South Africa: Multiculturalism and Human Rights Spring 2020
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South Africa: Multiculturalism and Human Rights Spring 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COUNTRY OVERVIEW ................................................ 3
GENERAL INFORMATION ....................................... 3
CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY ................................... 3
LOCAL CUSTOMS ............................................... 4
DIET........................................................................ 4
SAFETY, SECURITY, AND HEALTH ........................... 5
HOMESTAYS........................................................... 5
OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS ................................. 6
TRANSPORTATION ................................................. 6
COMMUNICATION................................................. 6
PHONES AND E-MAIL ............................................. 6
MAILINGS............................................................... 7
MONEY .................................................................. 8
VISITORS AND FREE TIME ...................................... 9
PACKING GUIDELINES .............................................. 10
CLOTHING GUIDELINES........................................ 10
EQUIPMENT ......................................................... 10
COMPUTERS AND OTHER ELECTRONICS ............. 10
GIFTS .................................................................... 11
WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT OBTAIN IN
COUNTRY ............................................................. 11
ALUMNI CONTACTS ............................................. 12
PACKING LIST ........................................................... 13
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Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 9/4/2019
COUNTRY OVERVIEW
GENERAL INFORMATION
Twenty five years into democracy, we find ourselves CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY
at an interesting moment to examine both the South Africa extends nearly 2000km (1242 miles)
progress and challenges faced by South Africa. Large- from the Limpopo River in the north to Cape Town
scale war was averted and a negotiation process in the south and nearly 1500km (932 miles) from
brought about a peaceful transition to a democratic Port Nolloth in the west to Durban in the east.
system, yet political and criminal violence remain a Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and
Swaziland run from west to east along South Africa's
problem. Development policy aims to promote
northern border and Lesotho is entirely contained
economic growth and social transformation, yet the
within South Africa’s borders. South Africa is the
rural-urban divide as well as inequality within the seventh largest African country and twice the size of
rural areas and urban centers continues. Texas.
Discriminatory legal and institutional practices of the
colonial and apartheid areas have been effectively It’s position just south of the Tropic of Capricorn
challenged, and a new, progressive constitution put makes South Africa a mostly dry and sunny place,
in place. Yet these rights are often at odds with but the climate is moderated by its topography and
cultural practices and the broader public opinion. the surrounding oceans. The further east you go, the
South Africa now faces new challenges, including an more useful your raingear becomes, but there are
education system in crisis and a raging HIV/AIDs also damp pockets in the southwest, particularly
pandemic—which are placing considerable strain on around Cape Town.
the resources and the social fabric of society.
Recently South Africa has been inundated with a CAPE TOWN: AVERAGE HIGH/LOW
number of student led protests, starting with TEMPERATURES (°F)
#RhodesMustFall at the end of 2015. The year 2016 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY
was dominated by the #FeesMustFall protests, in
which the students among other things demanded 81/69 81/69 81/68 78/64 76/57
free education and a decolonized education system. SEPT OCT NOV DEC
In response the government has recently announced
74/59 75/62 77/65 79/67
“a free education” policy for lower income first year
students attending university. The pragmatics of
implementing this policy are yet to be tested, but At 56 feet above sea level, Cape Town has a climate
2018 was dominated by issues directly related to this similar to that of California. The coast north from
policy. The protection of human rights are enshrined the Cape becomes progressively drier and hotter,
in the Constitution – hailed as one of the most culminating in the desert region just south of
progressive Constitutions in the world – but these Namibia. Along the southern coast the weather is
rights are challenged by poverty and inequality and temperate, but due to the Agulhas current, the east
further compromised by the nature and makeup of coast becomes increasingly tropical the further north
you go. In winter, the days are sunny and warm.
South Africa’s multicultural society (manifested in
Cape Town summers (December - March) are dry
terms of race, gender, language, ethnicity, religion, and warm; winters (June - August) are generally wet
culture and disability.) South Africa today provides a and cool.
fertile environment for examining these dynamics
and reflecting on questions about rights and Students should have some sort of sun hat and sun
multiculturalism in the post-apartheid era. block available to them while here as the
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Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 9/4/2019
temperatures can reach the mid-70s in November
and December. DIET
SIT Study Abroad provides experiential learning
opportunities where students become embedded in
their host community. As such, we strive to
accommodate serious food allergies where possible
but simply cannot ensure that all dietary restrictions
or non-medically mandated diets can be
accommodated.
