About South Africa and Namibia
Namibia has one of the world's youngest democracies, recently celebrating 20 years of peaceful government. Learn firsthand about the challenges to nationbuilding in a society recovering from the long-lasting impacts of the discriminatory and violent effects of apartheid. Namibia is a nation trying to come to terms with its own identity, free from South African rule, but with many nations trying to influence and shape their policies. Yet Namibia is searching for true independence. Our students and seminar participants hear from Namibians their own thoughts on apartheid, the current government, the impact of foreign governments, the HIV/AIDS epidemic,and many more issues impacting their daily lives.
Semester and summer programs are based in Windhoek with educational seminars offered in multiple sites in South Africa. Windhoek reflects the German colonial influence, the effects of apartheid and South African population, and the presence of 11 ethnic groups.
Travel seminar participants can spend time in either Namibia or South Africa or both. Locations in South Africa vary by seminar.
Namibia
Namibia is located in southern Africa. Its border countries are Angola to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Botswana to the east, and South Africa to the south. The South Atlantic Ocean borders Namibia to the west. Namibia, slightly more than half the size of Alaska, is also located in and between the Namib Desert along the coast, and the Kalahari Desert in the east.
Namibia’s population is estimated to be approximately 1.8 million. It is made up of various ethnic groups, of which the majority live in the rural areas. These ethnic groups include the Herero, Ovambo, Damara, Namas, Caprivian, Ovahimbas, Tswanas, Kavangos, San, Basters, "Coloureds," Afrikaners, English, and German.
Windhoek
The Center for Global Education in Namibia is based in Windhoek. Located in the geographical center of the country, Windhoek’s estimated population is 250,000.
As do many capital cities, Windhoek serves as the transportation hub, shopping and entertainment center, and administrative center of Namibia. You will find all the goods, services and amenities of a modern city readily available. Trains, buses, and taxis connect communities within Windhoek as well as towns throughout Namibia.
Housing
The Center for Global Education – Namibia maintains a large house in Windhoek for its semester study programs and short-term travel seminars. The Center's Namibia facility is located in the residential neighborhood of Windhoek West, just four blocks from the Polytechnic of Namibia and a 10 - 15 minute walk to downtown.
Our Namibia house also has a common living space and dinning room for classes, meals, conversation and leisure time. Finally, the premises include a large yard, a nice patio, a small swimming pool and a veranda adjacent to the lounge. The Center has a small resource room equipped with several computers and a printer for your use. Each computer has Internet access, and the house is now equipped with wireless internet as well.
In other parts of Namibia, you will stay at a modest guesthouse or retreat center where rooms are semi-dormitory style with shared bathrooms. Semester program students and some travel seminars may include a family stay to introduce you to family life in Southern Africa. During a family stay, you may not always have access to hot water or standard mattresses. We are confident that this unique opportunity will enhance your understanding of the region in a challenging, experiential manner.
Diversity
Despite a relatively small population, there is rich ethnic diversity within Namibia. To find out more about how people with similar personal identities have experienced southern Africa, please visit our diversity pages.
