AIFS Study Abroad Program at Stellenbosch University
Come study in Stellenbosch, South Africa with this AIFS program! Students can spend a summer, semester or academic year taking classes in English at Stellenbosch University in a variety of subject areas. Accommodations are in student residencies in single or double rooms that share bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms with other students.
Learn about the difficulties that South Africa faces during the Service Learning summer program where students partner up with a service organization for a community service placement. Every part of these programs is taken into consideration and rolled into one lump sum, although program cost may vary if you decide to make travel arrangements through AIFS. Check out the AIFS website today for more information!
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Studying abroad in Stellenbosch was probably the best experience of my life so far. I learned a lot about South Africa and other African countries, as well as about myself. The opportunities provided by AIFS to travel were awesome, and our Resident Director Mama H was always there for us while still letting us figure things out for ourselves. I had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and to see things that I never thought I would. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to study abroad.
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Hestea de Wet, or Mama H as her American students call her, is the AIFS program advisor. She is there from the moment you get off the plane to when you return to the airport to come back to the States. She is the stabilizing force in a time when and place where it is easy to get overwhelmed.
My favorite excursion was probably the Cederberg Mountain trip. This trip happens about a week and a half after you arrive in Stellenbosch. It's a weekend to get away with Mama H and the other international students...and to conquer your fears if you're afraid of heights! Mama H cooks all the meals and takes you to the top of the Cederberg Mountains. Getting to the top of the Cederberg Mountains was an incredible experience I'll never forget. You also have an opportunity to do a wine tasting there. I would highly recommend this optional excursion. The Garden Route spring break trip, included in the program fee, is awesome as well. You also get time at the end of the semester (I had just about 3 and half weeks) to do your own traveling or to spend time in Stellenbosch.
Expect to do a lot of walking! Stellenbosch is a beautiful town...lots of restaurants and wineries. The campus is beautiful and after a few weeks you'll hardly notice how much walking you do. In terms of housing, you live on campus in either Academia or Concordia. You will share a room with AIFS students but live with international students from all over the world. Some South Africans do live in Academia but don't expect to naturally interact with them. If you make an effort to meet and get to know the South African students, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Stellenbosch is a safe area. Of course, that's not to say that bad things can't happen; just like with anywhere else, don't put yourself in a dangerous situation.
As far as classes go, I did the LSCE program and took South African History and HIV/AIDS in South Africa. I would not recommend the South African History class but the HIV/AIDS class was very informative and the LSCE program was probably the most rewarding experience I had during my time abroad.
I would highly recommend this program!
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AIFS Stellenbosch program was AMAZING! Not only is SOuth Africa the coolest place to study, AIFS does an excellent job providing opportunities for students to explore the place! Spring Break consists of a roadtrip along the Garden Route with many stops in between! One could bungee jump from the highest point in the world, pet elephants and cheetahs and stay in amazing beach hostels- this was one spring break trip for AIFS students to remember! There was also a fun wine festival and many day trips to cool locations in the western cape!
There were two places for students to live, one was in Academia and the other Concordia. I lived in academia and would highly recommend it! It was a few americans but mostly South African students! I met a ton of South African students this way. Concordia was the International housing so there were not as many locals living there, but you did get your own room and bathroom. In academia it was two bedrooms, one bathroom. So it depends on what kind of experience you want to have!
Stellenbosch itself is Beautiful !! The town is quaint and small but you are still close enough to get to Capetown (30 mins). It is a bit different there, they stop selling alcohol in stores after 5 and do not sell it on Sundays. They drive on the other side of the road, so look both ways! There are a lot of poor people in SA and very rich. You will see how different places look from eachother, even if it is just on the other side of the road. Culturally SA is very different from the USA and you will experience that. Coming out of Apartheid in 1994, you can still visibly experience effects of this- which sometimes I found myself quite shocked and uncomfortable. The nightlife here ROCKED! Where you live is walking distance to many bars by 15 mins! After rugby matches and Wednesdays were the greatest times to go out!
I would highly recommend getting involved in Sports or Clubs. Their Rugby team rocks and they have awesome crazy games! They also have a Wine society which was fun as well. Stellenbosch and the surronding area is wine country. The club will take you to different wineries in the area and also give lessons about wine tastings and wine making! Good for beginners!
The classes were fun as well. The professors were interesting and were very insightful. You had the chance to choose from classes that were open to all university students. And some of these classes were mixed with English and Africaans speaking lectures (but fear not, english textbooks). Or you could chose the International classes with International students strictly taught in english.
