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Published Jun 24, 2008
For a third time since 2004, students from ABE will be embarking on a visit to South Africa for a month-long summer program coordinated by Professor Alan Hansen.
The objectives of this program are to raise student awareness and understanding of African cultures in an increasing global context. Students identify and solve real world South African-based engineering problems in collaboration with students and faculty from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Typically, two students are teamed with two senior South African engineering students to work on an engineering design project. Examples of projects from previous visits have included designing and testing sugarcane cutting devices, installing an automatic weighing system for sugarcane, and designing and testing a flood irrigation system. Projects for Summer 2008 include designing a microalgae bio-diesel production system and designing a a small scale biomass heating and cooking device for low income households.
The program also takes advantage of the wondrous Drakensberg mountains and game reserves in the vicinity. Weekend excursions for sight seeing as well as trips to local industries and agricultural tours make this experience uniquely rewarding.
This program has had a life changing impact on the participants. It has broadened their outlook considerably and will have a lasting influence on their academic, professional, and personal lives.
