In today’s world of instant gratification and constant social media checklists, a large majority of people travel just to tick some landmarks off of their lists and snap a few selfies. But true travellers know that the essence of travel isn’t just about seeing but rather experiencing. This is the difference between being a tourist and being a traveller. And if you want to truly immerse yourself in another culture, few places in the world offer an experience as transformative as studying English in Cape Town especially at Cape Studies Language School.
Tourists Observe, Travellers Engage
Tourists often stick to the main attractions, snapping photos of Table Mountain from a distance, engaging in touristic tours and walking the bustling streets of the V&A Waterfront. They experience the beauty but remain on the surface, viewing Cape Town like a museum display.
Travellers, on the other hand, dive into the city’s heartbeat. They share meals with locals, learn the smooth rhythm and unique clicks of isiXhosa, and explore the hidden alleys of Bo-Kaap beyond the picture-perfect coloured houses. Studying English in Cape Town isn’t just about learning a language—it’s about immersing yourself in the culture, making connections, and expanding your worldview.
Cultural Immersion: Becoming a Traveller in Cape Town
One of the best ways to shift from being a tourist to a traveller is by engaging in a deep cultural experience. When you study English at Cape Studies Language School, you’re not just in a classroom—you’re living the language. You’ll interact with people from all over the world while integrating into the unique South African way of life.
You’ll learn about the gift of Ubuntu, a philosophy that speaks to our shared humanity which loosely translates to “I am because we are.” This is something you can’t truly grasp from a tourist’s perspective. You have to live it, experience it. From volunteering with local communities to sharing stories over a braai with new friends, every experience deepens your connection to Cape Town and its people.
Language as a Key to Understanding Culture
Speaking English fluently is one thing, but understanding the way language shapes culture is another. By studying English in Cape Town, you experience firsthand how language is woven into daily life. You’ll pick up the slang, understand the humour, and grasp the cultural nuances that make South African English so unique.
South African English has been recognised as an official dialect for decades, influenced by British English due to the country’s colonial history. At Cape Studies Language School, we teach British English, ensuring that students gain a clear and internationally recognised proficiency in the language. While South African English has its own unique words and phrases, there are many cultural similarities with British traditions.
For instance, you might hear idioms like “Bob’s your uncle” (meaning “and there you have it!”), or “faffing around” (wasting time on unimportant tasks) in both South Africa and the UK. These shared expressions highlight the deep-rooted connections between the two cultures.
Change Your Life, Not Just Your Destination
A tourist sees a city, but a traveller allows the city to change them. Cape Town has a way of leaving an imprint on your soul, whether it be the kindness of its people, the power of its history, or the breathtaking landscapes that surround you.
Studying English in Cape Town at Cape Studies Language School isn’t just about improving your language skills; it’s about opening your mind, challenging your perspectives, and embracing a new way of seeing the world. The unique thing about our school is that we are big a global family. When you return home, you won’t just have photos—you’ll have a new outlook, lifelong friendships that turn into family crossing boarders and cultures. Most importantly a piece of Cape Town in your heart.
So, the question is: will you be a tourist, or will you be a traveller? Come find out!
