CIEE Arts and Sciences Program in Stellenbosch, South Africa

  South Africa

Stellenbosch

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

Description: The CIEE Arts and Sciences program at Stellenbosch University provides students with 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 built upon CIEEs experience in the Western Cape since 1998 allows students to pursue their academic studies while providing first-hand knowledge of contemporary South African life and society. Students take a core course focusing on South Africa, in addition to enrolling 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 Xhosa 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 mixture 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. The University allows students greater responsibility and initiative in a less structured environment. Courses may involve relatively few contact hours each week, since they are intended as a starting point and focus for a great deal of individual study.

The CIEE Study Center follows the University's calendar with an additional period of time for orientation at the beginning of the semester. The South African academic year runs from early February through late November/early December with two semesters. Many University courses are year-long 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 and a half 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:

• Community service and involvement through CIEE and campus-wide community service programs in Kayamandi and surrounding areas
  
• Courses in arts and social sciences, language and culture
  
• Opportunity to live, interact with and study alongside African students
  
• Extensive range of CIEE excursions and activities designed to introduce students to the political, economic, cultural, and environmental transformations impacting South Africa today

The comprehensive cultural program developed by CIEE consists of visits to local heater, music, and dance productions; museum tours; and local festivals. Events and activities are chosen to provide students with 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 with personalized volunteer opportunities in the historically disadvantaged communities around Stellenbosch such as Kayamundi. 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 women's empowerment groups, and assisting with low-cost housing projects. Some recent volunteer placement organizations include: Peace Parks Foundation, The Watergarden Project, ISOS Kayamandi, and Children in the Wilderness.

Habitat for Humanity
In addition, CIEE has entered into a partnership with Habitat for Humanity which allows students to participate in building a CIEE-sponsored house in a previously disadvantaged community on the Cape Peninsula.

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

Experience Required: yes