Political and Social Sciences, African Studies & Health

University of the Western Cape
Cape Town, South Africa
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Program Overview

Program Overview

  • Popular Subject Areas

    Political and Social Sciences, African Studies & Health

  • Location

    Cape Town

  • Host University

    University of the Western Cape

    The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is committed to excellence in teaching, learning, and research; to nurturing the cultural diversity of South Africa; and to responding in critical and creative ways to the needs of a society in transition. You can take classes in subjects such as social development studies, politics & African studies, performing arts, health studies, and environmental studies. Its attractive campus includes an important nature reserve, and the mountains of the Cape Peninsula and Stellenbosch provide beautiful landmarks to the east and west. UWC's rich history began with its establishment in 1959 for non-white students during the Apartheid era and was originally intended by the South African Parliament for people classified as "Colored." Among academic institutions it has been a leader of South Africa's historic change, playing a distinctive academic role in helping to build an equitable and dynamic nation.

  • Term

    Fall 2SL 2024

  • Program Dates

    Jul 13, 2024 - Nov 12, 2024

  • Program Length

    Semester

  • Application Deadline

    Apr 01, 2024

  • Forms and Payment Deadline

    Apr 15, 2024

  • Credit

    50 - 60 Host University Units

  • Eligibility

    2.50 Minimum GPA*

  • Cost

    $19,950

  • This session is closed and is no longer accepting applications.

Study Abroad Program Description

Located in the local Belleville neighborhood, the University of the Western Cape is still a beacon of freedom and societal change to South Africans, due to its role in the anti-Apartheid movement. The University houses the UWC-Robben Island Mayibuye Archives, which includes a collection of artifacts, historical documents, photographs, artworks, and audio-visual materials of the apartheid era in South Africa. You can take courses in several popular UWC academic disciplines, including African history, Development Studies, Education, Conflict Studies, and Political Science.

Semester + Semester Programs Available: You can combine the Spring + Fall OR Fall + Spring sessions at a discounted price. For more information about this option, please contact your ISA South Africa Program Manager.

Enjoy Flexibility with ISA Flex

We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your ISA program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, ISA Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your ISA Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.

*Eligibility

MINIMUM GPA

Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.

MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES

There is no language prerequisite for this program.

You must have second semester sophomore standing at the time of participation in the program.

What's Included

Comprehensive Advising and Support

24-Hour Emergency

Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support

Airport Reception*

Visa Support

Tuition at the Host University

Housing

Bridging Cultures Orientation

Full-Time Resident Staff

On-Site ISA Offices

Internet Access

ISA Discovery Model

Excursions*

Cultural Activities

Insurance

Official Transcript from the Host University

Professional Development Toolbox

Scholarship Opportunities

Academics

Support & Funding

ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.

SUPPORT TEAM

Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.

Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.

U.S. Team

Kiri Johnson

Program Manager, South Africa

CAPE TOWN TEAM

Ouma Mpela

Resident Director, South Africa

Identity Resources

Accessibility & Accommodations

With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.

Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.

Destination Information

Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.

Identity Blog

ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.

Funding

All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!

If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.

Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org

Housing

Student Residence

The residence halls in Cape Town are located off campus. The apartment-style accommodations have shared kitchens and bathroom facilities. Meals and laundry service are not included. You will pay a $300 refundable security deposit if living in this ISA housing option. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property, or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.

Excursions

THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA

Aquila Private Game Reserve

The Aquila Game Reserve is a game reserve where you will keep your eye out for the Big 5: the elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, lion, and African buffalo. Gain a sense of the impact of climate change on the ecosystem of the Aquila Game Reserve and enter consider how policy makers can do more to mitigate further damage.

Robben Island

Visit the infamous Apartheid-era political prison where former South African president and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. On the way, we will also visit the District Six Museum, commemorating the Coloured population of Cape Town. We will also take a tour of the Langa Township, an area designated as a zone for Black Africans prior to apartheid, where will see first-hand some typical living conditions within the townships of South Africa and meet some of the locals.

Cultural Activities in Cape Town

The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Cape Town. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Cape Town special.

These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included a community service day, city walking tour, First Thursdays (visit galleries and attend cultural events around Cape Town), The Castle of Good Hope Museum, and visiting the Old Biscuit Mill for African Cuisine.

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