South Africa: Social Justice and Activism Internship Summer 2020 - SIT Study Abroad
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South Africa: Social Justice and Activism Internship Summer 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COUNTRY OVERVIEW.......................................... 3
GENERAL INFORMATION ................................. 3
CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY ............................ 3
LOCAL CUSTOMS ............................................. 3
DIET ................................................................... 4
SAFETY, SECURITY, AND HEALTH .................. 4
HOMESTAYS ..................................................... 5
OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS............................ 5
TRANSPORTATION ........................................... 5
COMMUNICATION ............................................. 5
PHONES AND E-MAIL ....................................... 6
MAILINGS........................................................... 6
MONEY............................................................... 7
VISITORS AND FREE TIME ............................... 7
PACKING GUIDELINES ......................................... 9
LUGGAGE .......................................................... 9
CLOTHING GUIDELINES ................................... 9
EQUIPMENT ...................................................... 9
COMPUTERS AND OTHER ELECTRONICS ..... 9
GIFTS ............................................................... 10
WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT OBTAIN IN
COUNTRY ........................................................ 10
ALUMNI CONTACTS ........................................ 10
PACKING LIST ..................................................... 11
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Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/25/2020
COUNTRY OVERVIEW
becomes, but there are also damp pockets in the
GENERAL INFORMATION southwest, particularly around Cape Town.
Over twenty-five years into democracy, we find
ourselves at an interesting moment to examine both At 56 feet above sea level, Cape Town has a
the progress and challenges faced by South Africa.
climate similar to that of California. The coast north
Large-scale war was averted and a negotiation
process brought about a peaceful transition to a from the Cape becomes progressively drier and
democratic system, yet political and criminal violence hotter, culminating in the desert region just south of
remain a problem. Development policy aims to Namibia. Along the southern coast the weather is
promote economic growth and social transformation, temperate, but due to the Agulhas current, the east
yet the rural-urban divide as well as inequality within coast becomes increasingly tropical the further north
the rural areas and urban centers continues. you go. In winter, it is moderately wet and may see
Discriminatory legal and institutional practices of the large cold fronts for limited periods. These bring
colonial and apartheid areas have been effectively significant rain and strong north-westerly winds.
challenged, and a new, progressive constitution put Students should have some rain gear and a warm
in place. Yet these rights are often at odds with jacket or sweater.
cultural practices and the broader public opinion.
South Africa now faces new challenges, including an Cape Town: AVERAGE HIGH/LOW
education system in crisis, a Gini coefficient that is TEMPERATURES (°F)
among the highest in the world and a raging HIV/AIDs
pandemic—which are placing considerable strain on MAY JUN JUL AUG
the resources and the social fabric of society. The
68/50 64/45 63/45 64/46
protection of human rights is enshrined in the
Constitution – hailed as one of the most progressive
Constitutions in the world – but these rights are
challenged by poverty and inequality and further
compromised by the nature and makeup of South LOCAL CUSTOMS
Africa’s multicultural society (manifested in terms of South Africa is one of the most multicultural
race, gender, language, ethnicity, religion, culture countries in the world. It has eleven official
and disability.) South Africa today provides a fertile languages and as many different ethnic groups,
environment for examining these dynamics and particularly in urban areas. It is difficult to generalize
reflecting on questions about social justice and on South African etiquettes and culture due to the
activism in post-apartheid era.
diversity, however, here are a few things to keep in
mind.
CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY Cultural Dos
South Africa extends nearly 2000km (1242 miles)
Be polite – Greet people when you meet them.
from the Limpopo River in the north to Cape Town in
the south and nearly 1500km (932 miles) from Port Greetings are leisurely and include time for social
Nolloth in the west to Durban in the east. Namibia, discussion and exchanging pleasantries. Thank
Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Swaziland people when they do something for you and say
run from west to east along South Africa's northern goodbye when you or someone else leaves. Clean
border and Lesotho is entirely contained within up after yourself – you are expected to clean after
South Africa’s borders. South Africa is the seventh yourself in your home stay, in the classroom, in
largest African country and it is twice the size of hotel rooms. Be on time to class and meetings.
Texas. Its position just south of the Tropic of Respect others whatever their views and respect
Capricorn makes South Africa a mostly dry and yourself. Dress conservatively – especially when
sunny place, but the climate is moderated by its meeting someone for the first time. Gift giving is
topography and the surrounding oceans. The further important and wrapping your gifts show extra effort.
east you go, the more useful your raingear
SIT Study Abroad - 3
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/25/2020
Offer to help and be prepared to receive offers of needs with your family before you begin your
help. homestays and plan accordingly. Recognizing that
meat plays a central role in South African cultures,
Cultural Don’ts some students have decided to eat it on certain
occasions. However, if this is not possible for you,
Do not smell food at the dinner table. Do not smoke
you can still be flexible and supplement your diet as
indoors. Do not bring alcohol into the homestay, necessary.
hotel, lodge or classroom. Do not use laptops in
class without the permission of the lecturer.
