Science Study Abroad Programs in South Africa

Spending a semester in South Africa reshaped the way I see the world and the way I write about it. As a writing major and African and African American Studies minor, I took every history class I could fit into my schedule, learning about liberation movements, identity, and global interconnectedness right from the source. When I wasn’t in class, I was at the beach — literally every minute possible — journaling with my toes in the sand or doing yoga as the sun came up over the water. Spring break took me all the way to Tanzania, where new landscapes and new conversations stretched my perspective even further. I met people who became lifelong friends, the kind you still text years later because the bond formed abroad never really fades. More than anything, the experience gave me a deeper understanding of myself, my studies, and the world I want to help shape. Studying abroad didn’t just change my semester. It changed my life.

Such an amazing experience South Africa is the most magical place I have ever been! Would have liked to have had set trips or events to meet the other USAC students. As well as the group flight I was the only one who attended, I would have like to have seen more student or have been notified. Overall a truly life changing experience I will never forget.

Cape Town, South Africa is a stunning city. White sand beaches contrasted with tall mountains create an adventurers dream, and University of Cape Town's campus is the most beautiful I've seen. I wouldn't go anywhere else for my study abroad.

One of the greatest experiences I have ever had. Nothing like getting to live in a different country for 6 months and really immerse yourself in another country and culture. Being able to become close to others with no previous connection is truly something that you have to do!

I had a great time here. The housing was good, the excursions were fun and educational. The connections they had with local communities were great. I really feel that we were able to do some good. The one issue I had was that I did not like our two program coordinators, they were rude and unfair at times. I did not let them ruin my trip however!

I love to travel and I am a complete adventure junkie. I loved every bit of my study abroad experience! I got to experience the culture as well as wildlife of South Africa. I would go back in a minute! It was so fun, even the classes!

This program, city, and everything about it are incredible, and definitely worth your while. Together, they created a memorable study abroad experience that I will never forget! Even though I was only participate in the first six weeks of my program due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I wouldn't take back my decision to go for anything. Why? 1. The people! Everybody in Cape Town, especially the IES Centre staff, are supportive, welcoming, and lovely human beings who not only want you to acclimate comfortably and succeed, but more so to have the best experience possible -- and work to make sure you do! 2. The place! South Africa as a whole and Cape Town specifically is an incredible place to spend a semester abroad. Not only is there a rich and exciting culture to explore, the beautiful landscape of the location is a jungle gym for explorers, adventurers, and city walkers alike. Even the campus itself is beautiful-- you'll gaze in astonishment every day you're there! 3. The opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone: Cape Town is a ways away, and may seem like a culture much unlike our own. But, it is nothing to be afraid of! This program will challenge you for the better and expand your horizons to experience something new and unlike what you have before. I highly recommend this program!

There will always be something I can say about my study abroad experience! My favorite part was the service-learning component. I volunteered with three organizations. The organizations were SoZo Fou ndation, SHAWCO Education, and WordWorks. Additionally, the most beneficial class I took abroad was Community Development in Context. (South Africa)

I studied in Cape Town, South Africa for six months with IES. The program was supportive in terms of responding to students' needs, arranging an orientation with lots of culturally immersive activities, and educating us about local culture. I would say there was less support once the semester got underway. We had lots of freedom but also had the security of knowing there was a fully staffed office just down the road from our accommodation to answer any questions we had. The field trips throughout the semester were well-planned and lots of fun. I only took courses at the University of Cape Town, but the program also offered classes at the IES Center. I was fairly disappointed with the quality of the academics at the University. The different grading system, lack of clear grading criteria, and general unorganized nature of the classes was frustrating at times. However, learning more about the culture through the classes was a huge part of my experience. The classes changed my perspective on different ideologies I held which I now realize were the result of only taking classes from a western perspective before attending UCT. Obviously, IES has no control over the academics at the University, but they did act as a liason if any issues arose between students and professors/admin. The academics were challenging and classes required a lot of dedication to receive high marks. The local culture was easy to adapt to because everyone spoke English and people were generally very friendly and willing to talk to you. There were lots of clubs to get involved in at the University and endless activities in the area to participate in. Honestly, the people who had the best experiences tended to be open to the opportunities available. I rarely said no to doing anything while I was there and ended up having an incredible semester. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a study abroad experience with opportunities beyond what a typical European program would offer, since Cape Town not only had an amazing nightlife but also hiking, service learning opportunities, and the chance to be immersed in a non-westernized culture.