There were also many opportunities to volunteer which was nice. I did an after school program at Kayamandi and would highly recommend that if you do this AIFS program, you volunteer! You have plenty of time and it helps you get to know the locals!
I know safety is a big concern in South Africa, but I felt safe. Stellenbosch is a safe place and I had no problems. With that being said, I do know people that have had problems. You just need to be cautious and use common sense. Dont walk alone at night, have your Ipod or cellphone out and about, watch your stuff, etc.
AIFS was a great program to experience my semester through. Hestea was the director and does an AMAZING FABULOUS AWESOME job. She cared so much about us, loves her country and wanted to share it with us! She did a great job being there when you had questions but left us to be independent and free!
South Africa changed my life! I love it there! I AM going back! I would recommend this program to ANYONE who is willing to have a life changing experience!
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I can honestly say that my semester in Stellenbosch was not what I expected, but it was never a let-down! Stellenbosch is a very beautiful, clean city that seems almost European. You are a quick train ride away from Cape Town, the new #1 tourist destination in the world. Stellenbosch University is a modern school with all the facilities an American university would have. If you are looking for the "African" experience, you will need to travel outside of Stellenbosch. That said, through both service and travel you will have the chance to experience many different walks of life in South Africa. Studying in Stellenbosch challenged my own ideas about diversity, privilege, identity, and what I thought I knew about Africa. If you want to enrich your Stellenbosch experience, I definitely recommend the Service Learning program as well! Please come to Stellenbosch with an open mind and get ready to have a semester like no other!
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Arriving in South Africa, it wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I pictured Africa. Yet, the experience was one that I would never take back. The history of the country is fascinating and the culture is extremely rich. There is something for everyone in South Africa- mountains, deserts, grasslands, bush, wetlands, etc. It is home to beautiful animals and is probably one of the most beautiful countries that I have ever been to. I would recommend this program to anyone.
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I have never had so much fun in my life. Stellenbosch is one of the most beautiful towns I have ever had the opportunity to see. The local South Africans are very accepting, and fun to get to know. It is a much slower, happier way of live over there. There is really nothing that I did not like about the program. The classes were not that difficult, but I liked that because it gave me the opportunity to really immerse myself in the culture.
On a typical day I would have one class that was three hours long. The rest of the day I would go to the gym, local rugby games, walk around town, grab some food, etc.
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As a student from a large state university in Maryland, I worked in our study abroad office. I saw students wanting to go spend a semester somewhere where they could have fun, and get away. I spent my last semester of college in Stellenbosch, but it was way more than a vacation. I was deeply attached to the country, and to the people there I met. My eyes were opened to a culture I loved. This wasn't just time to enjoy gorgeous scenery or colorful life. It was a window to a world where people live among tensions of poverty, disease, inequality, and a rich history. AIFS program allowed me to visit this place where I've learned more from a new culture than ever before. I stayed 7 extra months to volunteer with a local organization.
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Before deciding to study abroad, I never had any intention of ever visiting South Africa. Like many other people I had the stereotypical view that the entire country was dangerous and poverty stricken. Don't get me wrong there are definitely some places that are, but after my semester in South Africa I have come to learn that the country is a richly diverse nation whose beauty is unsurpassed.
My experience abroad was more than I could have ever hoped for. I met so many new people from all over the world. I was able to try so many new things including surfing, paragliding, going on a safari, and staying in a traditional iXhosa village. The AIFS staff was wonderful and always there to help in every way possible. In that semester I learned so much about the culture and history of the country, but I also learned a lot about myself.
I would never trade my time in South Africa for anything and I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for an adventurous study abroad.
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Studying at Stellenbosch through AIFS was an unparalleled experience. It was an opportunity that you really should not pass up. Although Stellenbosch is located just outside of Cape Town and on the outskirts of the Cape Flats it truly is something else. The AIFS staff is amazing. Hestea de Wet, or as the website calls her Mama, becomes a surrogate mother during your experience. Albeit a very hands off one, letting the student learn from their new environment. The trips that you go on this trip are unreal- be sure to take every advantage that you get. Although not directly through AIFS I had the opportunity to go Shark Cage diving, bungee jumping, and kloofing through the pristine wildlife that you'll visit on the Garden Route. All the while partaking in a full course load in intellectually challenging courses. (HIV & AIDS in South Africa, South African History, Public Theology in Post Apartheid South Africa, China and India on the African Continent, and Negotiating Transitions) Although these courses aren't offered every semester there are plenty of other challenging and interesting courses that Stellenbosch and the International Office has available.) I strongly encourage traveling to South Africa to anyone. It is a town that is going through an identity crisis and if you're looking to gain a better understanding South Africa and the societal impacts of apartheid it is readily apparent in the structure of Stellenbosch's community.