Students are encouraged to participate in the local
food culture as a central aspect of daily life. By trying
to replicate your diet at home you may miss out on
an important part of your host culture. Due to the
unique living and learning community central to all
SIT programs, we cannot separate food and eating
LOCAL CUSTOMS communally (including with your host family) from
the program experience. Please consider local diet
South Africa is one of the most multicultural
seriously when selecting your program of choice.
countries in the world. It has eleven official languages Your admissions counselor is a great resource in
and as many different ethnic groups, particularly in better understanding the local diet.
urban areas. It is difficult to generalize on South
African etiquettes and culture due to the diversity, Many traditional rituals involve food and it is a sign of
however, here are a few things to keep in mind. pride and generosity that even in the poorest houses
there is always a meal waiting for the unexpected
Cultural Dos visitor. It would be considered rude to refuse food
Be polite – Greet people when you meet them. but SIT homestay parents are used to our students
Greetings are leisurely and include time for social negotiating around quantities of food. Students
generally enjoy the diet in South Africa, which may
discussion and exchanging pleasantries. Thank people
be in many ways not dissimilar to your own.
when they do something for you and say goodbye However, it tends to include more starch and meat
when you or someone else leaves. Clean up after than you would normally be used to. The staple food
yourself – you are expected to clean after yourself is pap, made from ground up corn, but in Langa,
in your home stay, in the classroom, in hotel rooms. potatoes, rice and pasta will be equally as common.
Be on time to class and meetings. Respect others South Africa’s main contribution to the world
whatever their views and respect yourself. Dress culinary repertoire is the braai, known in the U.S. as
conservatively – especially when meeting someone the barbeque, which is taken out at the first possible
for the first time. Gift giving is important and opportunity and you will enjoy many of these during
wrapping your gifts show extra effort. Offer to your time here.
help and be prepared to receive offers of help. South Africans enjoy their meat, but if you are not a
Cultural Don’ts meat eater do not worry. Our families are used to
catering for vegetarian, vegan and Kosher diets. The
Do not smell food at the dinner table. Do not homestay coordinator will discuss your special needs
smoke indoors. Do not bring alcohol into the with your family before you begin your homestays
homestay, hotel, lodge or classroom. Do not use and plan accordingly. While on the move and in the
laptops in class without the permission of the rural homestay vegetarians and vegans might
lecturer. experience more difficulty. Recognizing that meat
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plays a central role in South African cultures, some what you expect. You will need to be prepared to
students have decided to eat it on certain occasions. adapt to a new life with a new diet, a new schedule,
However, if this is not possible for you, you can still new people, and new priorities and expectations.
be flexible and supplement your diet as necessary.
Each program’s homestay coordinator will be
SAFETY, SECURITY, AND responsible for placing students in homestays. These
placements are made first based on health concerns,
HEALTH including any allergies or dietary needs, to the extent
Maintaining good health is critical to having a possible. Please note: in order to ensure the
successful semester. To help you do that, we have best fit for students and families, SIT may
provided Health Guidelines and Requirements make final adjustments to homestay
for your program. placements after student arrival in country.
Therefore, SIT will not provide information
It is very important that you read the Health about your homestay family before you
Guidelines and Requirements document as early as depart for the program.
possible and examine it with your medical provider.
The guidelines include recommended immunizations; On this program, you will be staying in four
a suggested calendar for immunizations and other homestays. The main homestay involves living with
prophylaxes; and valuable information on how to Xhosa-speaking African families in Langa, one of
avoid exposure to common carriers of disease. Cape Town’s townships, for approximately four
weeks. A township refers to an urban residential
Students are thoroughly briefed on safety area that, under apartheid, was reserved principally
considerations during in-country orientation and are for Black and Coloured people. SIT Study Abroad
updated throughout the semester if and when homestay families have been carefully selected with a
circumstances change. For information regarding view towards maximizing your exposure to African
safety and security, emergency communications, SIT culture, and minimizing the risks inherent in
policies, accident and illness insurance, and general township living. The homestay coordinator and
program tips, please read the Safety, Security, program assistant spend a good deal of time and
and Health document and Student Handbook. effort ensuring that both families and students have a
safe, rewarding experience. In the townships, you
can expect to have your own bedroom and your
HOMESTAYS families to be fluent in English.
