Cape Town Summer Community Development and Social Justice: Theory + Practice
Unique Experiences
Make a difference
with a series of small-scale projects in the cape flats community schools, orphanages, ngos, and within the public health care system
Begin to learn
about power, privilege, and the complexities of development aid in South Africa
Connect Locally
enjoy a meal with locals in a township community, and sample cape malay cuisine in the bo-kaap
12
official languages
4.8 M
population of Cape Town
4
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Western Cape
The Destination
Cape Town is South Africa's most popular destination for many reasons. From the city's glorious climate to its natural attractions – like Table Mountain and stunning beaches – visitors from all around the world travel to this incredible port city. Cape Town is a microcosm of the challenges facing many African countries in transition. The city leads by example by demonstrating how to successfully operate within a global economy while grappling with the vast socioeconomic inequalities that are the legacy of the city's colonial and apartheid past.
Please note: This summer program operates during Cape Town's winter season. Cape Town's Mediterranean climate means the months from May to July bring cold days and rain. Expect daily high temperatures to be around 64°F, rarely falling below 57°F or exceeding 72°F.
CIEE Cape Town is conveniently located within 15-35 driving minutes of the various communities where students serve local organizations and residents. Although there are 12 national languages spoken in South Africa, everyone in Cape Town speaks English, and students can easily communicate with residents and other students. Students don't need to speak isiXhosa or Afrikaans, although learning a few casual greetings will open the pathway to new friendships. Molweni! Hou gaan dit!
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
Featured excursion
Your program begins with an intensive, immersive Expectations Workshop. We retreat for two days with instructors who help prepare you for the daily life experiences, challenges, and opportunities of the communities you will serve. This workshop takes place in a beautiful location away from CIEE Cape Town. We can’t wait to show you!
Other activities:
- Explore iconic areas like Cape Peninsula and the Cape Flats
- Catch a rugby or soccer match, theater, music, or dance productions
- Gain new perspectives on social challenges here as you serve various community development projects
- Visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the Natural World, Table Mountain
- Enjoy your creative side while you cook up a feast at a Food Jam
Program Blogs
Skeleton Gorge: A Beautiful, Grueling Adventure in Cape Town
By: Jeanne d'Arc Koffi Hiking Skeleton Gorge in Cape Town was an experience I’ll never forget. The guidebooks warned it would be challenging, but as someone with hiking experience, I... keep reading
Reflecting on South Africa as a Frederick Douglass Global Fellow
By: Sam Li Stepping off the plane in Cape Town felt like stepping into a whirlwind of vibrant energy, complex history, and breathtaking landscapes. This wasn't just any summer adventure... keep reading
South Africa Study Abroad: The Ultimate Guide
South Africa is simply astonishing. From its varied topography and rich culture to its complex history and diverse wildlife, a South Africa study abroad program promises the adventure of a... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Cape Town offers comfortable apartments conveniently accessible to the study center, public transportation, shops, and other amenities. All rooms are fully furnished, offer a full kitchen, and feature complimentary Wi-Fi access. CIEE supplies cutlery, crockery, and bed linens, but students must bring their own towels. Students can enjoy social interaction with their peers and local South African students in a variety of communal areas. They may also appreciate the quiet spaces that allow them to study on their own or work on tasks in a group.
Standard Housing: Includes a single room or a double room with another CIEE student in a shared apartment. Each apartment has shared spaces, including a kitchen and bathroom. The accommodation is within a 10-minute walk of CIEE and the University of Cape Town’s main campus.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Students are responsible for all meals. They can prepare their own meals at their apartment or eat at the many restaurants in the vicinity.
Transportation
Students walk to the CIEE center. For placements and projects in the community, they usually make use of Uber or ride-share services. Public transport is discouraged because it requires local knowledge to be used efficiently. Costs are approximately $0.60 USD per kilometer, which makes Ubers an affordable option for many.
Academics
In this eight-week program, all students take the required courses: Poverty and Development Cape Town Case Study and Community and Partnership: Theory and Engagement. The program begins with theoretical work that provides a foundation for projects and an understanding of the challenges of daily life in Cape Town. Then, students put theory into practice with community projects in local community organizations. Students come away with a strong grasp of South African history, politics, educational challenges, values, and traditions. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offerings.
Courses are taught by CIEE faculty, Monday to Friday, with some activities taking place on weekends. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.
CIEE Cape Town is in the Rondebosch district, near the University of Cape Town campus.
Course Information
Summer 2025
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 canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- CIEE STEM Scholarship
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer 2025 8 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $8,750 |
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $6,050 ** |
| Housing | $2,200 *** |
| Insurance | $200 |
| Total Fees | $8,750 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $520 † |
| International Airfare | $1,450 |
| Local Transportation | $350 |
| Books & Supplies | $50 |
| Personal expenses | $155 †† |
| Other | $80 |
| Total Costs | $2,605 |
*non-refundable
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Jacana Redcliffe
Program Coordinator
Jacana Joi is one of the program coordinators at CIEE Cape Town. They are passionate about curating programs that facilitate student experiential learning opportunities. They are a Queer Linguistics student...
Thandeka Dladla
Student Life Manager
Thandeka holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Cape Town (UCT). She worked as a mentor and teacher at the Butterfly Project, an education-based NGO focused on...
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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