It is an experience that you will not regret!!
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Life in South Africa is so rich, so diverse, and yet sometimes so unexpected that I found myself waking up every day excited to see what new adventure I would find. The biggest impact that studying abroad has had on my life was learning how to appreciate even the smallest of details in a new environment. Initially, you'll miss your university in the states, you'll miss your favorite food, you'll miss your parents. Then at some point, whether it's 5 weeks or 5 months into living in Stellenbosch, you'll refer to your apartment in Concordia as home, you'll crave an ostrich sausage, and you'll be on the phone trying to convince your parents you need to stay for another term. You will meet some of your best friends while studying abroad because when that semester ends, there really is nobody else in the world that can relate to those kinds of feelings. The international staff at Stellenbosch plans fantastic trips that get you to see the country but they also encourage you to explore on your own. Take advantage of the clubs through the university and take a course that isn't only offered to international students; you can learn a lot from the South African students as well.
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Alumni Interviews
Meet Emily Sweeney, AIFS - South Africa alum
Emily is from Ventnor, New Jersey. After graduating from Boston University, she worked as an au pair in Germany. Emily received a master's degree in Global and International Education through Drexel University. She has been the Admissions Officer for the Italy programs at AIFS since 2009 and most recently has taken on the role of Regional Director of University Relations for the mid-Atlantic states. She also runs Study Abroad Spotlight, a nifty website for study abroad alum and education abroad professionals to share their stories with the world!
GO: What was the highlight of your trip?
Emily: There were so many highlights of my trip it is hard to name just one so I will have to name a few.
- Our program took us on a Garden Route trip along the coast which was a fantastic way to start the semester. I rode an ostrich (which I would never do again!) and fed an elephant (who knew they had hair?)/li>
- My parents and uncle came for my spring break and we fulfilled a lifelong dream of going on a safari in the Kgalagadi Park that straddles South Africa and Botswana. We ventured through the park for almost a week with a guide, taking in all the incredible animals in their natural habitat. We stayed inside the park at campsites where at night the sky was pitch black and full of stars. It was truly remarkable being awoken one morning at 5am by our guide to see a big herd of giraffe at a watering hole right behind our site only to be scared away a few minutes later by a hyena. It was like right out of a NatGeo special!
- My two best friends, Megan and Michelle, whom I have known since first grade also came to visit me at the end of my program and we went shark cage diving and skydiving, which were thrilling experiences!
- I had to learn how to drive on the opposite side of the road (which was an adventure), and the street names are painted on the curbs down there!
- Volunteering in Kayamandi (local township) was one of my favorite parts of my study abroad experience. I helped with arts and crafts and sports each week with elementary school students. There was a language barrier as most students spoke Xhosa and did not know much English, but they were so welcoming and full of love and it was fascinating to see how they lived. They had a very humble school, not many resources, and sometimes not enough desks for all of the students. It was an eye-opening experience that I will never forget.
GO: What was a typical morning like?
Emily: I studied abroad at Stellenbosch University and lived on campus in apartment-style housing with other international students. In the morning I would wake up and have some breakfast while listening to the loud music coming from my neighbors next door who were from Malawi. :) I'd take a quick shower, hop on my bike with my backpack and ride to class as I took in my beautiful surroundings. I'd try to take new routes to class each day to explore different streets in Stellenbosch.
My classes were great. I took South African History, Politics and Cultural Change in Contemporary South Africa, South African Music, and an Afrikaans language class for beginners. Though I loved my history class, I think Afrikaans and Music were my favorites. Afrikaans is one of the 11 official languages of South Africa, a mix between Dutch and German. My Afrikaans teacher was amazing, each class was very different and always engaging. We sang songs, played games, sat in circles, role played and always had a break for some tea.
My music class was also very interesting because I learned about lots of different South African musicians and how music shaped the culture of the country. I also rediscovered my love for Paul Simon who collaborated with the South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo on Graceland during apartheid - which caused a lot of controversy! Taking this music class piqued my interest in listening to the radio a lot more while I was there and in turn I discovered a few South African groups that I love (DNA Strings and Freshlyground, check them out!). The AIFS program even took us to a DNA Strings concert which was amazing! I also went to a Jazzfest in Cape Town during my spring break with my parents and uncle which was a blast! Finally, I took a wine class for a certificate which was really fun because we got to try all different kinds of wine!
GO: What about a typical afternoon?
