Program Overview
Program Overview
The CIEE Arts and Sciences study abroad program at the University of Cape Town (UCT) provides you with a range of academic and intellectual experiences that enable you to reflect upon the complexities and challenges facing the new South Africa. Through integration in local communities, you’ll become a participant in, rather than a mere observer of, this dynamic and evolving environment. Through this process, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of social relations within South Africa.
Study abroad in Cape Town and you will:
- Choose from a wide range of course offerings at the University of Cape Town in commerce, engineering, humanities, and science
- Immerse yourself in the culture through a township homestay, the CIEE community service program, and independent study opportunities
- Live, interact, and study with African students in a society in transition
- Visit local theater, music, and dance productions, museums, rural cooperatives, and cricket and rugby matches
The CIEE Difference
The CIEE Difference
Coursework
In addition to independent research options and a Seminar on Living and Learning in Cape Town, you’ll also have access to a full range of courses through the University of Cape Town. Subjects and departments include: Afrikaans and Netherlandic studies, economics, political studies, and environmental and geographical sciences.
Excursions
The Cape Town Arts and Sciences study abroad program is supplemented by field trips and excursions to various points of interest in Cape Town and the Western Cape Province. Previous field trips and excursions have included the Cape Peninsula, the Cape Flats, Robben Island, Newlands Grounds to watch cricket or rugby, and a whale-watching excursion. The comprehensive cultural program also involves visits to local theater, music, and dance productions, museum, and rural cooperatives.
The program covers the cost of participants’ membership in up to three social, sport, or cultural clubs at the University of Cape Town. Many students have found that cultural immersion is made easier when they join a club or society on the UCT campus.
A three-day homestay with a local family in the “colored” community of Ocean View is also included in the cultural study abroad program. This experience will expose you to positive images of previously disadvantaged groups of people in South Africa, including the “colored” and Muslim communities.
Community Engagement
The Community Service Program provides you with volunteer opportunities in the historically disadvantaged communities around Cape Town. Past activities have included tutoring in local schools, assisting at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital, working on AIDS and HIV projects, and caring for children with mental problems. Many students rate their volunteer experiences as one of the highlights of the overall CIEE study abroad program.
Dates, Deadlines & Fees
Dates, Deadlines & Fees
We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.
- Tuition and housing
- Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
- Full-time program leadership and support
- Field trips and cultural activities
- CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits
Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the
button to view more detailed information about dates and fees.
Application Due
Start Date
End Date
Costs
Fall 2013 (18 wks)
03/01/2013
07/02/2013
11/08/2013
$15,850
Program Date Notes
Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
Program Fees
In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Participation Confirmation *
$300
Educational Costs **
$11,003
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
* non-refundable
** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
*** Students placed in Homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends.
Estimated Additional Costs
Meals not included in program fee *
$1,650
International Airfare **
$1,750
Local Transportation
$350
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
* For dormitory and off-campus houses or apartments; homestay students only need to budget for lunches during the week, estimated at $600 for one semester.
** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
Spring 2013 (20 wks)
10/15/2012
01/22/2013
06/08/2013
$15,850
Program Date Notes
Program Fees
In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Participation Confirmation *
$300
Educational Costs **
$11,003
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
* non-refundable
** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
*** Students placed in Homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends.
Estimated Additional Costs
Meals not included in program fee *
$1,650
International Airfare **
$1,750
Local Transportation
$350
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
* For dormitory and off-campus houses or apartments; homestay students only need to budget for lunches during the week, estimated at $600 for one semester.
** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
Spring 2014
10/01/2013
to be announced
to be announced
Program Date Notes
Program Fees
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
Estimated Additional Costs
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
Academic year 2013-2014
03/01/2013
07/02/2013
to be announced
$30,200
Program Date Notes
Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
Program Fees
In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Participation Confirmation *
$300
Educational Costs **
$21,053
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
* non-refundable
** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
*** Students placed in Homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends.
Estimated Additional Costs
Meals not included in program fee *
$3,300
International Airfare **
$1,750
Local Transportation
$700
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
* For dormitory and off-campus houses or apartments; homestay students only need to budget for lunches during the week, estimated at $600 for one semester.
** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
Calendar year 2013 (41 wks)
10/15/2012
01/22/2013
11/08/2013
$30,200
Program Date Notes
Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
Program Fees
In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Participation Confirmation *
$300
Educational Costs **
$21,053
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
* non-refundable
** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
*** Students placed in Homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends.
Estimated Additional Costs
Meals not included in program fee *
$3,300
International Airfare **
$1,750
Local Transportation
$700
Expenses during break ***
$750
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
* For dormitory and off-campus houses or apartments; homestay students only need to budget for lunches during the week, estimated at $600 for one semester.
** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
*** Calendar year students are responsible for meals during the break between semesters.
Eligibility
Eligibility
- Overall GPA 3.0
- Junior standing and above
- College-level coursework in African studies recommended
Recommended Credit
Recommended Credit
Total contact hours for each course vary, and recommended credit for the semester is 16-18 semester/24-27 quarter hours and for the academic year is 32-36 semester/48-52 quarter hours.
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
The University of Cape Town follows the Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) credit system. Per this system, CIEE requires all study abroad students to take between 70 and 82 HEQF credits per semester. Students are required to take three to four courses to maintain a full course load. At least one of these courses must have specific African content or offer a distinctive African perspective in their area of interest. Courses may be taken in all University of Cape Town faculties excluding health science. Students may take the CIEE Seminar on Living and Learning in Cape Town in addition to their normal course load.
About the City
About The City
Situated on the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town is a vibrant multicultural city with a rich selection of day and night activities. Water sports, mountaineering, nightclubs, and restaurants are readily available. The city is also a microcosm of the challenges facing many African countries in transition—how to successfully operate within a global economy while grappling with the vast socioeconomic inequalities that are the legacy of the colonial and apartheid past.
Meet The Staff
Meet The Staff
Quinton Redcliffe
Born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Quinton Redcliffe previously worked in the International Office at the University of Cape Town as the manager responsible for international student programs. Quinton earned his B.A. Honors degree in religious studies from the University of the Western Cape, and his M.A. in conflict and conflict management from the University of Port Elizabeth. His research interests include religious education in public schools, religion and democracy, religion and development, and religion and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Read More
Cape Town has a reputation for being the most open-minded and relaxed city in South Africa. This impression, however, is disparate: the city looks European, but it is not European; it feels African, but it is not African. It is a mixture of First World and Third World. There are parts of Cape Town that are very affluent and areas that are very bleak and poor (normally the townships) with very few resources. As a direct result of many years of apartheid, Cape Town has a First World infrastructure with Third World development challenges.
Cape Town gives you the opportunity to experience South Africa with its problems and its joys. It gives you a chance to enjoy Cape Town as the gateway to the rest of Africa, and at the same time, provides the opportunity to be part of the rebuilding of a nation that was almost destroyed by apartheid. Come to Cape Town to enjoy the natural beauty and be part of the rebuilding of a new nation that in 2009 celebrated 150 years of democracy.
— Quinton Redcliffe, Resident Director
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Mugove Chiwashira
Mugove Chiwashira, CIEE Receptionist, is the front-line person at the CIEE Cape Town Study Center. Mugove received an LLB (Law Degree) from the University of Cape Town.
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Michelle Diedericks
Michelle Diedericks is the Financial Administrator at the CIEE Study Center. She has worked with the finance department at the University of Cape Town for many years and has been with CIEE since 2008.
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Earl Erasmus
Earl Erasmus, Resident Life Coordinator, manages a team of dedicated Resident Assistants who work with him to make the CIEE students’ study abroad experiences as meaningful as possible. Earl is currently completing his B.A. at the University of Cape Town.
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Felicity Inns
A native of Johannesburg, Assistant Resident Director Felicity Inns received her M.A. in international education at the University of Cape Town. Felicity assists the CIEE Resident Director in all aspects of program management and study abroad student support.
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Ronel Stevens
Ronel Stevejn, Resident Coordinator, received her B.S. in politics and history and also completed a law degree at the University of South Africa. Ronel has been working with CIEE for many years. She started as a Resident Assistant, moved to Program Assistant and now is the Resident Coordinator for the Service-Learning study abroad program.
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Dominique Webb
Dominique Webb, Program Assistant, is responsible for assisting with Residence Life activities. Dominique received her BA Honors degree in international relations.
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Where You'll Study
Where You'll Study
Established as the South African College in 1829, the University of Cape Town is internationally recognized as one of Africa’s leading research universities. Its campus has sweeping lawns, pathways, trees, ponds, and waterfalls that combine with attractive physical structures and extensive playing fields to create a pleasant study environment. A range of commercial, medical, recreational, and sporting facilities are available on campus including a swimming pool, gymnasium, weight room, and basketball, tennis, badminton, and squash courts.
