Summer Study Abroad Programs in South Africa

I had a fantastic experience with the iXperience program working in tech/startups. Coming in as a rising sophomore trying to figure out if business was the right path for me, iXperience gave me exactly the real world exposure I needed. I spent a month in Cape Town working hands on with a growing IoT startup, where I got to do everything from market research and competitor analysis to investor outreach and building out an actual data room, work I never would have gotten this early in college. Outside of the internship, the program made it easy to actually experience the city and country: hiking Table Mountain, surfing along the coast, skydiving over the peninsula, and even picking up padel with other program participants. I left with a genuine skill set, a much clearer sense of what I'm capable of, and a story I'm proud to tell in interviews. Highly recommend for anyone looking to get real business experience and an unforgettable adventure abroad.

Attending iXperience’s Pre-Med program in Cape Town was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It helped me develop skills, gain clinical hours and healthcare experience, learn more about myself, and become a better global citizen. Going into the program, I heard a lot of good things about iXperience’s Management Consulting and Data Science programs. However, even with the Pre-Med program being new, it was incredibly developed and organized. Safety was never a concern and members of the iX team were always available to call at any hour of the night and eager to help. The accommodations were extremely nice with views of the beach and food/grocery stores were literally across the street. The program offered many fun excursions like visiting cape point, swimming with penguins, hikes, surfing, 4-wheeling, etc. and if there was anything you wanted to do that wasn’t on the itinerary, the iXperience team was quick to help organize it for you and share recommendations. I would recommend iXperience’s Pre-Med program to any students interested in healthcare of any kind because we saw so many different sides of the system and career paths. It helped me gain exposure into what working in healthcare actually looks like. It also helps students get ahead in terms of experience and clinical hours. Throughout our time we were able to compile around 70 clinical hours through shadowing world renowned Neurosurgeons, studying in world class biolabs, triaging in emergency rooms, and even scrubbing into surgeries. As a med student in the United States, the opportunities to gain hands-on experience were unparalleled in Cape Town. Not only did we get to work extremely closely with some of South Africa's (and the world’s) greatest minds, we got to build personal connections with them. All of the doctors, along with the entire iXperience team, were incredibly invested in our growth as future physicians, but also our development as young adults emerging into the world. The personal connections I built with the physicians, iX team, patients, and members of my cohort are something I will forever be grateful for. I cannot recommend this program enough. I will never forget the first time I scrubbed into a surgery. During my time in Cape Town, I made some of the best memories in my life and I will forever be grateful.

This past summer, I had the opportunity to spend three weeks in Cape Town, South Africa through iXperience's Pre-Med Global Health program, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. By the end of the three weeks, I left with unforgettable memories, a new appreciation for South Africa, and an even stronger desire to pursue a career in medicine. The highlight of the program was shadowing a neurosurgeon throughout my stay. This wasn't just passive observation—I had the opportunity to spend meaningful time in the operating room, witnessing complex neurosurgical procedures. Additionally, we had the opportunity to meet the surgical staff on a personal level through multiple dinners and casual conversation. The amount of clinical exposure I received in such a short period was incredible and provided experiences that would have been very difficult to find back home in the United States. Outside of the hospital, I had the chance to fully immerse myself in Cape Town. From exploring the city's night life, breathtaking scenery, and experiencing South African culture, every day offered something new. Throughout my time in South Africa, I always felt well-supported by the iXperience staff. Transportation was organized, the team was responsive whenever we needed anything, and they made sure we understood how to safely enjoy everything Cape Town has to offer. This allowed us to focus on making the most of the experience while feeling comfortable and secure. Looking back, this program exceeded every expectation I had. It strengthened my passion for medicine, gave me invaluable clinical exposure, and allowed me to experience a culture completely different from my own. I would highly recommend iXperience to any pre-med student looking for meaningful clinical experience, personal growth, and the opportunity to broaden their perspective on healthcare and the world.

