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IPSL: Study, Service & Research in SOUTH AFRICA (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Cape Town, South Africa
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
  • Program Sponsor: IPSL: Study Abroad + Service-Learning 
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2025 10/15/2024 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA
Fall 2025 03/15/2025 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Areas of Study: African Studies, Criminology, Culture, Economics, Government, Health and Human Services, History, Human Rights, Independent Study, International Relations, International Studies, Minority Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Peace Studies, Political Science, Politics, Pre-Health, Psychology, Public Relations, Service Learning, Social Policy & Administration Click here for a definition of this term Minimum Undergraduate GPA: 2.5
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English Click here for a definition of this term Housing Options: Home Stay
Program Type: Study Abroad, Volunteer Abroad
Program Description:
SOUTH AFRICA
Apartheid's Footprint, Community Health and Transformation

Cape Town collage

NOW MORE THAN EVER...
There is a clear and pressing need to engage with our world in an ACTIVE way. The world needs young leaders to fight for social justice and equal rights. Are you up for the challenge? Then be part of COSA™ - the only study abroad program working to create sustainable change though advocacy!

COSA - Community Organizing and Social Activism
Learn the practical skills to be an active agent of change and social justice. Study the many international efforts in history, learn from these efforts and use them to develop a personal ethic of service, advocacy and civic engagement. COSA will teach you the skills of community organizing and empower you to create sustainable change in your own communities. 

Experience South Africa like a local...not a tourist in Cape Town!

Are you studying psychology, social work, criminal justice or health related subjects? Then IPSL''s South African Apartheid's Footprint, Community Health and Transformation program is for you! Be a part of a program that helps you gain experience by supporting (& assisting) experienced social workers in a rehabilitative program for people seeking a better life. The focus is on health, finding purpose and building community and social networks.  Help beneficiaries learn to replace destructive thinking and behavior patterns with healthier ones and by doing so improve their self-esteem and confidence. Opportunities for volunteer service include working on an urban farm, maker’s market, moving produce to marketplace, community engagement events (with topics of literacy, arts and crafts, self-defense, yoga and cooking and sustainable design projects), social work and assisting in group sessions. 

Language of Instruction
English

Courses & Credits
Students may take up to 15 credits per semester 

Required Courses
COSA in South Africa (Community Organizing & Social Activism)
Intro to COSA

Possible Electives
Electives may vary depending on term and, as with all institutions, may not be offered due to low enrollment and other factors. Additionally, not all choices may be available as there may be a scheduling conflict between the required courses, your service obligations and your electives. It is best to choose additional electives from the list and get approval from your home school in advance.

Apartheid's Footprint: South Africa Today
Community Health and Engagement: Volunteer Development, Social Enterprise and Justice in South Africa

Service Opportunities 
Opportunities for substantive service (approximately 15 hours per week) are generally available in the following areas:
Youth Development
Education
Medicine/Health
Social Service

Housing
Students will live in a homestay with a South African family in Cape Town. Bedrooms can be either single or double-occupancy and shared with another same-sex family member or other student. Full board is included. An integral part of the program, the homestay offers you the opportunity to make life-long friends, gain higher proficiency in the language, and experience the culture from "the inside." All IPSL host families are carefully selected and experienced with hosting students. Living with local residents is part of the immersion experience. Instead of being a tourist, an IPSL student gets to know what it's like to be part of a different culture.

Eligibility
The program welcomes students of any nation who have a high school diploma or equivalent credential. TOEFL equivalent 550. 

What's Included?
Tuition and academic fees; academic transcript; on-site and on-line orientation and pre-departure materials; homestay housing; two to three meals per day, 7 days per week; service placement and supervision; health insurance;  pick-up and drop off at the airport upon arrival and departure; academic excursions.

What's typically NOT Included? 
Passport; in-country visa; vaccine fees (if required); international airfare; books; personal spending money; some meals; local personal transportation; local cell phone; and independent travel.

IPSL engages students, educators, and grassroots organizations around the world in hands-on service to promote equitable relationships, social justice, sustainable change, and a commitment to our shared humanity. 
IPSL, the founder of Service-Learning, is a global education institute within the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM.edu). They invest over 83% of their revenues directly back into the communities where they serve.