Description

The Service Learning study abroad program in Cape Town, South Africa is appropriate for students from all academic disciplines who have experience with community service and/or volunteerism and who are highly motivated to engage in community service while taking part in a rigorous academic program of language study, social research methodology, African studies, and independent research.

Academic Program
Since 1947, CIEE has engaged in fulfilling its mission "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world." The Service-Learning program serves this mission by providing a framework for students to fulfill their educational and personal goals, while bridging relationships in the communities in which their learning takes place. In this sense, service-learning closes the circle on an experiential learning cycle, while providing benefits to all those who are touched by the program.

The American Association for Higher Education (AAHE) defines service-learning as, "A method under which students learn and develop through thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in and meets the needs of a community and is coordinated with an institution of higher education, and with the community; helps foster civic responsibility; is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum of the students enrolled; and includes structured time for students to reflect on the service experience."

This program is built upon the four core principles of service-learning, with each component of the program addressing one or more of the principles:

1) Engagement
2) Reflection
3) Reciprocity
4) Public Dissemination

Academic Culture
The program runs during the fall and spring semesters and consists of 16 semester credits based upon five main components:

1) A Social Research Methods Course
2) A course focusing on poverty and development issues in South Africa
3) A community-development project in a local NGO, school, or other service organization
4) An academic service-learning capstone project, which draws upon all of the other elements of the program
5) Language training that is appropriate to the communities where service is performed

Highlights

• Enroll in a fully integrated, holistic service program that combines a strong academic program and service to the community with integrated activities designed to support the academic service-learning goals, both in and out of the classroom
  
• Design and implement a capstone project based upon community needs and personal interest
  
• Visit local theater, music, and dance productions, as well as museums and rural cooperatives; attend cricket and rugby matches; join in excursions to sites of historical and cultural importance in Cape Town and in the Western Cape

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 weekend homestay with a local family is also included in the cultural program.

Immersion
CIEE Resident Assistants
Resident Assistants (RAs) are a dedicated group of UCT students who assist CIEE students during orientation and throughout the semester. Through ongoing interaction with these local students, CIEE participants are able to meet local South African and international students and learn firsthand about student life in Cape Town. These local students, recruited and trained by CIEE, are an important part of the CIEE student experience. RAs assist with cultural excursions and live with CIEE students in the residence, providing a reliable local peer network and helping CIEE students to integrate into the local student community.

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 fees 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.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 3.0
• Junior standing and above
• Volunteer experience
• Independent research experience

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• 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