Information for term Cape Town Summer Community Development and Social Justice: Theory + Practice
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenGrab this chance to put learning into action and make an impact in Cape Town. Ramp up with theoretical work, then dig into hands-on projects where you’ll experience post-Apartheid life in various Cape Town communities. It’s a transformative summer experience that will leave you with a firm grip on the economic, political, and social picture in South Africa, and the challenges ahead for this evolving, international city.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
CIEE is requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling on programs. Read more ›
Unique Experiences
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Make a difference
with a series of small-scale projects and a two-week endeavor to boost Cape Flat community schools, orphanages, or NGOs
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Begin to learn
Afrikaans and IsiXhosa languages
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Connect Locally
Enjoy a braai (barbeque) with locals in the township community of Langa, and sample Cape Malay cuisine in the Bo-Kaap
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official languages
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universities
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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Location & Culture
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The Destination
Cape Town is Africa’s most popular destination for many reasons, starting with its glorious climate and natural attractions – from Table Mountain to stunning beaches. 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.
Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate means that May – July brings cooler days and some rain. Daily high temperatures are around 64°F, rarely falling below 57°F or exceeding 72°F.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Cape Town.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Explore iconic areas like Cape Peninsula and the Cape Flats.
- Catch a rugby or soccer match, theater, music, or dance productions, and local festivals.
- Get new perspective on social challenges here as you engage with challenges and offer service to a community in deep poverty with iKhaya le Langa (House of the Sun), or do similar work at another NGO, school, or orphanage.
Daily Life
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Housing
Summer Community Development and Social Justice students will live in comfortable single roomed apartments that are within a 10 min walking distance from UCT and the study centre. They will share the residence with other CIEE Study Aboard participants together with both local and international students attending a variety of universities and colleges across the city. All the rooms are fully furnished and include an en-suite bathroom, a fully fitted kitchen, uncapped wifi and a wall-mounted TV. The accommodation also offers a fully equipped gym, a laundry facility on each floor and a recreational social space on the ground floor for anytime relaxation. Students can enjoy social interaction with their peers in a variety of communal areas and can also appreciate the quiet study spaces that allow them to study on their own or work on tasks in a group.
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Meals
Students are responsible for meals. They can prepare meals at their house, or eat at local cafes and restaurants.
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Transportation
Students usually make use of Uber or ride-share services rather than unreliable, infrequent public transport. Costs are approximately USD $0.60 per kilometer, which makes this an affordable option for many.
Cape Town, South Africa Where You'll Study
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CIEE CAPE TOWN
Cape Town
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
In this 8-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. 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 – Friday, with some activities taking place on weekends. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.
CIEE Cape Town is located in the Rondebosch district, near the University of Cape Town campus.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Additional Requirements
Students should have prior experience in community service or volunteer work.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Program Requirements
Students take the two required courses:
- AFST 3003 CTSU / DEVE 3001 CTSU: Poverty and Development Cape Town Case Study
- CMBL 3001 CTSU: Community and Partnership: Theory and Engagement
Program Credit
Total credit: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- Community and Partnership: 3 U.S. semester credits/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours; 90 service hours
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Academic Culture
CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. Each course is a full semester in content, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding given that a significant amount of time will be spent at students’ service site. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of Cape Town when classes are in session.
Class Format
Classes taught at the CIEE Cape Town Center are for CIEE students only. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation.
Grading
The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded based on participation, reflection papers, a presentation, and a final exam.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Language of Instruction
English
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
Summer 2022 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenNote: 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
Click to OpenScholarships & 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
- CIEE Stem Scholarship
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & 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.
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Lara Dunwell
Center Director
Lara has a Master’s in English Language and Literature from the University of Cape Town, and currently serves on the management council of the International Education Association of South Africa.
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Quinton Redcliffe
Director of Diversity and Inclusion
Quinton has an MPhil in Conflict and Conflict Management (NMMU) and is recognized as one of South Africa’s authorities on study abroad and international education.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
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CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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