University of Cape Town Academic Program

Study abroad is studying or working as a student in a different country, either virtually or in person to broaden your academic, cultural, and social horizons. Study abroad is what we do!

SAF is part of IES Abroad, a not-for-profit provider founded in 1950 with 140+ study abroad and internship programs around the world for college/university students. 

With our comprehensive study abroad application support, advice, and orientations, we make the process as simple as possible. Our close relationship with home and host universities should give you peace of mind, knowing your choice to study through SAF ensures you're safe and secure every step of the way. We guarantee housing for the duration of your study abroad adventure and are available whenever you need us, on the ground, to support you in every part of your experience.

Before you settle on a single program, consider what appeals most to you: a small or large campus, language development or for-credit study, academic prestige or building relationships and experiences, and many other factors. This website includes many useful tools, such as our Program Finder, to help you understand which program might be best for you. You can also connect with SAF's Study Counselors, youro parents, and home university staff to help you in your decision. SAF is here for you, too!

With decades supporting international study, we have gathered thousands of stories from SAF Scholars in hundreds of cities. For each destination, we have student blogs and location articles to help you in your decision. You may also be able to reach out to SAF Alumni or an SAF Student Counselor who can give you all the tips and helpful information you need as you prepare for life overseas.

Many host universities offer both merit- and need-based scholarships to short-term visiting students, often made available exclusively through the Study Abroad Foundation and applied in the SAF Program Fees. For more information on scholarships, see our scholarships page. If you're interested in university scholarships, discuss your goals with your SAF Student Counsellor.

For both SAF and IES Abroad, student health and safety is at the forefront of all we do. All SAF Program Fees include a mandatory health insurance policy. You submit a medical form to SAF as part of your application so our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can support your health and medical needs while abroad.  You can also read more information about our health and safety protocols. 

 Some SAF projects include escorted short-term tours, which are included automatically in the program's fee. Semester programs rarely include additional trips outside of the regular curriculum because each person has their own destination and travel requirements.

We love connecting students with our alumni! Our student blog and global ambassadors give you a comprehensive glimpse at the study abroad experience. SAF Alumni are often at recruitment seminars and webinars, so you can chat with them. If you would like a conversation with a SAF Alum, reach out to us to find out about next steps.

IES Abroad is an educational organization that arranges study abroad programs for students from the United States and other countries. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, IES Abroad curates international experiences for undergraduates and graduates at 200 distinguished universities and colleges around the world, each one famous for its academic excellence, cultural immersion, and experiential learning.

IES Abroad arrange programs in arts, business, social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities range in length from one week to a full academic year. Students on these programs immerse themselves in a cultural adventure by staying in homestays, apartments, and dormitories.

While living and studying abroad, students rely on the extensive support services provided by IES Abroad: pre-departure advising, on-site orientation, 24/7 emergency assistance, and health and safety resources. And to help students integrate in their new surroundings, IES Abroad arranges cultural activities and excursions.

IES Abroad Centers are in city centers around the world, positioned to best support international students with classrooms, computer labs, and other facilities. They are an important element of the organization’s commitment to providing high-quality study abroad programs that support academic excellence, cultural immersion, and personal growth for students.

Experienced and knowledgeable staff provide students with a welcoming and supportive environment for learning and cultural immersion and they’re available to give advice and assistance with housing, local transport, health and safety, as well as deliver extracurricular activities and events to help students integrate into the community. Many IES Abroad programs include experiential learning opportunities and field trips that are based out of the local center.

SAF and IES Abroad are partners in facilitating student experiences and study abroad adventures worldwide. As an American non-for-profit foundation, SAF has decades of experience organizing end-to-end study abroad programs, arranging application, housing, orientation, and insurance as well as support while students are away from home.

As SAF and IES Abroad partner with world-renowned universities around the globe, offering hundreds of programs to international students, the university you study at depends purely on the program you apply for.

It’s important to research and compare study abroad programs to find the best fit for your academic and personal goals. You can consult with program advisors from SAF and IES Abroad to learn more about specific universities and academic programs available.

If you enroll in an IES Abroad program, your learning will take place in the IES Abroad Center classrooms and during carefully curated excursions and field trips. Professors and teachers will be international experts in their field. Some programs include events and lectures at a local university.

Yes. Whatever program you enroll in, whether for-credit academic courses or non-credit language courses, SAF and IES Abroad guides you through the enrollment process. Some programs enroll you automatically in your chosen classes after accepting your application. Others require you to enroll in classes alongside local students when you arrive at your host university or college. There is always someone to support you.

Definitely. Both SAF and IES Abroad offer study abroad programs to students from around the world and universities and colleges around the world. Each one attracts students from many countries and cultural backgrounds. And IES Abroad programs are designed to promote cultural exchange and immersion.

Studying with students from other parts of the world can be a valuable part of the study abroad experience. It enables you to learn about different cultures and perspectives, practice language skills, and build international connections and friendships.

Many SAF and IES Abroad programs offer social and cultural activities and excursions that bring together students from different programs and backgrounds to build a sense of community and support while abroad.