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Learn English in Cape Town - English language school in South Africa
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Cape Town, South Africa
Minimum Age: 18 years Average Age: 20 – 35 years
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| Cape Town | Language School | English Courses | Exam Preparation Courses | Business English Programs | Junior Course | Dates | Activities/Excursions | Visit Cape Town | South Africa | Visa | Accommodation | Prices | Registration | How To Get Around Cape Town |
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Cape Town
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Cape Town is one of the most exciting and beautiful travel destinations in the world today. South Africa is a wonderful destination to learn english and meet people from all over the world. With its landmark Table Mountain, two surrounding oceans that meet at the Cape of Good Hope, stunning beaches and natural parks, the city is considered to be in one of the most lovely settings on earth. Within these surroundings, the traveller to Cape Town can experience a stimulating diversity of people, cultures and religions, living together in a cosmopolitan and unifying city.
South Africa's scenic beauty and wealth of natural resources invite you to combine an English language course with a trip through southern Africa. A wide variety of tours are offered, from a 3-day safari in the Kruger National Park to a 19-day adventure tour to the Victoria Falls.
|  | | South Africa's population is 48 million with 3 million living in Cape Town. Nearly all religions, skin colors and over 10 languages are represented in South Africa. However English is the most dominant and commonly used language in South Africa. | Cape Town offers: - Paragliding
- Surfing fun
- Parades
- A mild climate all year round
- Friendly people
- Natural surroundings that allow almost any outdoor activity
- Famous tourist attractions such as Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned
- First class services such as excellent restaurants, hotels and entertainment
- The Waterfront, a popular entertainment area
- Activities like whale watching, shark diving,
- Bungee jumping, wine tasting and more.
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Language School
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The school was founded in 1995 as one of the first English language schools in Cape Town and has since played a leading role in developing Cape Town as an ever more popular destination. Our partner school is a founding member of ALTO and ELTASA and runs teacher training courses that are approved and moderated by the University of Cambridge ESOL .
You have the choice of two different locations, the southern suburbs or the city centre. The school in the southern suburbs offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere in which to study, while in the city centre students enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city on the main pedestrian walkway of Cape Town.
|  | | Both schools are centrally located with quick access to all forms of accommodation as well as shops, restaurants, sport facilities and public transport. The most popular beaches can be reached by Metrorail in 20 to 30 minutes. People learn best when they feel comfortable and relaxed. You will find both schools to be warm and friendly places in a quiet environment. Besides the usual learning facilities you will also find an interior that creates a pleasant atmosphere in which to study. In addition to fully equipped classrooms, both schools offer break rooms where students enjoy free coffee and tea, computer-based self-study programmes and free internet access for e-mailing. | City Centre: feeling the pulse of Cape Town
| The school is located in the heart of Cape Town, in the pedestrian walkway of St Georges Mall. Here you fell the hustle and bustle of city life and can enjoy the multicultural blend the city is so well known for. Shops, restaurants, banks and other conveniences are all around the school, the main train station is within 5 minutes walking distance. All major tourist attractions including the popular entertainment area of The Waterfront, beaches and Table Mountain can be reached by public transport in 15 to 20 minutes on average. |  | |
More info on the school (please click here)
Travel distances from the school: - 2 - 10 min.: Metro station, bus stop, restaurants and coffee shops, banks, hotels, travel agencies, Botanical Gardens.
- 15 min.: V&A Waterfront, shopping centres, cinema, theatre, fitness centre, public swimming pool, golf course.
- 20 min.: University of Cape Town, beaches, tennis courts.
- 25 min.: Wine estates.
Location Profile - Travelling to school: by Metrorail (5 min. from the station to the school) or by bus.
- School building: 1 building
- Disability constraints: suitable for people in a wheel chair.
Facilities: - 09 fully equipped classrooms.
- Reception area, break room.
- Lending library and electronic self-study facilities.
- Free Internet and e-mail access WLAN.
- Snacks, cooldrinks and lunch can be taken in one of the many take-aways, pubs or restaurants close by.
