Information for term January in Cape Town
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenEarn credits in Cape Town this January and witness the incredible changes taking place in this vibrant country. January in Cape Town features the course, From Rhodes to Mandela and from Apartheid to AIDS. The course is taught in English at CIEE Cape Town and complemented with immersive co-curricular activities designed to increase intercultural understanding
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
CIEE is requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling on programs. Read more ›
Follow our Travels:
The Takeaways
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STUDY IN SOUTH AFRICA
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EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY
of the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere
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GAIN INSIGHT
into the historical and political transition from Apartheid (segregation) to a democratic South African society
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CAPITALS IN SOUTH AFRICA
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FIRST DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA: NELSON MANDELA
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OFFICIAL LANGUAGES IN SOUTH AFRICA
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Location & Culture
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The Destination
The beautiful coastal city of Cape Town, with its glorious beaches and mountains, is called many names: the Mother City; the Cape of Good Hope; the Cape of Storms; and the Gateway to Africa. Cape Town is two worlds in one. From wealthy developments with great shopping centers to vibrant townships, there’s never a shortage of things to do and experience in Cape Town – especially for those on a student budget.
Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate means that January brings warm, sunny days and average daily high temperatures are level around 76°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.
Excursions & Activities

Excursions & Activities
Past excursions and activities have included:
- Robben Island Museum
- District Six Museum
- Table Mountain
- Township visit
- Walking tour of Cape Town
- Visiting the District Six Museum
- Township tour of Langa and Gugulethu
- Visiting the South African Museum
- Visiting the Slave Lodge
- Community engagement in underserved communities
Program Blogs
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Daily Life
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Housing
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
Meals are not included. Students prepare meals in their apartments, or make use of the many restaurants and takeaway options nearby.
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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.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
January in Cape Town invites students to study “From Rhodes to Mandela and from Apartheid to AIDS”. Student study the historical, political, and economic transitions of South Africa, from a divided country to a more inclusive democracy.
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.
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
1 CIEE course
Program Credit
Total credit: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits
Course Credit
CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact 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
The program is made up of three weeks of classes with an intensive orientation beforehand. CIEE classes are designed to follow U.S. academic culture. Class attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Independent learning and active participation in class are necessary to achieve satisfactory academic performance.
Class Format
Courses taught at CIEE Cape Town are for CIEE students only. Courses are taught Monday – Friday, with some activities taking place on weekends. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.
Grading
Assessment is based on the individual’s overall performance in the course, including essays, coursework, and final examinations or papers. Students must check with their professors to find out exam and project presentation dates. Under no circumstances will CIEE alter deadlines or exam dates for study abroad students who have made conflicting travel plans. The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used.
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
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January 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenHistory, Philosophy, Religion
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.
Dates & Fees
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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 |
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January 2023 | Nov 1, 2022 | Jan 2, 2023 | Jan 22, 2023 |
$3,650
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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 = $2,853 ** Housing = $450 Insurance = $47 Total Fees = $3,650Estimated 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 = $400 † International Airfare = $1,250 †† Local Transportation = $70 ††† Books & Supplies = $15 Personal expenses = $770 Total Estimated Costs = $2,505Financial 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 † Students prepare own meals in self catering accommodation †† r?ound-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Students usually prefer to use Uber |
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.
What's Included
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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
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You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!
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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.