Study Abroad in Stellenbosch: Beyond the Classroom

Learning does not begin or end in the classroom. To help you get a true taste of South African culture, a wealth of cultural activities and excursions are included in your program fee. Varied activities organized by AIFS and the International Office may include:

  • Vineyard tour and wine tasting
  • Visit to Parliament in Cape Town
  • Trips to Robben Island and the Cape of Good Hope
  • Weekend hiking
  • Social get-togethers at a local pub
  • Rugby
  • Beach days
  • Picnics

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. A Whale Festival in September celebrates whales and spring fynbos (an indigenous plant found only in the Western Cape).

You will also have the opportunity to see 17 species of monkeys 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). Students also visit the Knysna Elephant Park.