"To truly understand gender and women's roles, studying in another country and culture is essential. Only then will you develop the analytical tools to know your own culture and be able to advocate for change."
- Dr. Danielle DeMuth, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Grand Valley

Why Study Abroad?

Studying abroad as a Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies student allows you to:

• Learn about gendered cultural differences first-hand
• Gain a deeper understanding of race and class through a global feminist perspective
• Apply your feminist education in service learning and internship opportunities abroad
• Take Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies classes from feminist experts 
• Develop skills that will prepare you to work in diverse and international settings

Through the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies' program in South Africa, students will examine how issues such as reproductive health, education, violence, political representation, and Apartheid have intersected to impact the role of women within various societal and class structures in South Africa. In addition to service learning with SHAWCO, a non-governmental organization in Cape Town, students will visit and learn about sites of historical and cultural significance, including the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Nelson Mandela House, Cape of Good Hope, and Iziko Slave Museum. 

Am I eligible?

The WGS study abroad program in South Africa is open to students of all majors at GVSU. Students at other universities are also eligible. A 2.0 GPA is required.

How would a study abroad program fit into my educational plan?

Students taking part in the WGS faculty-led program in South Africa will enroll in WGS 358 Women and Gender in South Africa (3 credits) and WGS 493 Community Collaborative in South Africa (3 credits). Your coursework abroad will help you fulfill General Education requirements in Global Perspectives and Issues and fulfill core courses or electives for the WGS major and minor. Make an appointment with your WGS faculty advisor or with the Brooks College Office of Integrative Learning and Advising.

Visit the Padnos International Center to learn more about the South Africa Program facilitated by faculty in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, as well as other study abroad programs offered through Grand Valley State University.