Guilford College will host its first all-student trip to South Africa this spring during the traditional three-week term.

Designed to immerse students in South African culture while highlighting parallels with U.S. history, the program will also provide opportunities to explore entrepreneurship and global leadership.

“A part of this is just allowing people to see a different country and culture and relate it to their own life and work,” said Meredeth Summers, Guilford College’s chief of staff and director of the program.

Summers began developing the program in 2022 and has since shaped it into a study abroad opportunity for Guilford students. Last summer, she traveled to South Africa with teachers and administrators from Guilford County Schools and two Guilford College students. This spring marks the first time the college has offered the program as an all-student study abroad experience.

“It’s just one of those things I’m so very proud of,” Summers said.

Students participating in the program must enroll in a preliminary course, Cross-Cultural Experiences & Global Leadership, taught by Summers to prepare them for the trip. The two-credit class meets once a week and focuses on helping students immerse themselves in a new culture while preparing to spend two weeks abroad.

“All the things we talk about here we’ll get to see and experience on the ground in South Africa,” Summers said.

Applicants were required to submit two letters of recommendation, three essays, and other personal information.

Hunter Boykin, a Guilford student, said he applied to gain leadership skills and cross-cultural experience.

“I wanted to be able to see the uniqueness in different cultures and learn how to incorporate that into my perspective,” Boykin said.

Throughout the program, Summers plans to teach students about developing an entrepreneurial mindset, including characteristics such as resilience and problem-solving.

“They’ll learn these kinds of things from me in the classroom, and then they get to experience it on the ground in South Africa,” Summers said. “It just makes them a better human.”

Summers hopes participants will develop a love of travel and lasting relationships with fellow students.

“Travel will do that,” she said. “It bonds you differently than it does just in the classroom.”

Students may feel uncertain about traveling abroad, but packing will not be one of their concerns. Before departure, participants will receive a three-page packing list outlining what to bring.

The trip will take place during South Africa’s winter, meaning students will likely need warm clothing.

“If a person is cold-natured, they’re going to need a little something extra,” Summers said.

Applications remain open, with a few spots still available. Interested students can learn more by visiting the program website or speaking directly with Summers.

Although traveling abroad can feel intimidating, Summers emphasized that study abroad experiences can be life-changing.

“It ignites something in you, especially if you haven’t been a world traveler yet; it will inspire you to be,” she said. “And what a beautiful thing.”