Information for term January in Cape Town
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenHave you ever considered trading the northern hemisphere mid-winter for the southern hemisphere mid-summer? You can do precisely that by spending January studying abroad in Cape Town!
South Africa's "Mother City" consistently ranks in the world's top three tourist destinations, and January is one of its best months of the year! When class is in session, you'll learn about power, privilege, injustices, reconciliation, and the changes taking place across this vibrant destination. Outside the classroom, you'll explore Cape Town's stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and most beloved vineyards. In addition to hiking, surfing, and sightseeing, you will participate in immersive co-curricular activities organized by CIEE to increase your cultural understanding of South Africa's second-largest city.
Follow our Travels:
The Takeaways
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STUDY IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
a wonderful tourist location for adventure
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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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FIRST AFRICAN COUNTRY TO RECOGNIZE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
in 2006 -
FIRST DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA: NELSON MANDELA
1994 -
Origin of modern humans 4.5 – 2.5 million years ago
Sterkfontein
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. January is the height of summer here!
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
Featured excursion:
As part of your course, you’ll visit the Robben Island Museum, a World Heritage Site where the first democratically elected President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned under apartheid laws. You will walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, tour the island’s rich fauna and flora treasures, visit the lime quarry where the political prisoners worked, and see the village where former warders lived.
Other activities:
- Table Mountain visit
- Langa community visit
- Walking tour of Cape Town
- Exploring the District Six Museum
- Visiting the Slave Lodge
- Participating in community engagement activities in under-served communities
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
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Housing
Students will live in comfortable single-room apartments within a 10-minute walk of 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, uncapped 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.
Dependent on availability, students may also live in apartments shared with other CIEE students. If local health and safety regulations permit, students live in double or triple rooms. Each apartment will have shared common spaces, including a kitchen and bathroom. -
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 $0.60 USD 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
Click to OpenCourse Information
January 2024 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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2024 | Nov 1, 2023 | Jan 2, 2024 | Jan 24, 2024 |
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
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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Caleb Kay
STUDENT LIFE CO-ORDINATOR
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
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!
Apply Now -
2
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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