Yale Summer Session in Cape Town: Visual Approaches to Global Health

Description

This program explores the intersection of global health and visual media. The program focuses on global health issues in the region such as HIV, TB, human rights, and violence in public health. Students learn both epidemiological methodology and hands-on filmmaking in order to translating complex public health concepts into a format approachable by a general audience. In addition to traditional learning, students work with instructors, guest lecturers, and production personnel to create a short film on a selected global health topic.

Student Experience

Learn more about past students' experiences by visiting the 2022 Student Blog page.

Courses & Credits

Students choose to receive credit for AFST S3350, FILM S3400 or HLTH S3350 (2 credits).

Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad are intensive, highly structured academic programs led by Yale instructors. 

Tuition & Fees

SUMMER 2026

*Additional out-of-pocket costs not billed by Yale include: air fare, meals, books, class materials, and transportation to and from the classroom. See YSS Programs Abroad: Costs & Funding for more information about coverage options and answers to general FAQ.

Instructors

Jonathan Smith, Lecturer, Yale School of Medicine

Dr. Jonathan Smith is a lecturer in Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases and Global Health at Yale University School of Public Health. His research focuses on characterizing tuberculosis (TB) transmission dynamics in high-burden populations, as well as improving pediatric TB diagnosis in infants and very young children. He is an affiliate of the Yale Global Health Leadership Institute and founding director of Visual Epidemiology, a project seeking to combine academic discourse with personal stories through filmmaking.

Class Times 

Global Health will meet weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Visual Literacy or hands-on "lab" will meet from 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Professors are typically available for extended hours in the afternoon for students to work camera, practice, etc. Students should expect about 8-12 hours of work outside the classroom each week, as well as excursions and other program activities.

Class times may be subject to change with notice from the instructors.

Classroom Location

Classes will meet at the IES Abroad Cape Town Center, 24C Main Rd, Rosebank, Cape Town.

Money & Budgeting

Many participants find a combination of credit and debit cards to be the most convenient way of accessing money while abroad. It’s important to have a backup option as well in case of emergency.

Participants should bring a moderate amount (equivalent to $100 or so) of the host country currency in cash when leaving the U.S. to cover initial expenses like bus/taxi fares, snacks, and phone calls for the first couple of days. Please note that participants likely will need more than $100 for out-of-pocket expenses throughout the entire duration of the program. Course instructors will not be able to loan participants money.

Many places in and around Cape Town accept credit cards. ATMs typically have the best exchange rates, so students do not need to bring large amounts of cash beyond what is suggested above.

Tipping in South Africa is not as prevalent as in the United States. Typically for food, 10% is fine. If someone does a participant a favor, such as carrying their luggage, it is acceptable to tip around R5 (US$0.50). It is not necessary to tip the combi drivers.

Trips and Activities

On every Yale Summer Session Program Abroad, learning extends outside of the classroom. Participants can expect a variety of integrated activities and excursions that enhance the academic goals of the program. Trips and activities listed below are included as examples only and are subject to change. 

All required activities and excursions include transportation (when outside of the host city), entrance fees, and most meals. 

This program seeks to immerse students in the community and afford students the opportunity to get the most out of their time in South Africa. Proposed trips include the following:

• Slave Lodge Museum Tour of slave lodge, one of Cape Town's oldest buildings.
• Ziets MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa) Cape Town’s newest addition. Housed in a re-purposed grain silo at the V&A Waterfront, this contemporary art museum exhibits art from Africa and its diaspora.
• City Walking Tour and District 6 Museum. Half-day guided walking tour of Company Gardens, Church Square, South African National Gallery, St. George's Cathedral and Green Market Square. 
• Peninsula Tour. Full day scenic drive along Cape Peninsula to most south-westerly point of Africa (Cape Point), boat trip to view Seal Island, visit to penguins at Boulders Beach. 
• Robben Island. Half day tour of island and prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
• Aquila Safari Park (1.5 Days/1 Night) Private safari park, +/- 2.5 hours outside of Cape Town. Arrive for lunch, followed by game drive and dinner. Spend the night in the onsite lodge. Morning coffee and tea, followed by an open vehicle safari drive. 

