Arcadia University College of Global Studies in Cape Town, South Africa- SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY DUE TO COVID-19

 

 

 

Overview Arcadia University provides students with the opportunity to study at two major universities in Cape Town: University of the Western Cape and University of Cape Town. While each university boasts unique histories and strengths, both allow students to fully immerse themselves in the diverse culture of South Africa through various courses and extracurricular experiences. These programs are open to qualified students of any major. The Arcadia Cape Town Center, located on the University of Cape Town's campus, provides students with any resources or assistance they might need during the course of their program abroad. The staff also plans excursions and opportunities to interact with the local communities for students interested in delving more deeply into Cape Town's traditions and cultures.

University of the Western Cape

Academics

The University of the Western Cape played a unique role in the struggle against apartheid since its founding. Many prominent faculty and alumni were initially appointed by Nelson Mandela, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu once served as the university's Vice-Chancellor.

UWC's strengths lie in the arts and humanities, with courses offered in fields such as Gender Studies, English, History and Sociology. All students are required to enroll in a three-credit cornerstone course: Introducing South Africa: History, Politics and Culture.

Students must enroll in four courses to maintain full-time status.

Housing & Meals

Students at the University of the Western Cape are housed in apartments or shared group houses in nearby neighborhoods. All shared accommodations are populated by Arcadia program participants studying at either UWC or the University of Cape Town. Daily transportation from housing to the UWC campus is provided at no additional cost by the program, and takes about 30-40 minutes.

Hollins students will be provided with an additional stipend to cover the cost of meals. 

University of Cape Town

Academics

The University of Cape Town is South Africa's oldest university and has special strengths in business, economics, and the physical sciences. The five major Faculties at UCT are Law, Engineering, Humanities, Commerce and Science. Of particular interest for STEM students are the courses available in applied biology, mathematics, statistics, chemistry, computer science, marine biology and physics.

All students are required to enroll in a three-credit cornerstone course: Introducing South Africa: History, Politics and Culture.

Students must enroll in four courses to maintain full-time status.

Housing & Meals

Students at the University of Cape Town have several options for housing. Those interested can elect to stay in UCT housing with other full-time students at either the on-campus Woolsack residence or off-campus Obz Square. Depending on which option students select, they may share bathrooms, kitchens and common areas with four to ten other students. Because participants will be housed with UCT students, availability at Woolsack and Obz Square can be limited.

Students can also choose to live in Arcadia's housing, which is shared with participants in the UWC program in nearby neighborhoods.

Residences are located within walking distance of either the UCT campus or a Jammie shuttle stop. The Jammie Shuttle is free to all UCT students with their student ID and runs frequently between the UCT campuses and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Hollins students will be provided with an additional stipend to cover the cost of meals. 
 

Shared Program Features

• Optional group flight with airport pick-up
• Full-time on-site staff at the Arcadia Cape Town Center
• On-site orientation program
• Optional excursions organized by the Arcadia staff in Cape Town (may include additional costs)

What is Covered by the Comprehensive Fee

• Tuition
• Accommodations
• Meal stipend
• Planned excursions to locations like Table Mountain and the Kirstenbosch gardens
• Comprehensive health insurance while abroad
• Orientation on Hollins campus and at program site
• Program handbook and other materials
• International Student ID Card

Additional Costs (not covered by program costs)

• Roundtrip airfare
• Books and other course-related expenses
• Personal expenses, including independent travel
• Pay-as-you-go internet access in Arcadia accommodations

Eligibility

• Sophomore or Junior status
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Two faculty recommendations
• No major disciplinary infractions

Applicants are also evaluated on their academic and personal maturity, flexibility, and openness to new cultural experiences. Hollins recommends approved candidates to the program, which makes final admissions decisions.**

**Please note: In addition to the Hollins application, you must also apply directly to Arcadia for acceptance into this program.  
 

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