Cape Town Vacation English Plus Summer Program in South Africa

Course Description: Cape Town Vacation English Plus Summer Program in South Africa

Programme type: Residential (accommodation & transfers included)

Vacation English Plus is a fun, adventure-filled English language programme that gives teens a true African experience while significantly improving their English. Set in Africa’s leading city, the programme places students in a multilingual, multicultural, real-world environment, where English is used naturally throughout the day — in class, on excursions, and during social activities.

Through interactive, experiential teaching, combined with a varied programme of cultural, historical, environmental, and social experiences, students gain first-hand knowledge of South Africa while building confidence, fluency, and independence.

***

Learn English in One of Cape Town’s Safest & Most Vibrant Areas 🌊🏙️

The school is located in Sea Point, one of Cape Town’s oldest and most vibrant suburbs. Sea Point uniquely blends residential and business areas, making it lively, convenient, and widely regarded as one of the city’s safest neighbourhoods.

Its proximity to the beach, public swimming pools, and some of Cape Town’s most desirable residential and leisure areas makes it an ideal base for international students — offering both security and easy access to the city’s highlights.

***

Real-Life English Learning 🗣️📘

English is taught by qualified, experienced teachers using interactive and engaging methods. Lessons focus on practical communication, ensuring students actively use English rather than simply study it.

Key features include:

• Small international classes

• Teaching adapted to each student’s language level

• Strong emphasis on speaking, listening, reading, and writing

• English used inside and outside the classroom

For students aged 16 and older, classes may include adult learners, creating a realistic, real-world learning environment and broadening discussion and cultural exchange.

***

South African History & Cultural Awareness 🏛️

Students are introduced to South Africa’s varied and fascinating history through:

• Classroom interaction

• Conversations with teachers and locals

• Carefully selected excursions

Possible visits include historically and culturally significant sites such as Robben Island, as well as museums exploring South Africa’s social, political, and cultural past. These experiences help students gain a deeper understanding of both the language and the country.

***

Environment, Nature & Social Experiences 🌿🐧

The programme places strong emphasis on South Africa’s natural environment and its importance to tourism and daily life. Students explore remarkable scenery, fauna, and flora through visits to:

• Table Mountain

• Boulders Beach (penguin colony)

• Cape Peninsula

• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Alongside learning, students enjoy fun, social experiences — all in English — including shopping, exploring the city, meals out, mini-golf, bowling, ice-skating, and games evenings at the school. These activities play a key role in developing both language and social skills.

***

Accommodation & Student Life 🏠

Young Learners are accommodated in student residences located within 15–25 minutes’ walk of the school, all situated in or around Sea Point.

Accommodation details:

• Shared dormitories, usually 5-bed rooms

• Each dormitory has its own private bathroom

• Modern, comfortable living spaces

• Bed linen and bath towels provided and changed once per week

• Swimming/beach towels not provided

• Laundry not provided on site; nearby local laundry services are available with same-day or 24-hour turnaround

Living together in residence helps students build friendships, confidence, and independence in a supervised, supportive environment.

***

Meals 🍽️

Students receive three meals per day:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily

• Meals usually served at the school

• Occasionally meals are taken in town or during excursions

• Menus are varied, with international dishes and a local South African influence

• Dietary needs are catered for

***

Arrival, Transfers & Daily Transport ✈️🚐

• Students are met at Cape Town International Airport by a designated representative

• Grouped airport pickups based on arrival times

• Transfer to residence and check-in support on arrival

• On the first school day, a staff member or senior student accompanies students to school on foot

• Students complete a placement test and orientation

• Students receive:

• A student card

• A pre-loaded MyCiti bus ticket, which may be used between residence and school

On departure day, students are collected at the pre-arranged time and transferred back to the airport.

All transport, activities, and excursions are organised by the school and its registered, insured partners.

***

Activities & Excursions 🌍

Alongside academic study, students enjoy a rich cultural and social programme, which may include:

• Visits to Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks

• Museum visits exploring South Africa’s history

• Games evenings at the school

• Ice-skating, mini-golf, and bowling

• Hikes and visits to wildlife rehabilitation centres

***

What’s Included (Two-Week Programme) ✅

• 14 nights’ accommodation in student residences

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily

• 15 hours of academic English per week

• Cultural, environmental, historical, and fun activities & excursions

• 10 half-day activities & excursions

• Two full-day excursions

• Eight evening activities, including three meals out

• Placement test and induction

• Course materials

• Certificate of attendance

• Comprehensive travel insurance

• School administration fees

• 24-hour supervision

• Airport transfers

***

Optional Excursions 🦁🌊

(Available during free time or after the two-week programme)

Optional experiences include:

• Full-day African Big 5 wildlife safari

• Overnight African Big 5 wildlife safari

• Full-day ocean wildlife safari (boat-based)

Further details are available from reception staff.

***

Certificates & Key Facts 📜📌

• Certificate of attendance awarded at course completion

• Digital copy available on request

Class sizes

• Average: 10 students

• Maximum: 15 students

Arrival & departure

• Arrival: Sunday, 2:00–8:00 pm check-in

• Grouped airport pickups and return transfers

Pocket money recommendation

• €75 per week for snacks and souvenirs

***

A Day in the Life: Vacation English Plus ☀️🌍

Each day is designed to balance structured learning, exploration, and social time, helping students build confidence and fluency naturally.

Morning: English & Orientation

Students start the day with breakfast at the residence before heading to school. Mornings focus on Real-Life English, with interactive lessons that build communication skills through discussion, collaboration, and practical language use. New students complete placement testing and orientation at the start of the programme.

Midday: Lunch & Relaxation

Students enjoy lunch, usually at the school. This is a relaxed social time to practise conversational English and recharge.

Afternoon: Culture, History & Nature

Afternoons are dedicated to excursions and activities. Depending on the day, students may visit museums, explore city landmarks, hike scenic routes, or experience wildlife and conservation-focused outings. Over two weeks, students take part in ten half-day and two full-day excursions.

Evening: Social Activities & Community

After dinner, students join organised evening activities such as games nights, bowling, mini-golf, ice-skating, or meals out. These relaxed settings help students practise English naturally while building friendships.

Night: Rest & Supervision

Students return to their residences, with staff providing 24-hour supervision to ensure safety, wellbeing, and a settled routine.

***

The Vacation English Plus Experience ✨

Vacation English Plus is far more than an English course. It is a complete cultural immersion experience that combines language learning with history, nature, social connection, and adventure. Students return home with stronger English skills, increased confidence, global awareness, and unforgettable memories of life in South Africa.