South Africa is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa after Angola. South Africa boasts a coastline of more than 2,000 miles of beaches and a virtually unparalleled range of biodiversity. Kruger National Park is one of the largest national parks in the world and covers over 7,500 square miles. With a deep history rooted in political and socioeconomic controversy, South Africa makes you aware of current events and how you can impact the world around you. This beautiful, culturally diverse, and vibrant country is sure to be inspiring.
Affectionately known as the Mother City, Cape Town was founded in 1652 and is South Africa's oldest city. It's easy to see why Cape Town is rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with the backdrop of flat-topped Table Mountain juxtaposed by the sweep of the Atlantic Ocean in the foreground. You can hike or take a cable-car ride up Table Mountain to enjoy the breathtaking view of the city and peninsula, take a ferry to the historic Robben Island, or visit the Cape of Good Hope.
Cape Town offers a variety of service-learning opportunities for anyone interested in working with local education centers and schools or aiding human rights organizations and family development centers. Use your skills to assist local organizations serving the needs of their local communities while learning firsthand about this diverse city’s history and culture.
Housing Details
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the South African lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. Uncovering the uniqueness of your surroundings will help you to feel right at home. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
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.
Independent Housing
You may opt to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price. By choosing to opt out of ISA housing, you are responsible for researching and reserving housing, and paying all fees, deposits, and rent directly to the housing facility that you choose.
Excursions & Cultural Activities
Excursions
Starting Summer 2024, full-time service-learning programs will include organized ISA excursions. Included excursions will depend on the length and dates of the program.
For participants enrolled in a Study + Service-Learning combo program, excursions are also included in the program fee. Excursions include transportation, entrance fees, and guided tours as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast for all overnight excursions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural activities are included in all programs. The ISA resident staff develops unique cultural activities throughout your program to showcase what makes their city special. These custom-designed activities invite you to learn about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Cultural activities may include city tours, museum visits, sporting events, dance classes, cooking lessons, art and cultural festivals, and more.
Please visit the ISA website for a complete list of excursions and cultural activities in Cape Town.
