SPA Students Visit South Africa in Cross-Cultural Exchange
This spring, ten students from San Diego State University’s School of Public Affairs traveled to South Africa as part of a global engagement initiative led by Dr. Paul Kaplan. The week-long trip to Pretoria marked a significant milestone in the School’s ongoing collaboration with the University of Pretoria (UP), one of Africa’s leading research institutions. The visit offered students an unforgettable blend of academic exchange, cultural immersion, and firsthand learning about South Africa’s history, governance, and post-apartheid development.
Arriving in Johannesburg on March 30, the group was warmly welcomed before traveling to Pretoria to begin their journey. The itinerary started with a campus tour and meetings with UP faculty, staff, and students. SDSU participants gained valuable insight into South African higher education and public service through discussions and informal interactions with their UP counterparts. One highlight was a cultural exchange session with international UP students, where language, customs, and perspectives were shared in a lively and open environment. Later that day, the group joined UP students to enjoy a local rugby match.
Over the next several days, students explored key cultural and historical landmarks, including the Soweto township, Nelson Mandela House, the Apartheid Museum, and Constitution Hill. These visits brought South Africa’s complex and often painful history to life, sparking deep reflection and conversation among the group. Dr. Kaplan said, “We encouraged students to engage fully, not just academically but emotionally and ethically. These sites are not just historical, they’re part of an ongoing story about justice and reconciliation.”
The trip also featured excursions, including a visit to the Lesedi Cultural Village, where students experienced traditional South African music, dance, and village life. A safari at Dinokeng Game Reserve rounded out the itinerary, offering students a chance to appreciate the country's breathtaking biodiversity.
Student response to the experience was overwhelmingly positive. They connected with peers at UP, explored cultural contexts vastly different from their own, and reflected on how history, policy, and social structures intersect across global landscapes. A few minor travel incidents and cultural challenges reminded participants of the realities of international travel and the importance of adaptability and awareness.
The School of Public Affairs is excited to build on this successful exchange. Plans are underway to welcome students from the University of Pretoria to SDSU in fall 2025, creating a two-way channel for cultural understanding and academic collaboration.
The South Africa trip reaffirmed the School of Public Affairs’ commitment to preparing students for leadership in an interconnected world. Through immersive experiences like this, students gain knowledge and a deeper sense of global responsibility.
