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Seminar - Nation Building in South Africa
 
Dr. Cynthia Sellers
Assistant to the President
Fort Valley State University

First of all, I want to thank the CIEE staff for selecting me to participate in the 2004 International Faculty Development Seminar in South Africa.  I also want to thank ExxonMobil Foundation for selecting me to receive an ExxonMobil Fellowship which enabled me to attend this professional development program.

Participating in the CIEE International Faculty Development Seminar Program in South Africa was a wonderful rewarding experience.  It provided me an opportunity to learn about the culture of South Africa, in particular the culture of Cape Town, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Soweto.

As a result of my participation in this CIEE International Faculty Development Seminar, I gained a wealth of knowledge.  More specifically, I gained the following:

1. A greater understanding of South Africa's history, government and politics, economy, population and people, education and languages.
   
2. An understanding of the mission, organizational structure and culture of several South African institutions of higher education.  These institutions include: the University of Cape Town, the University of the Western Cape, the University of Pretoria, and the University of South Africa.
   
3. An understanding and appreciation for several historical sites; specifically the District Six Museum, Parliament, Robben Island, Lesedi Cultural Village and the Mandela Museum.
   
4. An understanding of the efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS in South Africa.
   
5. A greater appreciation of Nelson Mandela's leadership during his presidency of South Africa.
   
6. An understanding of the efforts of Thabo Mbeki's leadership as President of the Republic of South Africa.
   
7. An opportunity to learn about the African family structure by visiting and eating dinner with a host family.
   
8. An opportunity to take numerous pictures in Cape Town, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Soweto. These pictures will enable me to produce a wonderful power point presentation about South Africa.

 
I have a genuine and passionate interest in increasing international awareness on our campus.  The following are international efforts I plan to implement at Fort Valley State University.

1. Utilize the knowledge I gained from attending the International Faculty Development Seminar in South Africa, to conduct lectures in several of the African courses offered by the African World Studies Institute. In the fall of 2004, the African World Studies Institute implemented an interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary baccalaureate degree program and curriculum in African World Studies.  My lectures on South Africa will certainly enhance student’s knowledge of Africa.
   
2. Make presentations about my trip to South Africa and the benefits of an international experience to the Student Government Association, fraternities and sororities, and other student organizations during the fall 2004 semester.
   
3. Make presentations to faculty about my trip to South Africa and the benefits of an international experience during the fall 2004 semester.
   
4. Assist other offices on campus in enhancing the academic experience of international students.
   
5. Encourage faculty, staff, and administrators to seek opportunities for developing beneficial international partnerships.