Famous for its sparkling white sand beaches, diverse African wildlife, exciting outdoor sports and multicultural population, South Africa is a colorful country brimming with excitement and adventure.  South Africa is home to over 44.6 million people from at least 20 distinct ethnic groups, and the country has 11 official languages. 

ELI’s program is based in beautiful Cape Town, located on a small peninsula that juts from the southern tip of South Africa into the Atlantic Ocean.  Influenced by the Dutch, British and Malay, Cape Town is entrenched with well-preserved historical buildings, busy streets, world class shopping and restaurants.  No visit to Cape Town is complete without a hike up Table Mountain, a drive down the winding coastline to some of the area’s famous wineries, a visit to Boulder's Beach to see the African Penguins, or a hike up to the lighthouse at Cape Point.

South Africa’s new constitution was approved in 1996, outlawing discrimination in all forms.  There is a new and thriving black middle class.  However, the economic and general welfare of most South Africans have not yet seen the benefits of these new freedoms.  They continue to grapple with a high unemployment rate and an ever widening gap between the well-off and those who live in complete poverty.  The average life expectancy is 46 years old, and it is estimated that 29.1% of the population is living with HIV or AIDS.