Description

The CIEE Arts and Sciences program at the University of Cape Town provides students with a range of academic and intellectual experiences that enable them to reflect upon the complexities and challenges facing the new South Africa. Through integration in local communities, students become participants in, rather than mere observers of, this dynamic and evolving environment. Through this process, students gain a comprehensive understanding of social relations within South Africa.

Academic Program
The rich academic program, established in 1998, allows students to pursue their own academic studies while providing firsthand knowledge of contemporary South African society. Students are required to enroll in at least one course with specific African content or one that offers a distinctive African perspective in their area of interest. Courses may be taken in all University of Cape Town faculties excluding Health Sciences.

Students participate in the cultural program and are strongly encouraged to take part in community service. Students should develop a program that complements the requirements of their home institution and meets their own personal needs.

Academic Culture
CIEE students are taught alongside University of Cape Town (UCT) undergraduates and are required to undertake a full program of courses, including all assignments and written examinations. Teaching methods at the University normally involve a mix of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and, in the sciences, laboratory classes.

The system is geared toward the scholar who is motivated, self-sufficient, and deeply interested in the subject matter. Participants may notice striking differences between their home educational system and the UCT system. The University allows students greater responsibility and initiative in a less structured environment. Courses may involve relatively few contact hours each week, since they are intended as a starting point and focus for a great deal of individual study.

Class sizes are very big at UCT and range from 100-300 people. UCT has both class lectures and tutorials (sections). The sizes of the tutorials are much smaller, ranging from 20-40 students. Students generally do not have to buy books for their classes, as many lecturers provide a course reader. This reader has all the reference materials for the class.

The CIEE Study Center follows the University's calendar with additional time for orientation at the beginning of the semester. The South African academic year runs from early February through late November with two semesters. Many University of Cape Town courses are yearlong courses and run from the U.S. spring through the U.S. fall semester. Students on the academic or calendar year program have a break between semesters; they can remain in or move into off-campus housing. Meals are not included during this time

Highlights

• Choose from a wide range of course offerings at the University of Cape Town in commerce, engineering, humanities, and science
  
• Immerse yourself in the culture through a township homestay, the CIEE community service program, and independent study opportunities
  
• Live, interact, and study with African students in a society in transition
  
• Visit local theater, music, and dance productions, museums, rural cooperatives, and cricket and rugby matches

The program covers the cost of participants' membership in up to three social, sport, or cultural clubs at the University of Cape Town. Many students have found that cultural immersion is made easier when they join a club or society on the UCT campus.

The comprehensive cultural program developed by CIEE consists of visits to local theater, music, and dance productions; museum tours; and rural cooperatives. Events and activities are chosen to provide students with a good overview of the diversity in South Africa. A three-day homestay with a local family in the "colored" community of Ocean View is also included in the cultural program. This exposes CIEE students to positive images of previously disadvantaged groups of people in South Africa, including the "colored" and Muslim communities.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, orientation, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, pre-departure advising, visa fees, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

*Students placed in Homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 3.0
• Junior standing and above
• College-level coursework in African studies recommended

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Written Application
• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947