Study Abroad in Stellenbosch: Student Life

Cultural activities

The staff of the University’s International Office arrange a wide variety of activities including vineyard tours, wine tastings and a visit to the African township of Kayamandi. Depending on their course selection, students participate in additional excursions (dates cannot be confirmed until the beginning of the program).

In Cape Town students experience the vibrant city center, including a visit to Parliament, where they see South African politicians in action.

From the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town, students can view the panorama of the magnificent Western Cape in all its splendor.

During an academic visit to the natural heritage sight of the Cape of Good Hope, students learn more about the biodiversity of a local nature reserve surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.

During a day trip to Robben Island students visit the prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life.

Discovering the Cederberg Mountains during a weekend stay in the Cederberg Conservancy will give the students a taste of one of South Africa’s most beautiful mountain ranges. Students visit traditional rock art sites and have the option of an adventurous day-hike, 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 land-based whale watching in the world. Walker Bay has become the nursery and breeding grounds of the Southern Right Whales from July to November.

Other African creatures that live in their own sanctuary are 17 species of monkeys. They can be seen 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).