Over the course of seven weeks, a cohort of software engineering students from the University of Florida participated in an internship program in South Africa. Instead of working on hypothetical projects, the UF cohort addressed genuine challenges faced by the partners to whom they were paired, such as Housing Assembly and Pride Shelter Trust. Students worked closely with clients to identify needs, design innovative technology products, build functional prototypes, and present their final solutions to non-technical audiences.
This hands-on, transformative, and impactful internship program was designed by our Senior Program Designer and Online Global Learning Specialist, Desireé Haakonsen. Desireé worked alongside Dr. Sanethia Thomas, the lead faculty for this program. Through collaboration and innovation, Desiree and Dr. Thomas created an experience that participants have said “inspired thought, change, and community while providing the professional skills we need to succeed.”
Beyond the Code: A Life-Changing Journey
A Transformative Learning Journey with EDU Africa is intentionally designed to promote holistic growth across five goals: intercultural competence, global citizenship, personal growth, intellectual growth, and professional development. To achieve this, the UF itinerary was built with a critical balance of technical work and cultural immersion.
The students traveled beyond Cape Town—the “Rainbow Nation’s” geographical diversity is key to the experience. They engaged with the Durban University of Technology (DUT), hosted a showcase at Inanda Seminary School, and then traveled to the eastern coast for an unforgettable safari in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve near St. Lucia.
Activities like a workshop with the Institute for Justice & Reconciliation, conversations with figures such as activist Lionel Davis, and a powerful visit to the District Six Museum were all interwoven with their technical work. These moments fostered self-awareness and challenged students to navigate the role of engineering in a global economic, environmental, and societal context, which became a cornerstone of their personal development.
The Power of Reflection: Hear Their Stories
Through the program, students engaged in written and recorded reflections, sharing their perspectives on navigating a foreign country, working with new partners, and grappling with complex social issues. This experience fundamentally accelerated their self-discovery and professional confidence.
In the video, Dr. Sanethia Thomas provides invaluable faculty insight, underscoring how this kind of experiential learning creates graduates who are not just skilled, but truly ready to lead in a globalized world
We are thrilled by the success of this program and excited to announce that the University of Florida Software Engineering Internship is scheduled to run again in 2026! We look forward to facilitating another cohort of students through this deeply rewarding experience.
