Engage in an innovative, dynamic and immersive African experience
At the International Office, we create global learning programmes to give international universities and organisations a South African perspective on pertinent themes. Come and experience the spectacular hospitality of the City of Cape Town and draw on the vast academic competencies within UCT to gain insight into our context and world.
We offer a variety of programmes and services which can be customised for your needs and interests. Programmes are not credit bearing (credits are to be awarded by the home institution).
Our services include:
- Standardised programmes in specialised disciplines
- Customised programmes, design and facilitation of customised programmes, for a minimum of ten participants
- Faculty-led engagement and programmes
- Academic experts in topical areas
- Teaching venues, accommodation and access to campus facilities
- Specialised excursions to heritage sites in Cape Town and other parts of South Africa
- Service learning and community engagement opportunities
Our current clients and partners include:
- Global academic partners
- High level international organisations
Choose the option that suits your needs
We offer standardised, customised, faculty-led, service-learning and island programmes to provide you with an immersive experience and a memorable learning journey in Cape Town.
FACULTY-LED PROGRAMMES
Led and taught by a partner institution’s faculty members at the University of Cape Town, these programmes developed to correspond with students’ majors, minors or specific areas of interest or study with an added South African perspective.
Faculty-led programmes are tailored according to the partner institution’s academic programme needs. In many cases, UCT’s faculty provide academic expertise on programme themes.
The International Office arranges the lecture venues, accommodation, transfers, excursions and field trips.
Faculty-led programmes we have offered to global institutions include:
- Queens College, CUNY, USA: Humans & Nature in Society
- John Jay College, CUNY, USA: Criminal and Social Justice
- Bocconi University, Italy: Business Entrepreneurship
- Boston College, USA: Interfaith
SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAMMES
Service learning connects student learning objectives to an established community need with a community partner for the benefit of all parties.
Project activities and deliverables can vary widely as service learning can take on many forms.
Some of our Service-Leaning Partners
• Western Cape schools.
• Social justice programmes.
• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
ISLAND PROGRAMMES
Island programmes are run by the partner institution, with logistical support provided by the University of Cape Town.
These courses offer international students and staff the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of UCT and Cape Town while continuing their academic journey with their home institution.
We have provided island programmes to the following institutions:
- Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE), USA
- Institute for International Education of Student (IES Abroad), USA
- University of Texas, USA
- University of North Carolina, USA
Services Provided
- Welcome orientation
- Safety and security guidance
- Guided campus tours
- Accommodation assistance
- UCT learning and study venues
- Transport on UCT’s Jammie Shuttle
- Wellness Centre visits
- Visits to iconic sites and museums
- Wi-Fi access
Howard University
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The International Office had a great time hosting Howard University management staff along with 45 undergraduate students from the School of Business on a pilot half-day programme with the theme: 'Doing Business in Africa’.
University of Ottawa
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The International Office was excited to have students and staff from the University of Ottawa, Canada join us for the launch of the "Society, Language and the Arts" Standardised Programme taking place from 2 June until 15 June 2024.This marks the first collaboration between UCT and the University of Ottawa.
Tilburg University
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The UCT International Office proudly hosted Tilburg University for a Global Learning Programme. We welcomed 23 students from the Faculty of Commerce for a one-day programme centred around the theme: "Legacies of power, the African Union and the African emerging economies' contribution to International economic development."
University of Sheffield
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The UCT International Office welcomed a group of 15 students, accompanied by 1 staff member from the University of Sheffield on a 2-week Global Learning Programme. The programme focused on ‘Global Citizenship, Social & Environmental Transformation, Social Justice & Reconciliation’. The programme commenced on Monday, 24 June with an introductory lecture on South African history, politics and contemporary culture. This international visit also marks the first Global Learning Programme attended by the University of Sheffield.
Asian Law College
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The UCT International Office welcomed 40 students from our partner, Asian Law College (ALC). The group engaged in a customised week-long programme on international law and legal frameworks within the South African context. Highlights included lectures on impactful topics like the mediatisation of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The programme was designed in collaboration with UCT Law@Work, tailored exclusively for ALC students.
Confederation of African Football (CAF)
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Congratulations to the graduates of the CAF Football Management Executive Programme! These future leaders in African football have completed an intensive journey of learning, innovation and leadership. From insightful lectures to unique site visits, they are now equipped with the tools to transform the landscape of football on the continent.
FOM Hochschule
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The International Office was excited to host 19 undergraduate students, 13 postgraduate students and staff from FOM Hochschule Germany for the Summer School Programme at UCT! The programme featured two dynamic themes:
Undergraduate: International Economic Development & Personal Transformation and Authentic Leadership.
Masters: Behavioural Economics & Business Psychology.
International Christian University
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The International Office warmly welcomed 11 students from the International Christian University for an incredible Service-Learning Programme focused on Basic Education in South Africa. Their journey kicked off with an engaging orientation and an unforgettable campus tour, gaining invaluable experiences.
University of Connecticut
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Thirteen master’s students from the University of Connecticut's NEAG School of Education were on an incredible Service-Learning Programme at the University of Cape Town! They’ve volunteered with NGOs, gained valuable teaching experience and explored South Africa’s rich history and culture through lectures and excursions to iconic spots like Robben Island and Kruger National Park.
