UC Davis Study Abroad, Summer Internship Abroad South Africa, Hospital Medicine & Infectious Disease In Durban Program, Header Image, Overview Page

Summer Internships in South Africa - On Site

Hospital Medicine and Infectious Disease

Accommodations

You will be placed in a homestay with a South African family in a middle class suburban neighborhood in Durban about a 20-minute drive from downtown. Most homestays are Zulu and this will allow for a deeper immersion into the culture and a better understanding of South Africa. You will share housing with another student in the program.

All homestays are located within walking distance to one another and there are several stores and a minimarket offering Internet, laundry and basic goods within 10-minute walking distance.

UC Davis reserves the right to change the accommodation location. Should this be necessary, we will arrange alternative lodging. Please note that elevators, air conditioners and other modern conveniences may not be available in all locations.

Meals

Two meals a day are provided with this program.

Excursions & Activities

Short excursions and day trips are included during orientation week.

Orientation Week Sample Schedule

  • Tour of clinics and hospitals where students will be rotating
  • Double Decker Durban City Tour Visit to valley of a thousand hills, includes visit to a traditional Zulu village where students can witness traditional Zulu dance and learn more about ancient rites.
  • Full day Safari
  • Cat Rehab Center: An up close and personal tour to learn more about South Africa’s endangered wildcat species
  • Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise safari in St. Lucia to observe hippos, Nile crocodiles and hundreds of bird species.
  • Umlazi Township, including a visit to orphanage that takes care of children who were orphaned as a result of the parents dying from HIV/AIDS
  • Orientation Dinner

Get to Know Your Destination

Experience Durban, the heart of Kwa-Zulu Natal province in South Africa, and the heartland of Zulu culture. This dynamic city of over three-million people is South Africa’s second-most populous city, as well as the preferred destination for warm subtropical weather and beaches. South Africa has made great strides towards improving the lives of the Bblack population by focusing funds and effort on improving sanitation, education, employment and access to quality healthcare. Despite great efforts, the repressive legacy of Apartheid and the HIV/AIDS and TB pandemics have continued to overburden the fledging healthcare system.

Globally, of the 35 million people currently living with HIV, a daunting 71% are in Sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa has the world’s largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS, and the Kwa-Zulu Natal province was the epicenter of this epidemic. 

Study Abroad Advisory of Student Risk

Participation in this UC Davis Study Abroad program requires travel to and extended living in a foreign location(s) abroad. UC Davis Study Abroad endeavors to reduce and mitigate risk wherever possible.  However, the environments and risks associated with living in these locations are substantially different than those found during a regular course of study at UC Davis. All participants must download and review the following information prior to departure. Any questions should be directed to the Program Coordinator.

Student Experience

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