Cape Town, South Africa

Health, Culture & Development

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Experiential Learning
Length:
Fall, Spring

At a Glance

Housing:

Residence Hall

Credits:

15 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Our Health, Culture & Development Program is designed to offer insight into the complexity and breadth of the contemporary issues facing South Africa. Choose from several English-taught Health Science or Sociology courses taught by local lecturers and learn how globalization, development, and disease affect different communities.

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Explore Your Academic Interests

Study anything, from South African literature to music and dance.

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Cape Town Will Be Your Classroom

Attend course-related trips to enhance what you’ve learned in class.

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Individual Program Advisor

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

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Travel in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana

Join field trips to Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park.

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

July 08 - November 16

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
20,307

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

Headshot of Zhane Croft.

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

About the Destination

a nighttime aerial view of Cape Town and its mountains

Why South Africa?

South Africa is a rich, vibrant region and has become one of the world’s fastest growing economic zones despite facing challenges of poverty, disease, and economic imbalance. Its burgeoning economy, youthful population, ecological and ethnic diversity, and evolving politics make the continent an increasingly important player in the world of the 21st century. Cape Town’s idyllic setting on the South African coast makes it the perfect base from which to study this fascinating region.

Learn More About South Africa

Get to Know Your New City

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Explore the Unique Cape Floral Kingdom

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

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Enjoy a Mix of Cultures

Immerse yourself in a multicultural landscape with 11 official languages.

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Experience a Society in Transition

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

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Learn More About Sustainability

Cape Town is home to innovative approaches to sustainability.

Housing

A clean bedroom featuring a twin-sized bed, a desk, and shelving with bright blue backings.
  • Residence Hall

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. 

Academics

The HCD programme offers unique courses that explore Health Studies, History and Political Science, and Cultural Development Studies, through an in-depth and hands-on approach. These courses will make use of Cape Town’s diverse communities and rich history in order to help you gain a deeper understanding of Cape Town’s complexities, in addition to devoting significant focus to South Africa and southern African contexts. 

Through the inclusion of guest lectures from individuals researching or working directly in specific fields, to course-related trips tailor made to illustrate the contradictions between theory and practice, our team of faculty will engage you on the diversity, inequality and cultural contexts that make South Africa an exciting, complicated, and unparalleled country to study in.

Courses

While in Cape Town, you take 15 credits per semester. All courses are worth 3 credits unless otherwise specified. 

  • Five area studies courses (3 credits each, required)

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.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (3)

African Studies (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
PO/HS/AF 352 - Power & Protest: Apartheid to Present Fall, Spring English 3
PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
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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 Fall & Spring

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 in Gqeberha and Johannesburg

Gqeberha & Johannesburg

7-8 Days Fall & Spring

Experience two dynamic South African cities and regions, in different environments of the country. 

Northern Neighbors Cape Town Trip

Northern Neighbors

5 Days Fall & Spring

This field trip begins by flying to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, one of Southern Africa’s most exciting adventure hubs. The next day you board safari vehicles and head into Chobe National Park.

Experiential Learning

Community-Based Learning

Participating in a community-based learning experience in Cape Town is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of the city's culture and society. Working alongside local people towards a common goal, you experience first-hand some of the social issues that affect Cape Town while contributing your skills towards a community-driven solution. 

A community-based learning placement consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by a weekly academic, for-credit community-based learning seminar. Through the seminar, you have structure time for reflection, discussion, and research on the issues of your host community. Many of the community organization connections are created through relationships with the IES Abroad faculty. IES Abroad will assist your efforts by facilitating introductions to organizations and through the coordination of group transportation to the location (for IES Abroad class-based community-service). 

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.

Spring 2024

Tuition
$
15,210
Housing
$
4,304
Insurance
$
395
Total
$
19,909

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
15,507
Housing
$
4,390
Insurance
$
410
Total
$
20,307

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Spring 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

Learn More
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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Cape Town Center is conveniently located near the University of Cape Town on the slope of the well-hiked Devil’s Peak. Whether you’re attending a guest lecture or studying in the student lounge, the Center is your study abroad hub.  

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Cape Town
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Cape Town. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore Cape Town before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Three-Day Trip
Orientation continues with an optional trip along the Garden Route, where you explore cave systems, visit beautiful beaches, and experience the South African landscape.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.

Health & Safety

With 70 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 the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

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

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24/7 Emergency Support

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

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

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

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Location-Specific Information

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

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

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

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 31 - June 09

Application Deadline:

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

July 08 - November 16

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Early July - Early June

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale  (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins. Undergraduate candidates only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

Contact an Ambassador
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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

Apply Now
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