Quarter in Cape Town
Unique Experiences
Hike or cable to Table Mountain
to experience one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature with panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains
Visit the Cape of Good Hope & Boulders Beach
to explore dramatic coastal landscapes at Cape Point, then meet the famous African penguins that call Boulders Beach home
Discover Cape Town’s townships
through arts and culture to learn about local history, music, food, and community life
Your Destination
Cape Town is South Africa’s coastal powerhouse where natural beauty meets rich cultural history. From iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront to lively markets, oceanfront neighborhoods, and a thriving creative scene, Cape Town offers endless opportunities for discovery. Whether you spend your quarter studying business, science, technology, communications, liberal arts, psychology, or the fine arts, Cape Town is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
- Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Cape Town will open doors for you to explore South Africa’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad. Samples of past excursions and activities:
- Channel your inner chef at a fun Food Jam, learning how to cook alongside local instructors and fellow students
- Watch local sports game (rugby or cricket) while cheering with passionate South African fans
- Learn to surf in Muizenberg, one of the best beginner-friendly surf spots in the world
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: CAPE TOWN
BEST FOOD TO EAT IN CAPE TOWN If you’re looking to pinpoint South Africa’s national dish, here’s a helpful tip: there isn’t one. Cape Town’s multi-cultural heritage boasts British, French... keep reading
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
Housing & Meals
Housing
Housing includes triple or double accommodation in a shared apartment. The triple room apartment includes a shared kitchen, lounge, and bathrooms area, whilst the double accommodation includes a shared kitchen and bathroom. In all accommodation types, each student will have their own bedroom. All apartments are located within a 25-minute commute of the CIEE Cape Town, offering a convenient balance between independence and accessibility.
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 cook in the communal kitchen or eat out.
Academics
CIEE Cape Town: Study in the vibrant student-friendly suburb of Rondebosch near central Cape Town. CIEE Cape Town boasts two main classrooms, a small meeting room, a student lounge, a student life office, and an academic advising office.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 6 or 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Course Notes:
- Courses are listed below by block and track; course list subject to change. Courses are in English unless otherwise noted. “GI” denotes courses that are offered at multiple CIEE locations.
- Students interested in a non-introductory course in the host language must take an online placement test during course selection. Final placement will be confirmed on site.
Academic Projects
- Academic Projects will be offered onsite or remotely, dependent on availability and in compliance with local health and safety regulations.
- Academic Project placement will be designed based on the student’s project learning goals, qualifications, resume, and availability of placements in location or within the Open Campus Block network either in-person or remotely. The process is highly individualized and goal oriented. Students enrolled in an Academic Project will receive additional academic support that informs and enhances the placement experience.
- Students applying for an Academic Project must submit additional materials during the course selection process.
To explore courses offered during the Fall 2026 quarter, please review the Cape Town Open Campus program’s Fall Block II & III course list
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.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
The work culture in Cape Town is laid-back yet professional, emphasizing work-life balance, creativity, and innovation. Interns can expect to work with local NGOs, startups, or established businesses. There’s a strong sense of community, and colleagues often socialize after work in a friendly, multicultural environment.
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.
Architecture and Construction
Develop hands-on technical skills and responsible building planning while working for global architecture firms abroad.
Information Technology
Explore diverse tech environments, cutting-edge innovation, and emerging technologies in South Korea, Spain, and more.
Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Experience international legal systems, global justice issues, and law enforcement challenges in courts, firms, and agencies.
Marketing, Sales and Service
Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Gain hands-on skills in sustainable technologies, research projects, and scientific studies in Costa Rica, Mexico, and more.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
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:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
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 Fall Quarter 2026 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $14,300 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
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 | $9,806 ** |
| Housing | $4,000 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $14,300 |
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 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 | $886 † |
| International Airfare | $1,450 †† |
| Local Transportation | $500 ††† |
| Books & Supplies | $80 |
| Personal expenses | $190 †††† |
| Total Costs | $3,106 |
*non-refundable fee
**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.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††Students typically prefer to use Uber for their private transport and should budget accordingly.
††††$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
Faeza Khan
Center Director
Faeza holds a PhD in social work from the University of Western Cape and brings over a decade of senior-level experience in higher education and international development to her role...
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...
Joy Marjawar
Academic Manager
Joy specializes in curriculum development, creating engaging learning experiences, and fostering student growth through a transformative, Freirean-inspired teaching approach.
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 CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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