{"id":1664,"date":"2024-01-30T17:16:49","date_gmt":"2024-01-30T17:16:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/?page_id=1664"},"modified":"2026-03-31T17:27:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T17:27:36","slug":"smcm-arcadia-in-southern-africa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/study-abroad\/programs\/smcm-programs\/africa\/smcm-arcadia-in-southern-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"SMCM-Arcadia in Southern Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1665\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2024\/01\/Zebra-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2024\/01\/Zebra-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2024\/01\/Zebra-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2024\/01\/Zebra-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2024\/01\/Zebra-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2024\/01\/Zebra-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2024\/01\/Zebra.jpg 1776w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"one-half in-page\">\n<h4>Pre-Requisites<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Minimum GPA: 2.5<\/li>\n<li>Judicial Check<\/li>\n<li>Academic Conduct Check<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"one-half in-page\">\n<h4>Deadlines:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>OPEN NOW! Spring 2027 Program Dates: Mid-January &#8211; Mid- May\n<ul>\n<li>SMCM Application Deadline: October 1st for Scholarship Consideration, October 15th Final Deadline on Via TRM<\/li>\n<li>Arcadia Application Deadline:\u00a0 Also apply by our deadline on <a href=\"https:\/\/studyabroad.arcadia.edu\/find-a-program\/programs-by-country\/southern-africa\/decolonizing-the-mind-racial-and-environmental-justice\/\">Arcadia&#8217;s site<\/a> for admission.<\/li>\n<li>Estimated Fall Deadlines: March 1, March 15<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"clearfix\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"one-half in-page\">\n<h4>Highlights<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Learn about the lasting impacts of colonialization and apartheid.<\/li>\n<li>Experience city and rural homestays in Namibia and visit South Africa.<\/li>\n<li>Gain optional internship experience in a development agency for credit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"one-half in-page\">\n<h4>Course Equivalencies<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/ways-to-study-abroad\/course-equivalencies\/https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/ways-to-study-abroad\/course-equivalencies\/https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/ways-to-study-abroad\/course-equivalencies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Start Course Planning Here<\/a><\/p>\n<h4>Study Abroad Budget<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/12uIbVWUDXLLTnwcsEFlFUDKD74vjglE8\/edit#gid=5050907\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">View Estimated Semester Budget<\/a> (Organized Geographically)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"clearfix\"><\/div>\n<h4>Financing Studying Abroad<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/financial-aid-scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Office of International Education Scholarships<\/a>\u00a0(Need-Based, Merit-Based, Region Specific, Language Study)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/studyabroad.arcadia.edu\/how-to-apply\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Arcadia Scholarships<\/a>\u00a0(General, Pell Grant Recipient)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/financial-aid-scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">External Scholarships<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/osfa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Speak with the Office of Student Financial Assistance for Options<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"clearfix\"><\/div>\n<h4>About the Program<\/h4>\n<p>SMCM students have the opportunity to spend a semester in Namibia and South Africa with this all-inclusive program, two countries with unique histories of struggling against colonialization, apartheid, the fight for liberation, and ethnic and racial tensions. This program examines how people can organize themselves towards positive social change and the triumph of the human spirit.<\/p>\n<h4>Location<\/h4>\n<p>The program is based primarily in a study center in Windhoek, a modern city in Namibia. However, the program is unique; it offers built-in excursions to rural and city homestays across Namibia and South Africa, including the Etosha Game National Reserve, Namib Desert, Walvis Bay, Atlantic Coast, and the Eastern Cape, and week-long seminars in Capetown and Johannesburg &#8211; all included in the program fee.<\/p>\n<h4>Academics<\/h4>\n<p>This program is built around an important theme: Decolonizing the Mind. The goal of this program is to present an opportunity for students to study and deconstruct environmental and racial injustices felt today by examining the legacies of apartheid and colonization. Students take four courses, worth four credits each. All students participate in the core course, Racism and Resistance in Southern Africa and the U.S., and choose three electives from among offerings on sustainability, political and social change, or religion. To promote well-being, students also have the option of adding a 1-credit yoga module to their course list. Among the elective options, the program also offers a for-credit internship working with a local organization, or the option to conduct an independent research project. Peruse the program course list <a href=\"https:\/\/studyabroad.arcadia.edu\/find-a-program\/programs-by-country\/southern-africa\/decolonizing-the-mind-racial-and-environmental-justice\/courses\/\">here. <\/a>During the program, students have a chance to meet with members of the African National Congress and opposition parties, religious leaders, feminist and human rights activists, USAID representatives, and students and professors from the University of Namibia.