SAFETY, SECURITY, AND
HEALTH
DIET Maintaining good health is critical to having a
SIT Study Abroad provides experiential learning successful semester. To help you do that, we have
opportunities where students become embedded in provided Health Guidelines and Requirements for
their host community. As such, we strive to your program.
accommodate serious food allergies where possible
but simply cannot ensure that all dietary restrictions It is very important that you read the Health
or non-medically mandated diets can be Guidelines and Requirements document as early as
accommodated. possible and examine it with your medical provider.
The guidelines include recommended
Students are encouraged to participate in the local immunizations; a suggested calendar for
food culture as a central aspect of daily life. By trying immunizations and other prophylaxes; and valuable
to replicate your diet at home you may miss out on information on how to avoid exposure to common
an important part of your host culture. Due to the carriers of disease.
unique living and learning community central to all
SIT programs, we cannot separate food and eating
communally (including with your host family) from the
program experience. Please consider local diet
seriously when selecting your program of choice.
Your admissions counselor is a great resource in
better understanding the local diet.
Many traditional rituals involve food and it is a sign
of pride and generosity that even in the poorest
houses there is always a meal waiting for the
unexpected visitor. It would be considered rude to
refuse food but SIT homestay parents are used to
our students negotiating around quantities of food.
Students generally enjoy the diet in South Africa,
which may be in many ways not dissimilar to your
own. However, it tends to include more starch and
meat than you would normally be used to. The
staple food is pap, made from ground up corn, but in
Langa, potatoes, rice and pasta will be equally as Students are thoroughly briefed on safety
common. South Africa’s main contribution to the considerations during in-country orientation and are
world culinary repertoire is the braai, known in the updated throughout the semester if and when
U.S. as the barbeque, which is taken out at the first circumstances change. For information regarding
possible opportunity and you will enjoy many of safety and security, emergency communications,
these during your time here. SIT policies, accident and illness insurance, and
general program tips, please read the Safety,
South Africans enjoy their meat, but if you are not a Security, and Health document and Student
meat eater do not worry. Our families are used to Handbook.
catering for vegetarian, vegan and Kosher diets.
The homestay coordinator will discuss your special
SIT Study Abroad - 4
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/25/2020
concerns, including any allergies or dietary needs,
HOMESTAYS to the extent possible. Please note: in order to
As many SIT Study Abroad alumni will tell you, the ensure the best fit for students and families, SIT
homestay experience can be one of the most may make final adjustments to homestay
rewarding and most challenging aspects of the placements after student arrival in country.
program. We hope you will come prepared for the Therefore, SIT will not provide information about
experience and committed to moving beyond your homestay family before you depart for the
cultural immersion as you begin to question, program.
distinguish, and analyze the host culture vis-à-vis
your own culture and come to a deeper In this program, you will be staying in two
understanding of both. homestays, the first you will be living with isiXhosa-
speaking families in Langa Township in Cape Town.
Family structures vary in every culture. SIT Study Langa is one of the oldest townships that emerged
Abroad values the diversity of homestay families, following the passage of the Urban Areas Act in
and your family may include a single mother of two 1923. Langa was a planned town and looks radically
small children or a large extended family with many different from informal settlements that dot the Cape
people coming and going all the time. Additionally, Town landscape. The term township refers to
please bear in mind that, in many countries, the idea residential areas for black and coloured people.
of what constitutes a “home” may be different from Langa is a vibrant community that values education
what you expect. You will need to be prepared to and sports and has a very strong Christian identity.
adapt to a new life with a new diet, a new schedule, Families typically consist of five to six members. The
new people, and new priorities and expectations. name Langa literally means “sun” but it is derived
from Langalibalele, a rebel chief imprisoned at
Each program’s homestay coordinator will be Robben Island for rebelling against the government.
responsible for placing students in homestays.
