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Programs : Brochure

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Locations: Cape Town, South Africa
Program Terms: Summer
Homepage: Click to visit
Program Sponsor: CIEE

Dates / Deadlines:

Dates / Deadlines:
Term	Year	App Deadline	Decision Date	Start Date	End Date
Summer	2027	04/01/2027	04/01/2027	05/30/2027	07/26/2027

Fact Sheet:

Fact Sheet:
Program Type:	Program Provider	Area of Study:	African Studies, Developmental Sciences, Education, Public Health, Sociology

Program Description:

Summer Community Development and Social Justice: Theory + Practice

Cape Town, South Africa

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program Overview

Your Summer Community Development and Social Justice program in Cape Town lasts eight weeks and offers an in-depth exploration of South Africa’s history, politics, and cultural traditions. You will enroll in CIEE courses that shape your understanding of community, leadership, and global citizenship. Through classroom learning and real-world engagement through partnerships with local organizations and civic leaders, you will examine complex issues of development and justice from multiple perspectives. Enhance your experience with hands-on projects and community-based initiatives that reflect local priorities and aspirations. Live and learn in Cape Town!

Unique Experiences

Make a difference

with a series of projects in the Cape Flats community schools, orphanages, NGOs, and within the public health care system

Begin to learn

about power, privilege, and the complexities of development aid in South Africa

Connect locally

by enjoying a meal with locals in a township community and sampling Cape Malay cuisine in the Bo-Kaap

Learn More About Cape Town

Your Destination

Cape Town is South Africa’s vibrant coastal city, known for its stunning natural beauty, multicultural atmosphere, and rich history. From hiking Table Mountain and exploring the Cape Winelands to experiencing local markets, museums, and a dynamic arts scene, the city offers endless opportunities for adventure and cultural immersion. Whether you are majoring in business, science, environmental studies, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, or fine arts, Cape Town is the perfect place to study abroad.

Housing

CIEE Cape Town offers comfortable housing conveniently accessible to the study center, public transportation, shops, and other amenities. All rooms are fully furnished, offer a full kitchen, and feature complimentary Wi-Fi access. CIEE supplies cutlery, crockery, and bed linens, but students must bring their own towels. Students can enjoy social interaction with their peers and local South African students in a variety of communal areas. They may also appreciate the quiet spaces that allow them to study on their own or work on tasks in a group.

View CIEE's program page for additional housing information.

Program Highlights

Academic Coursework: Enroll in CIEE coursework that examines the complexities of poverty, inequality, and development through the South African lens.
Community Engagement Practicum Project: Participate in a for-credit academic project at a local organization that aligns with your coursework and the priorities of the partner organization. An academic seminar will support your practicum, providing a space for guided reflection, theoretical framing, and integration of field experiences with scholarly analysis.
Engaged Learning: Explore themes of poverty, development, and social justice by working alongside community partners, building mutual understanding and sustainable impact.
Cultural Immersion: Broaden your perspective through study tours, site visits, and cultural activities that bring South Africa’s diverse traditions and social issues into focus.

Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Cape Town will open doors for you to explore South Africa's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.

Samples of past excursions and activities:

Collaborate with grassroots organizations to address community-identified challenges
Explore Cape Town’s iconic landscapes, including Table Mountain
Experience South Africa’s dynamic cultural life through sports, theater, music, and dance

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

cape town students hiking platteklip gorge

cape town student group posing in street

Academics

CIEE Cape Town: Study in the vibrant student-friendly suburb of Rondebosch near central Cape Town. CIEE Cape Town boasts two main classrooms, a small meeting room, a student lounge, a student life office, and an academic advising office.

View CIEE's program page for additional academic information, eligibility requirements, and courses.

1 out of 3 CIEE students receives a scholarship - get yours!

GAIN Travel Grants - Up to $1,500 toward travel costs guaranteed to students with a FAFSA SAI of $10,000 or less. Higher should still apply!

Gilman Go Global Grants - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $1,000 guaranteed to Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship applicants.

Merit-Based Scholarships - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $750/summer awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.

Learn More About Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition
Housing
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation – an introduction to your academic program, plus practical information about living in your host city
Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext Travel Protection
24/7 emergency on-site support

Why CIEE

200+ study abroad programs in 40+ countries
$8 million in scholarships offered each year
1 in 3 students receives a scholarship
Study tours and cultural activities included
Internships and volunteering opportunities
Rigorous academics
Cultural immersion
iNext Travel Protection included

Questions?

Our highly experienced staff have extensive knowledge of all CIEE programs and services. If you are a student with questions about completing your application, or you want to sign up to receive program updates and news, our staff are happy to help.