Map Stellenbosch, South Africa News and Updates
Stellenbosch University
Riding an Ostrich
Table Mountains

 

Study Abroad in Stellenbosch: Overview

Program at a glance

  • Academic year, July-November and January-June semesters
  • Open to college sophomores, juniors and seniors
  • 2.5 minimum GPA required
  • Program fee includes tuition, housing, some meals, London stopover, excursions and cultural activities, airfare if selected, Garden Route tour, visit to the Cederberg Mountains, and more
  • Courses offered in English in Service Learning, African studies, art, English, literature, conservation ecology, history, political science, religious studies, theater arts and foreign languages
  • Over 40 courses taught in English
  • Community volunteer opportunities available as well as a Service Learning Certificate
  • On-site orientation in Stellenbosch
  • The local AIFS Resident Director and staff organize cultural activities and housing, act as a liaison between students and the university, and are available 24/7 in case of emergencies
  • Study Permit (temporary residence permit) mandatory.  Apply to the South African consulate
  • Transcripts issued by Stellenbosch University

AIFS Internship at Ardmore Ceramic Studio, Kwazulu Natal

One or more qualified AIFS students each semester may be selected for a three week Ardmore internship at the end of the Stellenbosch semester. This is a unique opportunity for students interested in, or with experience in, Art, Photography, Marketing or Community Service.

Ardmore Ceramic Art Studio in Kwazulu Natal is the most famous and largest ceramic studio in South Africa. Over 80 Zulu men and women have been trained as artists to sculpt and paint African plant and animal shapes and forms, combining Zulu folklore and legends with rich colours and elaborate designs. Ardmore works are to be found in most South African art museums and many prestigious international galleries. The Ardmore studio provides a community infrastructure and financial support for artists and their families.

In February 2008 First Lady Zanele Mbeki, the wife of President Thabo Mbeki, hosted an exhibition of Ardmore Ceramics at the President's official residence in Cape Town. Mrs Mbeki has described Ardmore as a positive force in the transformation of South Africa in recent years:

The remarkable story of the artists and their mentor and promoter represents the best of partnerships working towards transformation in our country.  Their interaction has brought out the most admirable qualities of both character and art, while also heralding the arrival of local artists on the international arts agenda.

It is very pleasing that these exceptional talents, which would otherwise have withered unseen in the wilderness, have since emerged to become significant contributors to contemporary South African culture.

Students selected for this internship will provide their own airfare from Cape Town to Durban and low cost accommodation and meals near Ardmore.  Cheap flights are available as low as $50 each way.  AIFS will contribute $200 toward each student's costs and will arrange airport transfers in Durban*.  The internships are not paid, but students will receive an internship certificate of recognition from the International Office of Stellenbosch University as well as from the Ardmore studio.

*AIFS will also pay to change the return flight date to the U.S

Application and scholarship deadlines=

  • Applications for the January-June semester will be accepted on a space available basis. Students applying late may receive their acceptance and study permit late.
  • AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships available. The scholarship deadlines are April 15 for academic year or July-November semester; October 1 for January-June semester.