It was the best thing that I have ever done for myself. It gave me a confidence that I never knew that I had and showed to myself that I was capable of doing things that other people are too afraid to do. I was 19 and moved from everything that I was comfortable with to a foreign and generally unsafe African country. When people normally go abroad during university, they go somewhere easy, such as London or major cities in Europe. For the most part, everyone would speak English, public transport is good, you can walk safely alone at night, and meet people doing exactly what you are doing. I went to South Africa, where everyone told you to be careful, even during the day time. Not alone was there no good public transport anywhere, but the few students I met that used it, never did so alone and some of them even got robbed. I even had my phone stolen within the first few weeks of being there. I was throw into a world of uncertainty, danger, racism, and poverty; the complete opposite of anything that I had ever experienced. And I loved every second of it. I met so many people that I would have never met before, it opened my eyes to what the real world is like. This experience showed me how privileged I was to be living the life that I was. I saw racism first hand and was able to combat it directly. I partied too much. I worked with organizations to help spread awareness about the problem of HIV & AIDS in South Africa. I fell in love. I did so many things that not only I thought I would never do, but things that I would have been too afraid to do before. It wasn't easy whatsoever to make the choice and actually follow through with it. And the first few days I had the ever so classic, "What the hell did I just get myself into?" moment, every night while laying in bed. Please excuse my language, but holy shit, I would never even think about doing anything differently. I could go on for hours about this, but to put it shortly; I feel bad for everyone who hasn't had the opportunity to experience something like this or is too afraid to pull the trigger and do it, because you should.

The USAC South Africa program is easily the best thing I've done. My time in Stellenbosch provided me with valuable education, an immersive cultural experience, and lifelong friends. For this particular program, the on-site team are all Stellenbosch University staff, so there aren't representatives from USAC helping you in person while in South Africa. However, they were super helpful during the months leading up to my departure, answering my barrage of emails and questions and generally making the process much easier and less stressful. This trip was my first time ever leaving the United States, and they addressed all my concerns to make sure I had a truly positive experience. As far as my actual time in Stellenbosch, it was an amazing mixture of interesting classes (I chose the General Elective program and took South African Political History; Equity, Leadership, and Transformation in the Global Classroom; and HIV/AIDS in South Africa) intertwined with memorable excursions. Some of my favorite outings were: shark cage diving in the cold waters of Gansbaai, wine and chocolate tasting at Spice Route, hiking Table Mountain in Cape Town and Jonkershoek Mountain in Stellenbosch, bonding with my peers at braais (Afrikaans for barbecue), boating out to Robben Island and learning more about anti-apartheid activism, and meeting with community members at an HIV/AIDS clinic in Mbekweni. South Africa is a beautiful country with a troubled history, but the people I met were wonderfully kind and loved sharing their culture with us. Aside from the planned excursions, there are so many opportunities to explore Stellenbosch and Cape Town on your own, or see more of South Africa through the Garden Route tour. On colder, rainy days, it was fun to curl up with some tea and blankets in the "Wi-Fi room," or grab a hot chocolate from the Neelsie. One of my favorite things about the program was that our group consisted of students from 19 different countries; I now have friends all over the world I can visit, like Germany, Egypt, Italy, Australia, Tunisia, and, of course, back in South Africa. This program stretched my comfort zone and increased my confidence. Now, rather than feeling hesitation at the possibility of traveling and volunteering abroad, I'm monitoring flights everyday waiting for another chance to try something new. (FYI--you'll probably listen to Africa by Toto more times than you can count).

The city, school, and program completely exceeded my expectations and I could not have asked for a better semester. If I hadn’t been a senior, I would’ve extended my time in Cape Town for a second semester. The IES Cape Town staff went above and beyond for their students. They planned several fun activities and field trips throughout the entire semester so we were really able to experience everything. The RAs were also extremely helpful and involved. They showed us around the school, helped us set up our phones, schedule doctors appointments, etc. Cape Town is the perfect city for study abroad because there are so many different things to do and see.

