departure, an asynchronous Canvas module and two in-person class sessions will prepare students for intercultural exchange. In Namibia, morning classes will give way to afternoon and/or evening community engagement or speakers. AAAD 200 will provide a foundation in African thought. It will focus on ways of knowing and being in African cultures across the continent to find out how they specifically apply to Namibian cultures of care, well-being, and health. SOWK/FAM/NPS 487 course highlights will focus on knowledge building, understanding, and applying the concepts of human rights, UN sustainability goals, social, economic and environmental justice as these relate to population health/medical and social services/NGOs within the context of Namibia. Students will engage basic macro practice concepts as they learn about the community and the African historical/political and social context. We will visit several agencies in every location, including those that focus on specific health issues like HIV, women, disability, family wellness, and programs that foster a sense of empowerment. The primary course delivery is seminar style with readings in preparation for sessions and learning experiences. Active engagement is expected with cultural experience that enhances the primary themes of the course. Assignments will include reflective journaling, structured partner conversations, engagement with course social media, and a final media project. Cultural trips locations * Independence Memorial Museum of Namibia (Windhoek) * Traditional Namibian community (Nyae Nyae Development Foundation - Khomas Region- San People) * University of Namibia (Windhoek) * Living Museum of the Ju/'Hoansi (Windhoek) * Eating traditional food * Christuskirche (Christ Church) (oldest Lutheran German Church (City center Windhoek) * Location of the Namibian genocide by the Germans (Swakopmund) * Sandwich Harbour (Swakopmund)

Location Description

Windhoek is Namibia's capital city, with a population of about 500,000, which is one-fourth of the country's population. In the 1800s Namibia was colonized by Germany and many remnants from that era remain as does a large group of German descendants. Most of the city is modern while further outside the city is desert where few people live. The main university, the University of Namibia, is an active part of the community and, like JMU, most students live off campus. All the amenities of city life are accessible, including two shopping malls. Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are small ocean towns approximately five hours away. Ocean towns' access to beaches exists, but currents may impact swimming. Small-town shopping exists as part of a slower pace of life. There are historical memorials we will see when visiting. On the way, we will stop to see an area with 1000 flamingos. Etosha National Park is a large wild animal reserve about five hours from Windhoek. Students will need to dress appropriately for this outdoor experience. It is much like going to a USA national park, except it will have wildlife that we are unfamiliar with that roam free. No worries, a guide will be with us! You may see wildebeest, rhinos, giraffes, lions, and other animals who come to the watering hole. Traditional Community Engagement will be within the Khorma region where Windhoek is anchored. These are actual communities and a "live museum," where you are shown actual information about existing tribes.

Director

BJ Bryson | brysonbj@jmu.edu | Social Work

Delores Phillips | phillidb@jmu.edu | AAAD

Accommodations

Student accommodations will vary based on location. They may be in hotels, furnished apartments, or houses, most with internet access, limited cooking facilities, and laundry facilities. Students will be in shared rooms. Some public transportation is available in the main city, and local taxis or mini-buses are available in other areas. No homestays are anticipated.

Shared meals will occur while in Windhoek accommodations. On travel days, students will be provided reduced-balance debit cards to reasonably cover meals, except for scheduled travel group meals. Namibian culture is meat-centric with beef and lamb production as a major industry. Fish is also consumed frequently. Vegans may have difficulty with meals in this country.

Additional Items to Consider

Currently, Namibia does not require visas for entry if you have a U.S. passport. If are a USA citizen, and qualify for a passport, start early submitting your documents as processing time has been significantly slower. If you hold a passport from another country, check with your embassy to determine if you need a visa. To keep yourself safe, practice most of the same things we do in major cities in the USA. This means traveling in groups, being mindful of scams, using professional taxis, not going to places with people you don’t know, do not wear conspicuous jewelry or flash cash, and not walking around with earbuds. Please consult the Department of State’s travel advisory for the country for additional tips and be prepared to protect your safety accordingly while enjoying yourself. You may also want to apply for TSA Pre-check or CLEAR which may facilitate your movement through airports. Cell phones are encouraged however, outside of major areas, Namibia does not have cellular data service. You will want to have some clarity about how your phone service vendor charges internationally. Hotspots also may not work internationally.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccinations. Some of these vaccines include, Chickenpox (Varicella), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Flu (influenza), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Polio, Shingles, Measles, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Awareness Malaria (take with you)

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0.

Open to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students in all majors.

Open to non-JMU students.

Students must posess characteristics of a positive team member - good listener, open, non-judgmental.

Application Process

• Study Abroad Online Application ($40 fee)
• Short Essay
• List of academic references
• Official transcript required for non-JMU students; unofficial transcript required for JMU students 
• Interview with program director required

Further details and instructions about these application requirements will be available upon log-in.