Program Overview
South Africa stands as a witness to the power of social movements to not only imagine but also bring into being a more just and compassionate world. Learn how South Africans draw on religion, music, and global justice movements to resist and rise from the violence of Apartheid, the AIDS and COVID epidemics, climate change, and persistent economic inequities. Students will have the opportunity to meet persons throughout the trip who have played a significant role in South Africa’s social justice movements. The trip includes both urban and rural immersion experiences, cultural exchange with young adults, and daily opportunities to enjoy the wonderful ecological and human diversity of South Africa.
Location(s)
South Africa: Cape Town, Malmesbury, Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Ladysmith
Travel Dates
May 12–29, 2026
Course Information:
- ECAS 305: Resistance and Reconciliation in South Africa
- 3 credits
- Counts for BOTH: Social Justice & Equity (SJE) and Philosophical & Moral Inquiry (PMI) credits in the Core Curriculum
Faculty Leader(s)
Dr. Matthew Bersagel Braley, Ethics, Culture and Society Department, mtbersagelbraley@viterbo.edu 608-796-3707
Estimated Cost
Approximately $4,500 – subject to change
What’s Included:
- Round-trip airfare and in-country flights
- Lodging
- Most meals
- On-site transportation
- Cultural excursions
- International health insurance
What’s Not Included:
- Passport fees
- Some meals
- Personal spending money
- Vaccinations (if required)
Application Deadline
Oct. 1, 2025
Scholarships and Funding
Viterbo offers limited scholarships for study abroad. Visit https://www.viterbo.edu/study-abroad/scholarships-and-funding for details.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Matthew Bersagel Braley at mtbersagelbraley@viterbo.edu or 608-797-3707. You can also visit https://www.viterbo.edu/study-abroad
View students' past experiences on the V-Hawks in South Africa blog.