Swaliga Cultural Exchange Program

The Swaliga Cultural Exchange Program is rooted in STEAM Education, Health & Wellness and Community Service. Immersion experiences are 7-10 day cultural exchange trips to domestic and international locations where learners are introduced to their peers’ unique cultures and environments. Travelers gain well-rounded insight on everything from the history and social justice issues plaguing local communities to the food and arts scene.

Upcoming Travel Dates: November 19th - 29th, South Africa

2026 South Africa Cultural Exchange Trip Information:

• The trip is currently scheduled for November 19th - November 29th, 2026.
• Students will travel from Washington, DC to South Africa.
• There's a $500.00 refundable deposit due upon application approval to secure your spot. 

What Swaliga Provides:

• Discounted Flights (In partnership with Ethiopian Airlines)
• Lodging
• Ground Transportation (In partnership with Pro Wash)
• Meals
• Activities and Experiences
• 24/7 Support

Steps to Apply:

1. Review trip details and selection criteria.
2. You must attend one of the information sessions and participate in at least 3 Digital Exchanges.
3. Complete the online application and check your email for further information. Notice will be sent within 48 hours. 

Selection Criteria:

• Must be a registered member of the Swaliga Foundation
• Must be an active member (>80%) of a Swaliga STEAM Club
• Must be at least 14 years of age
• Must be a US Citizen
• Must have a valid US Passport (or be able to get one.)
• Must have at least 2.5 GPA
• Write a 500-word essay about why you want to go on this trip
• Create a video (2 min. max) about “why this trip?”
• At least 3 Letters of Recommendation (non-family members)
• $500 Refundable Deposit (Goes toward your flight)

Applications for the 2026 Swaliga Cultural Exchange trip are due May 18, 2026 by MIDNIGHT.  

For more information please email info@swaligafoundation.org.

“It’s always heartening to see young people be the bridge, whether they are from the US or from South Africa. It was my dad that said the youth are our future. We have to make sure the youth are properly educated and trained. And it is through education and exposure to other people, through sharing that we learn and we better understand ourselves.” -Dr. Makaziwe Mandela

“Being in this program actually helped cultivate what I wanted to do. I knew engineering was something that I always planned. But, being in Africa and working with these students and really being exposed to STEM and all the technological things that they did. It really helped me see that I wanted to do this for a career.” -Djeder Basu, student at UMBC College of Engineering

“Swaliga is on the cutting edge of a culturally responsible social innovation that clearly activates intrinsic motivation in students and positions them in the pipeline of emerging global citizens” - Kwabena Boateng, Chair of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Africa Homecoming

Launched in 2016, the cultural exchange trip has sent students and educators from across the United States to different regions of South Africa to engage with their peers in cultural dialogue and interactive STEAM educational workshops. This week-long international youth summit consists of more than 35 hours of educational programming, as well as a community service project.

This life-changing experience is rooted in STEAM, Health & Wellness, and Entrepreneurship & Leadership. Learners will visit universities, attend workshops and panel discussions, and connect with their peers through the arts & culture of their destination. Our community service project is aimed directly impacting the needs as expressed by the local community.