Immersion

Immersion Is… Pursuing curiosity through experiences and scholarship to help discover your passion in learning. The possibilities for Immersion experiences in the Department of African American and Diaspora Studies are vast and can be tailored to each student’s interest. Studying abroad, a research project, or an internship are just a few ways that students complete their Immersion requirement.

Study Abroad

Students in African American and diaspora studies have the opportunity to study abroad in South Africa. AADS at the University of Cape Town allows students to explore a range of courses in the humanities, music, fine arts, commerce, sciences, engineering, and African languages. The program allows Vanderbilt students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a type of “new democracy studies” (South Africa is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a democracy in 2024). Students will be observer-participants of the development of a democracy attempting to overcome its legacy of Apartheid, deal head-on with the with politics of race, view an emergent women’s right movement, and study current health crises. The program is administered through CIEE.

Students will also participate in a homestay with the Cape “Brown” (formerly known as Cape Coloreds) and Moslem communities, previously disadvantaged groups under Apartheid. The CIEE program also offers other community service opportunities for interested students (e.g., Robben Island). All students will have the opportunity to pursue a CIEE Certificate of Achievement in International Education based on performance in the program and CIEE-planned extra-academic and community-based curricular activities for an additional fee. AADS will pay this fee for interested and qualified majors.

Cape Town is a vibrant, diverse, and beautiful city situated between mountains (Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles), the Atlantic Ocean, beaches, and winelands. The campus is located on the Atlantic coast, 15 minutes from downtown Cape Town. Students are housed on campus with other UCT students.

Interested students should contact the Global Education Office for more information on international programs and financial aid. AADS students should also consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies as they plan their program of study.

Internships

Students have access to many internship opportunities at a wide variety of organizations. Below are some of the organizations where students have held internships in the past, or that have relevant internships available.