Pre-Departure Orientation South Africa, University of Cape Town Spring 2019 - December 17, 2018
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Pre-Departure Orientation
South Africa, University of Cape Town
Spring 2019
December 17, 2018
Cape Town Cape Town
Welcome to the Orientation
This presentation covers highlights that apply to everyone, such
as who’s who, getting ready and arrival, living abroad, activities,
health, and academics.
Details concerning questions, problems, or situations you may
have while abroad are at the links below. Bookmark them!
Participants Portal (guides, calendars, insurance, petitions,
more…)
UCEAP Guide to Study Abroad (includes detailed academic
policies)
Program Guide (details about program)
Your signed Student Agreement confirms that you have read and
understand the policies and information in these guides. You
can always contact UCEAP with any questions.
There will be a Q&A session at the end of the presentation.
Please write your questions down as they arise and wait until
prompted to ask them via the Questions box.
This presentation will be posted to your PDC.
UCEAP – Systemwide Office Program Specialist: Amy Frohlich afrohlich@eap.ucop.edu Academic Specialist: Jessica Muscat jmuscat@eap.ucop.edu Finance Accountant: Karen Quintana studentfinance@eap.ucop.edu
International Academic Programs Office
(IAPO)
Welcomes nearly 5,000 international
students from over 100 countries to UCT
each year.
Advising services provided:
orientation
academic
health and safety
study permit renewal
immigration
pre-registration/registration
transportation
Financial
IDACA International Student Support
Network
Provides UC students with all the
assistance they need to live easily in
Cape Town and UCT as well as on-going
support and services throughout the
semester abroad
Support services provided:
Personalized IDACA orientation program
24 hour on-call associates for students
Direct liaison b/w students, UCT, partner
universities and colleges, as well as parents
UCT senior students assist with familiarization
and integration into the UCT community and
the city
Offers opportunities for students to engage
with the history of South Africa, explore the
natural beauty and cultural diversity of the
city, and volunteer in diverse organizations
facilitated by IDACA
#FeesMustFall Student Protests
The #feesmustfall student movement began in October 2015 when the Minister of Higher
Education announced a 10.5 percent increase in fees in 2016. In mid-August 2016, the Minister
of Higher Education and Training announced fee structures for the 2017 academic year. This
led to another wave of student protests. Protesters are demanding free education.
There were no student protests in fall 2018 and none are anticipated for 2019. However, be
aware of their potential and their impact. Examples below based on past protests.
Classes may be suspended or disrupted
Large numbers of protesters may gather around the campus; protests may turn violent
Additional security may be implemented
Certain services may be suspended, such as libraries, labs, bus services
Exams could be postponed (For fall 2017, exams were held in a tent on the rugby field
with very tight security)
Protesters could damage, trash, or de-face UCT buildings
In the event of protests, every attempt is made for students to complete coursework and earn
academic credit. IAPO will keep students informed by email.
Know Before you Go: Talk to returnees and/or read about #feesmustfall
Water Shortage in Cape Town
UCEAP International Health, Safety, and Emergency
Response team has been monitoring the more
recent drought situation in South Africa
Residents in Cape Town have been living with
stringent consumption restrictions, which now stand
at 105 L/person/day (about 27 ½ gallons)
As a comparison, in the U.S. the average person uses
about 80-100 gallons per day
Our partners at UCT have an emergency contingency
plan in place and will have updated information on
their website
You can follow Cape Town’s Think Water campaign to
stay informed about the water issues and follow local
news
Consider that water is a precious resource and
make every drop count; become a part of the water
conservation effort and change how you use water
GETTING READY & ARRIVAL
Before You Go
You will be a representative of not only the University of
California, but also the state of California and the United
States of America. Think about what this means and how it
will affect your behavior while abroad
Review the program calendar on your Participants page and make travel
arrangements to arrive before the official start date.
Obtain your student visa as required. Follow the instructions on the PDC.
Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for health
information.
Enroll in the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Talk to returnees and/or read about #feesmustfall and the drought in Cape Town.
Pack light! You can buy almost everything you need in South Africa.
Hand carry the arrival instructions from your PDC.
Print your UCEAP Travel Insurance card, read both sides, and place it in your wallet.Arrival
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Immigration
Disembarkation/Embarkation (D/E) Card
Baggage Claim
Customs
Make sure the expiry date on entry visa and
your study permit match. If not, fix it
immediately at the airport.