As many SIT Study Abroad alumni will tell you, the
homestay experience can be one of the most The second homestay affords you the opportunity to
rewarding and most challenging aspects of the get a feel for rural life by living with rural Xhosa-
program. We hope you will come prepared for the speaking families in the Eastern Cape for seven
experience and committed to moving beyond nights. You will be living in a small rural village about
cultural immersion as you begin to question, 35 miles north of East London. In this homestay you
distinguish, and analyze the host culture vis-à-vis may be sharing your bedroom with other family
your own culture and come to a deeper members and communication might be more
understanding of both. challenging as sometimes only the school-children
have some fluency in English. However, this
Family structures vary in every culture. SIT Study homestay comes after your Xhosa language course
Abroad values the diversity of homestay families, and and it will be a great opportunity to consolidate and
your family may include a single mother of two small expand your repertoire. You will be paired with one
children or a large extended family with many people of your friends from the student group for this
coming and going all the time. Additionally, please experience thus adding an extra support mechanism
bear in mind that, in many countries, the idea of to aid the adaptation process.
what constitutes a “home” may be different from
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The third homestay increases your exposure to
different cultures in South Africa with white,
Afrikaans-speaking families in Stellenbosch. In this TRANSPORTATION
homestay, you can expect your own bedroom and SIT generally provides private transport to and from
your families will also be fluent in English. Sometimes class each day up until the beginning of
the program will pair students for this homestay ISP/internship, in the form of hired mini buses with
depending on student preference and the number of drivers. For you to feel confident using public
families interested in hosting. transport on your own during ISP/internship time,
The final homestay is in Bo Kaap in Cape Town. the program will also give you exposure to the main
Here you will be spending two weeks with forms of public transport used by commuters: mini
Afrikaans-speaking families of color (some of whom buses and trains. While in Cape Town you can
are descendants of slaves brought from Asia and the expect a commute of up to 40 minutes each morning
coastal Islands of East Africa). Most if not all of the and evening, depending on the traffic, as you will be
families will be practicing Muslims and you can traveling during peak traffic times.
expect your family to be fluent in English. In terms of
accommodation, you can expect to be sharing a COMMUNICATION
room with a family member. While you may want to be in regular communication
with friends and family from home during the term
abroad, please bear in mind that different time
zones, unreliable phone lines, and changing program
activities can complicate communication.
It’s important to be clear with family and friends
about your availability during the term. Many
students recommend making an appointment to call
home or to receive a call. You should also consider
the impact of constant communication with friends
and family at home on your cultural immersion.
PHONES AND E-MAIL
As part of SIT’s commitment to student safety and
OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS security, all students are required to have a working
While most pre-ISP/internship accommodations are smart phone capable of making and receiving both
in homestays, you will also stay at backpackers’ local and international calls throughout the duration
lodges (known as hostels) for approximately two of the program. For that purpose students are
weeks. This occurs for a few days before and after required to either (a) bring an open, unlocked smart
the Eastern Cape excursions. You will also spend a phone from the U.S. to the program that is able to
few nights in Cape Town in a backpackers’ lodge accept a local SIM card, and is compatible with and
during orientation before your first homestays. On usable at the program location, (b) work with the
some excursions students may stay in campsites and academic director within the first week upon arrival
bush lodges. in country to purchase a smart phone locally, (c)
bring a dual SIM smart phone, or (d) bring a smart
During the independent study project period, some phone with an international plan. During
students choose to stay with a homestay family while orientation, with assistance from SIT Study Abroad
other students may choose to rent an apartment staff, students will learn how to use their cellphone,
with classmates. how to purchase and use an appropriate local SIM
card, and how to acquire minutes for calls and
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texting. SIT Study Abroad requires that each direction). There are a wide variety of courier
student have a local number for communication with services available in South Africa including DHL and
the homestay family and program staff. FedEx. At current rates, you could send a package of
up to one pound for approximately US$50 to arrive
While we recognize that alternative communication
within two working days.
methods can be free or cheaper than cell service i.e.
Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp, etc. those programs For this program, DHL and FedEx services are
alone do not satisfy our need for regular available in country. Despite cheaper prices,
communication with the local program staff and reliance on the US Postal Service is not advised due
partners, nor do they meet our emergency to delays and unreliability. When given the option,
communication needs. Therefore, local cellular it’s always a good idea to send packages certified and
capacity on each student’s phone is required for the with a tracking number that allows the sender to
duration of the program. Students are required to track the package.
maintain a minimum amount of phone credits at all
times for emergency calls. Full compliance with this Posted letters and packages should be sent to the
policy is expected. following address:
We strongly recommend that you consider buying a
smart phone in South Africa as some US cell phones
may not work in South Africa.