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Southern Suburbs: a relaxed atmosphere
| The school is located in two buildings in an upmarked residential area in the southern suburbs. Both buildings offer beautiful gardens in which classes regularly take place as well as a swimming pool. Here students can study in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, are close to all types of accommodation and have a commercial centre within walking distance that offers conveniences such as shopping centres, restaurants and banks. All major tourist attractions including popular beaches and the city centre can be reached by Metrorail in 20 to 30 minutes on average. |  | |
More info on the school (please click here)
Travel distances from the school: - 2 - 10 min.: Bus stop, metro station, restaurants and coffee shops, hotels, public swimming pool, fitness centre.
- 10 -15 min.: Shopping centres, banks, travel agencies, cinema.
- 15 min.: University of Cape Town, tennis courts, theatre, wine estates.
- 20 min.: City centre.
- 25 min.: V&A Waterfront, beaches.
Location Profile: - Travelling to school: by Metrorail (5 min. from the station to the school) or by bus.
- School buildings: 2 buildings with a capacity of 70 students each (one catering for higher-level students + one for lower-level students)
- Disability constraints: not suitable for people in a wheel chair.
Facilities: - 18 comfortable classrooms, all with sufficientnatural light.
- Beautiful gardens in which classes regularly take place.
- Reception areas, break room, outdoor pools.
- Lending library and electronic self-study facilities.
- Free Internet and e-mail access WLAN.
- Snacks and cooldrinks can be bought at the school. Lunch can be taken in one of the many take-aways, pubs or restaurants close by.
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The most valuable asset the school has are its committed staff members. It is them who make your stay an unforgettable experience, and who help students to achieve their goals. All staff members are regularly trained through in-house workshops and external international training courses. The outcome of this is a competent team ready to provide the service students need. To ensure excellent service there are specialised staff members for all key areas such as education, accommodation, activities, work placement and groups.
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English Courses
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There is a comprehensive listening and oral test before the course begins. This allows you to start in the correct level right from the outset. On the first day of the course there is also an introductory meeting. All ongoing courses are structured around a 4-week cycle. At the beginning of a cycle all classes start with a new coursebook and follow that book for the next 4 weeks. At the end of the cycle, all students write a test. Students continuing the course either move to the next level or repeat the same level with a different coursebook.
The course is based on a four-week cycle. Students can start any Monday but we recommend starting at the beginning of a cycle. Beginners and Study Year Students can only start at the beginning of a cycle. Please refer to Dates for recommended starting dates. We do not recommend starting in the last week of a cycle. Further more students coming for more than 4 weeks benefit from starting on a recommended starting date. |  | Levels
6 course levels are offered – beginners, elementary, pre-intermediate, intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced. Syllabus
The lessons are geared towards the needs and interests of the students in each class. There is usually a mix of the four skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking – and of language systems – grammar and vocuabulary, with a strong focus on communication and real-life tasks. At least two books are used in each level so that students repeating a level do not repeat material.
Refundable deposit
On the first day, the students need to provide a refundable deposit of ZAR 500 (EUR 40 / USD 60). The deposit covers the course book rental, possibly the accommodation keys, pre-booked excursions and breakage at the host family (by Cash, Visa or Mastercard). The deposit will be refunded in full in case of no loss or damage. | |
To know what's included and what's not included (please click here)
All courses include: - Pre-course placement test on arrival.
- Course certificate for students who successfully complete the course (excluding students missing more than 10% of their lessons).
- Course report outlining the student´s progress is issued for courses of 4 weeks or longer
- Teaching materials can be loaned at the school
- LEARNING MATERIALS: are not included in the price. They can either be loaned at a refundable deposit (see below) of or purchased at a price of ZAR 250 - 300 (= EUR 20-25).
- Orientation and welcome pack (including map).
- Access to multimedia study centre (computers, videos,listening facilities and virtual language laboratory).
- Free access to e-mail and access to internet.
- One-way airport transfer from Cape Town Int. Airport if accommodation is booked
- 1 lesson = 50 minutes
Not inclusive: - Cambridge course books: EUR 35 (2 books)
- Normal course books: can be loaned against a refundable deposit or purchased at a price of EUR 20-25 (1 book)
* If you are paying the deposit for the student residence or the students house, you will have the chance to borrow the books for free. All courses except the exam preparation courses are offered at both centres. |
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English Standard Course (20 lessons per week)
| The English Standard Course is recommended for students who wish to improve their general English while having enough time to enjoy Cape Town. The lessons include grammar, reading, writing, listening and vocabulary extension, with a strong focus on communication. An emphasis is placed on real-life situations through role-plays, conversations, interviews, and simulated telephone dialogues. Homework is given 3 to 4 times a week. You receive a certificate after completion of your course to confirm the total course hours. For courses of 4 weeks or longer you also receive a detailed course report. |  | |
More details (please click here)
- Availability At both centres
- Content General English [coursebook + supplementary lessons]
- Time 09h00 - 12h40
- Lessons per week 20 lessons of 50 min. each + 2 sessions of self access
- Group size 5-8 students (max. 10)
- Duration 2 - 23 weeks
- Levels Beginner to Advanced
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English Standard PLUS Course (25 lessons per week)
| The English Standard-Plus Course is recommended for students who wish to focus on specific areas. It is a combination of the English Standard Course and an additional 5 one-to-one lessons per week. A total of 25 lessons per week.
