South Africa: Stellenbosch (USAC)

At Stellenbosch University (SU), a variety of courses and programs are offered to study abroad students. Students will enroll in 4-5 classes in a semester for a total 12-15 US credits. A majority of the classes are taught in English, but there are a few that may be lectured bilingually in English and Afrikaans. All study materials will be available in English though, and live translation services are available for these courses. 

SU has 2 different types of courses: Mainstream and Global Education Programs (GEP). Mainstream are regular courses students take to complete graduation requirements for their field of study, and are taught along side degree-seeking students at Stellenbosch. GEP courses are additional classes the university provides just for study abroad students. You may either enroll in all mainstream courses, or a combination of both. However, students are only allowed to take 2 GEP courses while at Stellenbosch.

Along with this, USAC also requires all of its participants to take one course designed to familiarize students with South Africa's unique history, culture, and political climate. This course could be either a mainstream course, or GEP. 

Between Mainstream and GEP courses, SU offers a variety of courses in a wide range of topics for students to choose from, some of which are listed below:

• Language (Afrikaans, Chinese, French, German, or Spanish)
• Arts
• Social Sciences
• Economics
• Management
• Education
• Engineering
• Law
• Theology

Meet your Advisor:

Jamie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Finland, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more. From your first steps meeting until you take off for your new adventure, Jamie will help you every step of the way. 

Important information to review:

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Immigration Information:

Students going to South Africa for more than 90 days will need to apply for a visa. 

Your study abroad advisor and USAC will help you through this process but it is the student's responsibility to stay on top of the visa application process and to review the last updates related to their destination country.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to South Africa

Study abroad students are guaranteed on-campus apartments during the semester. Apartment buildings will have a private bedroom with a shared kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities. Additional amenities include 24/7 security, internet access, on-site shops, barbeque areas, and a variety of sport/exercise equipment.

USAC also offers a unique 5 week summer school program to Stellenbosch during June-July as well. Students can enroll into either the General Elective Program (GEP), or into a Specialized Academic Track. No matter which option students elect, all are required to take the 'Introduction of South Africa's Political History' course designed to familiarize students to South Africa's unique history and culture and political climate. In total, students will take 2-3 courses over the summer term, earning 6-9 US credits.

GEP course offerings

Students will choose 1 course from each of the following groups in addition to the required culture class:

Block 1:

• Bio-Diversity: Plants for the People in the Western Cape
• Social Justice in the Global Classroom
• Violent Histories and Repair
• Visual Narratives and South-North Interactions

Block 2:

• China in Africa
• Transitional Justice
• Travel Photography
• Understanding HIV in South Africa

Specialized Tracks

Students can choose one of the following options, and will take this course along with the mandatory cultural class:

Global Service Learning (GSL): This is an experiential learning, writing-intensive community engagement program that includes both theoretical and practical work

Doing Business in Southern Africa: This is a class that will allow students to investigate the unique institutional and policy conditions in Southern African countries to better understand the challenges that will confront future businesses and impact economic growth.

Public Health: This is a class that focuses on public health within South African context, using a thematic approach that allows students to learn about multiple key topics. Students will also supplement their coursework through visits to healthcare facilities within the Western Cape Province.