HU Zulu in South Africa (HUZISA) Study Abroad Program

HUZISA 2025 will be an immersion into the dynamic world of the Zulu language (isiZulu) and the people who speak it (amaZulu). In a world of changing global dynamics, the Zulu language is one of the African languages that are at the center of significant cultural and economic trends. Through hands-on participation and observation of both urban and rural use of the Zulu language, you will be fully immersed through organized community service that addresses local needs, while developing Zulu language skills. HUZISA will be an important introduction (for beginners) and/or further immersion (for intermediate learners) emphasizing an intensive and culturally-based approach. 

HUZISA is open to all Howard University and non-Howard University students of any major.

The HUZISA program will last for 6 weeks and take place in the provinces of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, to include both urban and rural settings. Activities for the program will focus on the language, history, and culture of the Zulu people in the following location-specific phases: 

• KwaZulu-Natal: urban and peri-urban phase (Durban and surrounding areas) 
• Kwazulu-Natal: rural and semi-rural phase (Dundee, Ulundi, and KwaNongoma)
• Gauteng: cosmopolitan phase (Johannesburg and Pretoria)

This program enables you to:

• Strengthen your Zulu language skills through being immersed into the native context
• Learn about King Shaka Zulu and all the other storied kings as well as see their palaces
• Learn about the diversity within South Africa and compare it to the USA
• An intensive 140 hours of Zulu language instruction (an equivalent of 3 credits)
• Get hands-on experience in the country’s dynamic culture
• Enjoy the world-famous natural attractions of South Africa 
• See what South Africa has to offer to you as an international scholar
• Work towards fulfilling HU foreign language requirement

Non-HU credit option: $7,500  
FLAS students: $6,600 + HU Tuition (3 credits).  

Both options include: 

• Tuition and full board accommodation
• Round-trip airfare, airport pick-up & drop off
• Administrative, fieldtrips & local transport fees
• Excursions
• Travel insurance

The program fee does not include:

Personal expenses, HU tuition, passport, visa (US passport holders do not need to apply for a visa to enter South Africa), and extra luggage.

*Eligible students may fund their participation through FLAS, apply here for the FLAS Fellowship.

• January 31, 2025: Application deadline
• February 24: Notification of acceptance
• March 14: Passport and Visa Processing
• March 21: Mandatory Orientation - Session I
• April 22: Pre-departure orientation - Session II
• May 19: Final payment deadline
• May 23: HU Summer Session I begins
• May 31, Saturday: Departure for South Africa
• July 13:  Return to the United States

The HUZISA program will take place during Summer Session I in South Africa from June 1 to July 13, 2025. Participants will spend a one week in Johannesburg, another week in rural KwaZulu Natal province, and then four weeks in the coastal city of Durban, on the Indian Ocean. Students will stay in hotels.

PROGRAM FEES: $7,500 or $6,600

If you do not have a scholarship, please submit your payments to HUZISA Coordinator Locke Hall Room 350. Checks should be made payable to Howard University per each payment you make as recommended below:

February 15: Application fee - $250
March 15: First payment - $2,250
April 12: Second payment - $1,400
May 2: Third payment - $1,400
May 12: Final payment - $1,300
 

NOTE:  HU TUITION:  $4400