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SOUTHERN SKIES

With a history rich in tragedy and triumph, South Africa proved the perfect destination for two CLU students to combine study abroad and service learning. Last spring, upperclassmen Jenna Finch and Greg Lehman spent the semester taking classes in community and economic development, as well as Afrikaans language, at the University of Stellenbosch. They also worked with disadvantaged youths in the townships of Klapmuts and Sir Lowry Pass. The opportunity allowed them to experience South Africa from the inside, learning about that nation while contributing their time to make personal connections with individuals. With travel programs to Africa, Europe, Australia, South America, and Asia, 125 CLU students are heading overseas this year in semester-long study opportunities, while another 50 will head out on short-term trips and service-learning tours.

	BROAD SANDS, turquoise water, long walk...Greg Lehman at Cape Point.
"ONE OF THE GREATEST THINGS I've ever done" describes Jenna Finch of her time learning and working with children in an HIV/AIDS support group in South Africa. SWINGING THROUGH TREES takes protective headgear, as Greg Lehman and friends discover.		SOUTHERN CLIMES: Cape Town beckons from the slopes of Table Mountain.
	SMILES TRANSCEND Afrikaans and English, as shown by the children in this HIV/AIDS support group near Somerset West.

"I was working
doing an HIV and AIDS support group for kids, and it was kind of intimidating. They threw us in and said come up with a 10-week lesson plan, so we did a lot of research and we realized it didn't have to be technical, the kids were really young and needed a positive force in their lives. It was a great experience, not only culturally but it got me out of my comfort zone.

The service learning was the best part of my experience, and it was so great to get to know the kids. They'd come voluntarily, and when they would run up and give me a hug, I could really see the difference I was making there."

— Jenna Finch, senior
International Studies Major
Camarillo, California

"In Klapmuts, I worked at an after school program called Watergarden. One day a week, I helped teach sports and things to promote hand-eye coordination — we take for granted that we are properly taught how to hold a pen or pencil from a very young age. The other days were spent on various learning activities and most importantly self confidence activities.

One of the rules for the volunteers is that you never give the kids anything — you want to promote the idea that they can get out of the situation that they are in. They need to believe in themselves — that is the most important part of the program."

— Greg Lehman, junior
Political Science Major
Longmont, Colorado

IMMERSE