Winter 2025
The application period for this program has passed.
Astronomy FSP Cape Town
Cape Town, South AfricaProgram At a Glance
Terms Offered
WinterLanguage
Classes In
Lodging
Dormitory
Department
Astronomy
This program is offered once every two years
ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a foreign study program in South Africa. Courses are taught by Dartmouth faculty directors on the campus of the University of Cape Town and the South African Astronomical Observatory.
Through first-hand observations and intensive studies, students will learn about stars in the Milky Way and the Magellanic Clouds. The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (nearby galaxies) are larger than the full moon and easily visible to the unaided eye.
During the first five weeks of the program, students will be based in Cape Town, learning about astrophysics and observational astronomy through classroom instruction and practical projects. This will include learning how to operate telescopes and running public observing sessions.
This program provides students with a unique opportunity to observe the southern hemisphere night sky at the national observatory of South Africa.
Enrollment Information
About 18 students are selected for the program.
For more information about applying for this program, see our webpage on How to Apply & our FAQs under section 2 (How to Apply: Application)
THE STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Faculty Director
Brian Charles Chaboyer Professor of Physics and Astronomy Curriculum
ASTR | 61 | 90:
Observational Techniques in Astronomy
ASTR | 81 |90:
Special Topics in Astronomy
PHYS | 31.03 | 90:
Research Methods in 21st Century Astronomy in South Africa
Prerequisites
One Introductory physics course:
PHYS | 3 | 90:
General Physics I
PHYS | 13 | 90:
Introductory Physics I
PHYS | 15 | 90:
Introductory Physics I, Honors Section
One Introductory Astronomy Course:
ASTR | 2 | 90:
Exploring the Universe
ASTR | 3 | 90:
Exploring the Universe, with Laboratory
STUDENT LIFE
Students live in shared, self-catered apartments/flats equipped with kitchen facilities for preparing meals. Apartments are located near the University of Cape Town and are shared with fellow program participants and local students. Students should expect to share a bedroom and bathroom with other students. All students committed to this program will complete a housing preference form for shared housing and roommate placements.
Approximately one week of the program will be spent at the national observatory in Sutherland (four hours north of Cape Town), a remote location which is home to over 20 professional telescopes, including the largest telescope in the southern hemisphere, SALT. After collecting data for a week, students will return to Cape Town, where they will analyze their data and present the results of their independent research. During this time, students will assist staff at the national observatory in their public outreach efforts by visiting local schools and introducing young learners to the wonders of the night sky and the science of astronomy.
For more information, please see the department website.
Financing Your Program
Tuition and Fees
The fees charged by the College for a Dartmouth-sponsored off-campus term of study include regular tuition charges for a term at Dartmouth, service fees, as well as the specific costs established for each off-campus study locale. In many programs, the room and board costs tend to be higher than for a term in Hanover. You can view a budget sheet for each program by clicking on the appropriate term under "Financing Your Program". The cost of transportation to and from the site is the responsibility of the student.
Financial Aid
In order that all qualified Dartmouth undergraduate students may have the opportunity to take part in off-campus programs, the College endeavors to adjust its normal financial aid awards for students already receiving aid. Tuition and expected family contribution for Dartmouth's off-campus programs are the same as for an on-campus term.
All costs, including airfare and spending money, are considered when determining the cost of an off-campus program. Any costs more than a typical term in Hanover are met with additional Dartmouth Scholarship Funds. If you have a work expectation for the term, this will be replaced by scholarship funding for programs that span the entire term.
Students are responsible for purchasing their own plane tickets and, in many cases, meals. Often this means that part of the expected family contribution is used towards these costs rather than for tuition. For help sorting out who pays what and how, contacting the Financial Aid office is often advisable.
Financing your program | Financial Aid | Scholarships | Budgeting & Costs
Program Resources
Department Contact
Megan Whitlock Department Administrator Alumni Contact
Nicole Tiao and Jacob Klein Winter 2019 Program Alumni