UCT and IES Abroad advance global STEM study abroad opportunities

The University of Cape Town (UCT) deepened its strategic engagement with study abroad partner IES Abroad through a dynamic week-long STEM workshop held from 12 to 16 May 2025 at the IES Abroad Cape Town Centre. This collaborative initiative is part of IES Abroad’s new STEM-focused study abroad stream, designed to expand academic exchange opportunities and position UCT as a top destination for international STEM students.

On 13 May, UCT’s Director of the International Office, Quinton Johnson, PhD delivered a warm welcome during a dedicated session spotlighting UCT’s STEM strengths. The session was hosted by David Reiersgord, Director of the IES Abroad Cape Town Centre.Participants included professors and administrative staff from several institutions, including the University of Cape Town (UCT), IES Abroad and partner universities in the United States.

From UCT, representation included staff from the International Office, Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment. IES Abroad Cape Town and its global team also participated, alongside prominent counterparts from leading USA institutions, including Penn State University,  Pitzer College, University of Florida, Claremont McKenna College, Wake Forest University and the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Participants engaged in rich dialogue around curriculum compatibility, prerequisites and academic expectations for STEM students. Additionally, USA faculty and programme leaders had the opportunity to better understand UCT’s academic environment, including the diversity of Science and Engineering programmes offered to study abroad students. The aim was to showcase UCT as a destination that offers both academic excellence and a unique global learning experience. The workshop also served to strengthen inter-institutional relationships and lay the groundwork for future academic collaborations. USA delegates toured UCT faculties, met with programme conveners and shared best practices in global STEM education.

“This engagement underscores UCT’s reputation as a globally connected, research-intensive institution,” said Quinton Johnson, PhD. “We are proud to partner with IES Abroad in broadening access to STEM education and empowering the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators by advancing internationalisation and making the world better.”