Study Abroad in The Pearl of Africa

Uganda, once called “The Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill, promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience to students who participate in a San Diego State University study abroad program next summer.

Judy Shepherd will guide the 17-day, faculty-led study abroad program, Women and Development: Issues and Initiatives Impacting Women in Rural Uganda, from May 27 to June 17, 2017. She previously spent three years in Uganda from 2012-15 as a Fulbright Senior Scholar and visiting lecturer at Uganda Christian University.

“Uganda is on the equator, bordering five countries,” Shepherd said. “The culture values hospitality and education, and living there was such an enriching experience for me.”

Uganda has a growing middle class and many development agencies are present in the country, promote access to primary and secondary education, water/sanitation/health projects, and reduction of deep poverty through income generating activities. Among those helping is the Widows & Orphans Support Organization Uganda, which supports 56 orphaned children in primary school, widows through a micro-credit project, and a community secondary school, with Shepherd as its United States fundraising coordinator.

Shepherd said the study abroad program through SDSU’s College of Extended Studies will provide an opportunity to gain an understanding of development challenges and initiatives in Uganda. The program is open to SDSU students in their third or fourth year of undergraduate studies, SDSU graduate students, students from other colleges and universities, and the general public. Participants can earn three credits of SDSU Resident credit.

The course includes visits to three regions:

• Central Uganda, visiting micro-enterprise and HIV/AIDS prevention programs and attending cultural activities in the capitol city of Kampala.
• Southwestern Uganda, crossing the equator and visiting a community secondary school, micro-credit project, and health clinic.
• Northern Uganda, observing service projects focused on rehabilitation and reconstruction after the country's 20-year insurgency, as well as going to a national park where animals such as elephants, lions, giraffes, crocodiles, and hippopotamuses roam.

“I want students to be able to learn from Ugandan educators and leaders and to be able to see first-hand community projects making a difference,” Shepherd said. “I want them to see how people help each other and themselves to bring about change.”

The application deadline is March 15, 2017.