Name: Kathrine Ruhl

Status: Second year graduate student

Major: Human Resources and Labor Relations

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Program: Labor Relations/Human Resources in South Africa

My journey to South Africa was one of the most beneficial experiences of my lifetime. Having studied abroad previously, I knew that I would be challenged to push myself personally, intellectually, and culturally to adapt to new surroundings. This study abroad was different from my first experience in that the course material I learned was directly related to my major and future career in human resources. I was fortunate to study about the concept of change management alongside forty students from South Africa at Nelson Mandela University.  The classroom was comprised of South African students disciplined in Industrial Psychology, combined with seven of us from the Human Resources and Labor Relations program at Michigan State University.  We were greeted with compassion, understanding, and interest as they welcomed us into their university.  MSU has longstanding history with South Africa as we were the first institution to divest entirely during the Apartheid. MSU's relationship with South Africa continues through programs such as this. From the classroom experience, I was able to learn about theories behind successful change management as well as tour organizations such as Modelez International, Coca-Cola and Isuzu to learn how these companies apply the concepts we learned. We also had the opportunity to participate in a simulated assembly line. Having completed my internship at Ford Motor Company the week prior, participating in the assembly line simulation was a great experience in understanding how the line works and how to apply lean manufacturing techniques in a simulated environment.

Outside of the classroom, we also had the opportunity to explore South African culture and context. These opportunities included an open vehicle safari, a tour of the townships in Port Elizabeth, an excursion to Cape of Good Hope, and a visit to the top of one of nature's seven wonders, Table Mountain.

One of the most influential parts of the program was the day we spent on Robben Island. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island used to be a prison during the Apartheid. It is here that Nelson Mandela wrote his inspiring autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom while imprisoned. One of the most impactful aspects of the tour was the fact that it was led and facilitated by a previous inmate.  He shared his story with us and divulged that he was imprisoned for opposing Apartheid and the rights he had as a black African student. At that time, black African students did not have the same access to education including restricted access to higher math and science courses. His protests led him to torture and tumultuous times.  At the end of the tour he stated that despite this, he does not hate or resent. Even though there are still strong divides evident after the Apartheid, the resiliency of our tour guide and the South Africans is inspiring.  This day made me appreciate my time at Michigan State University, and the freedom I have had to choose the path for my education and my future.