Ohio University students can now study abroad in a new location with the development of the South Africa: AIDS in Africa program, which will be available this summer.
The program spawned from a similar study abroad option focused on HIV/AIDS in Botswana, said Yegan Pillay, a professor in the Patton College of Education and Human Services, who has served as the Botswana program director for the past three years.
We've run a successful program in Botswana
but I felt we needed to expand the region that we expose the students to Pillay said.
Last summer, Pillay visited universities in South Africa and ultimately chose the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, for the new program. The university is a leading school for education abroad as well as the first college in South Africa with the authority to dispense HIV treatment medications, Pillay said.
The five-week program will run from mid-June to mid-July. The first week, students will spend time with scholars and researchers presenting lectures about HIV/AIDS prevention and education strategies.
Students also will spend three weeks in the field with non-governmental organizations working in a volunteer capacity.
The field placement component gives students firsthand experience interacting with individuals who are both infected and affected by HIV/AIDS Pillay said.
In the final week of the program, students will travel throughout the region on planned excursions.
I think OU students will benefit from any program
but this one is unique in that it really is an out-of-classroom experience
said Lori Lammert, assistant director of the Office of Education Abroad. It's a great introduction and exposure to that world.
As of now, it has not been decided whether the program will continue in South Africa or return to Botswana after this summer.
(The Botswana program) always has been really successful
and to add a site to expand the network
I think it is only going to enhance the program
said Catherine Marshall, director of the Office of Education Abroad.
Both graduate and undergraduate students with a 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply for the program. Approximately 15 students will be accepted into the program. More details will be explained at today's informational meeting from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Baker University Center.
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