These placements are made first based on health
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Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/25/2020
Your second homestay will be in Bo Kaap. Here you usable at the program location, (b) work with the
will be staying with Afrikaans-speaking families academic director within the first week upon arrival
coloureds (some of whom are descendants of in country to purchase a smart phone locally, (c)
slaves brought from Asia and the coastal Islands of bring a dual SIM smart phone, or (d) bring a smart
East Africa). Most if not all of the families will be phone with an international plan. During orientation,
practicing Muslims and you can expect your family with assistance from SIT Study Abroad staff,
to be fluent in English. students will learn how to use their cellphone, how
to purchase and use an appropriate local SIM card,
You will commute to your internship each day from and how to acquire minutes for calls and
Langa and Bo Kaap and weekends are spent with
texting. SIT Study Abroad requires that each
the host family.
student have a local number for communication with
OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS the homestay family and program staff.
You will also stay at backpackers’ lodges (known as
While we recognize that alternative communication
hostels) during orientation and evaluation phases of
methods can be free or cheaper than cell service i.e.
the program, and also for a few days between
Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp, etc. those programs
homestays. alone do not satisfy our need for regular
communication with the local program staff and
TRANSPORTATION partners, nor do they meet our emergency
For you to feel confident using public transport on communication needs. Therefore, local cellular
your own, the program will also give you exposure capacity on each student’s phone is required for the
to the main forms of public transport used by duration of the program. Students are required to
commuters: mini buses and trains. While in Cape maintain a minimum amount of phone credits at all
Town you can expect a commute of up to 45 times for emergency calls. Full compliance with this
minutes each morning and evening from your policy is expected.
homestay to your internship, depending on the
traffic and your internship location, as you will be We strongly recommend that you consider buying
traveling during peak traffic times. one in South Africa, as some US cell phones may
not work in South Africa.
COMMUNICATION The SIT program center provides internet access
While you may want to be in regular communication during posted hours. Email is accessible during
with friends and family from home during the term most of the time. The program does provide a
abroad, please bear in mind that different time certain amount of wireless access every month to
zones, and changing program activities can
each student. If you need more Internet time, there
complicate communication.
are also Internet cafés with high-speed wireless
It’s important to be clear with family and friends access near the classroom if you prefer that option.
about your availability during the term. Many When you are away from the classroom in Cape
students recommend making an appointment to call Town, email access is much more limited.
home or to receive a call. You should also consider
the impact of constant communication with friends MAILINGS
and family at home on your cultural immersion. Unlike receiving a package in the US, receiving a
package at your program site is usually expensive
and problematic. Customs agents must inspect all
PHONES AND E-MAIL packages and you, as the recipient, are responsible
As part of SIT’s commitment to student safety and for duty and storage fees. In addition, there are
security, all students are required to have a working cases of items being lost in the mail or taking so
smart phone capable of making and receiving both long to reach the recipient that the recipient is nearly
local and international calls throughout the duration back in the US by the time the items are received.
of the program. For that purpose students are For these reasons, sending packages should be
required to either (a) bring an open, unlocked smart done only for emergency situations. Additionally,
phone from the U.S. to the program that is able to sending valuables is highly discouraged.
accept a local SIM card, and is compatible with and
SIT Study Abroad - 6
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/25/2020For this program, DHL, FedEx, UPS services are paid into this card. You can access these funds
available in country. Despite cheaper prices, account via ATMs or by charging the card.
reliance on the US Postal Service is not advised due
to delays and unreliability. When given the option, If you choose to bring additional funds cash is more
it’s always a good idea to send packages certified easily changed than travelers checks. Should you
and with a tracking number that allows the sender to bring travelers checks, Visa Travelers Checks are
track the package. the best ones to bring, since they are more widely
accepted, and changeable in the bank opposite our
If it is necessary for someone to send you regular program center. MasterCard and/or Visa cards also
mail then posted letters and packages should be work and you can withdraw cash on most ATMs in
sent to the following address: Cape Town, arrangements must be made with your
C/o SIT Study Abroad personal bank prior to travel.
P.O. Box 45
Newlands, 7725 Check current exchange rates:
SOUTH AFRICA http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/
If you intend to use a personal debit and/or credit
Packages should be sent to the following address via
card, you should contact your bank and/or credit
DHL, FedEx, or UPS: card companies regarding your travel plans. If you
Student Name don’t inform these companies that you will be away,
c/o SIT Study Abroad they will often assume the card has been lost or
18 Station Road stolen and will put an immediate hold on the card.
Rondebosch You should also check on costs of withdrawal, as
Cape Town 7700 these costs vary and can sometimes be very
South Africa expensive. Renewing and receiving reissued credit
and debit cards while on the program will be an
The mail service is good, though somewhat slow. A expensive and highly inconvenient process. Before
letter to or from the US usually takes from seven you leave for your program, please check the
days to three weeks; postcards are slower. Make expiration dates on your cards to ensure that they
sure mail is clearly marked AIR MAIL. Packages will not expire while you are abroad. It is also very
often take longer and are expensive to send (either important that you make photocopies of all your
direction). There are a wide variety of courier debit/credit card information and leave them with
services available in South Africa including DHL and someone you trust in case your card(s) is/are lost or
FedEx. At current rates, you could send a package stolen.
