A group of students from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in the United States, and Shantou University in China, took a journalist trip to South Africa, reporting on the 2010 FIFA World Cup and its impact on life in South Africa. 

Students from FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication and Shantou University had the opportunity to attend the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa to broaden their horizons and test their talents

Their task was to post stories via blogs, photo galleries, podcasts and sound slides; gaining hands-on, multimedia experience and also learning how to work with students from another country. Even though the World Cup provided a dramatic and exciting backdrop for their stay, the students also got a taste of  the social, and economic climate and the political issues of South Africa.

“The six journalists left the trip with an open mind and transitioned out of their comfort zone,” said Joe Ritchie, FAMU knight chair and professor of journalism, who organized the trip. 

Students said the highlight of the trip was their visit to Robben Island, where they were able to see where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Read more about their experience here.