CIEE Arts and Sciences Program in Stellenbosch, South Africa

  South Africa

Stellenbosch

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Throughout the year 
Dates: Fall 18 weeks: early-July-early-November; Spring 18 weeks: mid Jan-early June; Academic Year 48 weeks: early-July-early June; Calendar Year 44 weeks: mid Jan-early-November

Description: The CIEE Study Center at Stellenbosch University provides students a range of academic and intellectual experiences that enable them to witness and take part in the complex process of transformation in South Africa. From the campus community to the greater society beyond Stellenbosch, students become participants in, rather than mere observers of, this dynamic and evolving environment. Through this process, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving story that is South Africa.

Academic Program
The rich academic program, which has been built upon CIEEs decade-long experience in the Western Cape, allows students to pursue their academic studies, while gaining firsthand knowledge of contemporary South African life and society. Students take a core course focusing on South Africa, as well as enroll directly in Stellenbosch University courses. Students also have an independent study option.

Afrikaans is heard both on the streets and in the hallways of Stellenbosch University. But in the spirit of change, English courses are growing in number, bringing opportunities for non-Afrikaans speaking students (from overseas and from within South Africa) to enjoy the rich academic tradition of Stellenbosch University. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in either Afrikaans or isiXhosa language classes in order to facilitate their interaction and engagement with the community.

Academic Culture
CIEE participants are required to undertake a full program of courses, including all assignments and written examinations. Teaching methods at the University normally involve a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and, in the sciences, laboratory classes. The system is geared toward the scholar who is motivated, self-sufficient, and deeply interested in the subject matter. Participants may notice striking differences between their home educational system and the Stellenbosch system. Following the British model, this system offers a less structured environment that requires students to take greater responsibility and initiative. Courses may involve relatively few contact hours each week, since they are intended as a starting point for a great deal of individual study.

The CIEE Study Center follows the Universitys calendar with an additional period of time for orientation at the beginning of the semester. The South African academic year has two semesters starting mid-January and running through early November. Many University courses are yearlong and run from the U.S. spring through the U.S. fall semester.

Students on the academic year program have a break of approximately two months between semesters. Those on the calendar year program have a break of approximately one month. Students stay at the apartment- style residence hall during these breaks.

Highlights:

• Courses in arts, social sciences, and language alongside South African students
  
• Opportunities for community service through CIEE and other campus programs
  
• Extensive CIEE excursions that introduce students to the political, economic, cultural, and environmental transformations impacting South Africa today, as well as excursions to various sites of cultural importance around the Western Cape province
  
• Cultural and educational activities, including visits to local theater, music, anddance productions, as well as to museums, rural cooperatives, and rugby matches

The comprehensive cultural program developed by CIEE consists of visits to local theater, music, and dance productions; museum tours; and local festivals. Events and activities are chosen to provide students a good overview of the diversity in South Africa.

The cultural program includes a weekend farm stay in the Karoo, the high desert region in the Western Cape. The Karoo, whose name is derived from the Khoi word karusa for dry barren land, or the place of great thirst, is a region that has been inhabited for nearly 500,000 years. Students stay on a working fig and citrus farm nestled in the Klein Swartberg Mountains, which offers opportunities to explore the surroundings while also learning more about this interesting region and its connection to South Africas past and present.

Students are also encouraged to participate in the many social, sport, or cultural clubs at the University.

Immersion
Volunteering
The Community Service Program aims to provide students personalized volunteer opportunities in the historically disadvantaged communities around Stellenbosch, such as Kayamandi. Such activities may include tutoring in local schools, assisting at local NGOs, working on HIV/AIDS projects, mentoring children in after-school programs, volunteering at mental health care facilities, and assisting with low-cost housing projects. Some recent volunteer placement organizations include: Peace Parks Foundation, The Watergarden Project, ISOS Kayamandi, and the Jessie Keet Creche.

Habitat for Humanity
Each semester, CIEE facilitates student participation in a Habitat for Humanity sponsored building project in a previously disadvantaged community on the Cape Peninsula.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Scholarships are Available. We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded: 1947