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 dynamic change in a country that is both highly developed in areas, but severely underdeveloped in others.
Our Summer Health Studies Program has been completely revised and improved. The program now offers a wider range of health-related topics, including kinesiology, endemic diseases, and nutrition, as well as courses that focus on the business and social impacts of health care in Southern Africa.
You will be exposed to the challenges and realities of health care in South Africa through your coursework and site visits in Cape Town. The program ends with a field trip to the Kruger National Park and Johannesburg and you will fly home from Johannesburg.
After you are admitted, refer to the Travel Dates section of the Predeparture Information in your MyIESabroad account before booking travel.
Arrive at the airport between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. in order to be picked up by IES Abroad staff. You will be responsible for making your way to your IES Abroad housing if your flight falls outside of this timeframe. If your flight arrives before or after this time, please be sure that your arrival information is reflected in your Arrival form and that your IES Abroad advisor is informed of your plans as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Cape Town Summer Health Studies program begins and ends in different cities. To avoid expensive last-minute flight changes, cancellation fees, and new flight purchases, please be sure to purchase your tickets accordingly: your arrival flight destination must be Cape Town.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Cape Town Summer Health Studies program begins and ends in different cities. To avoid expensive last-minute flight changes, cancellation fees, and new flight purchases, please be sure to purchase your tickets accordingly: at the end of the program, your departure city will be Johannesburg.
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible, which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. Our Summer Health Studies Program has been completely revised and improved. The program now offers a wide range of health-related topics, including kinesiology, endemic diseases, and nutrition, as well as courses that focus on the business and social impacts of health care in Southern Africa.
There will be opportunities to volunteer on rotation during the program at a variety of organizations such as hospitals, clinics, old-age homes, and health-related NGOs. This volunteer program complements your coursework.
You will also enroll in two courses for a total of 6 credits.
New and updated course syllabi coming soon.
Courses may include:
BS/HE 330 - Endemic Diseases & Their Socioeconomic ContextHE/KN210 - Exercise PhysiologyHE/SO347 - Community HealthNU325 - Nutrition in South Africa
IES Abroad Cape Town organizes field study trips to health facilities and organizations that complement what you’re learning in the classroom, and contribute to your general knowledge of South African culture and society.
Shared housing with shared bathrooms and kitchen access; Residential Assistants provide support and cultural exchange (no meals provided).
Part of making you feel at home in Cape Town is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it’s the orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, your housing that is well located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services. This is just one of the things we’re known for.
2 days Program covers health, safety, academics, and a cultural introduction to Cape Town, plus a guided and reflective township tour
Possible Field Trips & Cultural Events Include:
Cape Town: Garden Route tour (3 days, optional, following orientation - partially subsidized by IES Abroad), sunset scenic drive, Langa Township walking tour, Cape Peninsula Tour, Robben Island Tour, Winelands Tour
Nelspruit: Kruger National Park (2 days - included in program cost), Chimp Eden Chimpanzee Sanctuary, River Rafting
Johannesburg: Soweto Township Bicycle Tour, Apartheid Museum
About the Center
The IES Abroad Cape Town Center is conveniently located by the University of Cape Town campus. The Center is a place where students can stop by and talk to staff, use WiFi, pick up their mail, and study in the library. IES Abroad courses are also offered in the Center classroom, and special guest lectures and other events may be held in the Center space. Located on the slope of Devil’s Peak in a pleasant suburban area of Cape Town, UCT’s scenic campus blends into the natural scenery and provides beautiful views.
Features at our Center include:
The University of Cape Town campus offers students access to libraries, museums, theaters, cafés, and university sports facilities. There is a free UCT shuttle service (the Jammie shuttle) around campus and nearby areas for students.
Natanya took up the position of Center Director at the IES Abroad Cape Town Center after working as the Assistant Director of the IES Abroad Center in London and as the Resident Director of an IES Abroad French language summer program in Quebec City, Canada. Originally from South Africa, she graduated from the University KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa where she majored in Spanish and French, and also studied Linguistics, Sociology, Drama, Zulu, and Afrikaans. She spent a year studying abroad in California as a Rotary International Exchange student and has also lived in the UK, Argentina, and France, and has traveled to over 40 other countries around the world.
IES Abroad Staff
Devonne BobbertService Learning & Short Programmes Manager
Sarah LoweAcademic & Internships Manager
Jody FeltonHousing & Office Manager
What is it really like to live in Cape Town? Check out our virtual tour of all the places you’ll come to know and love when you study abroad there—GO!
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