SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa's historical and cultural context provides an ideal environment to learn about human rights.
YOUR CITY
Cape Town
Crowned by the iconic Table Mountain and stretching to the beautiful blue coastline, Cape Town is a stunning city ready to take your breath away. One of South Africa’s three capitals, Cape Town is a lively metropolis that is proudly multicultural. Since the end of Apartheid in 1994, South Africa has become a leader in the human rights space with one of the most progressive constitutions in the world. The work to promote and protect human rights continues today, with many social justice initiatives calling Cape Town home.
In a traditional classroom, most things are theory. When you come here, you actually see where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, how the history is unfolding, how diverse Cape Town is because of its history.”
Natasha S. | Kenya
Experience Cape Town
Hike Table Mountain
Take in the amazing views and biodiversity at Table Mountain, voted one of the new 7 wonders of the world!
Visit the District Six Museum
Explore connections between urban planning and social justice at the emotionally powerful District Six Museum.
Chill with the Penguins at Boulders Beach
Learn about conservation efforts to protect the 3000 endangered penguins that call Cape Town home.
Learn Traditional Dance
Experience traditional dances and learn some new moves with the Isibane Se Afrika choir and dance troupe.
Sample Xhosa Cuisine
Learn about and sample a variety Xhosa dishes like chakalaka and umnqusho.
Feel the Beat at Bridges for Music
See the power of art and community to drive change with a visit to this initiative empowering young creatives.
Explore the Cape of Good Hope
Hike the stunning coastline and take in the views along one of the southernmost points of the Africa continent.…
Head to the Farmers Market
Start your weekend at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market where local vendors serve up an amazing array of food and local artisan goods.…
Experience a South African Braai
Braais are a big part of South African culture and chances are you'll be invited to more than one of these wood-fired barbecues!…
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Observatory
Just a ten minute ride from downtown, Observatory – known to locals as Obs – is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood with a bohemian feel. Popular with artists and students from the nearby University, Observatory is brimming with quirky shops, cozy cafes, and a wide variety of restaurants. As you walk around, you’ll find eclectic thrift shops, bookstores, and some amazing street art.
YOUR HOME
Live together with your cohort
Within the Obs neighborhood, we provide several houses for Take Action Lab students. You’ll get to live together with several students coming from countries all over the world – adding another layer of cultural immersion to your experience. Each student has their own private bedroom with a bed, desk, and storage. Communal spaces – like the living room and fully equipped kitchen – make it easy to gather and socialize.
I sit around the dinner table every night with a Filipino, a Kenyan, and a Mexican – eating food from all of those places, learning about the cultures, the languages, the people, the stories. It's so beautiful – we all have our different biases because we've grown up in different contexts, but we also have so much that brings us together.”
Madhav P. | India
FAQ
What amenities does housing include?
Each student will have their own private individual bedroom with a bed frame, mattress, bed sheets & blanket, pillow & pillow cover, desk, mirror and wardrobe/dresser. Each shared house is unique, but all are equipped with:
- Common recreational/lounging areas
- Shared bathrooms: showers & toilets
- Kitchen with a range, tableware, cookware and cooking utensils, microwave, refrigerator, kettle, toaster
- Laundry facilities: washing & drying machines
- Smoke alarms
- Security alarm systems
- Wifi internet
Are meals provided?
Meals are not provided. Students should be prepared to purchase their own food and prepare in the shared kitchen space. Each shared house comes with an equipped kitchen including a range, tableware, cookware and cooking utensils, microwave, refrigerator, kettle, toaster.
Upcoming semesters - Apply now!
Cape Town, South Africa
Fall 2024
August 12 - December 6, 2024
Application Deadlines
First: Sept 6
Priority: Oct 11
Regular: Mar 15
Final: Apr 19
Cape Town, South Africa
Spring 2025
February 3 - May 30, 2025
Application Deadlines
First: Mar 15
Priority: Apr 19
Regular: Sep 4
Final: Oct 4