Study Abroad in Stellenbosch: Beyond the Classroom

Learning does not begin or end in the classroom. To help you get a true taste of South African culture, the staff of the University’s International Office arrange a wide variety of activities such as:

  • Wine tastings
  • Visit to the African township of Kayamandi

Depending on course selection, you may participate in additional excursions as detailed below (dates will be confirmed at the beginning of the program).

Cape Town Experience the vibrant city center, including a visit to Parliament, where you will see South African politicians in action. From the top of Table Mountain, you can view the panorama of the magnificent Western Cape in all its splendor.

Cape of Good Hope An academic visit to this natural heritage where you will learn more about the biodiversity of a local nature reserve surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.

Robben Island Visit the prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life.

Swellendam Mountains Spend a weekend in the Swellendam mountains and get a true taste of one of South Africa’s most beautiful mountain ranges. Enjoy an adventurous dayhike, followed by an evening around the campfire, complete with a traditional “braai” (barbeque).

Animal encounters

Many students are attracted to South Africa because of the close interaction they can have with the country’s wildlife. Although visiting a game reserve is a priority for most, there are other special encounters not to be missed.

South Africa is known for the “Big Six” (lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, rhino and whale). Hermanus, a coastal town about an hour away from Stellenbosch, boasts the best landbased whale watching in the world. Walker Bay has become the nursery and breeding grounds of the Southern Right Whales from July to November.

Students will also have the opportunity to see 17 species of monkeys in their 12-hectare, free-range environment in the forest on the other side of Plettenberg Bay. A guided tour takes you to see monkeys from all over Africa and neighboring islands. They are not in cages (one or two might even come and sit on your shoulder).