cape town aerial view coastline
Cape Town, South Africa

Summer in Cape Town

Study Program

Tentative Dates

-

6 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

6 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Spend your summer studying abroad during South Africa's winter in Cape Town, the country's adventure capital. Even during its winter season, locals and visitors alike center their lives around this seaside city's beautiful outdoors. From hiking its world-renowned Table Mountain to enjoying its stunning beaches, Cape Town offers countless adventures.

Earn credits at CIEE Cape Town where you'll study African literature and film, the history of protests and social movements, and the historical, political, and economic transitions of South Africa. Even learn to speak Afrikaans or isiXhosa! All courses are taught in English and complemented with co-curricular activities organized by CIEE to increase your intercultural understanding of this incredible destination. 

Build Your Summer Adventure
Select one or two six-week blocks at any CIEE Open Campus Block location. Stay in Cape Town for both blocks or go mobile and spend your second block in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Dublin, Kyoto, London, Madrid, Monteverde, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, or Yucatan.

Unique Experiences

LIVE AND SHARE

meals with South African locals in the culturally rich communities of Cape Town

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

in your host community by taking part in community engagement activities in townships impacted by South Africa’s dynamic past

FOCUS ON TWO COURSES

in a six-week block with integrated and optional opportunities to explore relevant socio-economic issues

114

CURVES OF BREATHTAKING CHAPMAN'S PEAK DRIVE

11

OFFICIAL LANGUAGES

2

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

Experience
  • students picnic abroad cape town
  • south africa hike abroad

Your 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. Situated on the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town is a vibrant multicultural city with a rich selection of day and night activities. Water sports, mountaineering, nightclubs, and restaurants are readily available. 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 cooler days are expected from May through July and some rain - it is the winter season in Cape Town. 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

food jam students abroad cape town

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

This study abroad program in South Africa is supplemented with excursions to various points of interest around Cape Town and the Western Cape Province. Excursions may include visits to local theater, music, and dance productions, museum tours, rugby matches, local festivals, the Cape Peninsula, and communities within the greater Cape Town metropole.

Learn to cook traditional foods from Cape Malay, Xhosa, and Afrikaans peoples in a Food Jam, and try your hand at traditional dances from South African ethnic groups, including the isiXhosa people.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

South Africa Study Abroad: The Ultimate Guide

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

South Africa is simply astonishing. From its varied topography and rich culture to its complex history and diverse wildlife, a South Africa study abroad program promises the adventure of a... keep reading

From CIEE

Blog Post by Kayla Larkins

By Brittani Smit at CIEE

Check out this blog post by Summer in Cape Town 2019 student Kayla Larkins about her experience horseback riding at Noordhoek beach in Cape Town: "One of the best experiences... keep reading

From CIEE

Blog Post by Tatiana Pinheiro

By Brittani Smit at CIEE

Check out this blog post by Summer in Cape Town 2019 student Tatiana Pinheiro about her first impressions of Cape Town: "Cape Town, South Africa is hands down one of... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "There were a lot of really great excursions and the program was organized well. Also the RAs and people who worked at the global institute were GREAT"

    Sierra C., University of Washington

  • "Staff and professor were amazing!!!! I felt like I was home! And I'm smarter!!!"

    Judy C., Lehman College

  • "The staff and the education I attained in two months will be forever in my heart and soul. I am a different person."

    Judy C., Lehman College

  • "Great experience, humbling, eye opening, welcoming, educational"

    Dashae' C., Florida A&M University

  • "It was a great experience & I met really great people"

    Trinity H., Georgia State University

Housing
Academics

Academics

Students choose one or two, 6-week blocks, and explore the role this fascinating country’s history continues to have on society today. 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 Monday – Friday, with some activities taking place on weekends. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas. 

CIEE Cape Town Center is located in the Rondebosch district, near the University of Cape Town campus.

Arizona State University: Enhance your international academic coursework with optional online courses that best align with your degree requirements and interests. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar, so you can study abroad with CIEE while continuing to meet all your academic goals.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All students must enroll in two credit-bearing CIEE courses per block.

Online Course Options: students can substitute their CIEE courses with up to two ASU online courses.

Program Credit

  • One block: 6-7 U.S semester/9-10.5 quarter credits 
  • Two blocks: 12-14 U.S. semester/18-21 quarter credits

Course Credit

CIEE courses: typically, 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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

Each course is a full semester in content, covered in a six-week block, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. Courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. 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. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel away from the city when classes are in session and plan trips for the weekends in between blocks.

Class Format

Courses are typically for CIEE students only. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday and meet three times per week. Attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of in-class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. 

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.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

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 can also enroll in an optional Survival language course (non-credit) during a single block.

Summer Block I 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Block II 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

 

Program Options

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.

Scholarships

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:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • CIEE STEM Scholarship

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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 Summer Block I 2025 6 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $6,950
Program Summer Block II 2025 6 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $6,950
Program Summer Blocks I, II 2025 12 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $13,900

*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 = $4,450**

Housing = $2,000***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $6,950

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 = $390

International Airfare = $1,450

Local Transportation = $525

Books & Supplies = $100

Personal expenses = $140††

Other = $80

Total Costs = $2,685

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 and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**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.

††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

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 = $4,450**

Housing = $2,000***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $6,950

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 = $390

International Airfare = $1,450

Local Transportation = $525

Books & Supplies = $100

Personal expenses = $140††

Other = $80

Total Costs = $2,685

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 and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**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.

††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

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 = $9,400**

Housing = $4,000***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $13,900

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 = $780

International Airfare = $1,450

Local Transportation = $1,050

Books & Supplies = $200

Personal expenses = $280††

Other = $160

Total Costs = $3,920

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 and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**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.

††$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

Staff

Our Staff

Nompilo Ndlovu

Center Director

Dr. Nompilo Ndlovu has over a decade of experience working within the academic, policy and non-profit sectors, focused on the African continent.

Caleb Kay

Student Life Coordinator

Caleb has a degree in Political Science, Governance, and Sociology from the University of Cape Town.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

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.

Request Info