Semester Study Abroad
Services: Orientation programme
UCT orientation provides critical information about academic procedures, financial arrangements, and safety concerns. It is very important that all study abroad students attend this orientation from 27 January - 1 February 2013. As part of the orientation, students will register for classes.
Dates: Orientation will take place during the five days prior to the start of term. Orientation will start with a tour of the Cape Peninsula on Sunday, 27 January 2013 at 08h00, parking area, Bremner Building, Middle Campus. To get some idea of what takes place, review the previous programme below.
Typical events included in the five-day orientation programme are as follows:
Guided tour of the Cape Peninsula:
All-day tour of the Peninsula. The tour highlights the natural beauty of the Cape, including a visit to Cape Point, an opportunity to see the penguins at Boulders Beach, hiking, lunch and refreshments.Information and activity day:
- Personal safety at UCT and in Cape Town
- International clearance information
- HIV and AIDS in South Africa and "culture shock"
- Travel opportunities
- Cell-phones / mobile phones - vendors available for purchases
- Walking tour of surrounding area to see location of shops, banks, etc
Academic advice and welcome to UCT:
- Academic advisers talk about course selections. There are also personal consultations.
- International clearance to register - bring passport and proof of payment of fees.
- Opening address by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr. Max Price, at 17h00.
- Drum circle - wear comfortable clothes for drumming. This is an interactive event.
- Welcome reception - eats and soft-drinks are served. An African marimba band will be performing.
Community service day:
(The proceedings start at 09h00 sharp - please be on time.)
- Cape Town in context including an overview of townships in the Cape and a history of the Students' Health and Welfare Centres Organisation (SHAWCO).
- Visits to community centres in the townships where you may volunteer through SHAWCO (UCT student-run charity) to work with those in need. Bring money for snacks and purchases.
Registration Day:
- All students must have received their International clearance prior to registration.
- Bring your passport and proof of medical insurance for the semester, a photocopy of your passport page, study visa and medical insurance and proof of payment of tuition fees.
- Registration takes place at the various faculties, but you must have your clearance letter from IAPO.
- After registration you will get your student card, assisted by Orientation assistants.
- Registration process begins at 09h00 and runs through till 13h00.
