Participants

Lauren Anderson

	Junior Religion major, Poverty Studies concentration "Going on this trip was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I saw and did more in two months than I'd ever expected to do in a lifetime. The trip taught me not only about health, religion, history, and psychology, but also about myself. You really learn who you are when you find yourself in so many new (often taxing--emotionally, mentally, and physically) situations, and in very close and frequent contact with 19 other people. I wouldn't have had it any other way, though, and everyone from the trip became almost like family. Southern Africa found in me a dormant activist waiting to come out! What I learned and experienced from so many incredible people I have brought back with me, and now hope to do their memory justice in my life by fighting for causes I have seen and cannot ignore. If you go on this trip, you will not forget it or the amazing people you will meet. You will not be able to forget."

Junior

Religion major, Poverty Studies concentration

"Going on this trip was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I saw and did more in two months than I'd ever expected to do in a lifetime. The trip taught me not only about health, religion, history, and psychology, but also about myself. You really learn who you are when you find yourself in so many new (often taxing--emotionally, mentally, and physically) situations, and in very close and frequent contact with 19 other people. I wouldn't have had it any other way, though, and everyone from the trip became almost like family. Southern Africa found in me a dormant activist waiting to come out! What I learned and experienced from so many incredible people I have brought back with me, and now hope to do their memory justice in my life by fighting for causes I have seen and cannot ignore. If you go on this trip, you will not forget it or the amazing people you will meet. You will not be able to forget."

Sarah Barton

	Sophomore Biology "This was one of the best experiences of my life. What an incredible opportunity to travel to so many places; to learn from all kinds of organizations, people, experiences, texts, and discussions; and to build relationships with other Furman students, professors, and people you meet along the way! Take advantage of every opportunity you can and make a serious effort to meet and get to know the people you come across. The work on campus before and after is kind of overwhelming at times, but definitely worth all the experiences while abroad. The perspective and learning to be gained from this semester abroad are eye-opening and, in my opinion, invaluable. I will never think about the world and my privilege and resulting responsibility the same after this experience."

Sophomore

Biology

"This was one of the best experiences of my life. What an incredible opportunity to travel to so many places; to learn from all kinds of organizations, people, experiences, texts, and discussions; and to build relationships with other Furman students, professors, and people you meet along the way! Take advantage of every opportunity you can and make a serious effort to meet and get to know the people you come across. The work on campus before and after is kind of overwhelming at times, but definitely worth all the experiences while abroad. The perspective and learning to be gained from this semester abroad are eye-opening and, in my opinion, invaluable. I will never think about the world and my privilege and resulting responsibility the same after this experience."

Ali Boyd

	Junior Political Science with Poverty and Latin American studies concentration "I came to Furman to study abroad. I went on both the Latin America and southern Africa trip and they were both perfect. The trips to the Global South are unique in that traveling with Furman professors allows for increased mobility and autonomy, it guarantees exposure. I I highly suggest traveling abroad any chance you get! Save the Western countries for when your old, have a mortgage and a Volvo. If you want experiential learning, pedagogy that has a pulse, go to the developing world!"

Junior

Political Science with Poverty and Latin American studies concentration

"I came to Furman to study abroad. I went on both the Latin America and southern Africa trip and they were both perfect. The trips to the Global South are unique in that traveling with Furman professors allows for increased mobility and autonomy, it guarantees exposure. I I highly suggest traveling abroad any chance you get! Save the Western countries for when your old, have a mortgage and a Volvo. If you want experiential learning, pedagogy that has a pulse, go to the developing world!"

Liz Csaplar

	Junior ICP in Health Studies "Take time to get to know, enjoy, and appreciate everyone you meet--your homestay families, the professors, the other students on the trip, the kids at Megameno, the drivers, the speakers, the people you pass on the street. Delight in the beauty of the cities and the unbelievable natural wonders surrounding you. Don't let anything interfere with the knowledge that every second of this trip is a blessing; choose to consider every experience a delight."

