Cape Town, South Africa

First-Year Semester in Stellenbosch (No Visa)

Customizable Global Pathways

Length:

Fall, Spring

Disciplines:

Sociology, Agriculture, Economics, Management, Engineering

About the Program

Length: Fall or Spring Semester

Consider partnering with IES Abroad to implement an unforgettable first-year, fully integrated international semester experience at Stellenbosch University, one of South Africa’s leading research institutions. This customized program is designed in partnership with the home institution, allowing faculty and administrators to determine the appropriate academic structure, courses, calendar, and learning outcomes while maintaining progress toward students’ degree requirements.

Stellenbosch offers a broad range of academic disciplines, including Engineering and the sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, and Arts and Social Sciences, providing flexibility to support a variety of customized, first-year curricula. Students can gain meaningful cultural engagement with local students while developing independence, adaptability, intercultural competence, and a broader understanding of their field of study.

The program is particularly well suited for institutions seeking to expand access to global learning at the first-year level without requiring students to delay degree progress or navigate the visa process. Stellenbosch's location in a compact, walkable university town provides a supportive environment for students who are experiencing international education for the first time, while the program’s cost structure offers an attractive alternative to many traditional study abroad destinations.

IES Abroad works with the home institution to develop a program that meets its academic, enrollment, calendar, and student-support needs, creating a scalable model for a meaningful international experience from the very beginning of a student’s college career. And with no student visa required, getting there is easier than you might think.

PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee the availability of all housing, excursions, cultural events, guest lecturers or tours.

Academics

Academic Program includes:

One or two 100-level Faculty-taught courses (content TBD by the University, not transcripted through IES Abroad Registrar)
Enrollment in two or three Customized course through Stellenbosch University - 3 credits with Stellenbosch -sourced faculty

Program Components

Classroom Space - Stellenbosch University Campus:

Stellenbosch University's main campus blends historic Cape Dutch architecture and oak-lined streets with modern, green-certified facilities across a scenic winelands setting. It features central hubs like the Rooiplein, the Neelsie Student Centre, and advanced academic and athletic venues.

Guest Lectures:

Program includes three guest lectures focused on the program theme, tailord by the School in the following academic areas: Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Sciences,Art and Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Engineering and/or hard Sciences. Distinguished lecturers affiliated with Stellenbosch University, with backgrounds in these fields and/or industry, offer additional academic enrichment.

Local Engagement:

Numerous opportunities for social and academic engagement with local students through the MAATI buddy system, student organizations and student clubs. There is also the ability for customized students to engage with local students via optional field trips. Students will have access to campus facilities, the campus library, etc.

Academic Support & Engagement:

Academic advising support including course pre-registration. Academic policy and student communication around policy adapted for the first-year transition. Syllabus revision to support transition. Timetabling revision to support smooth engagement throughout the semester. Skill-building sessions on academic expectations and adjustment for the move from high school to university-level work throughout the semester.

Support & Administration

U.S.-Based Customized Program Manager (CPM) and Coordinator (CPC):

Will assist your students in planning and preparing for your program.

Chicago-Based Dean of Students Office and Crisis Management Team:

Available 24/7 in case of serious student emergencies.

Center-Based Staff (Program Manager/Coordinators):

Available 24/7 in case of emergencies. Will be your Center contact for the program and work closely with you to prepare and implement the program. Will accompany students on all IES Abroad-sponsored events.

Enhanced Health & Safety:

Additional predeparture orientations for the cohort prior to arrival on-site. Student Success Coordinator on-site and available to the group. Additional reflection time built into coursework and pre-/post-excursions.

Community-Building & Pastoral Care for First-Year Cohort:

Community-building portfolio delivered via revised ENGAGE, life-skills sessions, skill-building sessions, roommate agreement facilitation, and a structured re-entry session. Co-curricular programming coordinated with the academic schedule.

CISI Insurance (Required):

This insurance covers IES Abroad students, faculty, and guests anywhere in the world during the specified program dates. Coverage includes doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, mental health treatment, and prescription drugs.

Orientation & Farewell

Orientation (Required):

Multiple virtual and on-site orientations, including overview of the campus and the city, and comprehensive health and safety. On-site orientation reshaped around freshman developmental needs. Orientation sessions aligned with the home-campus pre-departure orientation.

City Tour:

Visit the most popular destinations in Stellenbosch's historic town center, including Dorp Street and the Village Musuem.

Meals:

Enjoy two delicious meals (Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner) at Stellenbosch's most loved restaurants to build sense of community and cohesion within the cohort.

Transportation

Housing

Student Housing:

Option A: University of Stellenbosch residence hall housing. Live with IES Abroad, South African and other international students in a furnished single room with a private kitchenette, private bathroom, and digital safe. Living spaces are shared, and there is a gym on-site. Internet access is available, but not guaranteed. Meals are not included.
Option B: Off-campus, communal residence hall housing near Stellenbosch University. Residences consist of single rooms with an en-suite bathroom and kitchenette. Facilities include a gym, cooking facilities, and outdoor areas. Housing includes towels, linen, duvet/comforter and pillows, cutlery and crockery, pots and pans and a toilet brush. Rooms will be cleaned weekly. Internet access is available, but not guaranteed. Meals are not included.

Program Leader (Faculty/Staff) Housing:

Program leaders are typically housed in self-catering apartments, each with a fully-equipped kitchen. Internet access is available, but not guaranteed. Meals are not included.

Excursions

Site Visits Within City:

Program includes four integrated site visits that bring together academic focus with tourist interests. Examples include: Oom Samie se Winkel, Moederkerk, Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, Spier Wine Farm, etc.

Day Trips Outside of City:

Program includes three day trips out of the city that highlight the context of the immediate region and program theme. Examples include: Waterford Estate, the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Delaire Graff Estate, the Cape Floral Region (Kogelberg Biosphere, Cape Winelands & West Coast Biospheres, The Fynbos Biome), various nuclear and water facilities associated with STEM disciplines, like Koeberg Nuclear Facility and the Steenbras Pumped Hydro Storage Facility.

Field Trips Outside of City:

Program includes one overnight excursion that will be built into the program that may be linked to the program theme. Accommodations, meals, and activities included. Examples include: Cape Agulhas, Johannesburg, Langa, Cape Town, Secunda (to visit the world's largest coal-to-liquids (CtL) facility, Sasol), etc.

Cultural Events:

Program includes three cultural events such as a cooking class, theatre performances, wine estate visits, local hikes, athletic events, concerts and film screenings.