Testimonials
South Africa
Name: Miguel Silva (M.A. 2019)
Participating in the South Africa course was by far the highlight of my graduate studies at Steinhardt. From cultural experiences with the Zulu people in KwaZulu-Natal to visiting several schools with varying education models, the program allowed me to gain a broader understanding of the education system in South Africa. Being able to engage directly with South African students from different backgrounds at the University of Pretoria was an enriching part of my experience. Understanding the educational and social reforms the country has gone through in the past 30 years has shed a light into the history of South Africa and its people, while simultaneously leaving me to ponder about what is to come in the next 30 years.
Name: Leonora Cardenas (M.A. 2019)
Studying abroad in South Africa was nothing short of extraordinary, insightful, thought-provoking, and profoundly enriching. Every event welcomed an opportunity for learning, not only about educational and social reform in South Africa, post-apartheid, but about the country’s rich history and culture. Being immersed in this environment for a month afforded me the time and space for in-depth self-reflection and exploring my own capacity of social agency in this world. We interacted with Zulu royalty, engaged with students from a rural village in Durban, toured the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and occasionally enjoyed the vibrant night life in Pretoria. These are just a few of the countless memories I have that really are a testament to how much South Africa and the United States have in common.
India
Name: Samantha Nelson (M.A. 2021)
Having the opportunity to study abroad in three different cities to learn about the organizational structures and student experience at various higher education institutions in India will be with me for the rest of my life. This trip taught me the vast differences in higher education institutions worldwide. In contrast, the student experience is often very similar; the complex culture and intricacies of the student experience in India were eye-opening. We also learned about the diversity in culture, religion, and geographic location which was equally, if not more, impactful. Traveling with Steinhardt students is something I am also eternally grateful for. We have all graduated and are scattered across the country, but we still keep in touch and will forever have a trip that changed all of our lives.
Name: Jermaine Graham (M.A. 2020)
Studying abroad in India was a highlight of my time in the HESA program. It was great learning about the variety of higher education institutions across India through first-person accounts from students, administrators, and policy researchers, all of whom were eager to talk with us and share their perspectives. Having an opportunity to experience the vastness of Indian culture through higher ed and our tours of Mumbai, Kerala, and New Delhi was invaluable. For me, one of the surprises of the trip was the new bonds explored between both HESA classmates and fellow Steinhardt students. Those continued relationships are a testament to the connections we made.
Ghana
Name: David Campbell (EdD, Higher Education Administration)
I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge that will directly support my area of research. I was also able to learn from the perspectives of my classmates through various reflective and critical‑thinking exercises woven throughout the program in Accra. The experience offered a meaningful opportunity to critically examine the contrasts between our own culture and those abroad. It sparked new ideas and opened pathways for collaboration and connection within a global community. It also created intentional space for engaging across differences and encouraged me to step beyond my comfort zone to gain a deeper perspective.
Name: Devyn Honbo (MA, 2026)
This experience has been hugely meaningful personally in that I feel I challenged myself to leave my comfort zone and open myself up to new experiences, meeting new people, and building an appreciation for a place and culture so different from my own. The people I met and the relationships I built with my peers will have an impact on me for the rest of my life.
Name: Stephanie Quiroga (MA, Higher Education and Student Affairs)
My study abroad experience in Accra helped me develop a stronger global perspective on higher education and student development. Academically, I was able to connect theory to practice by observing how social and cultural contexts shape educational systems outside the U.S. Personally, the experience strengthened my adaptability, cultural awareness, and confidence in unfamiliar environments. Professionally, it enhanced my ability to engage with diverse populations and think more intentionally about inclusive practices in student affairs and alumni engagement.