Junior

ICP in Health Studies

"Take time to get to know, enjoy, and appreciate everyone you meet--your homestay families, the professors, the other students on the trip, the kids at Megameno, the drivers, the speakers, the people you pass on the street. Delight in the beauty of the cities and the unbelievable natural wonders surrounding you. Don't let anything interfere with the knowledge that every second of this trip is a blessing; choose to consider every experience a delight."

Jacob Fraher

Dustin Gourdin

	Senior Sociology "Hamutwe u ha tila mbui" which I can't even pronounce properly... yet- but it's a saying in oshiKwanaya that roughly means "A trouble maker isn't afraid of trouble."

Steven Howard

	Junior History

Prenita Hudson

	Junior Political Science "Africa was an eye opening experience. The culture, the food, the people, and relationships that I gain will always remain in my heart and soul. It was a once in a lifetime experience ,and if I had the chance to do it again.....I would!"

Bailey Jackson

	Sophomore Sociology and Poverty Studies Concentration "This trip changed my life. It was more amazing than I could have anticipated. The people and the scenary were both breathtaking, and the opportunities for learning were endless. I learned as much, if not more, from conversing with people on the street than I learned from museums and visits to organizations. I grew closer with my best friends as well as made new friends! I love reminiscing about the trip. I miss it so much, and I hope I can go back again soon."

Sophomore

Sociology and Poverty Studies Concentration

"This trip changed my life. It was more amazing than I could have anticipated. The people and the scenary were both breathtaking, and the opportunities for learning were endless. I learned as much, if not more, from conversing with people on the street than I learned from museums and visits to organizations. I grew closer with my best friends as well as made new friends! I love reminiscing about the trip. I miss it so much, and I hope I can go back again soon."

Susan Joyner

	Sophomore Political Science, Concentration in Poverty Studies "A human being is a part of a whole, called by us "universe", a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest... a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty." - Albert Einstein

Sophomore

Political Science, Concentration in Poverty Studies

"A human being is a part of a whole, called by us
"universe", a part limited in time and space. He experiences
himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest...
a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind
of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection
for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from
this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living
creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty." - Albert Einstein

Renee Keisacker

	Junior Philosophy, Poverty Studies "Read. Journal. Learn. Grow. Laugh. Cry. Rest. Work. Go. Be. Soak yourself so much in Africa, that when you come back, you have no choice but to smell how it changed you."

Hannah Danielle Kuehnert

	Sophomore Political Science, Poverty Studies "Going on the Africa Study Away Trip was the best decision that I have made since I have been at Furman. It allowed me to break out of the "Furman Bubble" and really experience different countries, diverse people groups, and beautiful cultures. This trip taught me to love other countries, communicate well, think outside the box, live in community, question perceivably positive initiatives, respect others, voice concerns, and appreciate diversity. We were presented with so many incredible opportunities through this trip that would never have been possible without Furman's connections and the amazing Dr. Maher (aka "MamaMa"). I learned more traveling around Africa for nine weeks than I ever could have from simply reading and studying books for a lifetime. The trip was by far the most rewarding and intellectually stimulating experience of my life!"

Sophomore

Political Science, Poverty Studies

"Going on the Africa Study Away Trip was the best decision that I have made since I have been at Furman. It allowed me to break out of the "Furman Bubble" and really experience different countries, diverse people groups, and beautiful cultures. This trip taught me to love other countries, communicate well, think outside the box, live in community, question perceivably positive initiatives, respect others, voice concerns, and appreciate diversity. We were presented with so many incredible opportunities through this trip that would never have been possible without Furman's connections and the amazing Dr. Maher (aka "MamaMa"). I learned more traveling around Africa for nine weeks than I ever could have from simply reading and studying books for a lifetime. The trip was by far the most rewarding and intellectually stimulating experience of my life!"