of up to one pound for approximately US$50 to
arrive within two working days. Following are suggestions for spending money
during the program, including estimates for
textbooks, internship-related expenses, medical
MONEY expenses, personal spending, and gifts. Figures are
In addition to tuition, SIT Study Abroad program based on recent student evaluations, though
fees cover room and board throughout the program. individual spending habits vary widely and these
When room and/or board are not taken with the costs are averages.
group, students will be given a stipend to cover
related expenses. SIT will cover daily commuting A suggested total amount of money to budget
costs, if any, and excursions that are part of the ranges from US$700 to $1000. To determine where
normal program itinerary. Any other costs related you might fall in this range, please examine your
to personal travel are the students’ spending habits during a typical semester at your
responsibility. Please plan accordingly. home school and consider any exceptional
expenditures you may have on the program.
The local currency is the South African rand. The
exchange rate currently stands at approximately Please budget approximately:
R12 = US$1. A money belt large enough to hold
your passport and traveler’s checks is useful. Upon Personal spending (from past
arrival in Cape Town the SIT program will issue you $150-
student suggestions):
a debit card. Your stipends for food and transport be 300
SIT Study Abroad - 7
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/25/2020$100- visitors. See the Attendance and Participation
Books, printing, supplies: section of the Student Handbook.
150
Up-front medical costs: $200 Please note that any visitors during the course of
the program must plan their own independent
Visa: $0 accommodations; SIT Study Abroad homestay
families can accommodate only their assigned
student and, due to cultural and contractual
Reciprocity Fee $100 understandings with SIT, should not be asked to
host students’ guests.
Bottled Water: $50
During the program, students follow an intense
Typical Internet café usage: $50-100 schedule of classes and the internship will be time-
consuming. Free time for pursuing an independent
Estimated total of personal $700- interest or hobby during the program will be limited.
and other expenses: 1,000 Your admissions counselor can advise you about
particular interests you may have. For example, if
you must keep in shape for your next athletic
season, or if you play a musical instrument and want
to know whether to bring it, we can help you to
VISITORS AND FREE TIME understand your schedule and any concerns or
SIT strongly discourages and will not provide limitations that may exist. Please note that you will
support for any visitors to students during the not have a long break during the program.
term, due to the rigorous nature of the program and
Students are not permitted to leave South Africa at
the disruption that such visits cause in program flow
any time during the program. Opportunity for
and group dynamics. Students should be sure that
independent travel during the program is limited and
relatives and friends are aware of this policy and
cannot be guaranteed due to the rigorous schedule
that visits are scheduled for dates after the formal
and disruption independent travel may cause to
conclusion of the program. Students will not be
semester responsibilities. Requests to travel
excused from program components to attend to
independently will be considered on a case by case
basis by the academic director.
SIT Study Abroad - 8
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/25/2020EQUIPMENT
PACKING GUIDELINES Please bring at least one academic notebook with
you, one to use for your academic field journal
notes. This is in addition to any personal journals
you may wish to keep for this semester.Students do
LUGGAGE not need a water purifier.
Please pack lightly and include only necessary
items. You should be able to carry all your luggage
COMPUTERS AND OTHER
significant distances on your own. Try to minimize ELECTRONICS
both the number of bags and weight of your bag(s) It is strongly recommended that you bring a laptop
since you will likely be acquiring more belongings computer. If you bring a laptop, the computer will be
while abroad. We strongly recommend that students
your personal property and responsibility. It is
bring one big wheeled duffel bag or a large
recommended that you insure your computer, smart
backpack and a smaller bag. The smaller bag will
help you to carry your luggage on shorter phone, or other valuables for full coverage in the
excursions. The checked luggage maximum weight event of loss or theft. SIT is not responsible for any
should be 46 pounds, and carry on weight should duty tax you may have to pay when you enter the
be 17 pounds. Only one checked luggage will be country, theft, or loss.
allowed on flights inside South Africa.
The SIT classroom has a wireless internet
If carrying prescription medications, you should connection which is intended for academic research
carry a letter from your doctor to prevent any and email purposes only. There are a number of
concerns at customs or in transit. (Please see the Internet cafés in the immediate area to facilitate use
“General Health Tips” section in the Safety, of sites such as Facebook.
