Cape Town, South Africa

Summer - Health Studies

Study Abroad

Length:

Summer

At a Glance

Program Dates:

Summer 2026: June 08 - July 29

Credits:

6 per Summer

Estimated Cost:

$7,500

Visa Required:

Maybe

Housing:

Residence Hall

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

About the Program

Our Summer Health Studies Program  offers a wider range of health-related topics, including endemic diseases and nutrition, as well as courses that focus on the business and social impacts of health care in Southern Africa. Of those courses, you will enroll in two three-credit options for a total of six credits.

Individual Program Advisor

Your IES Abroad advisor is your #1 resource for preparing to study abroad.

Cape Town Will Be Your Classroom

Course-related trips will enhance what you’ve learned in class.

Gain Professional Experience

Gain exposure to South Africa’s public and private health facilities.

Learn About Healthcare in South Africa

Our Health Studies Program offers a wide range of health-related topics.

Program Advisor

Zhanè Vanderbilt

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

At a Glance

Program Dates:

Summer 2026: June 08 - July 29

Credits:

6 per Summer

Estimated Cost:

$7,500

Visa Required:

Maybe

Housing:

Residence Hall

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

About the Destination

a nighttime aerial view of Cape Town and its mountains

Why Cape Town?

Surrounded by mountains and the sea near the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town is not only one of the world’s most beautiful cities, but also an ideal location to experience the complex socio-economic health care challenges of a multi-cultural developing country with great disparities.

Learn More About Cape Town

Get to Know Your New City

Explore the Unique Cape Floral Kingdom

Cape Town is biodiverse hotspot made up of mountains, wilderness, and more.

Enjoy a Mix of Cultures

Immerse yourself in a multicultural landscape with 11 official languages.

Experience a Society in Transition

30 years past apartheid, South Africa is a developing nation in transition.

Learn More About Sustainability

Cape Town is home to innovative approaches to sustainability.

The Student Experience

Kristen Lomuto

Kristen Lomuto, Mar 23, 2026

Spend A Week With Me! Taking you through a week in my life in Cape Town

Hey readers! In this blog I will be walking you through a week in my life in Cape Town while studying at UCT. Through this I hope you can get an idea of how fun...

Academics Daily Life Food

A snapshot of the view from the balcony of my residence hall.

Cape Town Q&A: From the Perspective of an American Study Abroad Student

Why I Chose to Study Abroad in Cape Town Through IES Abroad

View All Blogs

Program Dates

Summer 2026

Program Dates:

June 08 - July 29

Application Deadline:

Mar 5, 2026

Academics

Courses

You will enroll in two courses for a total of 6 credits.

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

Helpful Links

two students stand arm-in-arm in front of lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Transcripts, Credit Transfer & Accreditation

Two students jump for a fun photo in front of Neue Burg in Vienna

Refund Policy

See All Student Policies

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (4)

Health Sciences (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
SO/HE 347 - Public Health Dynamics in Southern Africa	Fall, Spring, Summer	English	3

Nutrition (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
NT 325 - Nutrition & HIV	Summer	English	3

Psychology (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
PS 311 - Cross Cultural Psychology	Fall, Spring, Summer	English	3

Sociology (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
SO/HE 347 - Public Health Dynamics in Southern Africa	Fall, Spring, Summer	English	3

Requirements

18 years of age
In good standing at your home school
2.5 or better GPA on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins. Undergraduate candidates only.

Submit Your Online Application

Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.

After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:

Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.

If your cumulative GPA is below 2.5, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:

Professor Recommendation — Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.

Apply Now

Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP

Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:

You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends

Visit  travel.state.gov  to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.

Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens in possession of a valid passport do not need to obtain a visa to enter or study in South Africa for less than 90 days.

Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and  contact your IES Abroad Advisor.

IES Abroad Cape Town Staff

David Reiersgord

IES Abroad Cape Town Center Director

Read Full Bio

Devonne Bobbert

Academics Manager

Ashleigh Brown

Program Coordinator

Jody Felton

Operations Manager

Man smiling in front of window and brick wall

Sifiso Mtshali

Learning Support Administrator

Housing

Residence Hall

Live in a private residence hall with IES Abroad, South African, and other international students. Students live in a furnished single room with a kitchenette, private bathroom, and a digital safe is provided. Living spaces are shared, and there is a gym on site. Internet access is available. Meals are not included.

An IES Abroad Resident Assistant lives in or by your residence and can serve as a great resource for tips on integrating into the local culture.

Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Cape Town, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.

Group of Cape Town students in front of Ocean

Hermanus

3 Days Semester, Summer

Spend time on South Africa’s beautiful southern coast, Hermanus, where whales migrate each year. Explore the southernmost tip of the African continent, a local penguin colony and take an ocean conservation boat trip, within the incredibly scenic area.

Students riding in a truck in Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park & Johannesburg

4 Days Fall, Spring & Summer

Spend two days on a safari in the world-famous Kruger National Park. Then, travel west to Johannesburg, where you'll enjoy lunch in Soweto township and a visit to the Apartheid Museum.

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Summer 2026

Tuition

5,641

Housing

1,699

Insurance

160

Total

7,500

Summer 2026

Cape Town Summer - Health Studies Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition	$5,641
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:	$1,699
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	+$0
Health Insurance	$160
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)	$7,500-$7,500

+

Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
School of Record transcript (if required)	$475
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)	Cost
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$1,300-1,600
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	$390
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans	$80
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$450
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$800
Total Other Estimated Expenses

= Total Estimated Budget:

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location

Program Dates:

June 08 - July 29

Application Deadline:

Mar 5, 2026

Estimated Cost:

7,500

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet

Orientation

Health & Safety

With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling

Blogs on Safety

Learn More About Health & Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.

I’ve never been abroad before. When should I apply for a passport?

As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!

How do I know if I will receive credit for the classes or internships I complete abroad?

You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.

How do scholarships and financial aid work? Can I use my existing scholarships or apply for more?

You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.

How does IES Abroad work with my school?

IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.

What is the university or location where I will take my classes abroad?

The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.

What are IES Abroad’s health and safety resources and policies?

IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).

Do I have to find my own housing on my IES Abroad program?

Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.