South Africa
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Pack your bag for endless adventures studying abroad in South Africa! Imagine swimming with penguins at Boulders Beach, learning about the country’s history at the Robben Island Museum, or hiking Table Mountain. When you study abroad, South Africa becomes the adventure-filled location of your dreams.
Whether you choose to study in South Africa for a semester, summer, or full-year, IES Abroad and partner university courses, field trips, and course related excursions will guide and enhance your academic and personal pursuits.
Get ready to experience a country with beautiful, diverse terrain and a dynamic cultural identity through one of our South Africa study abroad or internship programs and apply now!
One of the most beautiful cities on earth, Cape Town is a dynamic and multi-faceted city where you can explore a complex society and enjoy crystal blue waters, breathtaking mountains, and everything in between.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is an iconic part of Cape Town. Many visitors hike or take a trip in the aerial cableway to the top of the mountain to see breathtaking views of Robben Island, Cape Town, Table Bay, Devil's Peak, and more.
Robben Island
Located just a few miles off the coast of Cape Town, Robben Island is the former prison camp of many South African democratic supporters. These supporters were against apartheid and fought to combat racial discrimination.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Named after the British Queen Victoria and Prince Alfred, the Waterfront has something for everyone. With hundreds of shops, restaurants, cafes, the Two Oceans Aquarium, and more, you will surely find something to enjoy. The Nelson Mandela Gateway carries visitors to Robben Island.
The Latest from South Africa
IES Abroad 2020 Correspondent of the Year Interview
IES Abroad: Since your semester ended (virtually speaking), what have you been up to? And what are your plans for fall and moving forward?
13 Students' Perspectives on the Study Abroad Courses Now Offered Online
We asked our Ambassadors (alums of IES Abroad programs who love to share their experiences with prospective students) what they enjoyed most about the courses they took abroad to help inform you about your course options for IES Abroad's Virtual World DiscoverIES program.
Overcoming the White Noise: Why You Should Study Abroad
“When I was abroad…” “*Insert city of your choosing* is my favorite place on earth.” “Ohhhhh, did you go abroad?” “I couldn’t tell from your Instagram!” Do these lines sound familiar? These are all the sounds of the white noise that surrounds the study abroad experience, and I’m sure you have heard or even participated in making that noise. Rather, this is simply to encourage you to overcome it. I challenge you to, instead, think about why you should/want to/might/do/have study(ied) abroad.
Crossing the T in Study Abroad
As a result of the unprecedented nature of the times amidst the coronavirus pandemic, I and many other study abroad students across the world were called back to their home countries. Having to leave my study abroad program in Cape Town, South Africa two months early meant that I didn’t have the opportunity to fulfill these goals and realize these intentions completely. Yet, while I may not be sitting in a classroom in South Africa, surrounded by South African students, it is still possible to learn about South Africa from afar.
Market Hopping in Cape Town: A Breakdown
Everybody loves a good market, and let me tell you, Cape Town is full of them! For everything from local restaurants, artisan trinkets and keepsakes, vintage and locally designed clothing, and more, the stalls of Cape Town markets are the place to go.
