Experience Cape Town

During the past two decades, South Africa has witnessed sweeping changes in its political and cultural landscape. Previously stigmatized because of its violently racist regime, it is now celebrated as a nation with one of the most progressive constitutions in the world.

Get introduced to South Africa’s rich and complex history through courses and lectures that explore a dynamic society in transition, then immerse yourself in the living history of South Africa by interning with institutions that are helping create a democratic civil society.

Cape Town, the location of the national parliament, is a magnificently beautiful city nestled between sandy beaches and gorgeous mountaintops.

August 13 - November 28
FALL 2026
Program Highlights Academics Apply

Application Deadline

March 1

Eligibility

All students who have sophomore status or above and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Contact / Advising

Holland Page
Global Education and Fellowships Advisor
Schedule advising here. 

Gina Difino
Director, Global Education and Fellowships
HonorsBurch@unc.edu 

Studying in Cape Town has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life. My time there has broadened my worldview and changed my understanding of the world in my place in it, challenging me to engage more deeply with issues of justice and inequality. Cape Town is an amazing, active, and beautiful city, too, and getting to live there for four months was an immense privilege. This program also creates such a special space for friendships to grow and blossom, and it has left me with some of the deepest and most meaningful friendships of my life.

Lily Kane, 2025 Program Participant

Take advantage of internship opportunities while studying in South Africa to get a true feel for the country and its people. Internships are available in public health, education, public policy, human rights and many other fields.
INTERNSHIPS
I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
Nelson Mandela