Diversity in Cape Town
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. On this page, local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter at their location.
The information below is just a broad overview so if you have specific questions or concerns not covered here, please email inclusion@ciee.org. We would be glad to have local staff share their perspectives, talk with you about accommodations, connect you with resources, and/or put you in touch with a program alum who could speak about their experiences navigating a program in this location
No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff—all of whom receive regular and comprehensive training in diversity, equity, and inclusion—will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support regarding these issues.
Body Size/Image
Some South Africans consider overweight or obese bodies representative of good health and wealth. However, popular media often reinforces the dominant cultural belief that thinness is more attractive. Stereotypes about gender and body shape persist here, as they do worldwide.
Disability
Disabled individuals are still not fully accommodated in South African society, though some sectors are making intentional efforts to improve accessibility. The University of Cape Town (UCT) campus is located on a mountainside with many stairs, but the institution is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair users should allow extra time to navigate the campus. The free shuttle bus to campus accommodates wheelchair users by arrangement.
The university’s disability services also support neurodiverse students by providing academic accommodations, such as speech-to-text, text-to-audio and voice-over services, scribes, and extra time on assessments.
The Cape Town CIEE office and classrooms are wheelchair accessible for students not directly enrolled at UCT.
Socioeconomic Status
Many South African students live on less than $300/month, so your money may stretch far in South Africa. However, it's important to live as locals do to manage your budget effectively. This includes eating out rarely and cooking meals at home. Budget for safe transportation, as public transport is unreliable and not always safe. Rideshare apps, such as Uber, are commonly used. Fortunately, many natural attractions like beaches and mountains are free to access, and museums and galleries are free on the first Thursday of the month.
Gender and Gender Identity
South Africa has been working toward gender-neutral identification since 2018, but these plans remain unimplemented. Despite a survey indicating 530,000 people self-identify as non-binary, administrative systems have not caught up.
Non-binary students might still encounter challenges due to the binary forms required for official processes, as well as limited education on gender diversity. This may lead to discomfort, such as gender dysphoria and distress related to gendered bathrooms and high levels of GBV in some communities.
At CIEE Cape Town, staff warmly welcome all students regardless of background. Housing options for gender non-conforming students help create a more inclusive environment.
X Gender Marker
While there have been plans to revise and introduce gender-neutral identification of South African Identity Documents since 2018, these plans have yet to be implemented. This revision has gained traction in 2021 and 2022 as 530,000 people living in South Africa have self-identified as non-binary in the latest survey. This momentum has not yet resulted in widespread education on gender diversity let alone the realization of gender-neutral identification administratively. Unfortunately, students with the X gender marker on their passports would still be required to fill out documents in the gender binary (male and female), with little understanding of the difference between sex assigned at birth and self-identified gender. As such, non-binary students might still experience gender dysphoria and/or distress due to gendered bathrooms and the high level of gender-based violence in many South African communities. Fortunately, at CIEE Cape Town, we have queer-identifying and gender inclusive staff, as well as housing options available for gender non-conforming individuals to make our site a welcoming and inclusive space for all students to study.
Heritage Seekers
South Africa's history of Apartheid has left a divisive legacy. The term "Coloured," commonly used in South Africa to describe a specific racial group, can cause pain and confusion for heritage seekers. Many Black-identifying students from abroad may be misidentified as Coloured or face assumptions about linguistic fluency, which can feel alienating.
Racial and Ethnic Identity
Race and ethnicity remain central to South Africa's history and society due to its colonial past and Apartheid policies. The racial hierarchy created during Apartheid still impacts relationships and perceptions today. South Africans may classify international students as Black, Coloured, or another racial category based on appearance and assumptions.
Asian American students, for example, are often referred to as "Chinese," regardless of heritage or nationality. These categorizations can feel reductive, though they stem from local norms.
Students are encouraged to engage with diverse perspectives and seek to build relationships while navigating these complexities. CIEE staff are on hand to provide advice throughout your program.
Religion
Religious freedom is enshrined in South Africa's constitution, and the nation hosts a multiplicity of beliefs. While 80% of citizens identify as Christian, Cape Town also has a prominent Muslim population. Observant Muslims may close businesses for Friday prayers, and schools may permit early dismissals for religious observance. Judaism, Hinduism, and traditional African religions are also practiced widely. Christian holidays, such as Good Friday and Christmas, are national public holidays.
Sexual Orientation
South Africa's 1996 Constitution explicitly protects LGBTQI+ rights. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2006, making South Africa the first African country and the fifth globally to do so. However, societal acceptance varies greatly, particularly in impoverished areas where violence and persecution persist.
Cape Town offers a relatively welcoming environment for LGBTQI+ individuals, but disparities between legal rights and lived experiences remain significant.
Programs in Cape Town
Live from Cape Town
With a glorious climate and natural draws like Table Mountain and stunning beaches, it’s no wonder Cape Town is Africa’s number-one tourist destination. Day and night, this multicultural city offers much to do: water sports, mountaineering, nightclubs, and restaurants. Learn more about programs in Cape Town
Week 3
Students have had a busy (and sunny) past couple of days, and they have taken part in plenty of water activities. Everyone had the chance to search for aquatic wildlife... keep reading
Penguins, Surfing, and African Stew
After getting settled in, students had a very exciting first week. After the weather finally cleared, students have taken part in a wide variety of South African activities. Adventures started... keep reading
Cape Town July 10
Week 1: Students are finally settling in to begin their program in Cape Town. The trip got off to a late start after severe weather caused a flight delay and... keep reading