Intercultural Studies in South Africa
The lions and giraffes are fascinating, but the important social and political lessons will make an even bigger impression.
Standing in Nelson Mandela's former home - and the tiny cell where he spent 18 of his 27 years in prison - adds powerful context to his fight for democracy and reconciliation. As you explore South Africa's cultural diversity, remarkable wildlife and natural landmarks, you'll begin to understand the story of a fascinating country.
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Day 1: Fly to South Africa
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Day 2: Fly to South Africa
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Day 3: Johannesburg
Meet your Field Director at the airportTake a guided tour of Johannesburg
With your expert local guide you will see:
- The Soweto neighborhood, one of the most famous townships in the country, known for its deep cultural roots, pivotal role in the anti-apartheid movement, and dynamic local life
- The former home of Bishop Desmond Tutu, which stands as a modest but powerful symbol of the anti-apartheid leader's lifelong commitment to peace, justice, and human rights
Visit the former home of Winnie and Nelson Mandela on Vilakazi Street, where personal artifacts and stories offer a glimpse into their lives and the fight against apartheid
Enjoy lunch in Johannesburg
Visit the Apartheid Museum to gain a powerful and immersive understanding of South Africa’s struggle for freedom and the legacy of apartheid
Enjoy dinner in Johannesburg
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Day 4: Johannesburg
Take a full-day excursion to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds about 40% of the world's known human ancestor fossils and offers fascinating insights into our evolutionary past
Visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre, an award-winning exhibition that explores the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years
Visit the Sterkfontein Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for groundbreaking discoveries that offer a fascinating glimpse into early human evolution
Enjoy dinner in Johannesburg
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Day 5: Johannesburg • Kruger National Park
Travel via the Panorama Route to Kruger National Park
Take an exhilarating ride down 51 meters in Africa’s first glass-fronted viewing elevator, then explore the lush Afromontane forest below via a 600-meter boardwalk featuring suspension bridges, a waterfall, and interactive exhibits
Enjoy dinner in Kruger National Park
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Day 6: Kruger National Park
Take a full-day game drive at Kruger National Park
Enjoy lunch at Kruger National Park
Enjoy dinner in Kruger National Park
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Day 7: Kruger National Park • Johannesburg • Cape Town
Take an early morning bush walk
Travel back to Johannesburg
Fly to Cape Town, a coastal city known for its natural beauty
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Day 8: Cape Town
Visit the summit of Table Mountain, a sandstone plateau that overlooks the city
Take a guided tour of Cape Town
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Devil's Peak
- Lion's Head
- Company Gardens
- Greenmarket Square
- Victoria and Alfred waterfront
Visit the District 6 Museum
Visit the Castle of Good Hope, South Africa's oldest surviving colonial building
Take a ferry to Robben Island
With your Field Director you will see:
- Nelson Mandela's prison cell where the revolutionary leader was held for 18 years
- Lime quarries where the prisoners were used for hard labor
Enjoy dinner in Cape Town
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Day 9: Cape Town
Take a tour of Cape Town
With your Field Director you will see:
- Sea Point, where a scenic promenade, beachfront cafes, and stunning ocean views create the perfect spot for relaxing walks
- Clifton, known for its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and trendy beachfront homes nestled between majestic cliffs
- Camps Bay, a stylish seaside suburb famous for its palm-lined promenade, lively restaurants, and stunning views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range meeting the Atlantic Ocean
Visit Cape Point Nature Reserve where rugged cliffs, diverse wildlife, and sweeping ocean views meet at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula
Ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular at Cape Point for an effortless and scenic journey up to the historic lighthouse, where breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean and coastline await
Enjoy lunch in Cape Town
Visit the African Penguin Colony at Boulder's Beach
Enjoy a photo stop at Simon's Town
Visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Enjoy dinner in Cape Town
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Day 10: Cape Town • Depart for home
Add this in-depth excursion:
Langa Township
Take an educational tour of the Langa Township, one of the most culturally and historically significant neighborhoods in Cape Town. Get a glimpse of what life was like in one of the most segregated towns in South Africa during apartheid.