Emily: I would usually meet friends for lunch either in the Neelsie (student center), somewhere in town or head home to grab a quick bite to eat. In the afternoon if I didn't have class I would take a nap and/or hang out on the grass in our courtyard in the sunshine doing my readings for class or other homework. During my time in South Africa, there were also daily power outages for months (due to ESKOM strikes) so this made life a little bit more challenging. If we went grocery shopping we'd have to eat our food quickly so it wouldn't go bad or buy non-perishable items. At first it was a huge inconvenience, but after awhile it was kind of fun figuring out ways to entertain ourselves without power.
GO: And a typical evening?
Emily: At night, we'd have to light candles in our flats to read/do homework. No power meant no internet so we'd make sure our computers were charged so we could watch movies at night, lots of talking with friends, and random dance parties in our flat. It certainly made my study abroad experience very unique, and I learned to not take electricity for granted! I also decided not to get a cell phone while I was there so I was more disconnected than most which at the time I loved. It was liberating. I still emailed and Skyped with friends and family back home. I studied abroad before Twitter and Instagram and Facebook was still fairly new back then so I was on there a bit, but it was good for me to not be connected all the time. Some nights we would go out to dinner and then hit up the local bars for drinks, dancing and live music. Bohemia and Mystic were favorites or we would go to house parties with international and local students.
Amanda Thorne Interview, AIFS alumna in South Africa
GO: Why did you decide to study abroad with AIFS at Stellenbosch University?
Amanda: As an Early Childhood Education major and a student with an interest in service work, I was drawn in by the Learning for Sustainable Community Engagement (LSCE) through Stellenbosch University. This program involves working in a nearby school and developing an arts and culture unit. It is tied to a weekly lecture at the school with a highly regarded professor who is knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging. I thought that this would be a perfect opportunity to both gain teaching practice and broaden my volunteer experience. Furthermore, it would provide me with an opportunity to see life outside of Stellenbosch and meet children who could provide unparalled perspectives on life in South Africa.
GO: What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Amanda: One of the unique things about the AIFS program in Stellenbosch is that the advisor, Hestea de Wet, or Mama H as her American students call her, is there from the moment you get off the plane to when you return to the airport to come back to the States. She is the stabilizing force in a time when and place where it is easy to get overwhelmed. Whether someone had a plane ticket to the wrong destination, had their bank account broken into, or broke their foot, she was able to fix the situation without a problem. You also get an opportunity to embark on some incredible excursions as a group. You get to experience some amazing things and develop close friendships with other American and international students. Everyone in our AIFS group went bungee jumping together and I don't think it's an experience any of us will soon forget.
GO: How has this experience impacted your future?
Amanda: Regardless of where you study abroad, you will be forced to develop some sort of independence. However, I think not only going to South Africa, but exploring the world outside of Stellenbosch helped break though several stereotypes that I wasn't even aware I was holding. The laid-back atmosphere of South Africa and the general good-naturedness of most of the South Africans I met helped me to better understand the impact that one person can have on others. Personally, although it's difficult sometimes, this experience has allowed me to embrace life with an open-mind and treat others I meet with respect and kindness.
Academically and professionally, the time I spent in the LSCE program allowed me to see that there are many ways in which I can intertwine my passions and skills. I don't have to choose one career path and stick with it, but rather explore the many opportunities that will hopefully fall in my path. The portfolio that you develop in the course is great for interviews and the professor is more than willing to write recommendations for you.
Interview with Cara Sherry, AIFS alumna in South Africa
GO: Why did you decide to study abroad with AIFS at Stellenbosch University?
Cara: I decided to study abroad in SA because I had always dreamed of going to Africa since I was little (to tell you the truth, I think the wildlife had a lot to do with it when I was younger!). When I was trying to decide where to go, one of my best friends suggested that I look into SA because she had just returned from there and absolutely loved it, so I decided to look into it a bit more.
After looking at a few programs, I decided that Africa was some place completely new and different. I felt that it would be much easier for me to visit Europe in the future, where all of my other friends went abroad, than to ever have the opportunity to visit Africa. Therefore, it ultimately came down to that I had always had an interest in Africa, and I thought that this would be my one opportunity to go there and truly experience the culture.
GO: What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Cara: First of all, I think that the location definitely made it unique and special; not many people study abroad in South Africa. I think that I was lucky because I lived in an apartment complex, so my immediate roommates were in AIFS, but my neighbors were from France. We had a lot of international as well as South African students in my building where I lived, so I got to meet people from all over the world.
