You have the option to get a local cell phone from a South African provider or bring an unlocked smartphone to insert a South African SIM card. Regardless of your choice, we strongly recommend that you use a smartphone, as the most convenient, reliable, and cost-effective method of transportation in Cape Town is Uber, which requires the use of a smartphone app. In the first or second day of the program, depending on your arrival time and store hours, RAs and IES Abroad staff members will assist you with adding credit to your phone (regardless of your choice) so that it is ready for use. Both...

You are required to enroll in 15-19 credits per semester. Your program offers five ways to earn academic credit: IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 5-7 credits) IES Abroad Psychology course in English (optional, 3 credits each) IES Abroad area studies courses in English (optional, 3 credits each)** English- or Spanish-taught Psychology courses at Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca or Universidad de Salamanca (optional, 1.5-4 credits each)** Education internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits, spring only)* Community-based learning placement and seminar in Spanish...

Spring 2026 Program Calendar

After the IES Abroad orientation program, you will participate in a multi-day orientation at the University of Cape Town for international students, led by the International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO). This program will involve an academic orientation and an introduction to extracurricular activities and university life. Orientation culminates in course registration at UCT. The orientations are thorough and cover a lot of critical information from safety to academics, plus some fun, and you are expected to fully participate. During orientation, you will also be introduced to the various...

We know that you are eager to learn about the field trips that will be available to you during your semester abroad. Field trip options and details may not be readily available until later in the predeparture process. Please be patient as we arrange field trips that will enrich your studies and give you the opportunity to explore your host country in a safe, engaging way. When field trip details are available, they will be posted here and you will get an email from your IES Abroad Advisor letting you know they are ready. Get ready for an unforgettable experience, get to know your new hometown...

UCT Courses & Preregistration Students are encouraged to take mostly 2000-level or 3000-level courses, with a maximum of one 1000-level course. We also require that one of your UCT courses be South Africa-focused. The classroom atmosphere might be entirely different from what you experience on your home campus. Please keep in mind that you will have to be able to adapt to different classroom structures and expectations. Teaching styles may vary from professors who mainly use lectures as their method of presentation to those who foster participation, debates, and practical work. Readings and...

You are required to enroll in 15-19 credits per semester. Your program offers four ways to earn academic credit: Intermediate Program (for students with 2 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent) IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 6 credits) IES Abroad English-taught area studies courses (required, 3 credits each) IES Abroad Spanish-taught area studies course (optional - pending language placement results, 3 credits) Universidad de Granada English-taught courses (optional, 3 credits each, maximum 2 courses) Advanced Program (for students with at least 4 semesters of...

Spring 2026 Program Calendar ALL STUDENTS SHOULD PLAN TO ARRIVE ON THE OFFICIAL ARRIVAL DATE - JANUARY 20, 2026 As soon as a preliminary program calendar is available (at least a few weeks before the program starts), it will appear above. However, this calendar is subject to change. Please do not make independent travel arrangements (including visits from family or friends) before you arrive on-site, receive any calendar updates from the IES Abroad Center staff during orientation, and finalize your course registration. Remember that you will not be excused from academic obligations, including...