Mary Ann Cahill, Ed.D.
Exploring Apartheid in South Africa and its Effect
on Primary Education: A Study Abroad Experience
This presentation focuses on the learning and experiences of a
Study Abroad trip to South Africa. While studying
abroad is always an excellent idea to increase global awareness, we were also
able to provide experiences which developed our students personally and
broadened their understandings of the role culture plays in educational systems
throughout the world. As a microcosm,
the experience in Johannesburg, South Africa provided a backdrop for studying
important historical events, social determinants for education,
sociodemographic impact on culture and education, and the important role of
education in promoting social change.
The second part of the trip took place in Elizabethtown where the
students were immersed in a partner primary township school. The following objectives were achieved: increasing cultural awareness and
cultural knowledge; challenging personal beliefs and culturally biased
assumptions; and exploring historical legacies and social conditions that
support social inequities.