Housing & Meals
Housing & Meals
Housing is included in the study abroad program fee. Students have several choices:
UCT Residence Hall—Students live in apartment-style UCT residence halls with South African or other African students. Students have small single rooms and share kitchen and other facilities with two or three students. All of the apartment residents share basic cleaning duties. Students are responsible for their own meals which are not included in the program fee. Students can prepare their own meals or eat at establishments on or off campus. Please note that amenities are more basic in the UCT residences, but students looking for an immersion study abroad experience will enjoy interacting with South African and other African students. Shuttle buses link UCT residence halls with all UCT campuses, a five-minute ride.
Off-Campus Houses or Apartments—Students share off-campus houses or apartments near campus with fellow CIEE study abroad program participants and local students. Students have small single rooms (some houses have a small number of double rooms) and share kitchen and other facilities with five to 10 students (fewer in apartments). All of the residents of the houses or apartments share basic cleaning duties. Students are responsible for their own meals which are not included in the program fee. Students can prepare their own meals or eat at establishments on or off campus.
Homestay with South African Family—This option provides an excellent opportunity for immersion into the local culture and is strongly recommended for students who wish to take full advantage of their study abroad experience in South Africa. Breakfast and dinner are provided during the week. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on weekends. Lunches during the week are not included in the program fee and are the responsibility of the student. Since homestay families are located throughout the Cape Town area, students are required in most cases to utilize public transportation to and from UCT, a 20 to 30 minute commute.
CIEE Resident Assistants
Resident assistants (RAs) are a dedicated group of UCT students who assist CIEE students during orientation and throughout the semester. Through ongoing interaction with these local students, CIEE participants are able to meet local South African and international students and learn firsthand about student life in Cape Town. These local students, recruited and trained by CIEE, are an important part of the CIEE student experience. RAs assist with cultural excursions and live with CIEE students in the UCT residence halls and off-campus houses and apartments, providing a reliable local peer network and helping CIEE students to integrate into the local student community.
Orientations
Orientations
You'll begin your study abroad experience in Cape Town even before leaving home by participating in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation. Meeting with students online, the resident director shares information about the program and site, highlighting issues that alumni have said are important, and giving you time to ask questions. The online orientation allows you to connect with others in the group, reflect on what you want to get out of the program, and learn what others in the group would like to accomplish. CIEE’s goal for the pre-departure orientation is simple—to help you understand more about the program, and to identify your objectives so that you arrive well-informed and return home having made significant progress towards your goals.
During the mandatory orientation session conducted at the beginning of the program, you'll participate in programs organized by CIEE as well as UCT Activities for International Students. The goal is to introduce you to the country, culture, and academic program, and provide practical information about living in Cape Town. You will also be introduced to the academic requirements of the University, and are shown how to make best use of campus facilities and services. Sessions include lectures on African history, politics, geography, safety, and “survival skills” for visiting students. During orientation, local UCT students assist the international students. The services provided during orientation are maintained on an individual and group basis throughout the program.
Internet
Internet
You are encouraged to bring a wireless-enabled laptop. Wireless connections are available in the off-campus houses and Ethernet connections are available in the rooms at the UCT residence halls. Internet reliability and access is not always available at the same level as in the U.S. Wireless internet is available for an extra fee, but you should be aware that the cost of wireless internet in South Africa is typically higher than service in the U.S. You will be able to register your laptop and use it in the computer labs on the University of Cape Town campus as well as have access to email and the Internet on the computers in the labs. The labs can be crowded and often full, but off-campus Internet cafés are inexpensive and easily accessible.
Academics
Academics
The rich academic program, established in 1998, allows study abroad students to pursue their own academic studies while providing firsthand knowledge of contemporary South African society. Students are required to enroll in at least one course with specific African content or one that offers a distinctive African perspective in their area of interest. Courses may be taken in all University of Cape Town faculties excluding health sciences.
Students participate in the cultural program and are strongly encouraged to take part in community service. Students should develop a program that complements the requirements of their home institution and meets their own personal needs.
Academic Culture
CIEE study abroad students are taught alongside University of Cape Town (UCT) undergraduates and are required to undertake a full program of courses, including all assignments and written examinations. Teaching methods at the University normally involve a mix of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and, in the sciences, laboratory classes.
The system is geared toward the scholar who is motivated, self-sufficient, and deeply interested in the subject matter. Participants may notice striking differences between their home educational system and the UCT system. The University allows students greater responsibility and initiative in a less structured environment. Courses may involve relatively few contact hours each week, since they are intended as a starting point and focus for a great deal of individual study.
