Location | Academics | Housing | Dates/Deadlines | Program Costs | Eligibility/How To Apply

AIFS Stellenbosch University, South Africa - Academic Year Programs

Location

Stellenbosch is South Africa's second oldest town, after Cape Town, in the world's most beautiful wine country: the Jonkershoek Valley on the southern tip of Africa. Beaches are a half hour away. Scenic mountains nearly 5,000 feet high form a spectacular backdrop. South Africa's million-plus square kilometers host a variety of landscapes, from breathtaking coasts and mountains in the south to the grassland bush in the north. The tip of the continent encompasses everything from the austere flats of the Karoo Desert to the subtropical beauty in Natal's exotic beaches, capped by the majestic Drakensberg mountain range.

The 60,000 year-round residents of Stellenbosch enjoy easy access to Cape Town, which is a 30 minute drive and a crossroads of cultures, languages and oceans. Stellenbosch itself is host to music, theater and the arts. Small art galleries, restaurants, shops and hotels dot oak-lined streets, while numerous parks, gardens, nature reserves and playing fields contribute to the town's beauty.

The Mediterranean-like climate is temperate year round, making it the ideal location for outdoor activities. October is a month of festivals celebrating food and wine, books, music, crafts and film. During the summer months, concert-goers picnic in gardens by the amphitheater while listening to performances. Sports facilities draw international competitions in cricket, rugby, golf, cross country, cycling and mountain biking.

University Profile: Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University has four campuses and a student population of 15,000, a third of whom are post-graduates (graduate students). The University population is more than 30 percent nonwhite, while 98 percent of the students speak English as their first or second language.

African Studies courses open to international students are taught in English, as are a number of regular University courses (see course descriptions below). However, most undergraduate teaching is in Afrikaans. All South Africans at the University speak English, and English is the common language of the international student population of 400. A variety of post-graduate courses is offered in English as well as Afrikaans.

The University houses a modern, extensive library collection catalogued on a computerized database. The University's network includes access to the Internet and is accessible from a number of computer centers as well as terminals in student rooms. A language laboratory is also available.

The University has its own symphony, wind ensemble, choir, small instrument and choral groups. Numerous professional and amateur productions are staged at the University theater. Its art museum hosts varied exhibitions.

Two sports stadiums, two large swimming pools, acres of playing fields and a high tech gym encourage more than 30 competitive and recreational sports. Surrounding hills and mountains beckon those interested in hiking, cycling, jogging, or picnicking.

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Academic Departments

South African academic life mirrors the European tradition, with a mixture of lectures and seminars with individual lab time and library work. In most subjects, assessment relies on continuous evaluation with one mid-semester test and a concluding examination. An extended essay is also required in some subjects.

Courses in the following areas are available through this program:

Classes Offered

Students studying abroad at Stellenbosch University select from the regular university courses in English. For matriculated students, the University offers a 3-year liberal arts degree, where students begin at the equivalent of the U.S. sophomore level. AIFS study abroad students may enroll in 100, 200 or 300 level classes (equivalent to 200, 300 or 400 level in the States) and are advised to take a maximum of four academic courses. Courses, which are worth three semester credits (approximately 4.5 quarter credits), meet 45 academic hours a semester (an academic hour is 50 minutes).

The University's political science department allows AIFS study abroad students to take one or two 400 level honors courses, equivalent to U.S. post-graduate level. These have prerequisites and are very demanding, requiring more independent work, a paper and 500- 1,000 pages of reading a week.

Stellenbosch University expands its course offerings in English each year. Students should contact AIFS for an updated list of courses before the start of each semester. For a sample list of the courses available each semester, please click here.

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Housing

Students live in a residence hall. Residence hall living is a single room with a private bathroom as well as a kitchen and living room shared with three other students. AIFS study abroad students receive a meal allowance for use in University cafeterias or to purchase food to cook, except during vacations.

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Program Dates & Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: (July 10, 2008 - November 21, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: February 1
• Spring Semester: (January 22, 2009 - June 12, 2009)
  • Application Deadline: October 1

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Program Costs

Program Fees:

• The program fee for the AIFS program in Stellenbosch, South Africa is $13115

Program fees include:

• Tuition
• Housing
• Meals
• Predeparture and on-site orientation
• On-site and U.S. based staff support
• Credit transfer assistance
• Airfare
• Cultural activities
• 3-day London stopover (before program)
• 6-day tour of the Garden Route
• Service learning option
• Camping weekend to Cederberg Mountains
• day trips to Cape Town, Robben Islands, and Cape of Good Hope

Sample Program Budget

See our What Does It Cost page for more information on fees & deposits you may be responsible for.

Financial Aid

Most forms of financial aid and scholarships apply to the cost of study abroad programs. Students should consult with a financial aid counselor at their home campus for specific information about awards and eligibility. You can also visit our What Does it Cost web page.

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Eligibility

• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Minimum Class Standing: Sophomore
• Other Info: Second semester sophomore standing (or equivalent) required. Semester or academic year programs available.
• Good academic standing
• No current disciplinary record
• An interview may be required

How to Apply

Before you begin your application, we highly recommend that you see a study abroad advisor to ensure that you have all the information you need about program logistics and eligibility. CWU students can call 963-3622 or drop by the International Center, Room 101 (across from L&L), to schedule an appointment.

• Apply Here

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More Information

Prices and dates are subject to change without notice. Contact Study Abroad & Exchange Programs for more information.

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