South Africa

South Africa: Spring, Fall, And Year Programs - University of Cape Town

Note: The following is 2008 program information. The "details" links will show 2007 information. Some discrepancies may exist. Take careful note of which year you plan to study abroad.

Host Institution

University of Cape Town

Highlights

The scenic campus of the University of Cape Town (UCT) covers an expansive hillside and is minutes away from downtown Cape Town by car or bus. South Africa’s modern legislative capital and culturally exciting city is full of museums, music and theater venues, architectural styles, and sports activities. Its population is reflective of South Africa’s rich ethnic and racial diversity. UCT is a comprehensive university offering a full range of fields of study. (details)

Duration

Spring semester: early February to mid-June
Fall semester: late July to mid-December
Year: early February to mid-December

(calendars)

Academic Focus

A full curriculum of courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences (including African studies, development studies, and gender studies), natural and mathematical sciences, engineering, and business administration. Especially notable are UCT’s outstanding courses in the biological sciences, botany, zoology, environmental and ecological sciences, and oceanography. In addition UCT offers unique courses in South African marine ecology and oceanography, and the opportunity for students to participate in legislative policy research projects or public policy research that supports parliamentary decision-making. A number of the courses incorporate field work components. For course descriptions and additional information, see the EAP Course Information page.

A few qualified students may be selected to participate in the special spring pre-semester field work courses that offer four-day to three-week courses in:

Zoology: Behavioral ecology in the De Hoop Nature Reserve (home to large and small mammals, birds, reptiles, and marine fauna and flora)
Botany: Ecosystem ecology using African terrestrial and marine examples
Marine Ecology: Study aboard a research vessel exploring South Africa’s three-ocean environment

Students interested in the pre-semester field work courses must notify the Campus EAP Office at the time of application. All three courses require a strong upper-division background in biology and have specific prerequisites—generally cell biology, evolutionary theory, and applied ecology. Acceptance into these courses is very competitive and spaces for UC students are strictly limited.

Students attend classes with international students and host country students.

Language of Instruction

English

Units

Students are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad; 21 UC quarter units per semester are required, which is usually three or four courses.

Housing

UCT will help EAP students to locate private apartments or rent rooms in approved neighborhoods near campus. Students may live with international students and/or host country students. (details)

Estimated Cost

For estimated program costs, see the Financial Overview page.

To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this program, see the Selection Criteria and Application Deadlines.