Email is accessible during most of the semester. The
program does provide a certain amount of wireless
access every month to each student. If you need
more Internet time, there are also Internet cafés
with high-speed wireless access near the classroom if
you prefer that option. When you are away from the
classroom in Cape Town, email access is much more
limited.
MAILINGS
Unlike receiving a package here in the US, receiving a
package at your program site is usually expensive
and problematic. Customs agents must inspect all
packages and you, as the recipient, are responsible Student Name
for duty and storage fees. In addition, there are cases C/o SIT Study Abroad
of items being lost in the mail or taking so long to P.O. Box 45
reach the recipient that the recipient is nearly back Newlands, 7725
in the US by the time the items are received. For SOUTH AFRICA
these reasons, sending packages should be done only
for emergency situations. Additionally, sending Packages should be sent to the following address:
valuables is highly discouraged.
Student Name
The mail service is good, though somewhat slow. A c/o SIT Study Abroad
letter to or from the US usually takes from seven 18 Station Road
days to three weeks; postcards are slower. Make Rondebosch
sure mail is clearly marked AIR MAIL. Packages Cape Town 7700
often take longer and are expensive to send (either South Africa
SIT Study Abroad - 7
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 9/4/2019
are abroad. It is also very important that you make
photocopies of all your debit/credit card information
MONEY and leave them with someone you trust in case your
In addition to tuition, SIT Study Abroad program card(s) is/are lost or stolen.
fees cover room and board throughout the program.
When room and/or board are not taken with the
group, students will be given a stipend to cover Personal spending (from past
related expenses. SIT will cover daily commuting student suggestions): $350-500
costs, if any, and excursions that are part of the
normal program itinerary. During the ISP/internship Books, printing, supplies: $200-250
period, students will receive a stipend for basic
room and board only, based on the cost of living at Up-front medical costs: $200
the program base. Any domestic travel,
interpretation services, or supplies necessary Potential ISP/internship
for the ISP/internship are the students’ $50-300
travel expenses:
responsibility. Please plan accordingly.
Visa: n/a
It is advisable to bring your funds in various forms so
that if there is a problem with one option you will Typical Internet café usage: $100-150
still have access to money. The local currency is the $1100-
South African rand. The exchange rate hovers Estimated total:
1700
between approximately R10 = US$1. During the
second week of the program after you arrive in Above are suggestions for spending money during
Cape Town the SIT program will help you open up a the program, including estimates for textbooks,
local bank account with a South African bank. All of ISP/internship-related expenses, medical expenses,
your stipends for food and accommodation will be personal spending, and gifts. Figures are based on
paid into this account. You can access this account recent student evaluations, though individual
via ATMs, which are widely available in all towns and spending habits vary widely and these costs are
cities. You can also arrange to have money averages.
transferred into this account from overseas if the
need arises. A suggested total amount of money to budget ranges
from US$1100 to $1700. To determine where you
Cash is used for most daily transactions and the use might fall in this range, please examine your spending
of checks, traveler’s checks, and credit/debit cards habits during a typical semester at your home school
for direct purchases is rare. and consider any exceptional expenditures you may
have on the program, including travel costs for your
If using a debit and/or credit card, you should planned ISP, internship or a specific personal
contact your bank and/or credit card companies expense.
regarding your travel plans. If you don’t inform these
companies that you will be away, they will often Check current exchange rates:
assume the card has been lost or stolen and will put http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/
an immediate hold on the card. You should also
check on costs of withdrawal, as these costs vary
and can sometimes be very expensive. Renewing and
receiving reissued credit and debit cards while on
the program will be an expensive and highly
inconvenient process. Before you leave for your
program, please check the expiration dates on your
cards to ensure that they will not expire while you
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Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 9/4/2019
During the program, students follow an intense
VISITORS AND FREE TIME schedule of classes and field-based learning
SIT strongly discourages and will not provide
assignments, even during the ISP or internship. Free
support for any visitors to students during the time for pursuing an independent interest or hobby
term, due to the rigorous nature of the program during the program will be limited. Your admissions
and the disruption that such visits cause in program counselor can advise you about particular interests
flow and group dynamics. Students should be sure you may have. For example, if you must keep in
that relatives and friends are aware of this policy and
shape for your next athletic season, or if you play a
that visits are scheduled for dates after the formal musical instrument and want to know whether to
conclusion of the program. Students will not be
bring it, we can help you to understand your
excused from program components to attend to schedule and any concerns or limitations that may
visitors. See the Attendance and Participation exist. Please note that you will not have a long break
section of the Student Handbook. during the program, such as Thanksgiving or Spring
Please note that any visitors during the course of the Break.