Transportation
Uber voucher for airport transfer
http://www.studyabroad.uct.ac.za/i-arriveSouth Africa Registration
The Immigration Act requires that all students pre-register with
IAPO before course registration. Students must bring:
passport with a temporary resident permit valid for studies at UCT
proof of payment of fees or sponsorship (EAP Participation Letter)
proof of medical coverage specifying the period of study
The registration processes will be explained in depth during
orientation week.
You will meet with the IAPO Academic Officer, a faculty
member who provides academic advising and assists with
registration procedures.On-Site Orientation
UCT Orientation
Organized by the IAPO – Orientation will take place during the five days prior to the start of term.
Attendance is mandatory.
Topics: housing, registration procedures, campus resources, local laws and culture, health, and safety.
Activities, visits to community centers where volunteer opportunities are available, and a tour of the
Cape Peninsula are also included.
Registration Day
Registration process begins at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 12:00 p.m.
All students must have received their International clearance prior to registration (pre-registration).
Registration takes place at the various faculties, but you must have your clearance letter from IAPO.
After registration you will get your student card.Staying in Touch
As a UCEAP participant, you are obligated to:
Contact a family member to notify them of your safe arrival
Keep in touch and provide up-to-date contact details in MyEAP
Check your UC email address regularly
Provide a local cell phone number after arrival
Send an email, text, and/or complete the Travel Signout form to
notify UCEAP that you will travel out of town.LIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA
Housing
IDACA Housing will arrange housing before your departure based on the housing preference
questionnaire.
On-campus dorm, shared apartment, or house in a neighborhood near campus.
Most kitchens are equipped for conventional cooking (no microwaves). Houses are not centrally
heated and you may want to purchase a heater for the winter months or fan for warmer months.
Unless otherwise instructed, you will make housing payments directly to the landlord in local
currency, even if you are on financial aid. In some cases, credit card payments may be accepted.Money & Banking
Currency Exchange
US $1 = 13.46 ZAR (SA rand)
Cash
ATMs are the easiest way to get cash, but there
will be fees added. Check with your bank before
leaving for details about ATM fees while abroad.
Be cautious!
Never carry lots of cash.
Use ATMs in malls or on campus at UCT in an
open area
Credit Cards
Accepted at larger establishments
Local Bank Account
Absa Bank (near UCT campus)
Not necessary to open a bank account.Communication
Cell Phones Internet Access (pay as you go)
Bring your cell phone and purchase a Wireless internet available on campus
SIM card.
Wired internet in homes/apartments
Many students use a pay-as-you-go (pay as you go)
calling plan with an “incoming call”
Computer Labs
package. You can also pay separately for
outgoing calls.
The cost of calls within South Africa is
reasonable.
Many students use Skype or What’s
App to communicate with family &
friends in the U.S.
Petty crime is common.Meals
No meal plans.
You will find any kind of food you can possibly imagine in South Africa.
Many fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, pastas, and breads can be found in stores
such as Pick n Pay or Woolworth’s.
Take bottled water with you into townships/informal settlements, or when working on community
service projects.Transportation
Jammie Shuttle - around campus
Use the UCT shuttle service or walk in groups on campus to/from housing
UCT offers a campus escort service through the Student Protection Service
Use the Buddy system
Uber and Taxify are reliable and common in South Africa.
Sedan Taxis - only recommended form of public transportation.
Accidents involving trains, buses, minibus taxis and private cars are common.
DO NOT use minibus taxis.
Walking alone, on or off campus, day or night, is not advised.Activities
UCT offers more than 100 student societies,
organizations, and sport clubs.
IAPO organizes drumming circles, township
tours, train rides along the coast, and hikes up
Table Mountain.
Get involved in service learning activities:
SHAWCO (Student Health and Welfare Caring
Organization)
education
health
Ubunye
community development projects
Excellent way to meet people and integrate
into the community.Health
While abroad you are automatically covered by the UCEAP Travel Insurance Policy.
Review your UCEAP Travel Insurance policy so you understand how to use it. It is not the same
as your UC campus insurance.
Research any required medication to find out if you can obtain it in South Africa, or if it is even
legal! Remember, all medication must be carried in their original, labeled containers.
If you become ill while abroad (including mental health issues):
Consult IDACA for assistance
Student Wellness ServiceSafety
South Africa has a “high” level of crime. Individuals should take common
sense precautions to avoid being victimized.
Remain attentive and aware at all times.
Keep your room door and all outside doors and windows locked at ALL times.
Practice the buddy system or use on-campus escort protection.
Register with the U.S. embassy— Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Limit alcohol consumption – impairs judgement and increases risky behavior, which increases
the risk for crime.