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Day 11: Arrive home
-
Day 1: Fly to South Africa
-
Day 2: Fly to South Africa
-
Day 3: Johannesburg
Meet your Field Director at the airportTake a guided tour of Johannesburg
With your expert local guide you will see:
- The Soweto neighborhood, one of the most famous townships in the country, known for its deep cultural roots, pivotal role in the anti-apartheid movement, and dynamic local life
- The former home of Bishop Desmond Tutu, which stands as a modest but powerful symbol of the anti-apartheid leader's lifelong commitment to peace, justice, and human rights
Visit the former home of Winnie and Nelson Mandela on Vilakazi Street, where personal artifacts and stories offer a glimpse into their lives and the fight against apartheid
Enjoy lunch in Johannesburg
Visit the Apartheid Museum to gain a powerful and immersive understanding of South Africa’s struggle for freedom and the legacy of apartheid
Enjoy dinner in Johannesburg
-
Day 4: Johannesburg
Take a full-day excursion to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds about 40% of the world's known human ancestor fossils and offers fascinating insights into our evolutionary past
Visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre, an award-winning exhibition that explores the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years
Visit the Sterkfontein Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for groundbreaking discoveries that offer a fascinating glimpse into early human evolution
Enjoy dinner in Johannesburg
-
Day 5: Johannesburg • Kruger National Park
Travel via the Panorama Route to Kruger National Park
Take an exhilarating ride down 51 meters in Africa’s first glass-fronted viewing elevator, then explore the lush Afromontane forest below via a 600-meter boardwalk featuring suspension bridges, a waterfall, and interactive exhibits
Enjoy dinner in Kruger National Park
-
Day 6: Kruger National Park
Take a full-day game drive at Kruger National Park
Enjoy lunch at Kruger National Park
Enjoy dinner in Kruger National Park
-
Day 7: Kruger National Park • Johannesburg • Cape Town
Take an early morning bush walk
Travel back to Johannesburg
Fly to Cape Town, a coastal city known for its natural beauty
-
Day 8: Cape Town
Visit the summit of Table Mountain, a sandstone plateau that overlooks the city
Take a guided tour of Cape Town
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Devil's Peak
- Lion's Head
- Company Gardens
- Greenmarket Square
- Victoria and Alfred waterfront
Visit the District 6 Museum
Visit the Castle of Good Hope, South Africa's oldest surviving colonial building
Take a ferry to Robben Island
With your Field Director you will see:
- Nelson Mandela's prison cell where the revolutionary leader was held for 18 years
- Lime quarries where the prisoners were used for hard labor
Enjoy dinner in Cape Town
-
Day 9: Cape Town
Take a tour of Cape Town
With your Field Director you will see:
- Sea Point, where a scenic promenade, beachfront cafes, and stunning ocean views create the perfect spot for relaxing walks
- Clifton, known for its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and trendy beachfront homes nestled between majestic cliffs
- Camps Bay, a stylish seaside suburb famous for its palm-lined promenade, lively restaurants, and stunning views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range meeting the Atlantic Ocean
Visit Cape Point Nature Reserve where rugged cliffs, diverse wildlife, and sweeping ocean views meet at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula
Ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular at Cape Point for an effortless and scenic journey up to the historic lighthouse, where breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean and coastline await
Enjoy lunch in Cape Town
Visit the African Penguin Colony at Boulder's Beach
Enjoy a photo stop at Simon's Town
Visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Enjoy dinner in Cape Town
-
Day 10: Cape Town • Depart for home
Add this in-depth excursion:
Langa Township
Take an educational tour of the Langa Township, one of the most culturally and historically significant neighborhoods in Cape Town. Get a glimpse of what life was like in one of the most segregated towns in South Africa during apartheid.
-
Day 11: Arrive home
Confidence • Curiosity • Global perspective • Empathy • Adaptability • Relatability • Self-Awareness
What's Included
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Transportation
Various modes of transport are tailored to your program. While some transfers are included, others may come at additional cost.
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Accommodations
Safe, comfortable lodging will be waiting for you at your destination.
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Select meals
Enjoy a combination of included meals and the freedom to explore local cuisine on your own.
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End-to-end support
Your dedicated EF team helps secure administrative approval and academic credit, provides enrollment tools, and helps establish your program’s ongoing presence on campus.
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EF Global Learning Toolkit
We offer various tools to help educators facilitate student growth abroad and on campus, including academically enriched travel programs, industry engagement opportunities, global learning resources, and a Global Competencies Assessment tool.
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Guided exploration
Gain insider knowledge and cultural perspective from licensed local guides: natural historians who provide cultural insights to enhance learning moments throughout the program.
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Field Visits
Experience academics in action during engaging visits with relevant organizations, thought leaders, and partners.
