Study Abroad | Stellenbosch

Housing

RESIDENCE HALL

• Double room with another participant in the program
• 5 minutes’ walk from the classroom

MEALS

• Daily breakfast
• Welcome and farewell meals
• Lunch during the AIFS orientation
• Mid-program AIFS group meal and a dinner (a seafood and local buffet meal) at a beach restaurant on the West Coast weekend along with a wine tasting experience

City Facts

Geography

Surrounded by rolling vineyards and dramatic mountains, Stellenbosch, only around 30 minutes from Cape Town, offers the best in Western Cape warmth and hospitality.

Cuisine

Restaurants are plentiful in Stellenbosch. The prices are competitive, and the variety is great!

Culture

South Africa’s constitution recognizes 12 official languages, which is among the highest number of any country in the world!

Site Staff

AIFS in Stellenbosch Director, Summer Program

Hestea de Wet

Hallo! I’ve been the Program Director here in Stellenbosch since 2003 and I previously worked in the International Office handling student accommodations. I received both my BA (Hons) degree in Psychology and a post-graduate diploma in Education from Stellenbosch University. I have previously worked as a high school English teacher, a tour guide for Americans visiting South Africa and also in a school and home for disabled and disadvantaged children and adults. I am a bit of a traveler myself and have visited the U.S. plus many countries in Europe and Africa.

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

Cultural Activities

Learning does not begin or end in the classroom. To help you get a true taste of South African culture, a wide range of cultural activities and excursions are included in your program fee. In addition, the AIFS staff organizes cultural activities which in the past have included wine or craft beer tastings and hiking. 

The following excursions are included for all students on the Stellenbosch summer program regardless of program selection: 

• Cape Town and Table Mountain Visit the vibrant city center and Table Mountain from where you can view the panorama of the magnificent Western Cape in all its splendor 
• Cape of Good Hope An academic visit to this stunning natural heritage site where you will learn more about the biodiversity of a local nature reserve surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean 
• Robben Island Visit by ferry to the island prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life

Orientation

On arrival in Stellenbosch AIFS staff will conduct an orientation regarding the AIFS program to help you settle in and learn more about the upcoming weeks, including a welcome meal giving you an opportunity to meet your fellow participants. 

On the following day the Stellenbosch University orientation takes place. This includes a campus tour, an academic orientation, an intercultural orientation, information about the social and cultural events available and an opening dinner. 

Sports Facilities

South Africa is a proud sporting nation and Stellenbosch University has great sporting facilities including a gymnasium with weight training and cycling studios, an indoor pool and 6 aerobic halls offering a variety of classes. Students interested in using these facilities can purchase a one-month gym membership when on-site.