Theft and Scams
Petty muggings
Credit card and ATM scams
Ocean Safety
Selected beaches have flags to indicate the presence of sharks. Sirens sound if a shark is
spotted.
Be aware the danger of rip currents. Swim only at beaches with lifeguards and within the
designated swimming area (between the RED and YELLOW flags).Cultural “Attempting to understand the many different kinds of accents and slang in
South Africa—there are 11 official languages— is no easy feat, and nothing
makes you feel more like a ‘fresher’ (first year) than trying to decipher
Adjustment
academic lingo. Quick lesson: ‘convener’ means professor, ‘prac’ means lab,
‘tut’ means section, meridian means lunch break, and ‘Jammie’ can be
loosely translated to the 16 Laurel bus route.“ ~UCEAP Student
Make it count! This is an amazing opportunity to meet people from other societies, make
friends from other countries, and to make a difference in your life and in the lives of others.
South Africa is a country with different cultures in the midst of social transformation. Norms
followed in the U.S. are not always understood or accepted. Be prepared to adapt to your new
environment. Patience and cultural sensitivity are key to a positive experience.
Stress abroad is common. At times you may feel UCEAP just isn’t working for you. It’s normal
to feel homesick, isolated, have family or breakup issues, or academic or money concerns. You
may experience emotional ups and downs, and even depression, or illness.
You may experience “culture shock.” Follow the lead of the locals. Exercise, journal/blog, do
activities that you enjoy at home, try new activities, laugh at mistakes, make friends and get
involved in the community. Learn about your new culture and try to fit in. Reach out to others.
You might even consider withdrawing, but be sure to seek advice to explore all other solutions
before reaching this important decision. Consult with UCEAP and, if necessary, an onsite
counselor first. Leaving early can have academic and financial consequences.ACADEMICS
University of Cape Town (UCT)
UCT Classes
Immersion Program
Attendance, class participation, assignments, projects and final exam performance will be counted
towards your grade (DP system).
Absences are noticed, considered when assigning final grades, and may be taken as a sign of disrespect.
UCT is based on the British system. A high level of independent study is expected. Exams are usually
essays.
UCT courses
1000 level- UC lower-division credit
2000 level- Usually upper division
3000 level- Upper division (recommended)
4000 level - Upper-division honors - may require permission from the instructor
5000- and 6000-level are graduate-level. Undergraduate UC students must be of senior-standing and must
complete a General Petition for approval to take these courses.
Course Registration
1. Online Application – Request courses. Places you in a Faculty.
2. Admission Notice – Approved courses listed.
3. Final registration and Add/Drop Period (after arrival) – Adjust course list during first week.
4. Peoplesoft is your official registration, not Vula. Your responsibility to ensure correct course registration.UCEAP Academics
Your MyEAP Study List is your official UC record. Make sure it accurately reflects the courses
you are taking. Do not enter anything into MyEAP until after you have received instructions.
Courses will be on your UC transcript with course titles, subject areas, numbers, units and
grades which will be calculated into your cumulative UC GPA.
UC students are required to enroll in 22 UC quarter units (3 or 4 courses) each semester.
One course may be taken P/NP.
Keep all course material and assignments – you will need them to petition for major, minor, GE
credit when you return to campus.
Grades can take up to 90 days to get from UCT to your campus registrar. UCT fall grades are
usually in by early January. Spring grades are usually available in early July.Returning Home
Pay all outstanding fees. Program costs, housing charges,
library fines, bills, or more will delay the release of your
grades and may block your UC registration.
Bring home course materials to assist you in petitioning for
course approval to satisfy major requirements – especially
syllabi and any returned graded work, but also any other
assignments that will demonstrate what you did.
Check your airline’s luggage restrictions.
Read about reverse culture shock and be aware of common
reactions to returning home.
Upon your return, please complete surveys or
questionnaires sent to you by UCEAP! Your feedback helps
us maintain the quality of the programs, and improve them
for future students.
Join our UCEAP Alumni Network!Questions?
Program Specialist, Amy Frohlich afrohlich@eap.ucop.edu
Academic Specialist, Jessica Muscat jmuscat@eap.ucop.edu
Student Finance Accountant, Karen Q studentfinance@eap.ucop.edu
“Perhaps it was history that ordained that it be here, at the Cape of Good Hope,
that we should lay the foundation stone of our new nation. For it was here at this
Cape, over three centuries ago, that there began the fateful convergence of the
peoples of Africa, Europe and Asia on these shores.”
Nelson MandelaYou can also read