I think that AIFS was the best program to go through because they were there for me whenever I needed it. I had, had wrist surgery right before I left for abroad and by the time I got to Stellenbosch, I already had an appointment with a physical therapist, thanks to Mama H. I also think that it was special because we lived a college town. I liked living in a college town because we got to meet locals, and there was always something going on.
GO: How has this experience impacted your future?
Cara: I think that this experience has definitely impacted me, in every way possible--personally, professionally, emotionally etc. I know that it sounds corny, but I think that I have a new outlook on life; this experience taught me that there is SO much more out there in the world, when I tended to be "stuck" in my college's bubble previous to this experience. I was able expand my horizons and develop a lot of independence while I was abroad.
I had to be able to learn my new surroundings, make my own decisions about everything, and even plan a whole trip by myself! By being in SA, I showed myself that I am capable of anything that I put my mind to. I also was able to volunteer a nearby township once a week with seventh graders in an after school program. I fell in love with the kids and the work I was doing. I am currently trying to pursue a career having to do with children in a school setting, or as a study abroad counselor in a college setting.
Interview with Chelsi Colleton, AIFS alumna
GO: Why did you decide to study abroad with AIFS at Stellenbosch University?
Chelsi: I found AIFS through a directory at my college's International Office and was instantly excited to learn about their program at Stellenbosch. I've known that I wanted to study abroad since middle school, and I was looking for a destination that was less traditional and would really offer a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Stellenbosch program through AIFS was really affordable and offered a lot of value, especially compared to other programs. AIFS made the whole process extremely easy from applying for a Visa, arranging flights, and the transition into living at the University. An added bonus was the trips that were arranged by AIFS. Already included in the tuition price were day trips to places like Robben Island and Cape Point, as well as a 6 day tour of the Garden Route.
GO: What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Chelsi: Studying abroad in Stellenbosch was unique because it was so different from what I am used to at my own college. My college is small with only about 1,500 students but Stellenbosch University has almost 27,00 with a large portion being international students. I was able to meet students from around the world and have discussions in my courses that related all of our backgrounds to the subject matter. For example, in a course about the history of South Africa, our teacher talked to us about how each of the countries represented in the class impacted South Africa in some way.
Studying at Stellenbosch was also unique because it pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me, which allowed me to learn about myself and grow from the experience. I was extremely far away from my family and friends, which was scary to think about sometimes, but it also made me feel a lot more independent and helped me gain confidence in my ability to things on my own.
GO: How has this experience impacted your future?
Chelsi: As a Hospitality major I would like to develop a career in the travel/tourism industry. Studying abroad in South Africa has definitely given me an advantage for my career path because I had the opportunity to learn first hand about a number of different cultures. I also had the opportunity to travel throughout South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana which has helped me to better understand the tourism industries in different countries. Also, being able to tell prospective employers that I lived in South Africa for five months has definitely given me an advantage because it shows that I am well-rounded, adventurous, and willing to step beyond my comfort zone and face challenges head on.
Further Info
About AIFS Study Abroad
Founded in 1964, AIFS prides itself as an industry leader in providing summer, semester, and academic year study abroad programs. AIFS sends nearly 5,000 undergraduates every month to study abroad in one of 23 AIFS international campuses.
Programs are available in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, as well as multi-country programs. AIFS offers Gap Year programs, along with internships and volunteer opportunities abroad. With locations throughout the world, AIFS College Study Abroad is able to offers high-quality, college-level courses in subject areas as diverse as Islamic Studies, French Cinema, business and engineering.
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Stellenbosch University is one of the most beautiful places in the world and I really loved getting to spend time with Local South Africans and other international students from around the world. I fell in love with South Africa so much, that when I had the chance to volunteer there after graduation I lived there for two years and only returned in February 2012. There is such a diverse and active student body and something for everyone. I was able to find a great church home, have fun visiting the cities and made friends that I still am close to that I was there with in 2008. The course work was challenging, but was given out in such a way that there was still a time to have fun and explore. You really get out of this program what you put into it. I felt very safe, was able to stay in touch with family and friends easily with internet access in the rooms and loved the beautiful view of the mountains. The housing was nicer than most universities I have been to in the U.S. You always have your own room, and often your own bathroom/shower. It is easy to get to stores (can walk or get a bike if you want) and there are great food options on campus. I was in the Service Learning Community Development program and got to volunteer out in a village a couple of days a week. This was an experience that was so special to me and was very helpful when I worked in another village the last two years doing mission work and social work with the Lutheran Church. My time in Stellenbosch was an overall great experience and I would highly recommend going here if you still want some of the comforts of home, and a place where you can go on countless adventures!