I attended Stellenbosch University in the Summer semester (Jan-Jun) in 2016, and I absolutely loved it. What a truly amazing experience! In terms of support and assistance, USAC was excellent - though there is no on-site USAC staff, none was really needed (and it keeps costs down!). The town is gorgeous, and there are nature reserves and mountains right next door; not for nothing is Stellenbosch’s nickname “Eikestad”, city of oaks! As someone who attended a small liberal arts school back home, going to a big university seemed daunting but really wasn’t bad at all. The only thing that surprised me was that we couldn’t bring food or drinks into the library (or perhaps my school is unique in that respect), the fact that the library closed in the mid-afternoon, as well as the requirement that we pay for WiFi and internet. It makes sense, what with so many students, but it adds up really quickly. I never once felt unsafe in Stellies, but you do have to be smart about safety: stay in groups at night, stay on the patrolled routes as much as possible, don’t leave your stuff where someone can take it, etc. But especially on Wednesdays and weekends, there are always tons of people going out so it’s fine. And the nightlife in town is great! No need to go to Longstraat in Cape Town. The two things I didn’t like: USAC required us (it might have changed) to take this sociology course, which I absolutely hated; I understand they wanted us to learn more about the country and its history/social nuances but I think there might have been a better way. Second, they placed us in a residence (Academia) (this also might have changed) where we were surrounded by Americans and Europeans. I was lucky to be able to make South African friends through my classes, but some of my flatmates pretty much only made non-African friends because they were in only the IPSU (international) courses. Tips: Take real SU classes, not only IPSU classes; you’ll meet more people and it’ll be a lot more “authentic”. Don’t just stay in Stellies/Cape Town, explore the rest of the country/region after classes end if you can! Visit a bunch of vineyards, they’re worth it. Learn as much as you can about the history and current affairs of SA, including the complex racial issues/apartheid, before you leave. Do NOT pay for a gym membership unless you’re really and truly going to use it. Get a Matie bike!! they are sooo worth it. Hike Stellenbosch Mountain and don’t be afraid of getting robbed; you’ll be fine as long as you don’t look flashy and are with a group; and the view is beautiful! Visit Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch. Hike in Jonkershoek. Go chocolate tasting at Spice Route. Learn some Afrikaans and some isiXhosa. Get season passes for the Maties rugby games, they are so much fun! (It’s “mah-tees”, not “may-tees”!!) Don’t forget you’re there to study, too; it’s not just fun and games... but make sure you’re enjoying yourself too! Try rooibos tea at a cafe, ostrich burgers at Food Lovers, braaibroodtjies at De Stomme Jonge - branch out with your food choices! (protip, the avocados are phenomenal in SA). Get your SA friends to teach you how to braai, and then go do it on a beach and sleep overnight! Do not mess with baboons, they are scary. The giant muffins at DCM in the Neelsie are worth the ten minute wait. It gets really really cold between May and September and the buildings are not insulated. And finally - chocolate chips, (good) marshmallows, and Graham crackers do not really exist in South Africa. Be prepared. To conclude: PICK THIS OPTION. GO HERE. Enter with few expectations and you will have the experience of a lifetime.

This was absolutely on of the best experiences of my life. I cannot even begin to figure out the best way to summarize my experience. IES was incredibly helpful with every aspect of travel. They gave us an orientation once we arrived, they helped with registering for classes, they provided housing, they even arranged our mid semester break trip to Kruger National Park. Our housing was really nice and very close to campus. The RA's were smart, friendly, and helpful. Cape Town itself offers so many diverse activities that my only con would be that it is difficult to get it all done!! I loved South Africa, I loved IES, and I cannot recommend this program enough.

The title of my review sums up my experience. I've been stuck in Pennsylvania for all my life, so I decided to make a tough decision to leave home and go somewhere for 4 months. Deciding on Cape Town through IES was undoubtedly the best decision I have ever made. The people I met there were incredible, the culture is so expansive and interesting, and IES does a phenomenal job of making all of us feel at home. I reminisce and miss Cape Town often- I have made lifelong friends there and its somewhere I hope to return to.

I had the most amazing time in Cape Town. I honestly cannot think of one thing I would change. IES did an amazing job of planning activities for us while also giving us enough free time to explore on our own. The academics in Cape Town are pretty different from in the states, but the program did a really good job of helping us prepare for that. We lived in an awesome location, right at the bottom of campus. Because it was a small program this year, we all lived on the same property which allowed all the IES students to get really close. Our RAs were amazing too. I am obsessed with Cape Town, as it had everything I wanted in an abroad experience. I was the only person from my home university going, which allowed me to really branch out. It's a large city, but I was still able to do a lot of things outdoors. I spent a lot of time hiking, which is one of my favorite activities. The people in Cape Town are amazing, and I met so many amazing South Africans that I am still in contact with. While there are challenging aspects of going abroad anywhere, I think the challenges I faced in Cape Town (like being faced with the realization of how much privilege I have) really stretched me in positive ways. Going to Cape Town was the best decision I have ever made.

