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Africa

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Participants

Students

Madison Barnett


 
  • Senior
  • Business Major
  • "Dune 7 was one of the coolest things I've seen. It was my favorite spot on the trip. No other six week period will ever affect you as much, open your eyes to as many things, fundamentally change your perspective and outlook on life, or teach as much about yourself and the world around you. This trip is a unique and amazing opportunity that you shouldn't miss out on."

Monica Bell 



  
  • Senior
  • Political Science and Sociology Major
  • "I was not sure what to expect when I set foot on the continent of Africa. Of course, I had heard about the stereotypical Africa, with its deserts, monkeys, and "exotic people." What I found there, however, was much more complex. Sure, we saw our fair share of the Namib and Kalahari deserts, we saw a few baboons, and there were some people there (like here) that one might label "exotic." Yet, what amazed me the most were our commonalities as global entities and as human beings. I would encourage anyone who has the privilege of visiting southern Africa - or any new place, for that matter - to seek common ground. It is through what we can share that we learn the most about each other. "

Monica Bestawros



  
  • Senior
  • Political Science Major
  • "Well the region has one of most diverse terrains I have ever see so make sure to take lots of pictures...especially of Capetown if you all go on a sunset cruise or go to signal hill at night - SO pretty.... Also, if you have any connections with people over there try to see them - really makes the trip more personal - oh, make sure your grandparents tell you if you have relatives in South Africa BEFORE you leave on the trip :)... As for practical stuff. you are going to be on a tour bus a lot so make sure to bring a tape or cd player and medicine if you get car sick. Also I highly suggest writing a personal journal - that is one thing I wish I did. As far as people there - it is tempting to hang out with Furman people since you will be around them the majority of the time - take every opportunity to talk to the "locals" if possible. Foodwise...well Somosas are really good...they have a lot of different types of stir fry as well. If you like cider, try a Savannah Dry...and make sure to taste some of their red wines if you like red wine!"

Geoffrey Boyce 

  • Senior 
  • English Major
  • "Our time in Namibia was by far the most rewarding experience of the trip. Spending time in homestays with Katatura families opened my eyes to the reality of life in post-apartheid Southern Africa." 

Eric Carter 



  
  • Sophomore
  • Political Science Major
  • "Go on this trip! And bring Coolmax, it's all about the Coolmax!"

Madeline Clark 


 
  • Junior
  • Political Science and Spanish Major
  • "I had an amazing experience filled with thought provoking contrasts and unforgettable images. The varying snapshots I took away with me will both haunt me and make me smile for the rest of my life. Oh, and the Bushmen hunting symbol for giraffe - I'll remember that too! Cheers y'all."
  • <- On right

Janna DeLoach 


   
  • Senior
  • History Major
  • "G. K. Chesterton said, 'The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one's own country as a foreign land.'"

Leah Edwards 

  • Senior 
  • Political Science Major 

Billy Grams 



  
  • Sophomore
  • Math and Economics Major
  • "The Furman program to southern Africa was a wonderful experience. It allowed me to see the world in general and my life in particular from a new perspective. The trip truly brings to life one of the most dynamic stories of recent history - the struggle against apartheid. I strongly recommend the trip to anyone."

Elizabeth Griffin 



  
  • Senior
  • History Major
  • "Crazy things happen in Africa... you won't come back the same!"

Adam Grubbs 



  
  • Senior
  • Political Science and Music Major
  • "Cape Town or bust! Springboks!"

Eric Guth 

  • Junior 
  • Health and Exercise Science Major 
  • "Take advantage of the incredible hiking opportunities. " 

Jody James 



  
  • Senior
  • Music Major
  • "Advice to future students:
    • Step 1: Apply for this trip.
    • Step 2: Be prepared for a life-changing experience.
    • Step 3: Pack underwear that dries quickly."

Ansley Loftin 

  • Senior 
  • Communications Major
  • "As my first international traveling experience, our study abroad in Africa definitely provided me with a new, more appreciative perspective on the everyday life I lead. Without traveling to such countries, I do not believe one can even get a strong sense or idea of the unique historical and political backgrounds these nations possess, and their ongoing struggle to overcome the burdens of their past. I am grateful to have had such an opportunity." 

Bryan Long 

  • Sophomore 
  • Political Science Major
  • "If someone would have told me I would have been swimming in the Indian Ocean on Feb. 1st I would have never believed them, but the trip to Africa I was able to do just that. It was by far one of the fun and educational experiences I've ever had, because not only did I get to learn first hand of another culture and society, but most importantly I learned a bit about myself." 

David McGill 



  
  • Junior
  • Political Science Major
  • "The best thing about the trip was the opportunity to get to know some of the people on the trip. I still talk to many of them once per week. Chances are I would have never had the opportunity to meet most of them if this trip didn't bring us together."

Elizabeth McNeill 

  • Sophomore 
  • Political Science Major 
  • "To come home from a trip like this and not be changed is impossible." 

