Studying at the remarkable Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) provides students with a life-changing opportunity to live and study in a vibrant, historic city where coursework, university life, excursions, and even internships or service learning immerse them in the culture of South Africa. This program takes up to 20 students from three partner schools (Rhodes, Centre, and Sewanee) on an unforgettable and transformative journey to the eastern coast of Africa’s southern-most country, led by a member of the faculty from Rhodes, Centre, or Sewanee. Students will enroll in the Faculty Leader’s course and up to four additional courses taught at Nelson Mandela University by NMU faculty. Programmatic excursions to Robben Island, Addo Game Reserve, and Cape Town are included. Students may also opt into voluntary service learning or internships.
Students live in contemporary residence halls within walking distance to NMU, giving them the opportunity to connect with university students from around the globe. Rooms include private bedrooms, private en-suite bathrooms, and shared common spaces, including a full kitchen. The city of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is small enough to feel like home, but large enough to offer all the metropolitan life and experiences typically requested by study abroad students. This coastal city boasts amazing beaches, world-class museums and attractions, and unforgettable nature walks and wildlife destinations. The people of Gqeberha are warm and friendly, leading to the Gqeberha’s nickname, “Friendly City.”
Courses:
Students enroll in the Faculty Leader’s course, which is Rhodes credit; grades earned are factored into the GPA. The rest of the courses are taught by NMU faculty by directly enrolling as visiting international students at NMU (a process organized and overseen by the staff at the Buckman Center at Rhodes College). These courses are transfer credit; grades earned are not factored into the GPA. NMU has a wide selection of courses and disciplines to support students from any major area of study. Students wishing to earn F11 on this program may do so by successfully completing the program and two program assessments (one before and one after the semester abroad). Students may also opt into voluntary service learning or internships.
Student applications are on the Buckman Center's website.