Study Abroad Programs in Stellenbosch, South Africa

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.

My time I spent in Stellenbosch and in South Africa at large, was unlike any study abroad experience that I have heard of in my time in college. The African safari and game drives, the beautiful landscapes of vast mountain ranges, long strands, which are all complemented by the vibrant culture, friendly strangers, and the best braai the world has to offer. I loved my time South Africa and I hope to visit Stellenbosch some day again.

Going to South Africa through the AIFS program was the best decision I could of made. I created the best bonds with people and unforgettable memories. I will definitely be visiting South Africa again!

I had a lovely time here, although it was not without flaws. The amenities were not great especially considering how much we paid to be here. The company guilt tripped and body shamed us. But I made innumerable new friends and had experiences that I will cherish forever.

Very nice experience, learned a lot. People I’ve met here are now friends I will still be in contact with. The internship was where I learned new skills and networked with people within the fashion industry and got inspired by being here abroad

I studied abroad in Stellenbosch South Africa Spring 2022. Stellenbosch has a college town feel with plenty to do and Cape Town is only 45 minutes away (and easy to get to). I met many friends who were either international students or South Africans students since the University does a great job of welcoming International Students. We spent our time wine tasting, exploring the region, and learning about South Africa. Hestea, the program director, is the woman I want to be when I grow up. She is an amazing, loving, wise human being who will help you along the way during your time abroad. She also gives the best advice. Studying abroad in Stellies contained the highest highs and the lowest lows of my life. This time shaped me into the human I am today, and I could not recommend it more.

AIFS Stellenbosch was the best experience of my life! Hestea, the program manager, was amazing and really made the process easy! I would recommend it to everyone. The school was amazing, great class options, the town of Stellenbosch is full of students with great food, hiking, wine farms, and night life. I also was able to travel more of South Africa on the free Garden Route AIFS provided and travel throughout Namibia and Mozambique after my classes ended!