Housing

All participants are required to live in program-provided housing while abroad and are not permitted to arrange housing independently. International housing is guaranteed from the first day of the program until the official end date.

In both Cape Town and during safari, participants will stay in double rooms. The housing locations have wifi, however, students should download any large, course-related or personal files or programs before they depart for South Africa. Changes to room assignments are possible, but participants must first get permission from the instructors to do so. Hotels/lodges were selected for their safety, location, and facilities.

Meals

While in Cape Town, students will be provided with daily breakfast. They will be responsible for their own lunches and dinners, except for special group meals. Additional meals are provided on day-long excursions and overnight trips.

Most dietary needs, such as meat restrictions, allergy restrictions, etc., can be met in southern Africa. Chicken and fish are the most common meats used in South Africa, but beef, goat, and pork are also available. There are many chicken rotisseries that serve flame grilled chicken and are an excellent and affordable option for lunch. Most places also have vegetable sides that can replace meat for those unable or unwilling to eat meat.

Notes

Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and are expected to arrive in Cape Town, South Africa on the first day of the program, and depart no earlier than the last day of the program (see 'Dates' above); additional information will be provided upon admission.

Climate

June weather in South Africa is brisk and slightly chilly, particularly in the mornings and evenings. The month of June is characterized by gradually falling daily high temperatures, with daily highs around 73°F and daily low temperatures are around 52°F throughout the month. It is typically the dry season during this time and rain is unlikely, although it has rained during previous years’ programs.

Packing Considerations

Clothing

When considering what to pack, participants should keep in mind that the temperature in South Africa will be cooler. It will generally be between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit (15-24 Celsius), though can get as low as 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit (2-5 Celsius). Occasionally, at night and for the morning game runs on safari, students will need a very warm jacket. Additionally, many of the walking paths are uneven and rocky, so it is recommended that all participants bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes like sneakers or hiking boots, not flip flops.

Participants should also bring clothes they will not mind getting dirty, but should also pack at least one dressy outfit such as dress pants and a button-down shirt, a dress, or a skirt and blouse, as well as appropriate shoes. There may be occasions when such an outfit is required (for example, when meeting officials). In certain instances, it is more culturally appropriate to wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, particularly in rural areas.

Class Materials

Participants should download and install Adobe Creative Suite before departing – specifically Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Audition, and Media Encoder. For more information, Yale students can visit Yale's Software Catalogue. Non-Yale students should similarly consult their school’s IT department. Alternatively, participants can visit the Adobe website for more information. A camera is not required, but participants are strongly urged to bring one if they already own it.

Electricity Adapters

Participants should not bring electronic appliances that do not have built-in transformers (e.g., hairdryers or irons for clothes or hair). Cell phones and computers usually already have transformers installed in their charging cables, but participants should double check their electronics.

Participants will need plug adapters for all electronics regardless of current. Southern African power adaptors are difficult to find outside of southern Africa and often not accounted for in most multi-country or “universal” travel adaptors, though they can be found online. However, participants are encouraged to purchase their adapters once they land in South Africa to ensure they have the correct type. Plug adapters are widely available in South Africa, including at the airport.

Questions

For general program questions, contact studyabroad@yale.edu.

Important Information Before Applying

• All YSS Programs Abroad are intensive, highly structured academic programs for Yale credit and grades.
• Students may only apply to one YSS Program Abroad per summer.
• Admission is not guaranteed. Applicants should anticipate that more students will apply than there are spots available, and Yale College students should apply to a backup Non-Yale Summer Abroad opportunity.
• Ensure that your transcript reflects how you have met the pre-requisite, if applicable, prior to applying.
• Participants must commit to the full program dates. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
• Participants are required to be enrolled in all program courses.
• Participants should expect evening and weekend requirements. Students who have questions about religious observance during a YSS Program Abroad are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.
• Program-arranged housing is required for all YSS Programs Abroad. Students are not permitted to secure independent housing. Students who have housing-related questions about placements, allergies, religious observance, or disability-related access are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.

Apply to a YSS Program Abroad