The academic year in South Africa is divided into two semesters. The first semester runs from early February to mid-June; the second semester from mid-July to mid-December. Woodrow Wilson students attend UCT for Semester I, so they begin their studies with the opening of the South African school year and are able to take advantage of orientation programs sponsored by UCT.

Note: All study abroad students arriving on the recommended arrival dates and using the UCT airport pick-up service will be placed into “vacation accommodation” for the first two nights. Vacation accommodation is provided in an on-campus, catered university residence hall. Student orientation leaders stay in vacation accommodation along with the arriving students and are available to answer any questions. UCT also provides transport from vacation accommodation to student houses on the designated Move-in Day. Orientation leaders will be on hand to help students move into their semester housing and show them how to get from home to campus so that they don’t get lost on the first day of the orientation program. There is no additional charge for this service and no refunds can be offered to students not using the service.