Cape Town is surrounded on two sides by mountains—including Table Mountain, one of the new 7 Natural Wonders of the World—with your accommodation just below the slopes of the western face. You might start your day with a sunrise hike, then head to class, and end with a picnic on the beach. Paradise!

Cape Town puts a huge emphasis on the quality of its food: from health to sustainability and of course, taste. An average lunch will cost you $7, and dinner $10—and $20 if you really go all out.

With so much nature, it's incredibly easy to stay fit by going on hikes or runs on the seaside promenade. There's also a vibrant subculture around yoga, gymming, and general wellness (as well as a humming fast food scene)—so you can get your fix, whatever your tastes.

There are amazing beaches, cafes, restaurants, and parks in the neighborhoods around the iX housing and classrooms. We're all about community, so we'll also schedule group dinners, social events, fun classes in anything from professional development to poker, and maybe even karaoke.

Out of the city, there are plenty of experiences that will wow you—and challenge you. We'll point you to once-in-a-lifetime activities that you'll struggle to forget, whether in the ocean, sky, desert, forest, or safari.