Summer in Stellenbosch

  South Africa

Stellenbosch

Term: Summer 
Dates: TBA

Description: Spend your summer in beautiful and historic South Africa! During the first week, you will receive an overview of South African politics, history and economics. In week two, dive into South African literature or South African art, science and technology. In week three, take a look at South African society, justice and reconciliation. In your downtime, take a quad ride into the countryside, visit nearby Cape Town, or soak in the sun at the beach! Whether you are an adventurer, thrill-seeker, wildlife lover, or just looking to spend some time living and learning in a different culture, South Africa is the perfect place to be.

Highlights: A century-long tradition of quality teaching and research ensures Stellenbosch University's place among the finest academic institutions in both Africa and the world. It has four campuses and a student population of 15,000, a third of whom are post-graduates. The University population is more than 30% non-white, while 98% of the students speak English as their first or second language.

Former president Nelson Mandela, accepting an honorary doctorate from the University in 1996, said:
"This occasion says much more about South Africa and South Africans than about the individual to whom the degree is being awarded. This occasion is testimony to the fact that we South Africans have struck out on the road toward building a joint future, that we are in the process of breaking down divisive bulwarks of the past and building a real nation united in all its rich diversity."

* Stellenbosh University
* Second oldest university in South Africa close to Cape Town.
* Semester or Summer.
* Summer: Earn three credit hours in History and 3 credit hours in International Studies.
* Courses taught in English, satisfy core requirements.

Stellenbosch is South Africa's second oldest town, after Cape Town. It is in the world's most beautiful wine country: the Jonkershoek Valley on the southern tip of Africa. Superb beaches are a half hour away. Scenic mountains nearly 5,000 feet high form a spectacular backdrop to the town. South Africa's million-plus square kilometers host a variety of landscapes, from breathtaking coasts and mountains in the south to the grassland bush in the north. The tip of the continent encompasses everything from the austere flats of the Karoo Desert to the subtropical beauty in Natal's exotic beaches, capped by the majestic Drakensberg mountain range.

The 60,000 year-round residents of Stellenbosch enjoy easy access to Cape Town, which is a 30 minute drive and a crossroads of cultures, languages and oceans. Stellenbosch itself is host to music, theater and the arts. Small art galleries, restaurants, shops and hotels dot oak-lined streets, while numerous parks, gardens, nature reserves and playing fields contribute to the town's beauty. The Mediterranean-like climate is temperate year round, making it the ideal location for outdoor activities. During the summer months, concert-goers picnic in gardens by the amphitheater while listening to performances. Sports facilities draw international competition in cricket, rugby, golf.

"Studying at Stellenbosch during the summer really opened my eyes . I was challenged to understand the trials and heritage of this great nation. This term exposed me to a rich mix of interdisciplinary perspectives on apartheid and its aftermath."

Housing
Accommodation is provided in shared apartments with other International students and South Africans. Each apartment has a shared living room, kitchen and bathroom facilities. Apartments are also furnished with coffee tables, chairs, fridges/freezers, stove, water cooker, cleaning utensils and garbage bins. Bed linens and kitchen utensils can be rented from the front office for the duration of your stay.

Cost in US$: $5,250

Not Included: Airfare, textbooks, meals, visa expenses, personal expenses.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Transcript
• Written Application

International Education Programs at Jacksonville University's Mission Statement: International Education Programs (IEP) at Jacksonville University promotes global experiences by engaging students and faculty in study, internship and volunteer programs that will expose them to other countries, cultures, languages and people. International Education Programs (IEP) at Jacksonville University promotes cultural immersion through challenging study programs, relevant internship placements, and life-changing service learning opportunities in 19 different countries around the world. Our number one priority is to consistently offer the support services and resources that enable participants to immerse in the local culture, contribute to the local community, and learn more about themselves and the world through their travel experiences. IEP programs cater to individual needs based on desired length of stay, language competency, location, and academic discipline.

Year Founded: 2000