For one-to-one lessons, students can choose a focus of study when booking the course. The exact needs within the focus of study are then established at the beginning of the course through a needs analysis.
Available areas: - General English
- Business English
- Hotel & Tourism
- Secretarial English
- Exam preparation
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More details (please click here)
- Availability At both centres
- Content General English [coursebook + supplementary lessons] + one-to-one with focused area
- Time 09h00 - 12h40 (group lessons) and 13h30 - 14h20 or 14h30 – 15h20 (one-to-one lessons)
- Lessons per week 25 lessons of 50 min. each + 2 sessions of self access
- Group size 5-8 students (max. 10) (exept for one-to-one)
- Duration 2 - 23 weeks
- Levels Beginner to Advanced
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English Intensive Course (30 lessons per week)
| The English Intensive Course is recommended for students who want a more intense study programme. It is a combination of the English Standard Course and an additional 10 intensive group lessons per week. A total of 30 lessons per week.
In the afternoon, lessons focus on actively using the language. The training is complemented by discussions around South African culture, history and current affairs. There are no lessons on Wednesday afternoons. Students can have a free afternoon or participate in 2 sessions of self access. |  | |
More details (please click here)
- Availability At both centres
- Content General English [coursebook + supplementary lessons] + Communication and Culture
- Time 09h00 - 12h40 and 13h30 - 15h45 (except Wednesdays)
- Lessons per week 30 lessons of 50 min. each + 2 sessions of self access
- Group size 5-8 students (max. 10) (exept for one-to-one)
- Duration 2 - 23 weeks
- Levels Elementary to Advanced
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One-to-One English Course (min. 15, 20, 25 or 30 lessons per week)
| One to one lessons are ideally suited for students who want to improve as quickly as possible and want the maximum in personal attention. In these lessons you can specify exactly what you would like to focus on. You may choose one of the prescribed focus areas found below before arrival. The exact needs within the focus of study are established at the beginning of the course through a needs analysis. Throughout your stay your needs will constantly be assessed to take into consideration your changing requirements as the course progresses. Available Areas: - General English
- Business English
- Hotel & Tourism
- Secretarial English
- Exam preparation
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More Details (please click here)
- Availability at both centres
- Content: individually designed lessons
- Time: mornings or afternoons
- Lessons per week 15, 20, 25 or 30 lessons
- Duration: min. 1 week
- Levels Beginner to Advanced
- Minimum age 18 years
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Exam Preparation Courses
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IELTS and TOEFL Exam Preparation Course (30 lessons per week)
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are widely recognized English tests that are often required by European and American universities and companies. The exams can be taken in Cape Town. For further information please visit: www.brithishcouncil.org for IELTS and www.toefl.org for TOEFL. Homework is given 3 to 4 times per week. There are no lessons on Wednesday afternoons. Students can have a free afternoon or participate in 2 sessions of self access. |  | |
More details & Starting Dates (please click here)
- Availability ONLY in Southern Suburbs location
- Content General English [coursebook + supplementary lessons] + Exam Preparation
- Time 09h00 - 12h40 and 13h30 - 15h45 (except Wednesdays)
- Lessons per week 30 lessons of 50 min. each + 2 sessions of self access
- Group size: max. 10 (morning lessons) + max. 6 (afternoon exam preparation lessons)
- Duration 4 weeks
- Levels: Upper-Intermediate to Advanced
| IELTS & TOEFL Preparation Courses Starting Dates in 2009
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| | | | | | | | | | | Students can start any Monday but we recommend starting on the official starting dates. Courses are based on a four week cycle. |
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Cambridge Exam Preparation Course (25 lessons per week)
| Cambridge examination certificates are English language qualifications which are recognised and highly valued by many employers around the world.