Unbeknownst to me at the time, The path toward embracing the fullness of life began for me the very moment I eagerly clicked the "Apply Now" button on the American Institute for Foreign Exchange website. In that decisive moment, I embarked on what would undoubtedly become one of the most remarkable journeys of my life: the opportunity to study abroad in Stellenbosch, South Africa. This remarkable decision ignited a spark within me, filled with anticipation, curiosity, and a thirst for new experiences. It marked the beginning of an adventure that would open doors to personal growth, cultural immersion, and the discovery of a world far beyond my own. With each passing day, I grew more excited about the possibilities that awaited me in this enchanting land. Despite feeling out of my depth, I mustered the courage to embrace the challenge of Studying Abroad and embracing the richness of South African culture, academic pursuits, and the connections I would forge with fellow students from around the globe. Little did I know at the time that this act of courage would become the foundation for everything I would come to know, that it would become a feeling that deeply comforted me and that it would teach me the most fundamental lesson anyone can ever learn: that if we go into new experiences in life with as much excitement and enthusiasm as we can figure out, in the end, it is the only way we know that we have led a full life. It is through embracing the unknown with a sense of curiosity and eagerness that we can truly appreciate the depth and richness of our journey.This lesson marked the beginning of my journey towards wisdom. Little did I realize at that pivotal moment that my act of courage in taking that leap was the catalyst for an extraordinary transformation of consciousness. It marked the dawning of a profound renaissance within me—a renaissance that would awaken my deepest love, appreciation, and exhilaration for life itself, for thrilling adventures, and for the profound power of community. In essence, it was the inception of my personal quest to cultivate a life that truly embodies purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. With each passing day, as I ventured into uncharted territories, I felt a renewed zest for life coursing through my veins. The boundaries of my comfort zone rapidly expanded, allowing me to embrace novel experiences and welcome the unknown with open arms. As I delved into new cultures, engaged with diverse perspectives, and immersed myself in the vibrant tapestry of human connections, I felt a profound sense of interconnectedness and belonging. The world became my classroom, and every encounter, every shared moment, became a valuable lesson in empathy, compassion, and the beauty of our shared humanity. Through the challenges and triumphs, the laughter and tears of joy, I came to realize that life is not merely a series of passive moments, but an ever-evolving canvas waiting to be painted with our unique passions and purpose. This profound awakening ignited a fire within me, propelling me to seize every opportunity for growth, to savor each step of the journey, and to forge meaningful connections that would transcend time and distance. As I reflect upon that transformative decision, I am filled with an immense gratitude for the path I have chosen. It was the starting point of a journey that has taught me to embrace the full spectrum of human experience, to seek beauty in the ordinary, and to continuously seek ways to contribute to the world around me. It is a journey that has gifted me with invaluable memories, enduring friendships, and an unwavering commitment to live each day with passion, purpose, and a profound dedication to the cultivation of an extraordinary life. That simple act of courage, which ignited my journey in South Africa, has unfolded into an epic narrative of personal growth, self-discovery, and a bold pursuit of a life well-lived. It serves as a testament to the boundless potential that resides within each of us, waiting to be unleashed. It is a powerful reminder that every single moment holds the promise of transformative possibilities if we have the audacity to embrace them wholeheartedly. During my transformative time in South Africa, I was blessed with the presence of an extraordinary mentor, Hestea, a woman whom I deeply admire and look up to. Her impact on my life has been profound, shaping the very core of my being. Through her guidance, wisdom, and genuine care, she empowered me to reframe the way I inquire about the world and to immerse myself fully in its breathtaking beauty. Under Hestea's nurturing guidance, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. She taught me to ask probing questions, to challenge preconceived notions, and to embrace the complexities of life. Through her mentorship, I learned to approach the world with a curious mind, eager to explore its hidden depths and uncover its manifold wonders, and to live where my feet were. Hestea's influence went beyond intellectual growth; she fostered in me a deep appreciation for the power of connection and community. Through her example, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of genuine relationships and the strength that can be found in coming together with others. She encouraged me to seek out meaningful connections, to engage with diverse perspectives, and to nurture the bonds that transcend geographical boundaries. In the rich tapestry of my time in South Africa, Hestea's mentorship remains a guiding light—a constant reminder of the profound impact that one person can have on another's life. Her support, encouragement, and unwavering belief in my potential propelled me forward on my quest for personal growth and fulfillment. As I reflect upon the synergy between that initial act of courage and the transformative mentorship I received, I am reminded of the incredible capacity within each of us to evolve, to surpass our own expectations, and to lead lives that are imbued with purpose and meaning. It is a testament to the transformative power of connection, guidance, and the relentless pursuit of personal and intellectual growth. Every day, I am reminded of the incredible insights and profound conversations we shared. There was a time that she, my friends, my mother, aunt, and I were having brunch at a local restaurant that we all adored. It was a local restaurant called Hygge Hygge, which refers to the Danish concept of coziness, which makes a person feel content and comfortable. Hygge Hygee has been described as everything from the ‘art of intimacy’ to the ‘coziness of the soul’ and the ‘pursuit of everyday pleasures.’ Upon entering the restaurant, one would be greeted with a plethora of lush green plants and foliage that added to the establishment's natural ambiance. The menu was comprised of an array of exquisitely presented dishes, I was always drawn to the ‘Hygee Farmers Breakfast’ that was described as “For when you want the old faithful eggs, bacon and roasted tomatoes, on toast combo, and the only decision you have to make is poached, scrambled, or fried.” However, to my surprise, I was faced with an additional decision-the unexpected dilemma of choosing between lightly scrambled, medium, or well-done eggs. (This was one of the hardest decisions I had faced in my time in South Africa, and this still remains true. And I stand by this statement, even though it sounds a bit egg-centric!) Moreover, one could not help but notice the eye-catching Hygge plan, painted on wood and mounted on the wall, as a gentle reminder to enjoy life's simple pleasures, on it was painted: Be Curious. Go Outside. Get to Bed on Time. Hydrate. Breathe from the diaphragm. Eat Happy. Get a routine baggy enough to live in. Be kind. Accept that not everyone will like you. Appreciate those who do. Don’t be defined. Allow mistakes. Want what you already have. Learn to say no to things that get in the way of life. And to say yes to the things that help you live. While we settled in, and waited for what we considered the world's finest Chai teas, we engaged in a conversation about the Hygge plan on the wall. We shared our thoughts on which phrase from the plan resonated with us the most, which one we felt least connected to, and which phrase we aspired to work on, all while enjoying each other's company with lots of laughter. Then Hestea, having wiped away her tears from all the laughter, directed her gaze towards us, smiled, and began to speak. She said "Bokkies (which means "little doe" in Afrikaans) You must Demand out of Life! The underlying message she intended to impart through that statement, which I would later comprehend, was the imperative notion that in life you cannot sit and wait, you cannot sit and ask, you cannot sit and beg, you must demand out of it, out of life what you want and only then can you live a lekker life, a full life. Demanding out of life what you want out of it, is an attitude towards life and not a deficit of the heart or mind. She said, "In life, the three most important questions you can ask yourself are: What you want to do, where you want to go, and who you are going with." She said "The order of these three questions will shape the life you live.” Over the span of several months, my comprehension deepened and I gradually gained a complete understanding of the essence of those three questions and their transformative power to shape the course of one's life. If you always start with who is going with you, you will never leave and you won't go far because you are not setting the pace, you are only prolonging the time. When you start with where you want to go, you have constructed a dream, and seldom do those who are always 10 steps ahead feel the grass underneath their feet. Don't be a dreamer, be a visionary. And If you begin with what you want to do, you must have the courage to trust life, and you must want what you already have. She then went on to say to us, “But remember the most important step you take is the next one, and we are all going to die, so you might as well live a fantastic life.” She then took a napkin from the table and a pen and began writing. She slowly marked our ages on the timeline, and then inquired about the age we would like to live till, noting it on the napkin. She also marked her own age on the timeline. She looked up at us and said “Today seems like your whole life, and it's not. It is a moment, but the decisions you make about how you live it, those moments will shape your whole life. And the challenge of being young, of being human, is striking a balance between these two ways of living.” she went on to say “At least two of those questions you ask yourself will always be in tension with the other. She said, “So as you come to know yourself and the world, find alignment and balance in being, give yourself grace, romanticize life, and Bookies, grow towards the light.” So with her vibrant, abundant style of humor, and larger-than-life personality, she followed that up with “and most importantly live well!” The sudden remark prompted an explosive burst of laughter, and she continued to share many other wonderful stories that left us feeling euphoric- euphoric in the warm embrace of South Africa, the lives we had built there, and the love we all shared for her. Together, these experiences have forged a profound narrative of growth, self-discovery, and the steadfast determination to cultivate a life that honors my true potential. They have taught me that the pursuit of a life well-lived is not a solitary journey but one that is enriched by the guidance, wisdom, and support of extraordinary mentors like Hestea, and shared community with others from all walks of life. While I retained and internalized her words, it wasn't until several months later when their true significance resonated deep within me. Essentially, her message conveyed that the three questions we often ask ourselves were condensed into one fundamental query - "Who am I?" - and, distilled even further not just who we were currently, but who we were becoming and who or what was a part of that transformation. More importantly, it emphasized our engagement with the world and life as a whole. In essence, the confluence of that initial act of courage and the transformative mentorship I received in South Africa has shaped the trajectory of my life, infusing it with purpose, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to seize every moment as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. It is a testament to the extraordinary potential that resides within each of us, awaiting the moment when we dare to take that first courageous step toward our truest selves. So in that way, To the reader of this review, I encourage you to embrace a courageous leap and embark on one of the most magnificent journeys you will ever experience. Trust life, excavate through the background noise of everyday life, and heed the inner calling that beckons you to embark on a transformative adventure to Stellenbosch, South Africa. Moreover when you do, allow this moment in your life, this moment in time- albeit one semester or a year, to continue to inspire in you the desire to ask questions, to continue to critique and challenge the world around you, to remain curious, and to continue to form yourself and the spaces around you and orient them towards the light, towards greater love, joy, empathy, and peace. I have learned that to know oneself is to be at peace with who you are, where you are, on the way to where you are going. It is an alignment with existence and all that is, as it is. It is an affirmation of life through gratitude and beingness with all things around you, and that surround you. As I move forward, I carry within me the rich tapestry of my experiences in South Africa—memories of cherished coffee dates and heartfelt dinners with Hestea, countless hours spent traversing the mesmerizing coastline, and drawing lines on the comet with dear friends who remain the greatest loves of my heart. With an overflowing heart filled with gratitude and boundless joy in, and towards the world, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to those who made this transformative journey possible—the American Institute for Foreign Exchange, my South African mother Hestea, and all the remarkable individuals who crossed my path along the way. I am immensely grateful to proclaim that my time in South Africa was a testament to a life well-lived, brimming with profound friendships and unforgettable moments. Here's to you, the reader of this review—cheers! May you revel in the exhilaration of freedom and embrace the boundless possibilities that await you in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Cheers! to the way you will feel in freedom.

