Uganda Program
This program was offered in Summer 2024 and is not being offered for this upcoming year.
Students participating in the Uganda program will learn about religions of East Africa and intercultural communication while experiencing the peoples, cultures, and environment of this sub-Saharan African country. They will meet with various Ugandan people who serve as leaders in nonprofit organizations and religious communities for the purpose of learning about their efforts to meet the needs of the people.
The four-week program will be spent in Uganda. This beautiful country was listed as one of the top world travel destinations, and is known specifically for its many nature preserves and rich blend of cultures. While the program will travel extensively throughout Uganda, the program will be based in the city of Jinja. The city of Jinja is historically and culturally significant as it sits along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, near the source of the Nile River. To make the most of our time abroad, faculty and students will live together in a retreat house located in Jinja, enjoying group meals, reflections, and spaces that encourage collaboration and teamwork throughout the experience. Our time in Uganda will focus on experiential learning and direct cultural engagement. To balance academics and personal development, students will also participate in social and cultural activities that highlight the beauty of Uganda and its people.
Program Dates
May (specific dates coming soon)
The dates listed above are planned group flight departure dates from LAX and in-country return departure date.
Costs
Health & Safety
Review U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Information for Uganda and pay special attention to Local Laws and Special Circumstances sections prior to application.
Visa Information
Course Requirements and Offerings
Refer to the academics page for details on the minimum unit requirements and class pre-requisites for the program. Textbook lists will be provided by the program staff.
Faculty-in-Residence
John Barton
Religion and Philosophy Division, Seaver College
John Barton is a professor of religion at Seaver College, and also teaches for GSEP's graduate program in social entrepreneurship and the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at the Caruso School of Law. His areas of expertise include African philosophy, Christian and interreligious studies, and faith and philanthropy. He and his wife Sara lived and worked in Uganda from 1994 to 2003, and have helped lead educational field trips to East Africa for thirty years. He currently serves as president of Kibo Group International, a nonprofit organization that partners with East African communities for sustainable development.
Greg Daum
Communication/Religion Division
Greg Daum serves as a professor in the Communication and Religion Divisions at Seaver College and teaches classes in Public Speaking and Rhetorical Analysis (COM180), Interpersonal Communication (COM220) Intercultural Communication (COM313) and New Testament in Context (REL102). He is a graduate of Pepperdine University, and an alumnus of Pepperdine's International Programs as a student in the archaeological dig at Banias, Israel. Greg has been involved in both the year long International Programs, (Lausanne, 2010-11) as well as multiple times leading the East Africa/Uganda summer programs over the last 10 years. He's been teaching at Pepperdine for more than 20 years, and currently serves as the Director for the Basic Speech Course. He is excited to teach intercultural communication with the students in the Uganda program!