Scott McPherson 

  • Sophomore 
  • History Major
  • "This trip has been a cross between a Jimmy Buffett song and a Hemingway novel." 

Hunter Michelsen

  • Senior
  • History Major 
  • "My favorite aspect of the trip was the hiking and wonderful landscapes as well as the hands on learning. Forgetting to take my malaria medicine for half the trip made it exciting and mysterious as well, though I don't recommend it." 

Beth Milam 



  
  • Junior
  • Elementary Education Major
  • "Africa 2003 was engaged learning at its finest! It blended powerful and authentic social studies with historical inquiry to broaden my worldview and bring life into perspective. (Doesn't that just sound teacher-ish?!)"
  • <- On left

Lauren Moran 



  
  • Senior
  • History and Political Science Major

Elizabeth Moxley 

  • Senior 
  • History Major 
  • "One of the best experiences of my life. We had a wonderful group." 

Elizabeth Myers 

  • Senior 
  • Sociology and Political Science Major 
  • "Springboks are the best idea anyone ever had." 

Yendelela Neely 



  
  • Senior
  • History and Political Science Major
  • "My overall comment for the trip is that it was enlightening. However I would have liked to have had more interaction with local people. The homestay was the most educational part of the trip. I want to talk to the average person on a personal level."

Ashley Patton

  • Senior 
  • History Major
  • "Good times, good friends, great trip. I miss Castles, springboks, ten hour trips on the coach, the amazing weather and our fabulous group." 

Heather Prince 

  • Senior 
  • History Major
  • "The six weeks we spent in southern Africa was, for me, a life-affirming experience. Forty-two days of visiting poverty-stricken townships on the outskirts of cosmopolitan cities and desolate rural villages cut off from "civilization" reminded me and affirmed to me my own calling to recognize the needs of others and work to meet those needs, not only at the surface but also in ways that battle the roots of oppression and injustice. Six weeks in South Africa revealed these roots and revealed ways in which the economically and socially oppressed already are embracing life and waging war on the system that attempts to hold them down. I will faithfully carry forward the hope and commitment to justice that I experienced through the South African people, relying on my fellow travelers to do the same." 

Michael Scoggins 



  
  • Senior
  • History Major
  • "My favorite part of the trip was how every moment of every day I was experiencing something new. Everyday I learned more about South Africa and myself as well."

Elizabeth Scutchfield 



  
  • Junior
  • Political Science Major
  • "Walter Rauschenbusch said, 'The real joy of life is in its play. Play is anything we do for the joy and love of doing it, apart from any profit, compulsion, or sense of duty. It is the real living of life.'"

Abby Simon



  
  • Senior
  • Political Science Major
  • "The foreign study to Southern Africa is a very challenging trip in that it brings you in contact with so many different perspectives on issues that are directly affecting the lives of the people you meet. In one sense you are overwhelmed by what you see and the needs you encounter, but you are also amazed by the determination of the people and forced to readjust your own perspectives so that when you return home you will never be able to see things the same way or ignore the everyday injustices that are going on around us."

Hank Southgate 



  
  • Senior
  • Philosophy and German Major
  • "As far as advice 1. hangovers and day trips don't mix 2. try not to get into bar fights with Afrikaners 3. read some Foucault so you can understand what the hell Ching's talking about. In all seriousness I found that a mixture of curiosity, criticism, openness and the continual awareness of one's ignorance, both experiential and academic, to be a good starting point in all our endeavors."

Shay Speights 



  
  • Senior
  • Business Major
  • "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Make the best of it and go out every night while you're there. Pack more than one week's worth of clothes, and include shorts and sleeveless shirts because it gets hot!"

Kathryn Taylor 

  • Senior 
  • Political Science and Communications Major"Great balance between fun and education. Organization and plethora of events/speakers provided insight into Southern Africa's struggles and successes." 

Eric Tornfelf 

  • Senior 
  • Political Science Major
  • "What I enjoyed the most from Africa 2003 was having my worldview expanded. It was through engaging the different sites, speakers and members of the trip that I was able to get a better understanding how people's political, economic, social and spiritual needs are uniquely intertwined. My time in Africa allowed me to examine the nature of people and the universal concepts of how people seek to satisfy these needs." 

Sarah-Ann Turpen 



  
  • Junior
  • Health and Exercise Science
  • "Reasons to go to Africa: $.70 Castles; The Cardboard Box; $10.00 Three Cape Ladies; see a bird named the Gordster; Cape Town. I'm definitely going back to Cape Town and possibly living there."

Faculty & Staff

Peter Moni and David Bartosh 

  • Driver & Guide
  • "On reflection there is no other tour on my calendar like [Furman's] and no other tour conjures up inside me the amount of interest and excitement as your tour, so whatever or whenever your tour becomes available it is just like a switch, press the button and on comes the light. The thoughts and feelings that you leave behind will live on in peoples minds long after you have left our shores, such is the impression you leave behind. The FURMAN fires still burn brightly here." 

Dr. Don Gordon


Dr. Erik Ching


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