University of the Western Cape
University of Missouri-St. Louis Exchange Program in South Africa
| University
of the Western Cape
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What is it like there?
For over 20 years the University of Missouri has been a formal academic
partner of the University of the Western
Cape (UWC), located in Belleville, outside of Cape Town, South Africa.
The linkage arose in the period of apartheid and reflected UM's efforts
to make a positive difference in a country whose government systematically
disadvantaged its majority population. Over the years, more than 350 faculty
exchanges have taken place, establishing a broad reservoir of familiarity
between the two institutions.
Through historic changes brought about by the end of apartheid and the adoption of a new South African constitution in 1994, the UM/UWC linkage evolved as well. In Fall 1998, UWC and UM's four campuses began exchanging students.
UWC was founded in the 1960's to meet the educational needs for people classified as "Coloured." It grew dramatically in the 1980's and early 1990's and now enrolls approximately 12,000 students in a wide range of academic programs. Today, with its autonomous status, UWC is open to all South Africans and operates under a non-racial democratic philosophy. It is recognized as a progressive institution with a well-earned reputation as one of the intellectual centers of the opposition to apartheid. Archbishop Desmond Tutu currently serves as the chancellor of the university. As with other historically disadvantaged universities in South Africa, it continues to struggle with underfunding, heavy teaching loads for most faculty and some underprepared students. True to its activist tradition, UWC students are involved in the political process and mobilize other students on various issues.
What will I study?
UM-St. Louis students may enroll in any UWC courses for which they are
qualified and for which space is available. Students will typically enroll
in courses in the humanities, social sciences and business, but nursing,
public health and other disciplines may offer possibilities as well.
To see the course listings, please go to http://www.uwc.ac.za. On the left bar, click on "Prospective" underneath Student. Then click "What can I study at UWC?" From there, download the relevant faculty (college) Yearbook to see the courses available. Please contact the study abroad coordinator if you have any problems.
Depending on your major field, practicum and research opportunities may be available.
What is the language of instruction?
The main language of instruction is English, with some coursework being
taught in Afrikaans.
Where will I live?
Most students choose to live in the on-campus dormitories. There are shared
and single rooms available. Housing is guaranteed if you go during UWC's
first semester (February - June). Details and photos of the student residences available here.
There is also the possiblity of staying with a South African host family. This is an excellent way to truly immerse yourself in the local culture.
When can I go?
UM-St. Louis students may attend UWC for one semeseter or a full academic
year. UWC's calendar is typical of universities in the Southern Hemisphere:
First Semester: mid-February - late June
Second Semester: late July - early December
What are the eligibility requirements?
Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and be a junior, senior,
or graduate student.
How can I learn more?
Visit the University of the Western Cape's website or stop by the Study Abroad Office in 261 MSC to browse their catalogs.
You can also make an appointment to discuss this program with a study
abroad advisor; call 516-5229.
How much does it cost?
Below are the 2011-2012 estimated costs for one semester (4 months) at UWC
compared to a semester at UM-St. Louis. When you participate in a UM-St. Louis exchange program, like UWC, you continue to pay UMSL tuition and may use your financial aid. In addition, both CIS and external scholarships are available.
| University of the Western Cape | UM-St. Louis | |
| Educational Fees1 | $3094.80 | $3094.80 |
| Information Technology Fee | $148.80 | $148.80 |
| Student Facility, Activity, & Health Fee | $0.00 | $464.40 |
| Housing2 | $1,000.00 | $3151.00 |
| Meals3 | $1,100.00 | $1,650.00 |
| Airfare | $2,300.00 | |
| Books | $250.00 | $400.00 |
| Miscellaneous4 | $600.00 | |
| Total Estimated Cost5 | $8,493.60 | $8,909.00 |
1 Educational fees are based on 12 credit hours. Non-resident fees may apply.
2 Housing cost based on single room at UMSL, shared room at UWC.
3 UMSL cost based on Option 2 Plus Meal Plan.
4 Includes UWC application/registration fee of approx. $100, local transportation and mandatory international insurance.
5 Please note that expenses are ESTIMATES. Costs vary depending on the exchange rate, the inflation rate, individual spending habits, and amount of extra travel. The cost estimate above does not include personal expenses or independent travel, which vary widely from student to student.
How to Apply/Application Process:
To apply, please visit the Study Abroad Application Deadlines & Procedures page.
Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation:
All UM-St. Louis students who study abroad are required to attend pre-departure orientation. This session will cover registration and financial aid, credit transfer, travel, health and safety topics, culture shock, and much more. Details and location.
Last modified February 2, 2012