Description

The Arts and Sciences study abroad program in Stellenbosch, South Africa is appropriate for students from all academic disciplines who have a strong interest in learning about transformation in contemporary South Africa in a picturesque college-town setting. Study alongside South African students while taking Stellenbosch University courses and engage in the community through personalized volunteer opportunities.

Academic Program
The rich academic program allows students to pursue their academic studies while gaining firsthand knowledge of contemporary South African life and society. Students choose from a menu of core courses focusing on South Africa, as well as enrolling directly in Stellenbosch University courses. Students also have an independent research option.

Afrikaans is heard both on the streets and in the hallways of Stellenbosch University. But in the spirit of change, English courses are growing in number, bringing opportunities for non-Afrikaans speaking students (from overseas and from within South Africa) to enjoy the rich academic tradition of Stellenbosch University. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in either Afrikaans or isiXhosa language classes in order to facilitate their interaction and engagement with the community.

Academic Culture
CIEE participants are required to undertake a full program of courses, including all assignments and written examinations. Teaching methods at the University normally involve a combination 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 Stellenbosch system. Following the European model, this system offers a less structured environment that requires students to take greater responsibility and initiative. Courses may involve relatively few contact hours each week, since they are intended as a starting point for a great deal of individual study.

The CIEE Study Center follows the University's calendar with an additional period of time for orientation at the beginning of the semester. The South African academic year has two semesters starting mid-January and running through early November. Many University courses are yearlong and run from the U.S. spring through the U.S. fall semester.

Students on the academic year program have a break of approximately two months between semesters. Those on the calendar year program have a break of approximately one month. Students stay at the apartment-style residence hall during these breaks.

Highlights

• Study alongside South African students in courses in the arts, social sciences, and language
  
• Learn outside the classroom through CIEE and other community engagement programs
  
• Engage yourself in the political, economic, cultural, and environmental transformations impacting South Africa today, through excursions to various sites of cultural importance around the Western Cape province

The comprehensive cultural program developed by CIEE consists of visits to local theater, music, and dance productions; museum tours; and local festivals. Events and activities are chosen to provide students an overview of the cultural diversity in South Africa.

The cultural program includes a rural weekend stay in the Karoo or other region of the Western Cape. This weekend experience is designed to offer participants an opportunity to explore rural life and to interrogate the complex relationships between urban and rural South Africa.

Students are also encouraged to participate in the many social, sport, or cultural clubs at the University.

Immersion
Volunteering
Service program aims to provide students personalized volunteer opportunities in the historically disadvantaged communities around Stellenbosch, such as Kayamandi and Idas Valley. Such activities may include tutoring in local schools, assisting at local NGOs, working on HIV/AIDS projects, mentoring children in after-school programs, volunteering at mental health care facilities, and assisting with low-cost housing projects. Some recent volunteer placement organizations include: The Pebbles Project, Peace Parks Foundation, ISOS Kayamandi, and the Jessie KeetCreche.

Habitat for Humanity
Each semester, CIEE facilitates student participation in a Habitat for Humanity-sponsored building project in a previously disadvantaged community on the Cape Peninsula.

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 the Dormitory-style Residence Hall option will also receive a meal stipend which they may use toward meals at the dormitory dining hall.

Experience Required

yes

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

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

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

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• 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