IXperience’s Pre-Med Program in Cape Town, South Africa gave me 3 of the best weeks of my life, a time that I will forever look back on and be in awe of the experiences I went through. While I was excited about the weeks to come, I was definitely nervous about traveling to South Africa, finding friends, and getting an experience that would be worthwhile. However, this trip completely exceeded my expectations and is hands down the best trip and resume booster I could have asked for. I logged over 70 real, physician-supervised hours for my med school applications. I followed local mobile clinics, toured medical facilities, shadowed multiple doctors, and even got to observe surgeries led by the talented and well-known Dr. Ian Victor. The contrast we experienced was incredible—we observed high-end preventive care at Expand Health, but also got to dive into the public side of health care in Cape Town by following the Guud Mobile health clinic and visiting the mobile night clinic in Hout Bay, which completely shaped how I think about medicine and health administration. Not only was this trip educational, but it was also incredibly well-run and secure. Safety was a top priority throughout the entire program—the staff was exceptionally supportive, our daily transport was highly structured, and I felt completely safe and at ease the entire time. Beyond clinical experience, the housing was also great, and I made lifelong friends in my cohort exploring Cape Town and going for walks together. I came in wanting to build my resume, but I'm leaving with unforgettable memories, a tight-knit community, and a much deeper perspective on global health—if you are on the fence, absolutely go for it!

When I decided I wanted to go abroad, I was nervous about a lot of things. First off, I was scared that when I went abroad I would have to settle for a location I did not want to be in because I needed my credits to transfer over. Luckily AIFS had a program in a wonderful city with a bunch of classes that would transfer back to my home university super well. When I chose this program, I was overjoyed but nervous about living in a homestay. When I got there I was happily surprised to find that my host family was amazing and provided me with an experience I would not have been able to have if I had been in a dorm/apt. The people that I met in the program were some of the coolest people I have ever known and am happy to call them my friends to this day. If you are looking for a great program in Paris where you have the freedom to meet new people, travel, and find yourself in a new place, I would 100% recommend this to you!

It was a wonderful experience! I learned so much in just two short weeks. Everyone was so kind and experienced. This is without a doubt a once in a lifetime experience and I'm sad to be leaving so soon.

The staff is extremely friendly and they have all kinds of fun activities planned. We get to learn so much about the culture in South Africa and in veterinary medicine. One of the best Loop programs ever!

This experience was the best I've ever experienced in my life. I was not only able to learn more about my future career than I thought possible, but also learn the different culture which was amazing to me.

This program was an amazing experience for me because I have always wanted to pursue a career in vet med, but never had the experience I wanted. Coming on this trip has allowed me to gain experience with exotics!

There is still a part of my heart left behind in Africa. Each and every morning brought a new joy. Every activity broadened my perspectives. Every interaction made me into a whole new person! Thank you Lory Park!

I loved this journey so much and it was truly the best program on this trip. I thank everyone who came together and made this experience amazing. I will never forget this as long as I live.Thank you, Loop Abroad!

This trip has been an amazing experience with the welcoming staff and the amazing big cats. I have learned more about myself and veterinary medicine and this has helped me think about future pathways for my career.

Loop has been the best experience of my pre-vet years. I am glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and came to South Africa. My advice, step out of your comfort zone and experience a once in a lifetime program.

I loved going to Kruger. It was such a life changing experience. I also loved the Big Cat Day and the cub lab. Our staff also helped us with our project and I can tell how much they love their jobs and the students!

This was one of the most magical experiences of my life. If I could do this every year I would. From the people to the experiences, everything was so informative and welcoming. The experience I gained here was invaluable.

Loop has been one of the best experiences of my life! I learned so much and met some amazing people. This is a trip I will remember for the rest of my life! The connections I made and experiences I had were unforgettable.

I really enjoyed all the activities we had, from dancings to vet practices. We really got hella opportunities to work with animals and do the procedures we wouldn't normally be able to do. Freda the python is my bestie now.

I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities this program has given me. I am grateful for the bonds I have created and the new information I have experienced. I get to take home and apply all of this to my journey in veterinary medicine.

I loved the relationships I made and I can't describe the family that I have truly made. We got many opportunities to learn and get an experience that is truly once in a lifetime. I can honestly say this program has changed my life for the better.

This program excited me in the veterinary field and allowed me to practice skills I could only develop on this trip. The staff was amazing and helped me every step of the way. I am so grateful for the opportunities given to me and i know these skills will aid my future!