program must plan their own independent
Students are not permitted to leave South Africa at
accommodations; SIT Study Abroad homestay
any time during the program.
families can accommodate only their assigned
student and, due to cultural and contractual
understandings with SIT, should not be asked to host
students’ guests.
SIT Study Abroad - 9
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 9/4/2019PACKING GUIDELINES we recommend bringing clothing that can be
layered for warmth.
LUGGAGE EQUIPMENT
Please pack lightly and include only necessary items. Please bring at least two academic notebooks with
You should be able to carry all your luggage you, one to use for your academic field journal notes
significant distances on your own. Try to minimize and one to use as your Independent Study Project or
both the number of bags and weight of your bag(s) internship journal. These are in addition to any
since you will likely be acquiring more belongings personal journals you may wish to keep for this
while abroad. We strongly recommend that semester.
students bring one big wheeled duffel bag or a large Students do not need a water purifier.
backpack and a smaller bag. The smaller bag will be
useful to carry your luggage on shorter excursions. COMPUTERS AND OTHER
The checked luggage maximum weight should be 44
pounds, and carry on weight should be 16 pounds.
ELECTRONICS
Only one checked luggage and one carry on will be It is strongly recommended that you bring a laptop
allowed on flights inside South Africa. computer. If you bring a laptop, the computer will be
your personal property and responsibility. It is
If carrying prescription medications, you should recommended that you insure your computer or
carry a letter from your doctor to prevent any other valuables for full coverage in the event of loss
concerns at customs or in transit. (Please see the or theft. SIT is not responsible for any duty tax you
“General Health Tips” section in the Safety, Security, may have to pay when you enter the country, theft,
and Health pre-departure document.) or loss.
Please check the current requirements of the
Transportation Security Administration
(http://www.tsa.gov) as well as those of the airline
on which you are flying for domestic and
international baggage restrictions.
CLOTHING GUIDELINES
In general, dress in most parts of South Africa is
similar to that of the U.S. You may need to dress
more conservatively while in your homestay,
depending on the family. Neat, somewhat
conservative, comfortable clothes will help you to
avoid the typical American tourist stereotype.
The SIT classroom has a wireless internet
Cape Town summers (October-May) are hot and connection which is intended for academic research
dry; winters (June-September) are generally wet and and email purposes only. There are a number of
chilly. Night temperatures tend to drop at higher Internet cafés in the immediate area to facilitate use
elevations. Since the program will spend some of sites such as Facebook.
time at high elevations, you will need a
sweater, light coat or jacket, and waterproof
rainwear. Due to the range of temperatures, Students generally store their computers at the
program office while on excursion. Generally, most
SIT Study Abroad - 10
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 9/4/2019US laptops require only a plug adapter but no A digital recorder might come in handy when
voltage converter; it is your responsibility to confirm conducting interviews for your ISP or internship. It is
this for your own laptop. an individual choice whether you want to use one or
not. Some students find them useful, while others
Students who do not bring their own laptop are happier to write notes or use their phone. Many
computers will have access to computers through academics, professional and experts do not object to
internet cafes. Internet cafes are widely available but the use of a voice recorder, but many lay people and
the costs can add up as students are required to rural folk tend to feel a little intimidated or
type all assignments, including their ISP or internship uncomfortable with the device. Digital recorders are
paper. Internet cafes charge about US$2 per hour. It expensive in South Africa so you must consider
is possible to rent laptops or purchase used laptops buying one before your trip.
in country. Students that have had their computers
broken have received good repair service at nearby
computer shops.
GIFTS
As you might imagine, it is best to be prepared with
a gift to offer your homestay family in gratitude for
their hospitality and as a means to share a part of
your culture with them. We suggest one or two gifts
that the whole family can enjoy. You may also wish
to consider gifts for people outside your homestay
family. Try to choose gifts that represent you or the
part of the country and/or community you live in.
