Program Duration

Calendar year: February - December
Academic year: July - June
Fall semester: July - December
Spring semester: February - June

Program Description

Take courses in a wide variety of disciplines alongside South African and international students in this exchange program to the University of Cape Town, one of the most beautiful and well-respected universities in South Africa and the world. This program is ideal for independent students interested in serious engagement with the rigorous academic expectations and politically sophisticated student body of the University of Cape Town, and with the unique history and ongoing transformation of South African society.

The capital of the Western Cape and the parliamentary capital of South Africa, Cape Town is one of Africa's oldest and most beautiful cities. The city is dominated by Table Mountain, a 1000 meter high, flat-topped mountain with virtually sheer cliffs, and surrounded by paths, vineyards and beaches. Cape Peninsula was first settled by Dutch sailors in 1652, although Portuguese sailors were the first to make landfall here in 1496. Although an African city at heart, Cape Town manages to assimilate a huge diversity of cultural influences, including African, European, Asian, and American.

Academics

Founded in 1829 as the South African College, the University of Cape Town is South Africa's oldest university. Situated on one of the most beautiful spots on the Cape Peninsula on the slopes of Table Mountain, the campus offers panoramic views and easy access to the city of Cape Town. The university consists of over seventy academic departments located in six faculties: Humanities, Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Commerce, and Law. The University of Cape Town has an enrollment of over 18,000 students, including more than 3,000 international students.

Students directly enroll in University of Cape Town courses in a variety of disciplines. The Faculty of Humanities, Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Commerce, and Law all offer courses to study abroad students. Course offerings of particular interest to international students include topics such as Apartheid, History of South Africa, Racism in South Africa, and AIDS, as well as intensive language courses in Xhosa, Zulu, and other African languages.

Housing

The International Academic Programs Office at the University of Cape Town assists students in finding accommodations prior to departure. The office maintains arrangements with landlords renting short-term, furnished off-campus housing to international students. Students prepare meals in shared kitchen facilities or purchase food from local restaurants and markets.

Excursions and Activities

Upon arrival in Cape Town, the International Academic Programs Office facilitates an extensive, multi-day orientation for incoming international students. The orientation includes tours of Cape Town, health and safety information, as well as academic advising.

While at the University of Cape Town, students can join clubs as well as sports and recreational activities, which provide a great opportunity to meet South Africans. Students may also participate in volunteer opportunities in the townships around Cape Town through organizations such as the Students' Health and Welfare Centres Organisation (SHAWCO), which coordinates volunteer opportunities for students. The opportunity to offer service to the disadvantaged communities of Cape Town is a highlight of many students' study abroad experience.