cape town aerial view coastline
Cape Town, South Africa

Summer in Cape Town

Study Program

Dates

-

6 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

6 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

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

-

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

Your Summer in Cape Town program lasts 6 weeks (or up to 12 weeks) and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in CIEE courses and online courses taught through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in South African culture. Live and learn in Cape Town!

Unique Experiences

Live with 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

Experience
  • south africa hike abroad

Your Destination

Cape Town is South Africa’s coastal gem, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultural life, and diverse communities. The city comes alive with outdoor adventures, from hiking Table Mountain to exploring coastal trails and enjoying local festivals, markets, and cuisine. Whether you are majoring in business, science, environmental studies, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Cape Town is the perfect place to study abroad.

cape-town-classroom-lecture

Program Highlights

  • Diversity Your Experience: Spend 1 or 2 consecutive 6-week blocks of your summer in the same host city or travel to different cities per block for increased mobility and cultural immersion.
  • Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
  • 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.
  • Cultural Projects: Volunteer with members of the local community, join student clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city."
food jam students abroad cape town

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:

  • Learn to cook traditional foods from Cape Malay, isiXhosa, and Afrikaans peoples in a Food Jam
  • Try your hand at traditional dances from South African ethnic groups, including the isiXhosa people
  • Participate in local theater, music, and dance productions, museum tours, rugby matches, local festivals

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

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

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-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar. 

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.

Arizona State University: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

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.

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 6-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.

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.

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students.

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, 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.

Internships

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

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 Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $6,950
Program Summer Blocks I, II 2025 12 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $13,900
Program Summer Block II 2025 6 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $6,950
Program Summer Block I 2026 6 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $7,450
Program Summer Block II 2026 6 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $7,450
Program Summer Blocks I, II 2026 12 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $14,900

*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

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

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

*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

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

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

*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

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

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

*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 $4,950 **
Housing $2,000 ***
Insurance $200
Total Fees $7,450

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

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

*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.

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 $4,950 **
Housing $2,000 ***
Insurance $200
Total Fees $7,450

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

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

*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.

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 $10,400 **
Housing $4,000 ***
Insurance $200
Total Fees $14,900

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

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

*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.

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

Jacana Redcliffe

Program Coordinator

Jacana Joi is one of the program coordinators at CIEE Cape Town. They are passionate about curating programs that facilitate student experiential learning opportunities. They are a Queer Linguistics student...

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...

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