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Environmental Studies
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
About the Program
Explore the Eastern Cape’s legendary biodiversity in this hands-on program. A focus on field studies gets you out of the classroom and into nature. You'll enroll in the Environmental Studies Module, which offers a sound introduction to South Africa’s extraordinary diversity and the juxtaposition of the developed and developing world. You'll visit one or more of the Eastern Cape’s famous game reserves, national parks, and coastal areas such as Woody Cape Nature Reserve, Bird Island, Addo Elephant National Park, and George and Knysa on South Africa’s beautiful Garden Route, all real-world examples of reconciliation between development and conservation.
Requirements
Overview
Port Elizabeth
6/27/16 - 7/22/16
$5,895
6
Deadlines
Closed
5/1/16
Requirements
Eligibility
High School Graduate, although one year college is preferred
2.5
Where You'll Study
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) is the largest higher education institution in South Africa's Eastern and Southern Cape region. Formed in 2005 when the University of Port Elizabeth&md...
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Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) is the largest higher education institution in South Africa's Eastern and Southern Cape region. Formed in 2005 when the University of Port Elizabeth—South Africa's first dual-language university— merged with the Port Elizabeth Technikon, NMMU is one of six “new generation universities” created to deliver effective, accessible, and equitable higher education opportunities. NMMU employs innovative thinking to meet the demands for quality education that is both responsive to South Africa’s needs and aligned with global development.
The university’s slogan, “for tomorrow,” reminds students that NMMU seeks to nurture innovation, foster creativity, embrace technology, and develop people to meet the challenges of the world of tomorrow. “For tomorrow” also symbolizes the institution’s commitment to sustainable development; NMMU is involved in extensive research and new knowledge production. Major research laboratories focus on renewable energy and green technology, such as designing award-winning solar cars.
Community development and health studies research, another institutional emphasis, focuses on finding solutions to poverty, such as improving low-cost housing and reaching rural communities with an innovative mobile health train. These are just a few examples of areas in which NMMU strives to create sustainable, healthy communities on the local and global level. Additionally, NMMU has established itself as a leading South African institution in the following academic areas:
- Environment and ecology
- Green technology
- Marine studies
- Automotive engineering
- Nursing and community health
- Architecture and the built environment
- Business and management sciences
- Art and design
- Education and IT
More than 20,000 students are enrolled across NMMU’s six campuses, together creating a culturally and linguistically diverse student population. About 2,000 international students join the university from across Africa, Europe, Canada, and the U.S. The university’s main campuses—South, North, and 2nd Avenue—are located in Port Elizabeth’s upscale Summerstrand suburb. The South and North campuses are situated in a nature reserve that encompasses more than 830 hectares and is home to 22 species of mammals, 16 species of reptiles, and 4 species of amphibians. The main campuses are also close to Port Elizabeth’s beautiful beaches, Boardwalk, Casino, and shopping and entertainment venues.
Accreditation
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University is accredited by the South African Council of Higher Education.
Grading
Testing methods differ by class and instructors’ methods. For example, in some courses, you may be tested twice per semester and those test results will determine your final grade. All final exams take place at the end of the semester. All final course grades will be reported in the form of a numerical grade and pass or fail evaluation.
The following numerical grades (listed with their suggested general letter grade equivalencies) will be used:
|
NMMU Grade |
Suggested U.S. Grade |
|
80-100 |
A+ |
|
75-79 |
A |
|
70-74 |
B+ |
|
65-69 |
B |
|
60-64 |
B- |
|
57-59 |
C+ |
|
54-56 |
C |
|
51-53 |
C- |
|
50 |
D |
|
0-49 |
Fail |
Please note that this grading scale is recommended, but final credit and grade evaluation is ultimately determined by your home school.
A full-time student must enroll in at least 48 NMMU credit hours, with a maximum of 60. Four NMMU credits equal one U.S. credit, so 48 NMMU credits equal 12 U.S. credits. Please note that NMMU defines a credit as a “unit”; each unit is the equivalent of 10 notional hours of learning. Notional hours represent the effort you take to learn the material, such as attending lectures, studying for tests, doing assignments, and taking exams. When determining credit equivalencies, module credit should be read in conjunction with course content. Each semester consists of at least 14 weeks of teaching.
Classroom and Information
- Faculty from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University will teach your courses.
- Periodic exams, homework assignments, and final exams will be administered.
- Attendance in all classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor.
- Teaching styles in South Africa may differ from those in the U.S. Be prepared to adapt to local classroom structures and coursework expectations.
- Class size ranges between 25 and 75 students. You will attend class with other CEA participants, host nationals, and international students from Africa, Europe, and North America.
Amenities
Student Offices
Clubs & Organizations
Student Government
Student Center
Study Room
Student Health Center
University Library
Computer Lab
Printing Facilities
Student ID
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Fitness Facilities
Student Sports Teams
Cultural Engagement
Dining Facilities
Copy & Mail Center
On-campus ATM
Laundry Facilities
6
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
The Environmental Studies Module meets for 90 contact hours/6 credits. You may earn up to 6 credits (up to 90 contact hours). Class meets Monday-Thursday, with Fridays reserved as study days. Active learning components required by the course may be scheduled for Fridays.
Upon confirmation of your participation in the program, we’ll register you in the Environmental Studies module. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Upon confirmation of your participation in the program, we’ll register you in the Environmental Studies module. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
All Levels Course Structure
Courses
The following courses have been confirmed for this term. Please note, the host institution reserves the right to cancel or change courses without prior notification.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Environment and The Eastern Cape Frontier * | 300 | En | 90 | 6 |
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Excursions
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
Sample Calendar
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA CAPA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
|
June 27
|
Arrival/Program Begins
Official Program Start Date. Students must arrive at the Port Elizabeth Airport on this date in order to be eligible for airport pickup. Students will then be transferred to their assigned housing. |
|
June 29
|
Classes Begin
Classes begin at NMMU on this day. |
|
June 29
|
Orientation
Mandatory NMMU Orientation will be held. |
|
July 21
|
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at NMMU. |
|
July 22
|
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day. |
Sample Budget
This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we've included a range of costs.
Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover "reasonable" costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.
Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.