TCU is offering a new study abroad program in Stellenbosch, South Africa for Spring 2019. Stellenbosch is located in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, just outside of Cape Town.

While many students have studied abroad in South Africa before, it is the third most popular study abroad destination outside of Europe, TCU study abroad has not had its own program there and instead relied on “TCU Approved” programs.

The Stellenbosch program was added to TCU’s travel abroad repertoire following a significant growth of interest from students about studying overseas. The TCU student body has grown by 21 percent since the 2007-08 school year, and program coordinator for the Center of International Studies Jesica Severson said that during that same period study abroad participation has grown by 54 percent.

Students who travel to Stellenbosch will study and live at Stellenbosch University, one of the oldest universities in South Africa. The university features courses in the sciences, liberal arts and business.

TCU chose Stellenbosch University due to its academic offerings across a wide array of disciplines, the most specific being the sciences, which Severson said has been a huge area of need.

The Center for International Studies said TCU in Stellenbosch is TCU’s cheapest semester study abroad program.

In addition to it being the cheapest study abroad option, the Center for International Studies is giving away extra scholarships for students who participate in the inaugural Spring 2019 and Fall 2019 programs.

Classes at Stellenbosch will be taught in English, which is important to make study abroad accessible to a wide array of majors. There are opportunities to engage in critical global issues like sustainability, democratization, social inequalities and public health. Students can also experience cultural opportunities, such as hiking, surfing and safari.

“This is not your typical study abroad!” Severson said. “We’re really excited to expand our programming to a new corner of the globe and send TCU students to Stellenbosch. It’s going to be an unforgettable adventure.”