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!

One of the best parts of this program was our onsite program director, Hestea. She is a Stellenbosch local and she poured her heart into giving all of us the richest experience possible. She made it easy to fall in love with South Africa by taking us on unique excursions and explaining the value of it all. Stellenbosch is a great little town for college students. There's always something happening and it's super easy to navigate your way around (walking or cycling!). As far as academic life abroad, there are plenty of options to choose from and it was an amazing opportunity to be in classes with students from all over the world. I looked forward to working on group projects and discussing global issues with my international peers. My time abroad being surrounded by perspectives from around the world is something I'm still experiencing growth from over a year later. South Africa is beautiful, and AIFS has done a wonderful job at putting together a program that showcases as much as possible in the short time abroad.

I would absolutely recommend this program or any AIFS program to anyone looking to study abroad. This program gave me the once in a lifetime chance to travel to a beautiful country and immerse myself in a culture that I would not have been able to if I did not study abroad. I so appreciated the fact that AIFS is an inclusive program, meaning that your meal plan, housing, travel insurance, excursions, etc. are included in the cost of tuition. I also found the flight package they offered unbeatable. My favorite excursion I went on during this program was completing the world's highest bridge bungee jump! Through my photograph course provided, I was able to learn how to take professional grade photos of all the wildlife I saw, including a family of elephants. I highly recommend this January term program to anyone looking to go somewhere amazing and adventurous.

As a student with a STEM major, I was only able to do a summer study abroad program, and it was not long enough. The AIFS Public Health Program in Stellenbosch, South Africa was applicable to my field of study, as well as during the ideal time of year and within the continent of my choice. This program was truly the perfect option for the opportunity of a lifetime. During my stay, I was able to live in the dorms with other students from all over the US and the rest of the world, and was even lucky enough to room with a South Africa, who knew all of the local places to go and see, and all of the activities to do. The first of two classes I was able to take were an introduction to the political history of the country, which was taught in the most engaging, and memorable method of instruction I've experienced in my college career. The second, which related to my career, was the public health program, where I was able to learn about the local health care system and health problems that plague the country in a personal and eye-opening manner. Throughout this time, classes were balanced by experiencing the beautiful country, nearby cities, culture, and tasting all of the amazing food that South Africa had to offer, all with the best company a person could ask for. As a whole, the organization of courses and excursions that AIFS offered for this program made my study abroad the best I could have possibly asked for. It's the best thing I've done for my studies and for myself, and I wish only that it could've lasted longer.

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).

Everyone needs to go abroad. It is awesome experiencing so many cultures. Professors while abroad are very helpful and care about their students. I really enjoyed getting to know my professors and learning not only class content but also from their real life experiences. Traveling on the weekends was obviously my favorite part of this experience. I was able to visit a bunch of different countries. Wish I could stay longer.

By getting outside of my comfort zone as much as possible, I was able to experience parts of the world while figuring out new things about myself! Staying in a home stay is completely worth it because you get to practice your Spanish and meet incredibly interesting locals!

Living in Spain was such a great experience! From the food to culture and things to do, Spain has it all. I´m definitely going to miss my time here and all the great people I met. Studying abroad helped me grow so much as a person, and I won´t ever forget this experience.

This experience allowed me to reflect on the type of person I am, what I like and what I do not like, and really step out of my comfort zone. Studying abroad has allowed me to develop critical values that are important for everyday life. I have always believed that one of the best ways to erase ignorance is by traveling and my experience here has proved that.

Studying Abroad in Stellenbosch, South Africa with AIFS truly changed my life. Having the opportunity to participate in the Service Learning program in the township of Kayamandi allowed me to both give back to the community I was studying abroad in and gave me the chance to experience a new and different culture from my own. This program was a transformative and enlightening experience that allowed me to reshape my notion of community engagement and what making a difference actually means. While having the opportunity to study abroad comes with the excitement of excursions, having some of the most memorable experiences of your life and building friendships, it was also a time for me to learn more about myself in a new environment away from the comforts of what I knew. My reflections of my surroundings and the people around me were important in how I perceived the new culture I was experiencing.

This experience living in South Africa for five months was one of the most influential moment of my life so far. It was a completely pivotal experience in terms of my career. South Africa is an extremely diverse country, with eleven national languages, and the program really provided me with opportunities to experience this. I loved the simplicity of the every day life there and how easy it was to travel to another city to meet people with a completely different language. I was able to attend a highly respected school, but also learned about the historical ties it has to Apartheid. People were so willing to talk about the political and social climate, which was extremely crucial for me as a political science major. I felt that I wasn't just visiting another country, but that I was immersing myself into a different culture. That included learning about the history, the current politics, and how to support positive change that was taking place. The opportunities I was given to learn about and experience the every day lives of South Africans were the memories that I hold closest now. My specific study abroad experience gave me direction for my life and I believe that I found my purpose in life there.