Cape Town, South Africa

Summer - Health Studies

Study Abroad
Length:
Summer

At a Glance

Housing:

Residence Hall

Credits:

6 per Summer

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

Our Summer Health Studies Program offers a wider range of health-related topics, including endemic diseases and nutrition, as well as courses that focus on the business and social impacts of health care in Southern Africa. Of those courses, you will enroll in two three-credit options for a total of six credits.

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Individual Program Advisor

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

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Cape Town Will Be Your Classroom

Course-related trips will enhance what you’ve learned in class.

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Gain Professional Experience

Gain exposure to South Africa’s public and private health facilities.

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Learn About Healthcare in South Africa

Our Health Studies Program offers a wide range of health-related topics.

Program Advisor

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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 Cape Town?

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 complex socio-economic health care challenges of a multi-cultural developing country with great disparities.

Learn More About Cape Town

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

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 offers a wide range of health-related topics, including 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 gain additional exposure to South Africa’s mixture of public and private health facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and health-related NGOs. Past organizations have included:

  • False Bay Hospital
  • Green Point Community Health Centre
  • Life Vincent Palotti Hospital
  • Tibb Treatment Centre

Courses

You will enroll in two courses for a total of 6 credits. 

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.

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 riding in a truck in Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park & Johannesburg

4 Days Fall, Spring & Summer

Spend two days on a safari in the world-famous Kruger National Park. Then, travel west to Johannesburg, where you'll enjoy lunch in Soweto township and a visit to the Apartheid Museum.

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.

Summer 2024

Tuition
$
5,697
Housing
$
1,716
Insurance
$
135
Total
$
7,548

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.
On-Site Staff Support
Our experienced, trained, and dedicated local staff are on-site throughout your entire program to ensure you have the support you need during your abroad adventure.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of South African culture and get to know the other students.

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

Summer 2024

Program Dates:

June 11 - August 01

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school  
  • 2.5 or better GPA on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 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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