Summer: USAC Stellenbosch University, South Africa
The Program
Spend a month in Stellenbosch University (SU) earning Rutgers credits. The Stellenbosch University (SU) main campus is located in the Boland Mountains of South Africa’s Western Cape Province, in a historic, oak-lined university town. The university is a unique mix of the old and new, with centuries-old buildings and state-of-the-art facilities sharing the campus. (Source: USAC)
Program Locations
South Africa
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is located in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, approximately 31 miles from Cape Town’s city center. Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa (founded in 1679), and has been able to retain historic elements, such as its iconic Cape Dutch colonial architecture, while also embracing new technology and conveniences.
The small size of the town, combined with its proximity to large, cosmopolitan Cape Town, work together to maximize local cultural immersion opportunities while still giving students access to beaches, museums, cultural centers, and places of historic importance. Stellenbosch itself is a major destination for art, culture, dining, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, and wine connoisseurs, but students interested in exploring beyond the local area can utilize public transportation for daytrips into the Cape Town area to visit Table Mountain, Robben Island, Greenmarket Square, the city’s 20+ museums, and the Cape of Good Hope, among other attractions. (Source: https://usac.edu/study-abroad-programs/south-africa/stellenbosch/about)
Academics
Rutgers is offering this program through our study abroad partner, USAC. USAC's partnership with Stellenbosch University allows you to enroll in either their General Elective Program, where you will select two courses of interest from a variety of disciplines, or to enroll in one of three specialized academic tracks. All students will take the Introduction to South Africa's Political History course, which is designed to familiarize you with South Africa's unique history and current social, cultural, and political climate. You will earn 24-36 South African (SA) credits from Stellenbosch University (approximately 6-9 U.S. credits) for the program. Instruction is provided in English. Stellenbosch University is AACSB and ABET accredited.
Please read the Academic Guide for full information.
General Elective Program
In addition to the mandatory Introduction to South Africa's Political History course (worth 2 credits), you will choose one course from each of the following instructional blocks:
Block One (3 credits)
- 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 Two (3 credits)
- China in Africa
- Transitional Justice
- Travel Photography
- Understanding HIV in South Africa
Specialized Track Programs
Global Service Learning (GSL)
GSL, formerly known as Learning, Sustainability, and Community Engagement (LSCE), is an experiential learning, writing-intensive community engagement program that includes both theoretical and practical work. Upon completion of the program, students will have gained an understanding of how to address the needs of a community using available resources, the basic skills required to engage in capacity building, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge into practice to benefit communities or local organizations.
Doing Business in Southern Africa
With African countries experiencing rapid growth, direct foreign investments into businesses in the Southern African region have surged. This course allows 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, and allow them to identify opportunities the rapidly growing region offers.
Public Health
South Africa's economic and socio-cultural diversity provide a unique climate in which to study public health challenges, issues, and successes. This course focuses on public health within a South African context using a thematic approach that allows students to learn about multiple key topics, including HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis; non-communicable diseases and infectious diseases; substance abuse; domestic violence; mental and psychosocial health; and sexual and reproductive health. In addition to classic instruction methods, students supplement their coursework through visits to healthcare facilities within the Western Cape Province.
To obtain course information visit Stellenbosch University directly. You can also contact USAC Advising department if you need help.
Housing and Meals
During the summer, USAC students are guaranteed on-campus housing in a student dormitory. All rooms are double occupancy, with shared, gender-specific bathroom facilities. Dormitory housing, breakfast, and lunch are included in the program fee. Dinner is not included, and students do not have access to kitchen facilities. However, there are ample cafés, restaurants, etc. within walking distance at which you can purchase daily meals or snacks.