Our partner school is one of the leading providers of preparation courses in Cape Town for Cambridge examinations.
The courses are run by specially trained teachers and are offered as closed courses. From beginning to end all lessons have one dedicated goal: the offering of the best possible preparation. Small class sizes ensure personal attention for all participants and a high pass rate. The exam can be taken in Cape Town after the course.
|  | Cambridge exams:- First Certificate in English (FCE) - good Intermediate to Upper Intermediate level
- Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) - Upper Intermediate to Advanced level
- Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) - Advanced to Proficiency level
All applicants are required to complete a two placement tests before being accepted, which are available by fax or email. | |
More details & Starting Dates (please click here)
- Availability ONLY in Southern Suburbs location
- Content Cambridge Exam Preparation
- Time 09h00 - 14h20
- Lessons per week 25 lessons of 50 min. each + 2 sessions of self access
- Group size 5-8 students (max. 10)
- Duration 08 or 12 weeks (9 weeks in January)
- Levels: Upper-Intermediate to Advanced
The courses are run as closed courses, and all lessons throughout the course are exclusively for Cambridge candidates. Specially trained teachers, small class sizes and personal attention for all participants ensure a high pass rate. One to two hours of homework complement the course lessons. The exam can be taken in Cape Town in the week after the course. Therefore it is required to book 9/13 weeks of accommodation. Please note that the exam may take place on Saturdays. For the 9-week course it is sufficient to book 9 weeks of accommodation as the exam can be written on Friday and Saturday of the 9th week. It is important to note that a minimum number of candidates is required for each exam to take place in Cape Town. However only CPE candidates might be affected by this. Examination fee 140-160 Euros - 2 course books: EUR 35 (Prices as of June 2008, subject to change) | | Cambridge Preparation Course Starting Dates in 2009 | | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | 12*
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| Students doing the 8 week course must be aware that they are entering a course that has already started. Only strong candidates can be accepted on the shorter course.
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Business English Programs
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Business English Course (30 lessons per week)
| The Business English Course is recommended for students who use English mainly in business situations. It is a combination of the English Standard Course and an additional 10 business English group lessons per week. The afternoon lessons cover the language skills needed in the work place such as negotiating, telephoning, presentations, writing reports, etc. Only experienced Business Course teachers teach this course. Homework is given 3 to 4 times per week. There are no lessons on Wednesday afternoons. Students can have a free afternoon or participate in 2 sessions of self access. |  | |
More details (please click here)
- Availability At both centres
- Content General English [coursebook + supplementary lessons] + Business English
- Time 09h00 - 12h40 and 13h30 - 15h45 (except Wednesdays)
- Lessons per week 30 lessons of 50 min. each + 2 sessions of self access
- Group size: max. 10
- Duration 2 - 8 weeks
- Levels: Intermediate to Advanced
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Internship South Africa (min. 8 weeks)
| Our partner school has been offering internship programs for over 10 years and has built up a comprehensive database of local companies. Depending on the client´s qualification, experience and local factors, many placement requests can be fulfilled. Please contact us at  for further information |  | |
Work South Africa
| Work South Africa is a one year, working holiday programme, available to full time tertiary students or graduates only. The majority of Work South Africa applicants find work in the hospitality industry. - Age restriction: 18-25 years.
Please contact us at for further information | |
Volunteer South Africa (min. 2 weeks)
| This is the ideal travel opportunity for those who don´t just want to sightsee in Africa, but who want to have a worthwhile experience in African community development and volunteer time and energy whilst visiting the beautiful continent. Please contact us at for further information | |
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Junior Course
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JUNIOR GROUP COURSES (14-16 years)
| JUNIOR GROUP COURSES can be arranged upon request (only for groups) Juniors are taught in closed groups. Therefore they either need to be of a similar level of English, or they are divided into different levels, which is only possible for larger groups. A minimum number of 10 students is required per group. The starting dates are flexible but arrival must be on a Saturday or Sunday. Minimum stay is 2 weeks. Lunch and activities are optional and can be added to the tuition. Instead of the activity packages, groups can also organise their own itinerary. Please contact us at for further information |  | |
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Dates
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Every Monday, except BEGINNERS, long-term programs and Cambridge Course. Minimum duration of 2 weeks for all courses exept One-to-One. | | Official Starting Dates in 2009 (beginners, IELTS & TOEFL Preparation Courses) | | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July
| Aug | Sept
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| Nov
| Dec | 05
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| 20
| 17
| 14
| 12
| 09
| 07
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| | | | | | | | | | | Students can start any Monday but we recommend starting on the official starting dates. Courses are based on a four week cycle. | | Cambridge Preparation Course Starting Dates in 2009 | | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | 12*
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| 20*** | | | | | 14**
| 12***
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**12weeks
***08 weeks
| Students doing the 8 week course must be aware that they are entering a course that has already started. Only strong candidates can be accepted on the shorter course.
