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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Laura Ingalls (laura.ingalls@worldlearning.org) in Washington, 1.202.464.6973
SIT Study Abroad Kicks Off World Cup Program in South Africa
WASHINGTON, DC (May 27, 2010) -- The chance to view a world-class soccer match and experience a home stay in a Zulu township are the highlights of a new study abroad program for undergraduate students starting next month during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. SIT Study Abroad, a program of World Learning, is offering South Africa: Globalization, Sports, and Development as a companion program to the tournament billed as the world's largest sporting event.
Sixteen years after the end of apartheid, the choice of South Africa to host the World Cup is seen as a major milestone. It also marks the first time an African country has hosted the event. South Africa's role as host could influence the global dialogue on development theory, interracial relations, and nation building. However, questions remain as to how the event will impact South African institutions and citizens, who grapple with challenges like poverty and crime.
Based in the city of Durban, the six-week study abroad program gives participants an opportunity to study these important issues.
"I am excited to launch SIT Study Abroad's new program at such an important time in the history of sports," said Imraan Buccus, the program's academic director. "Participants will experience the first World Cup in Africa while learning about the intertwined relationship between globalization, mega-sports and development."
Program participants will engage municipal officials, community activists, and faculty from the University of KwaZulu Natal as part of a full-credit seminar. They will then apply what they have learned through various field activities including interning with a youth organization that uses soccer to teach HIV/AIDS prevention and working on sports development initiatives with community organizations and university faculty. Participants also live with a Zulu-speaking homestay family in Cato Manor and a family in rural eMacambini.
SIT Study Abroad has offered programs for undergraduate college students for more than 50 years, and currently offers more than 80 programs worldwide. To date, more than 25,000 students have benefited from SIT Study Abroad's field-based programs.
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