IES Abroad Cape Town – Politics & Public Health

Going abroad to Cape Town, South Africa with IES Abroad’s Health, Culture, and Development Program was truly one of the best decisions I ever made. Experiencing such a different atmosphere, a country so full of culture, religion, and history and a city with truly everything you could ask for. IES was extremely supportive and helpful in making all the students feel integrated and welcomed into Cape Town and the experience as a whole. The staff there are absolutely incredible and I formed such wonderful relationships with all of them that I still talk to them even months after being back! Going to South Africa is so vastly different from any education here in the US and it can be quite the adjustment. Having an open mind and a curiosity to learn as much as you can will serve you so well. From going to the beautiful white sand beaches after class, to hiking Lion's head at sunset, to going on a safari to Botswana and Zimbabwe for a school trip, to fully immersing myself in South Africa and the history, and the best part of it all, it making best friends and friendships that will last a lifetime. Cape Town and IES, I truly cannot thank you enough for this experience. I would go back in a heartbeat if I could.

The staff at the Cape Town branch of IES are fantastic, and the classes offered within the HCD program are diverse yet specific. They created a safe and comforting learning environment I had never experienced before, and I began loving school again. While some classes were a bit difficult, the office's teachers and academic advisors always looked out for the students. The city itself is beautiful with so many amazing sites to be seen. You cannot go wrong studying here.