Information for term Cape Town Summer Community Development and Social Justice: Theory + Practice
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenDo you want to spend your summer supporting and engaging with marginalized communities? Bring your service-oriented work ethic to South Africa, where you can put learning into action to make a meaningful impact in Cape Town.
Your summer in Cape Town will begin with theoretical work, followed by digging into hands-on projects to give you firsthand experience of post-Apartheid life in various Cape Town communities. This transformative study abroad opportunity will show you the real-world economic, political, and social challenges the people in this evolving, international city regularly face. In addition, you will have plenty of free time to explore the magnificent mountains, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife of this South African gem to fully immerse yourself in all that the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town has to offer.
Unique Experiences
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Make a difference
with a series of small-scale projects and a two-week endeavor to boost Cape Flats community schools, orphanages, or NGOs
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Begin to learn
about power, privilege, and the complexities of development aid in South Africa
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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
11 -
POPULATION OF CAPE TOWN
4.8 M -
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
2
Location & Culture
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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.
Cape Town's Mediterranean climate means the months from May to July bring cool days and some rain. Daily high temperatures are around 64°F, rarely falling below 57°F or exceeding 72°F. This summer program operates during Cape Town's winter season!
CIEE Cape Town is conveniently located within 15 minutes of the Langa (isiXhosa for "Sun") community, where students serve local organizations and residents. Although there are 11 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, although learning a few casual greetings will open the pathway to new friendships. Molweni!
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
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 a community in deep poverty with iKhaya le Langa (House of the Sun), or do similar work at another NGO, school, or orphanage.
- 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.
Daily Life
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Housing
Summer Community Development and Social Justice students will live in comfortable single-room apartments within a 10-minute walk from CIEE Cape Town. They will share the residence with other CIEE Study Abroad participants, as well as local and international students attending various universities and colleges across the city. All the rooms are fully furnished and include an ensuite bathroom, a fully fitted kitchen, Wi-Fi, 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 free time. Students can enjoy social interactions with their peers in a variety of communal areas and can also appreciate the quiet 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 cook at their home or eat at local cafes and restaurants. Cooking equipment is provided.
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Transportation
Students usually make use of Uber or ride-share services rather than unreliable, infrequent public transport. Costs are approximately $0.60 USD per kilometer, which makes it an affordable option for many.
Cape Town, South Africa Where You'll Study
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A
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 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 – 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
- Poverty and Development Cape Town Case Study: 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 inclusive of 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 2023 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.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2023 8 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | May 30, 2023 | Jul 26, 2023 |
$8,250
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Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $6,328 ** Housing = $1,425 Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $8,250Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $800 International Airfare = $1,450 Local Transportation = $350 Books & Supplies = $50 Personal expenses = $1,000 Other = $80 Total Estimated Costs = $3,730Financial AidCIEE 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. 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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students |
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.
Looking for funding?
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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Shalom Chitanda
STUDENT LIFE CO-ORDINATOR
Shalom is a two-time graduate of the University of Cape Town, with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a B.A. in History and Law.
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Max Hoffenberg
ACADEMIC COORDINATOR
Max graduated from the University of Cape Town with majors in Environmental/Geographical Science and Media Writing/Journalism.
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! -
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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