Security, and Health pre-departure document.)
Students generally store their computers at the
Please check the current requirements of the program office while on excursion. Generally, most
Transportation Security Administration US laptops require only a plug adapter but no
(http://www.tsa.gov) as well as those of the airline voltage converter; it is your responsibility to confirm
on which you are flying for domestic and this for your own laptop.
international baggage restrictions.
Students who do not bring their own laptop
CLOTHING GUIDELINES computers will have access to computers through
In general, dress in most parts of South Africa is internet cafes. Internet cafes are widely available
similar to that of the U.S. You may need to dress but the costs can add up as students are required to
more conservatively while in your homestay, type all assignments. Internet cafes charge about
depending on the family. Neat, somewhat US$2 per hour. It is possible to rent laptops or
conservative, comfortable clothes will help you to purchase used laptops in country. Students that
avoid the typical American tourist stereotype. have had their computers broken have received
Cape Town summers (October-May) are hot and good repair service at nearby computer shops.
dry; winters (June-September) are generally wet
and chilly. Night temperatures tend to drop at higher Please see the following website for information
elevations. Since the program will spend some time about electricity, voltage and electrical adapters.
at high elevations, you will need a sweater, light http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/
coat or jacket, and waterproof rainwear. Due to the The standard voltage in South Africa is 220/230volts
range of temperatures, we recommend bringing AC.
clothing that can be layered for warmth.
IPods and other music players are great for whiling
away the hours in the buses and you can add South
African music to your collection. A USB flash drive is
essential for getting electronic reading material,
SIT Study Abroad - 9
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/25/2020copies of lecturer’s PowerPoint presentations, and http://studyabroad.sit.edu/admitted-
great for storing the pictures you cannot download students/contact-a-former-student/.
to web-based storage.
GIFTS Don’t miss the Packing List on the next page!
As you might imagine, it is best to be prepared with
These packing guidelines are based on suggestions
a gift to offer your homestay family in gratitude for
their hospitality and as a means to share a part of from past students and your academic director.
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 CANNOT
OBTAIN IN COUNTRY
If you find you need some new clothing, you can
buy virtually anything in S.A. at reasonable prices. If
you do not already have other items, these can be
obtained in South Africa as well. Generally, prices
for most items are reasonable. Many of the items
you find in the U.S. are available in South Africa
from local manufacturers. Toiletries and personal
care items can also be purchased in S.A. at similar
prices 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
not be mailed into South Africa. 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
If you have further questions, please contact your
admissions counselor and/or ask an alumni contact:
SIT Study Abroad - 10
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/25/2020PACKING LIST
o Two photocopies of your passport stored
separately from your actual passport
CLOTHING o Photocopy of visa (if applicable)
o Underwear – 7 days’ supply o Two passport photos
o Socks - 4-5 pairs
o Lightweight pajamas
o 1 set of clothes suitable for a night out or a HEALTH/TOILETRIES
more formal occasion o Prescription medications used regularly
o 1 pair comfortable everyday shoes or o Vitamin supplements
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 Sweater Light coat or jacket o Travel sickness medicine
o Waterproof rainwear o Adhesive bandages/antiseptic/antibacterial
o Bathing suit (modern fashions are acceptable) cream
o Rain poncho or fold-up umbrella
o 1 sun hat OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS
o Towel and a washcloth
WOMEN o Flashlight (with small extra bulb and extra
o 2 skirts (including a long sarong or wrap skirt) batteries)
o 4 casual t-shirts o Sports bag and a small daypack
o 4 dressier blouses or shirts o Good quality, small locks (for luggage and
o 2 pairs lightweight pants locker)
o 2 pairs jeans o Alarm clock (non-electric, portable, with spare
o 2 pairs shorts (nothing too short – think mid- batteries)
thigh) o Photos of your family & friends & small portable
o 1 “workout” outfit (1-2 sports bras, t-shirts, book about your State
conservative shorts) o Gifts for homestay families and others (see
above, “Gifts”)
o Academic Journals (see above, “Equipment”)
o Flash cards
MEN o Student ID or if possible International Student
o 4 pairs shorts ID (for discounts)
o 2 pairs lightweight slacks
o 2 pairs jeans or other casual pants OPTIONAL
o 4 casual t-shirts o Camera
o 4 sports or dress shirts o Sunglasses
o An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, if
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS worn
o Passport o Army knife with bottle opener
o Yellow WHO Card (see the Safety, Security, o Pocket sewing kit
and Health document for more information)
SIT Study Abroad - 11
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 2/25/2020You can also read