Shelly Martin

	Junior Sociology & Poverty Studies "One of the joys of experiencial learning is how it mirrors all the unexpected twists and turns of real life...those paradigm-shifting experiences which can best be navigated in a tight, committed group of people. We were blessed on the 2010 trip to be surrounded by open minds; our community demonstrated a beautiful willingness to be affected by the world's realities. The Southern Africa Travel Study is not for the student who requires a predictable or tame classroom experience, as old familiar Furman can grant you. To the contrary, this trip will stretch you in ways you never anticipated with its uncanny ability to enlighten. Watch on your homestays as your common humanity intersects with South African activists and Namibian peasant farmers on the other side of the globe. What's the verdict? GO! Be molded. Welcome the invasion of confusion and compassion."

Junior

Sociology & Poverty Studies

"One of the joys of experiencial learning is how it mirrors all the unexpected twists and turns of real life...those paradigm-shifting experiences which can best be navigated in a tight, committed group of people. We were blessed on the 2010 trip to be surrounded by open minds; our community demonstrated a beautiful willingness to be affected by the world's realities. The Southern Africa Travel Study is not for the student who requires a predictable or tame classroom experience, as old familiar Furman can grant you. To the contrary, this trip will stretch you in ways you never anticipated with its uncanny ability to enlighten. Watch on your homestays as your common humanity intersects with South African activists and Namibian peasant farmers on the other side of the globe. What's the verdict? GO! Be molded. Welcome the invasion of confusion and compassion."

Kasey McLeod

	Sophomore Education "I learned so much by going on this trip--from the people we encountered, from my professors, and from my peers. I made new friends and solidified old friendships, and I know both will last even after college. I also got the opportunity to do adventurous things in places full of beauty amidst struggle. The whole semester was worth the experience!"

Drew Miller

	Junior Sociology What an experience! I wish we could go again- there is so much to learn, so much perspective to gain, so much compassion to explore. The struggles of the people, the wild energy of the Okavongo Delta, the untouched wilderness of Giant's castle: these things I will carry with me as I've returned to and as I leave Furman.

Victor Orozco

	Sophomore Art and Psychology "This program has been one of the best experiences of my life. There does not pass a day when I do not think about my time there, and by the looks of it, it is highly unlikely that one will pass without a thought of it. I have made lifelong friendships with my fellow Furman students abroad and constantly find myself trying to make the kind of friends I made there."

Robin Parker

	Junior English "Expect nothing, question everything, explore, and leave your comfort zone at home."

Sarafina Robinson

	Senior Communication Studies

Megan Suaifan

	Junior Sociology "I can honestly say that this trip to southern Africa was phenomenal. We were exposed to so much culture and knowledge, and we were fortunate enough to experience all of this firsthand. Our group of students and professors became like a large family and having this familiar support in foreign places was very valuable. Friendships were made within our group as well as with those living in the countries we visited. You will be challenged, but the experience is entirely worth it."

Junior

Sociology

"I can honestly say that this trip to southern Africa was phenomenal. We were exposed to so much culture and knowledge, and we were fortunate enough to experience all of this firsthand. Our group of students and professors became like a large family and having this familiar support in foreign places was very valuable. Friendships were made within our group as well as with those living in the countries we visited. You will be challenged, but the experience is entirely worth it."

Jacqueline Wornom

	Sophomore Economics and Poverty Studies "I used to joke about Furman's Engaged Learning tagline, but studying abroad gave me the opportunity to experience it. My trip was full of engaging conversations with engaging people. The intense dialog and experiential learning combined to be one one of my favorite educational experiences at Furman. I encourage everyone to cease opportunities that take your learning outside of Furman's manicured bubble, whether it is into downtown Greenville or to the Global South."

Sophomore

Economics and Poverty Studies

"I used to joke about Furman's Engaged Learning tagline, but studying abroad gave me the opportunity to experience it. My trip was full of engaging conversations with engaging people. The intense dialog and experiential learning combined to be one one of my favorite educational experiences at Furman. I encourage everyone to cease opportunities that take your learning outside of Furman's manicured bubble, whether it is into downtown Greenville or to the Global South."

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