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Programs : Brochure

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Program Description:

Overview

Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or above
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
  • 2.5 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application review
  • Second Semester Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
  • Open to all undergraduate students & students enrolled in the School of International Affairs

Program Description 

This 8-week internship program in Cape Town, South Africa offers successful applicants the opportunity to gain invaluable work experience in the industry sector of your choice in one of the world’s leading cities, all while making important global connections and boosting your resume and future career. The Cape Town internship program offers an astonishing variety of international internship opportunities against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Cape Town is packed with outdoor adventures and experiences. Popular internships in Cape Town include business and entrepreneurship, medical and health care, human rights and social work.

Employers in today’s competitive job market are looking for something that stands out from the crowd – and a professional internship on the African continent could be just the thing to make them sit up and take notice! Opportunities in human rights and education allow you to explore the challenges of a country in transition, while business interns can get stuck into the exciting world of entrepreneurship in a developing market. Meanwhile health care and medical interns work alongside some of the world’s finest medical professionals in an environment geared towards exceptional learning. And for every other kind of internship – well just put us to the test!

Students will also participate in a two-day one-night safari that is included in the program cost. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Langeberg mountain range, this safari is located on the Garden Route, a 3 ½ hour scenic drive from Cape Town:

  • Home to an abundance of animal and bird life, including lion, white rhino, giraffe, elephant, buffalo, cheetah and an abundance of antelope and smaller mammal species.
  • Close up sightings of wildlife, exquisite sun downer stops while out on safari— African style dining experiences
  • Overnight at the Garden Route Game Lodge
  • For more information, visit the Garden Route Game Lodge website

Dates

Summer: early June - late July

Location

South Africa is one of the most culturally diverse countries on earth; there’s no wonder it boasts eleven official languages! Cape Town is ONE of three capitals of South Africa, holding the country’s legislative branch. However, it’s not all business, Capetonians enjoy their city’s cutting edge art and vibrant music scenes alongside true culinary gems.

With as much cultural diversity as geographical diversity, Cape Town a city that truly has something for everyone. You can surf, climb Table Mountain, see penguins, visit the Cape Winelands, and have a culinary treat from a world-renowned restaurant all in one (extremely busy) day. Consistently ranked as one of the world’s top destinations, Cape Town is alive with possibility!

Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation

In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Penn State Global website.

Academics

Available Fields of Study

Internship in different fields of interests, including: business and entrepreneurship, medical and health care, human rights and social work, animal science and wildlife, and many other.

Internship Course

Students should meet with their academic adviser in their college to receive approval to earn internship credit on this program. The Education Abroad Office cannot approve your internship, we only facilitate the course equivalency process explained below.

Academic Policies

  • You must enroll in a minimum number of 3 credits and a maximum number of 3 credits 
  • You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
  • World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad
  • You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad
  • If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation 

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Penn State Global website for information on the course equivalency process.  

The program/provider syllabus (if available). 
  • A detailed summary of the work you did on the internship.
  • Location of the internship.
  • Number of hours worked.
  • Language in which a majority of the work was completed.
  • Daily duties.
  • Special tasks and projects.
  • Final Project/Paper 
Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:
 
Grade Conversion Scale
Host Institution Grade Penn State Grade
 A A
 A- A-
 B+ B+
 B B
 B- B-
 C+ C+
 C C
 D D
 F F
 
Credit Conversion Scale
Host Institution Credit Penn State Credit
3 credits per course 3 credits per course
 

Housing and Meals

Housing

Students will live in housing organized by Connect 123. Students will live in a large, centrally-located residential apartment building called Perspectives. The building has 24-hour security and  small roof-top gym and pool. The apartments, which all have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, are clean and comfortable, have a fully equipped kitchen, TV, DVD and pay-as-you-go wireless internet access (roughly $1 to $2/hour). Bed linen and towels are supplied and twice-per-month cleaning service is included. At any one time, 30 to 60 Connect 123 Cape Town program participants share in apartments in Perspectives. Visit the Connect 123 website for a virtual tour of the Perspectives residential apartment building. Single rooms are available for an additional fee.

Other options for Cape Town interns can include house or apartment share with local professionals or a homestay with a Cape Town family organized by Connect 123. 

Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions. 

Meals

Meals are not included in the program fee. Students can prepare basic meals in the residence, or eat at one of the many nearby restaurants. 
 

Costs and Funding

Program Costs

Program costs are estimates and subject to change up to the program commitment deadline.

Summer Costs 

The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser

Scholarships 

The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Penn State Global. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.

Student Aid

Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid

Withdrawal & Refund Policy 

Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies

After Commitment

Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred. 

Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.

After the Start of the Program 

If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.

For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.

Connect 123 Refund and Cancelation Policy for Summer 2021
1.Cancelation for any reason:
  • Withdrawal 61 or more days prior to the first day of the program defined as the date of arrival: full refund of Total Program Fee
  • Withdrawal between 30 and 60 days prior to the first day of the program: 50% refund of Total Program Fee, less total housing cost
  • No refund can be given for withdrawals within 30 days of the first day of the program defined as the date of arrival.
2. Cancelation at any time prior to program start date related to US State Dept Level 4 travel advisory: 100% refund less any non-recoverable costs.

3. Cancelation after program start date related to US State Dept Level 4 travel advisory: Pro-rata refund of unused program fee + Full refund of any recoverable costs
Life Abroad.

General Information 

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility 

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Penn State Global Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.
 

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Penn State Global website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Penn State Global website. 

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Penn State Global website. 

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Penn State Global website.

Contact Education Abroad 

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website. 

Education Abroad Advisers 

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Penn State Global website

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For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Penn State Global Events Calendar and follow us on social media!
 


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Summer 2024 01/24/2024
02/07/2024 06/01/2024 07/27/2024
NOTE: Start date marks arrival in host country. End date marks departure from program housing.

Indicates that deadline has passed