<\/p>\n<h4>Housing and Meals<\/h4>\n<p>Students live at the study center in Windhoek for the majority of the program, which is a ten-minute walk from the downtown area. Students also participate in city and rural homestays, as well as their week-long travel seminars during the semester. To view the study center and check out housing and facilities, watch this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TUa8QgBHkP0&amp;feature=youtu.be\">video.<\/a> All meals are included in this program fee, and are provided at the study center.<\/p>\n<h4>Student Life<\/h4>\n<p>The students on this program are supported by local staff at the study center, which serves as the main residence and school for this program. Student life is integrated into the entire program, including academics, since each course includes community engagement &#8211; and often travel seminars &#8211; to experience more of the local culture. This is a small, specialized program with a high level of on-site support and a close-knit academic community.<\/p>\n<h4>Important Links<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/studyabroad.arcadia.edu\/find-a-program\/programs-by-country\/southern-africa\/decolonizing-the-mind-racial-and-environmental-justice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SMCM-Arcadia in Southern Africa<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/studyabroad.arcadia.edu\/find-a-program\/programs-by-country\/southern-africa\/decolonizing-the-mind-racial-and-environmental-justice\/courses\/\">SMCM-Arcadia in Southern Africa Courses<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/studyabroad.arcadia.edu\/find-a-program\/programs-by-country\/southern-africa\/decolonizing-the-mind-racial-and-environmental-justice\/housing\/\">SMCM-Arcadia in Southern Africa Housing<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">See the following for how grades and credits are translated back to SMCM. Note: grade equivalencies between U.S. and international institutions are subject to change without notice. the equivalencies provided here are understand to be accurate and up to date as of September 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n<table dir=\"ltr\" border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-baot=\"1\">\n<colgroup>\n<col width=\"335\" \/>\n<col width=\"402\" \/><\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" rowspan=\"1\">Arcadia Southern Africa Program<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" rowspan=\"1\">Grading System<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Grade<\/td>\n<td>SMCM Grade<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>A+<\/td>\n<td>A+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>A+<\/td>\n<td>A+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>A-<\/td>\n<td>A-<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>B+<\/td>\n<td>B+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>B<\/td>\n<td>B<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>B-<\/td>\n<td>B-<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>C+<\/td>\n<td>C+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>C<\/td>\n<td>C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>C-<\/td>\n<td>C-<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>D+<\/td>\n<td>D+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>D<\/td>\n<td>D<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" rowspan=\"1\">Credit Conversion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" rowspan=\"1\">One credit at the Southern Africa program equates to one credit at SMCM and the grading system is also equivalent.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h4><a title=\"Academic and Judicial Policies\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/ways-to-study-abroad\/academic-and-judicial-policies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Academic and Judicial Policies<\/a><\/h4>\n<p>The academic and judicial requirements for any student considering studying abroad.<\/p>\n<h4><a title=\"Financial Aid, Scholarships &amp; Fundraising\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/financial-aid-scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Financial Aid and Scholarships<\/a><\/h4>\n<p>How financial aid will apply towards your study abroad program and what scholarships are available.<\/p>\n<h4><a title=\"Payments and Services\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/travel-preparation\/payments-and-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Payments and Services<\/a><\/h4>\n<p>Payment processes for semester-long, short-term, and non-SMCM study abroad programs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pre-Requisites Minimum GPA: 2.5 Judicial Check Academic Conduct Check Deadlines: OPEN NOW! Spring 2027 Program Dates: Mid-January &#8211; Mid- May SMCM Application Deadline: October 1st for Scholarship Consideration, October 15th Final Deadline on Via TRM Arcadia Application Deadline:\u00a0 Also apply by our deadline on Arcadia&#8217;s site for admission. Estimated Fall Deadlines: March 1, March 15<a class=\"tribe-events-read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/study-abroad\/programs\/smcm-programs\/africa\/smcm-arcadia-in-southern-africa\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" > Find out more &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":187,"featured_media":0,"parent":598,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-1664","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"entry","6":"has-post-thumbnail"},"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1664","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/187"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1664"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1664\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2301,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1664\/revisions\/2301"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/598"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1664"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}