Summer 2011
(please note this program is not running in 2010)

4 weeks (early to late July)
In addition, students taking the IAH course will attend three on-campus sessions (in May) prior to departure

Sponsored by the Department of Art and Art History, Museum Studies, and Integrative Studies in Arts and Humanities in the College of Arts & Letters, and the Michigan State University Museum

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

South Africa has a history of expressive culture dating from some of the world’s first examples of rock art to today’s art that reflects the complexities of a multi-cultural society undergoing tremendous transformations. Before the end of apartheid and the establishment of a new government in 1994, much of the nation’s art, music, history, and culture were little known to the rest of the world.

Through this study abroad program, participants will not only have an opportunity to be introduced directly to the historical forms of cultural heritage unique to this region but also to critically assess the social, racial, religious, political, and cultural factors that have impacted both these expressions and the institutions charged with preserving and presenting culture. 

Where does it take place?

The program will run for three weeks: two weeks in Cape Town and one week in Johannesburg/Pretoria (Tshwane), Mthatha, and Hluhluwe. Collectively, the locations offer distinctly different cultural contexts important to understanding South African art and culture.

In the Cape Town area, students will visit Robben Island Museum (now designated a world heritage site by UNESCO) and the Nelson Mandela Gateway Museum, the District Six Museum (now a member, along with the National Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., of the world’s association of Museums of Historic Conscience), the South African National Art Gallery, Company’s Gardens, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Point and Table Mountain National Park, and the National South African Museum.  

In Johannesburg/Pretoria, visits will the Origins Center, the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, and the Hector Peterson Museum in Soweto.

What can I study?

This program is geared toward those individuals interested in serious engagement in an investigation of a variety of issues related to artistic expression, cultural heritage and museum studies. Students will be required to enroll in seven (7) credits with mandatory enrollment in one of the first two courses as follows:

*Students will be required to attend three on-campus sessions (in May) prior to departure.

Additional credits, equal to a total of seven (7) for the overall program, must be drawn from the following:

The program includes lectures, guided discussions of readings, attendance at performances of music and dance, and visits to museums, heritage sites, national parks, and artists’ studios/workplaces.

HA/AL 485 and HA/AL 492 can be credited towards completion of the Museum Studies Certificate Program.  For more information on the MSU Museum Studies Program visit the Web site or contact Dr. Susan Bandes or Professor Tom Berding, Interim Directors, MSU Museum Studies Program.

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

What are the requirements?

Students must be of at least junior status and in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.00 at the time of application.  Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Students must also submit a one-page essay explaining their reasons for choosing this particular museum studies focused program.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Housing for this program takes into consideration safety, affordability, and easy access to field visits.  In Cape Town, housing will be at the Centurion Apartments and in guesthouses in Johannesburg and Mthatha.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Marsha MacDowell, Ph.D.
Curator of Folk Arts, MSU Museum
Professor, Department of Art and Art History
Phone: (517) 355–6511

C. Kurt Dewhurst, Ph.D.
Director, MSU Museum
Professor, Department of English
Phone: (517) 355-2370

Additionally, South African cultural heritage scholars and professionals from a variety of museums and cultural organization will participate as guest presenters in the program.

Do I need a passport or visa?

A valid passport is required for entry into South Africa.  U.S. citizens do not need a visa. 

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.  It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

Malaria exists throughout the year in certain regions, including Hluhluwe where the class will spend two days.  Students participating in this program are strongly encouraged to receive a series of immunizations specific for travel within southern Africa.  Students should schedule an appointment to be seen at a travel clinic at least three months before the program to inquire about the recommended and/or required vaccines to consider before departure.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

The program fee in 2009 was $4,673 and included the following:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• pre-departure orientation
• accommodations
• meals
• accident and sickness insurance
• day trips

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• MSU tuition and fees*
• airfare
• books and supplies
• passport application fee
• visa application fees (if applicable)
• pre-departure doctor visits
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs are estimated at $3,350 (US09).  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee.  Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses.  (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university.  If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadline to apply for these scholarships is March 1st for summer programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by March 1st for summer programs.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program.  Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.