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Holidays in 2009
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| The school is closed on Public Holidays. When Monday is a public holiday, courses start on a Tuesday. One-to-one tuition missed due to public holidays will be made up. The school is NOT CLOSING FOR CHRISTMAS VACATION (except for national Christmas holidays) | |
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Activities/Excursions
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The social club is open to all students. The social organiser arranges new activities on a weekly basis. The activities help you to get to know other students very quickly, to learn more about South Africa, and to further practise your newly acquired language skills. All activities are optional. Some activities are free of charge, for others a small fee is payable (transport + entrance fees). All activities are subject to availability and require a minimum number of participants. All guided tours start at both centres.
|  | Activities include: - Excursions to Signal Hill
- Fun with friends
- Social evenings.
- Conversation groups and video afternoons.
- Transfers to entertainment areas.
- Introductory talks of the area.
- Welcome reception once-a-month at the beginning of a cycle.
- Supervised self-study.
- Guided outings like township tours, city tours etc.
- Guided full day tours to the Cape of Good Hope
- the Winelands, etc.
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More details (please click here)
On Tuesdays or Wednesdays, all students have the opportunity to take part in scheduled excursions or guided tours. These may include a city tour, a sunset cruise, visit to the theatre, a concert or similar attraction. The guided tours are accompanied by a professional tour guide and are available at an extra charge.
Free social evenings
On Thursday evenings, students have the opportunity to meet with a teacher at popular restaurants and pubs.
Free shuttle service
On Fridays, a free shuttle service is offered to provide students with transport to popular night spots. Students are taken to 3 popular areas and transfers back to the accommodation are offered at different times.
Excursions
Excursions are not included in this course but the school can give you ideas and help in organising excursions. Guided full-day tours to the beautiful areas around Cape Town take place on Saturdays and Sundays. One-day safaris are offered to some of the game farms that are within reach from Cape Town. Sometimes weekend trips are also organized by the school. Kruger Park
This major international tourist attraction offers a wilderness experience which ranks with the best in Africa. The sight of elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo is always a thrill, especially at close range on a conducted wilderness trail. After an exciting day in the bush, sunset heralds the crackle of campfire, sundowners and shared anecdotes.
Garden Route
Between Heidelberg and Storms River, the Garden Route runs parallel to a coastline featuring lakes, mountains, tall indigenous forests, amber-coloured rivers and golden beaches. Meandering trails are followed by hikers, the forests invite long, leisurely walks, and the lakes and rivers led themselves to swimming, boating and fishing. A wide range of leisure options, spectacular scenery and a mild climate guarantee an unforgettable holiday experience.
Sun City
For tourists looking for glamour and glitz, you'll need to look no further than Sun City and the fabulous Lost City. Both resorts cater for everyone and the golf course at the Lost City boasts the only water hazard in the world that is inhabited by live crocodiles.
Drakensberg
Giant's Castle Game Reserve is a major resort, renowned especially for more than 5000 Bushman paintings on the walls of caves. The reserve provides sanctuary for black-backed jackal, caracal and prolific bird life. A bird hide facilitates the viewing of cliff-dwelling species. The 40-km Giant's Castle hike takes three days to complete. |
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More info on Airport Transfers (please click here)
Arrival transfer one way from Cape Town Int. Airport is included in the price for any booking including accommodation. An airport transfer on departure can be booked on request at an extra charge of EUR 30.00. However most students arrange the transfer on departure themselves while in Cape Town. |
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Visa info, please click here
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More info on vaccinations (please click here)
No vaccinations are required except for travelers going to north-eastern areas of South Africa, where anti-malaria precautions are recommended. Students should always consult their doctor for recommendations.
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