Maggie Lile, features editor

“The world is your classroom,” says Augsburg’s Center for Global Education and Experience (CGEE). The CGEE is an area of Augsburg’s Study Abroad & Away department that focuses on social justice and community engagement. Through first-hand experiences and interactive work, “CGEE programs are designed to learn from communities and groups working for social change to inform thought and action for personal and societal transformation.”

Fiona Smith, a third-year student here at Augsburg, recently participated in one of the programs run by the CGEE. In a brief interview with Fiona, she was able to give me a deeper look into her personal experience while abroad and all that she has learned from being fully immersed in a new culture.

“Last semester (Spring 2024) I studied abroad in South Africa and Namibia. The program is called Decolonizing the Mind: Racial and Environmental Justice. This program was a full semester, and [that] still didnt feel like enough time,” said Smith. “I chose to study abroad in Namibia because I wanted a non-westernized experience and education. I thought that I would learn and grow the most by being immersed in a completely different culture.” 

The program includes a required class on Racism and Resistance in Southern Africa and the United States, as well as additional credits available in a range of options. “While I was studying abroad I learned a lot about the history of Namibia and South Africa and their fight for independence against the apartheid regime. I also took a class on African Traditional Religion, where we learned about different tribal practices around religion and spirituality, and an Environmental Connections class where we learned about poaching, green hydrogen energy, and conservation hunting,” said Smith.

She also spoke extensively about her experience with a paid internship that, along with classes, the CGEE will work with the local agencies in the country to set up. Smith stated, “Interning at Namibia Housing Action group and the home stays were definitely the most memorable part of this study abroad experience. Through my internship I was able to participate in hands-on field work, attend council meetings and travel with the NGO to work alongside community members in informal settlements. The homestay in Namibia was also very memorable. It was really nice to have a change of pace in the program and live with a family for a week. We cooked together every night, talked for hours and went camping together.” 

Yes, academic studies are important but it can also be argued that some may learn more culturally, socially and maybe even individually when taking their studies abroad, something that Smith really enjoyed during her program. “It is a cultural norm to greet everyone and ask them how they are doing. […] This was surprisingly a big shift to get used to. I feel like in the states everyone is so removed from each other and in a rush all the time and [they] dont stop and take the time to ask how someone is doing. I think that I grew and learned the most in my study abroad semester then I ever have in school. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn about other countries, cultures and [to] widen your perspective,” she said.

The CGEE is just one of the outlets for studying abroad through Augsburg. If you are interested in social justice, like Smith, then maybe the CGEE is right for you. But with many other opportunities, such as the short-term undergrad programs, the exchange programs or even the Study Away programs in the United States, the possibilities are endless.