Program Overview

Program Overview

The Astronomy FSP Cape Town program is offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Dartmouth College. This foreign study program is based in South Africa, where students learn about astrophysics and observational astronomy through classroom instruction and practical projects.

Program Details

• Location: Cape Town, South Africa
• Language: English
• Classes In: English
• Lodging: Dormitory, Flat/Apartment
• Department: Astronomy
• Terms Offered: Winter
• Frequency: Offered once every two years

About This Program

The program provides students with a unique opportunity to observe the southern hemisphere night sky at the national observatory of South Africa. Through first-hand observations and intensive studies, students will learn about stars in the Milky Way and the Magellanic Clouds.

Enrollment Information

• About 18 students are selected for the program.
• For more information about applying for this program, see the webpage on How to Apply and FAQs under section 2 (How to Apply: Application).

Academic Program

• Faculty Director: Brian Charles Chaboyer, Professor of Physics and Astronomy
• Curriculum:
  • ASTR 61: Observational Techniques in Astronomy
  • ASTR 81: Special Topics in Astronomy
  • PHYS 31.03: Research Methods in 21st Century Astronomy in South Africa
• Prerequisites:
  • One Introductory physics course:
    • PHYS 3: General Physics I
    • PHYS 13: Introductory Physics I
    • PHYS 15: Introductory Physics I, Honors Section
  • One Introductory Astronomy Course:
    • ASTR 2: Exploring the Universe
    • ASTR 3: Exploring the Universe, with Laboratory
    • ASTR 15: Stars and the Milky Way
    • ASTR 25: Galaxies and Cosmology

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.

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.
• 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.

Program Resources

• Department Contact: Megan Whitlock, Department Administrator
• Alumni Contact: Nicole Tiao and Jacob Klein, Winter 2019 Program Alumni
• Other Resources:
  • Program of Physics and Astronomy
  • Office of Financial Aid

Student Voices

• "Best program and greatest experience the bio department can possibly provide." - Winter 2020
• "The observing run allowed us to live the lifestyle of an astronomer, which was critical to what we were learning in the classroom." - Winter 2019
• "The observing time at Sutherland was fascinating. It provided the unique experience of collecting data with large telescopes and created room for lots of spontaneous learning due to contact time with the professor." - Winter 2017
• "Coming on this abroad was probably the best decision I've made at Dartmouth. Academically interesting+rewarding but the right balance so that you can really enjoy your time here.” - Winter 2023
• "The Astronomy FSP was by far the best experience I have ever had in Dartmouth. I grew up academically through so many practical lessons, but also grew as a Dartmouth student myself, as I had the opportunity to share so many days of my life with a cohort that would not normally hangout together if not on the program." - Winter 2023
• "This was the experience I had hoped to get out of Dartmouth college. It was a great opportunity to interact with individuals of all years that are studying physics." - Winter 2023
• "Seeing the stars in Sutherland was the ultimate high to the trip." - Winter 2023

Application Deadline

• Decision Date: Mar 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: Feb 1, 2026

Program At a Glance

• Terms Offered: Winter
• Language: English
• Classes In: English
• Lodging: Dormitory, Flat/Apartment
• Department: Astronomy