G'day all! Tom from Australia here, and this is my review of the incredible time I spent in South Africa's most beautiful wine district, and also studying! I arrived in Stellenbosch in early July, 2016, without any knowledge of what was before me. How was I to know that it was in the centre of the Cape Winelands district? Or that nearby Frranschoek is one of the oldest settlements in South Africa? Though I have attempted to describe the experience to my friends and family, it is hard to define. The words I would choose, after much consideration, would certainly be 'life-changing'. This city with its Cape Dutch architecture, marbled floors and intangibly beautiful surrounds welcomed me as if I were its own. The university itself is well-established, with all facilities being similar in provision to my home university of Deakin (in Australia), though with the obvious exception of being 100 years older. The curriculum was challenging but rewarding, opening my eyes to learning I deemed irrelevant before I attended a class in South Africa. Support, facilities and security on campus is all very established; safety on-campus is the best available in South Africa. The city; my word, its beauty! As if it had been lifted from a small town in Central Netherlands, this city provides outstanding, aged oak-lined streets and a vibrant coffee culture, which contrasts well with the classical feeling the city portrays as you walk through the cobbled streets surrounding the university. The nightlife; there is no point heading to Cape Town (just a 30 minute drive away), given the way the students at 'Stellies' jol (party)! You will be welcomed into countless friendship circles, and as soon as people hear your accent they become immediately interested in where you are from, why you hose Stellies, and your history. Confrontation about political stance may arise, but can easily be avoided if that's your desire. The people; ever-welcoming and always willing to help! The weak South African currency also means that you will enjoy a strong conversion rate if you are traveling from Australia, Europe or the Americas. Don't forget to tip - and tip well! I travelled extensively throughout South Africa during my time studying engineering/finance at Stellenbosch University, and also into Namibia and Mozambique. Befriend the locals and they will be more than happy to take you along the Garden Route, into Cape Town or up to Lion's Head (far better than Table Mountain!). Stellenbosch and everything it provided me changed my life and the way I view our privilege, in Australia, of being a first world country. Volunteer, and make the most of your free time helping out people as you are abroad, and get to know the customs! Downsides? Safety isn't great in South Africa, and whilst Stellenbosch is better than most of the nation, be aware and do your research prior to arrival. The language barrier is only apparent in smaller towns across the nation - most people will speak English! Try to learn some local languages though, Afrikaans is quite frequently spoken in the Western Cape. And make the most of your precious time abroad, take every opportunity, live and thrive in the gift of studying abroad! Also if you like cricket, go have a hit with the Van Der Stel Cricket Team, and tell them Tom the Aussie sent you! Like I said, everyone is welcoming! Don't be afraid to approach a group of people and say hello, they will always welcome you in! And beware of 'Africa Time', things will happen, they may just take a little longer to happen and it may occur 'now now' instead of now! Feel free to contact me with any questions!

To say that my experience in Cape Town was life changing would be an understatement. My time in South Africa will be forever imprinted in my memory. There is not a single moment that I did not love, waking up in the morning and seeing Table Mountain, looking out at the view from the University of Cape Town, seeing the amazing IES staff almost every day, exploring this beautiful city, and meeting the amazing people in South Africa. One of the greatest things that occurred was the building of a family. IES ensures that you have a support system while you are abroad. They keep you in the loop with what is going on, they make sure you are safe and healthy, and they always welcome you into the office. The other students in the program became some of my best friends and we have already planned reunions. Cape Town was not just a place I visited or studied. It is a place that changed my life and became a home... and I cannot wait to go back home again soon.

I would like to commend the IES Cape Town Center Staff for all the support, love, and knowledge they provided us throughout our stay in Cape Town. The staff truly were our "abroad parents" and the center our "home away from home" for four months. Especially with the student protests that occurred at UCT during our stay, it was so nice to have the IES Staff for support and to answer the hundreds of questions we had. :) They really stressed how available they were to help and did everything they could to ensure our stay went smoothly.

I had the pleasure of studying abroad with IES Cape Town at University of Cape Town. I honestly cannot express enough about how life changing and incredible this experience was. Being able to study abroad in a developing country with quite a flawed democracy urges one to think about issues that we normally don’t think about, or are considered to be “taboo.” The IES center, particularly in the IES Polity Development Class, conversations were facilitated about issues regarding development, racism, xenophobia, and poverty. Being back in the United States, I feel that I can see this issues in a whole new light, and I feel that my perspective on our society as a whole as broadened and changed. During my stay in Cape Town, student protests calling for free education were occurring at all of the universities in South Africa. These protests caused us not to have class for many weeks. What could have been an extremely stressful situation was turned more into an opportunity for exploration to get to know the country better, through free field trips planned by the IES Cape Town office. I cannot express how helpful the IES staff were during this difficult and unprecedented time, and because of them, I was able to take all of my finals on time in Cape Town and finish off the semester. Overall, I cannot express how important my time abroad in Cape Town has been for my personal growth and development, and much of that was due to the ongoing support giving by the IES staff.