Think about what your city, state, or local artisans
produce. Draw upon your personal interests or
hobbies for ideas. Pack a couple of small gifts for
children, such as small games, bubbles, or a Frisbee.
Even if your homestay family does not have small
children, chances are that you will engage with
children in your homestay community. Once you are
on the program and learn more about the local
culture, you will discover other ways to thank your
family. Remember to bring pictures of your friends
and family to share.
WHAT YOU CAN AND
Please see the following website for information
about electricity, voltage and electrical adapters. CANNOT OBTAIN IN COUNTRY
http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/. The If you find you need some new clothing, you can buy
standard voltage in South Africa is 220/230volts AC. virtually anything in S.A. at reasonable prices too. If
you do not already have other items, these can be
IPods and other music players are great for whiling obtained in South Africa as well. Generally, prices
away the hours in the buses and you can add South for most items are reasonable. Many of the items
African music to your collection. A USB flash drive is
you find in the U.S. are available in South Africa from
essential for getting electronic reading material,
copies of lecturer’s PowerPoint presentations, and local manufacturers. Toiletries and personal care
great for storing the pictures you cannot download items can also be purchased in S.A. at similar prices
to web-based storage. to the U.S. However, if you require any form of
medication, bring a sufficient supply to last the
duration of the program, as prescription drugs may
SIT Study Abroad - 11
Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 9/4/2019not be mailed into South Africa. You must also bring
a copy of your prescription. Remember to bring a
spare pair of glasses or contact lenses if you wear
them. You will be able to do laundry about once a
week during most of the program, an average load,
wash and dry, costing about US$6.
ALUMNI CONTACTS Don’t miss the Packing List on the next page!
If you have further questions, please contact your
admissions counselor and/or ask an alumni contact: These packing guidelines are based on suggestions
http://studyabroad.sit.edu/admitted-students/contact- from past students and your academic director.
a-former-student/. Remember to place all valuable items and
prescriptions in your carry-on luggage while traveling
and all sharp items in your checked luggage.
SIT Study Abroad - 12
Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 9/4/2019PACKING LIST
o Over the counter medications as approved by
your doctor:
GENERAL o Pain reliever/fever reducer
o Underwear – 7 days’ supply o Cold medication/decongestant
o Socks - 4-5 pairs o Laxative
o Lightweight pajamas o Anti-diarrheal medication such as Imodium
o 1 set of clothes suitable for a night out or a o Travel sickness medication
more formal occasion o Vitamin supplements
o 1 pair comfortable everyday shoes or sneakers o Good quality thermometer (for taking your
o 1 pair more formal shoes temperature)
o 1 pair of flip-flops and/or sandals o Small first aid kit
o 1-2 fleece or wool sweaters (Cape Town can o Sunscreen
get cold in winter) o Adhesive bandages/antiseptic/antibacterial cream
o Light to medium coat or jacket o Mosquito repellent
o Waterproof rainwear o Antibacterial wipes and/or antibacterial hand
o Bathing suit (modern fashions are acceptable) sanitizer or wash
o Rain poncho or fold-up umbrella
o 1 sun hat
OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS
WOMEN o A towel and a wash cloth
o 2 skirts (including a long sarong or wrap skirt) o Flashlight (with small extra bulb and extra
o 4 casual t-shirts batteries)
o 4 dressier blouses or shirts o Sports bag and a small daypack
o 2 pairs lightweight pants o Good quality, small locks (for luggage and
o 2 pairs jeans locker)
o 2 pairs shorts (nothing too short – think mid- o Photos of your family & friends & small portable
thigh) book about your State
o 1 “workout” outfit (1-2 sports bras, t-shirts, o Gifts for homestay families and others (see
conservative shorts) above, “Gifts”)
o Academic Journals (see above, “Equipment”)
MEN o Flash cards
o 4 pairs shorts o Student ID or if possible International Student ID
o 2 pairs lightweight slacks (for discounts)
o 2 pairs jeans or other casual pants
o 4 casual t-shirts OPTIONAL
o 4 sports or dress shirts o Camera
o Sunglasses An extra pair of glasses or contact
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS lenses, if worn
o Passport o Army knife with bottle opener
o Yellow WHO Card where applicable o Pocket sewing kit
o Two photocopies of your passport, stored
separately from your actual passport
o Photocopy of visa (if applicable)
HEALTH/TOILETRIES
o Prescription medications used regularly
SIT Study Abroad - 13
Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 9/4/2019You can also read