Class sizes are very big at UCT and range from 100 to 300 people. UCT has both class lectures and tutorials (sections). The sizes of the tutorials are much smaller, ranging from 20 to 40 students. Students generally do not have to buy books for their classes, as many lecturers provide a course reader. This reader has all the reference materials for the class.
The CIEE Study Center follows the University’s calendar with additional time for orientation at the beginning of the semester. The South African academic year runs from early February through late November with two semesters. Many University of Cape Town courses are year-long courses and run from the U.S. spring through the U.S. fall semester. Students on the academic or calendar year program have a break between semesters and can remain in or move into off-campus housing; however, meals are not included during this time.
Nature of Classes
Participants enroll directly in host university courses and take classes with CIEE, South African, and other international students. The CIEE Seminar on Living and Learning in Cape Town is for CIEE students only.
Grading System
Grading for University of Cape Town courses is by continuous assessment, but anywhere from 50 to 75% of the final grade is based on the final examination, which is conducted by outside examiners.
Grades are on the basis of 100. A “First” is equivalent to 75% and above. Very few students achieve this mark. Students who receive marks that fall between 70 and 74% are awarded the grade of “Upper Second.” A good number of students achieve this mark. The next mark is “Lower Second” with a range of 60 to 69%. The majority of students achieve this mark. Students with 50 to 59% receive a “Third” (passing grade). Students achieving a mark below 50% receive a “Fail.” Grades and credits are converted to the U.S. system according to a standard scale.
Language of Instruction
English
Faculty
All courses are taught by faculty from the University of Cape Town. The CIEE Seminar on Living and Learning in Cape Town is taught by the CIEE resident director and assistant resident director.
Course Description
Course Description
All Courses
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment.
CIEE Study Center Syllabi
To view the most recent syllabi for courses taught by CIEE at our Study Centers, visit our syllabi site.
CIEE Elective Courses
CLST 3001 CTSA
Seminar on Living and Learning in Cape Town
The CIEE Seminar on Living and Learning in Cape Town is designed to improve students’ intercultural communication and competence while studying abroad by considering how South Africans are different from, and similar to, themselves and others. The course offers opportunities, both in and outside the classroom, to develop insights and the skills necessary to interact effectively and appropriately, and to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the cultural richness of South Africa. Students in the Seminar have the option to participate in a CIEE-subsidized three-day excursion to Johannesburg. Staff and students stay in Soweto and visit the Apartheid Museum (additional cost to students is approximately $300 USD). Contact hours: 25. Recommended credit: 2 semester/3 quarter hours. Instructors: Quinton Redcliffe, CIEE Resident Director, and Felicity Inns, CIEE Assistant Resident Director
INDR 3003 CTSA
Directed Independent Research
CIEE supports qualified students who wish to pursue an academically rigorous independent research project while abroad. In order to enroll, students must submit a research proposal including a clearly defined research topic, explanation of research plans, description of preparation in the planned area of study, list of resources, tentative outline of a final paper, and suggested schedule of progress. Students complete a total of 135 hours of research and meet regularly with an advisor to complete an academically rigorous, ethically sound, and culturally appropriate research project and final research paper. Approval for participation in Directed Independent Research must be obtained from the resident director and the student’s home institution prior to arrival on the program. Upon receipt of the approved plan, the resident director meets with an appropriate faculty member and, after arrival, meets with the student to work out the details of the student’s project. The resident director also provides a course component on research methods. Students may choose to combine their community service volunteer work with their independent research. Contact hours: 45. Recommended credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.
University of Cape Town Departments
A list of University of Cape Town courses is available on the UCT website at www.uct.ac.za. Not all courses within UCT faculties or departments are appropriate for program participants, and many have prerequisites. Students are advised that due to possible changes in the courses offered each term, they should be flexible in course selection and not necessarily expect to fulfill specific major requirements of their home institution.
Faculty of Commerce
Accounting
Actuarial Science
Economics
Information Systems
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Architecture and Planning
Faculty of Humanities
African Languages and Literature
African Studies
Afrikaans and Netherlandic Studies
Classics
Drama
English Literature
Fine Art
Hebrew and Jewish Studies
History
History of Art
Independent Research
Linguistics
Music
Philosophy
Political Studies
Psychology
Religious Studies
Social Anthropology
Sociology
Theory of Literature
Faculty of Science
Archaeology
Astronomy
Botany
Chemistry
Computer Science
Environmental and Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Mathematics
Oceanography
Physics
Statistical Sciences
Zoology
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