Cape Town will have two sessions to choose from. The first session will run from May 18 to June 28, and the second session will run from July 6 to August 16. Lisbon will have only one session, which will run from May 18 to June 28. The online program will also have two sessions. The first session will run from May 19 to June 27, and the second session will run from July 7 to August 15.

Naturally, the most important consideration when taking up a program like iX Summer Abroad is that it is what you make it. Being in a new environment - especially abroad - is the chance to gain confidence and self-assuredness, possibly in a higher-pressure environment than what you’re used to. This means engaging with the classes, asking lots of questions, being proactive and professional in your internship, and being an avid explorer of your host city. What this leads to, once the program ends, is a community of students who are more worldly, experienced, and able to understand the needs of a professional environment. These are all things that go a long way in shaping our students' decisions and outlooks long after their iX program ends.

See this video for a former iX student’s perspective:

We always encourage our students to do their research to make sure that the right decisions are being made with the right information. Many traditional abroad programs out there only focus on two components: travel combined with either a course or an internship. In many cases, the courses taught by other study abroad providers are language-focused, rather than skills-based. The internship, then, is also what makes iX stand out.

In short, iXperience combines three spheres of learning: Learn a skill taught by industry experts, apply that skill in a carefully-vetted, guaranteed internship to gain marketable work experience, and travel the world with planned excursions and weekly community events to build connections for life. All of this while being supervised by trained, experienced program staff who know your host city well! An illustrative comparison is available in the table on our Tuition and Financial Aid page, where the value of iX programs is laid out more clearly.

Cape Town and Lisbon are two of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the world, which is why they’re both host to our campuses.

Cape Town offers access to endless hiking opportunities - including on the iconic Table Mountain - and the option to surf the waves of two different oceans, all just a stone's throw away from the student accommodation.

Lisbon gives visitors many rich cultural experiences, a deep history and sprawling beaches, while also offering the opportunity to bask in the warm Portuguese summer sun. No matter the type of experience you are looking for, book a call with an admissions consultant to find out which option is best for you.

We have a rigid health and safety briefing with all our students on day one of the program to ensure that everyone is well aware of the city and surroundings. Each of our host cities’ student accommodation is located within 3.1 miles of the nearest hospital, and with dedicated staff appointed to each campus, we are able to offer support 24/7. Visit our Health and Safety page for a detailed breakdown.

In both Cape Town and Lisbon, the student accommodation is a shared space so all of our students are able to connect with one another. We house 2-5 students per room, and room selection is on a first-come-first-serve basis. This means that students who commit to the program and pay their deposits early have first choice of rooming options.

Each city’s accommodation is paired with a co-working space just a short distance away, and is close to shops, transport routes, and amenities. Students will be picked up from the airport on arrival and taken to check into the accommodation the Sunday prior to the program’s start date. Students will depart from the accommodation to the airport the Saturday after the program ends, and transport will also be arranged on this day. Note that early or late arrivals and/or departures will require your own transportation and additional accommodation arrangements.

Depending on the chosen city, you'll have a very different packing list! Cape Town enters its winter between June and September, so it's best to pack warmer clothes; however, the South African winter is very mild compared to the US’s! Expect temperatures of 55°F at worst during the day. Cape Town's weather is notorious for changing in a heartbeat, so make sure to pack a few items for warmer conditions.

Lisbon, on the other hand, will be in its summer during the program, so it is best to pack for a hot climate - and don’t forget your sunscreen! For both locations, you will need to pack swimwear/beachwear as well as outdoor clothing, as you will be going on many adventures in both cities. Also include one or two smart-casual options for meetings with your internship manager.

As we’ve seen in previous years, it can definitely get overwhelming having to attend class and complete internship projects while trying to take in and explore a new city. But don’t worry! iX organizes many optional events throughout every week for you to experience the best of each city, but it will be up to you to balance which events you attend and which days you will reserve for your learning experience.

We always offer round-the-clock support to students who are struggling with the course work or workload, and our in-city staff members are dedicated to ensuring you get the most out of your experience with iX.