A Student's Perspective in a Cross-cultural Global Studies Course in South Africa

  • Valencia Lagbo, UVA student | David Edmunds, Global Development Studies Director

Summary:

UVA student Valencia Lagbo shares her experience taking the J-term course Global Studies Practicum with the Movement for Change and Social Justice (MCSJ), South Africa.

UVA student Valencia Lagbo shares her experience taking the J-term course Global Studies Practicum with the Movement for Change and Social Justice (MCSJ), South Africa. Offered by Global Development Studies Program Director David Edmunds, the course allows students to engage with the group MCSJ and learn more about the culture and history of South Africa. Normally the class would have taken place in South Africa; Lagbo says she was struck by the ways the class and MCSJ were still able to build community in and outside of Zoom during those two weeks. Moving forward, she is committed to continuing to decenter herself in working with the community, building strong connections with others, and pursuing a career in organizing and public health.