Study Abroad - 2021 Program Guide - UWEC ...
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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN EAU CLAIRE
CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
Study Abroad
STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY,
STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA
2021
Program GuideTABLE OF CONTENTS ATM Scams ..................................................... 15
Sexual Assault ................................................. 15
Academics .............................................................. 5
Resources for Victims of Sexual Violence .. 16
Pre-departure Planning ..................................... 5
LGBTQIA+ Traveler ........................................ 16
Registration at Stellenbosch ............................ 5
Racism .............................................................. 16
Dropping/Adding Classes ................................. 5
Emergency Contacts ...................................... 17
Class Schedule & Attendance ......................... 5
911 Equivalent in South Africa ...................... 17
Transcripts .......................................................... 5
Marijuana and other Illegal Drugs ................ 17
Stellenbosch Academic System ...................... 5
Required Documents .......................................... 18
Money Matters........................................................ 6
Visa ................................................................... 18
Cost Estimate ..................................................... 6
Yellow Fever Requirement ............................ 18
Meal & Housing Costs....................................... 6
Visas/Vaccines for Travel to Other Countries
Currency Exchange ........................................... 7
........................................................................... 19
Cost of Living ...................................................... 7
Packing Tips ........................................................ 19
Money on Arrival ................................................ 7
Weather ............................................................ 19
Money in South Africa ....................................... 7
Packing ............................................................. 19
Credit Cards and ATMs .................................... 7
Do Not Bring .................................................... 20
Traveler’s Checks .............................................. 7
Getting To South Africa ...................................... 20
Health & Safety ...................................................... 8
Travel Arrangements ...................................... 20
Centers for Disease Control ............................. 8
Buying a Changeable Ticket ......................... 20
Water ................................................................... 8
Early Arrivals.................................................... 20
Insect Bites ......................................................... 8
Airport Safety Precautions ............................. 20
Malaria ................................................................. 8
Late Arrivals-Expected and Unexpected ..... 21
HIV/AIDS ............................................................. 9
Leaving Your Host City .................................. 21
HIV Risks to Travelers .................................... 10
Settling In ............................................................. 21
Dog Bites/Rabies ............................................. 11
Orientation........................................................ 21
Tuberculosis (TB)............................................. 11
On-Site Support............................................... 21
South African Health Insurance ..................... 11
Local Transportation ....................................... 21
CISI Insurance in South Africa....................... 11
Getting Involved .............................................. 21
Medical/Mental Health Availability................. 12
Housing................................................................. 22
Integrated Crisis Services............................... 12
Safety in the Residence Halls ....................... 22
Services for Students with Disabilities .......... 12
What's Provided? ............................................ 23
Safety in South Africa...................................... 12
Water Usage .................................................... 23Laundry.............................................................. 23 Field Trips......................................................... 25 Shopping ........................................................... 23 Air/Bus Travel .................................................. 25 Meals & Snacks ............................................... 23 Culture .................................................................. 25 Internet Access ................................................ 23 Population ........................................................ 25 Housing Costs .................................................. 24 Time .................................................................. 26 Communication .................................................... 24 Doing Without .................................................. 26 Time Difference ................................................ 24 Contact Information ............................................ 27 Email/Internet Access ..................................... 24 Web Information: South Africa .......................... 28 Calling from the U.S. ....................................... 24 City .................................................................... 28 Snail Mail ........................................................... 24 Culture .............................................................. 28 Language .......................................................... 25 Country ............................................................. 28 Travel While Abroad ............................................ 25
Congratulations on being accepted to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire study abroad
program with Stellenbosch University. Living and studying in a new culture is both an exciting and a
challenging experience. Past participants of study abroad report that the many advantages of
international study include:
Gaining new perspectives on a chosen academic field
Increasing understanding of different cultures
Enhancing personal development
Developing different perspectives on U.S. culture
Gaining self-confidence and independence
Learning skills for the future international job market
It is up to you to determine how you can best benefit from these possible advantages. This is your
adventure!
Use this program-specific guide with the more general resources in your BlugoldsAbroad account.
While this guide contains the information available at the time of publication, it is impossible for any
single resource to answer all of your questions. Your peer advisor will email information throughout the
semester, and we encourage you to do your own research, also, using the web resources listed
towards the end of this guide, as well as others that you find. Contact the Center for International
Education (CIE) staff or your peer advisor with your specific questions.
Questions only you can answer include:
1) What are YOUR goals for this experience? Advancement in a future profession, desire to
expand personal and academic horizons, and wish to challenge yourself in a new environment?
2) How can you best prepare to meet your goals within the context of this program? For example,
if one of your goals is truly being immersed in South African culture, yet you are going to be
around many international students, how will you make sure you don’t spend all of your time
with only international students?
The information in this guide was current at the time of publication, though changes may occur at any
time.
4ACADEMICS many long weekends as faculty will expect you
to be present.
The Academics section of the Study Abroad
Handbook has more information on:
Transcripts
• registration at UW-Eau Claire and Please see the Academics section of the Study
abroad
class attendance Abroad Handbook for important information if
•
• credits & course-load you are graduating, transferring or applying
• integrative learning for a competitive major such as Nursing or
• transcripts Education at the end of your term abroad.
• service learning
At the end of the semester, Stellenbosch
Pre-departure Planning University sends a transcript to UW-Eau Claire.
Please see the Stellenbosch Academics page Grades will not arrive until about two months
on our website, for details on how to plan your after the end of the semester, so you will initially
courses including information on finding receive a grade report with “NR” (not reported).
courses, credits and course-load, and grade A revised transcript will be issued after the
conversion. grades have arrived.
Registration at Stellenbosch If you are asked to complete a transcript
You indicated your course choices on your release form by Stellenbosch, have the
Stellenbosch University application. transcript sent to the Center for
Stellenbosch will make a determination if you International Education (see Contacts page
are qualified to take these courses based on for full address). UWEC cannot post grades
the transcript and course descriptions that you that were first sent to a student.
submitted with your application. In your
acceptance email they will indicate which Stellenbosch Academic System
courses you were approved to take. You will not The university is a bilingual university with
be allowed to take courses for which you have courses taught in English or Afrikaans. Unless
not been pre-approved. You will finalize your students can demonstrate a high level of
registration upon arrival. fluency and literacy in Afrikaans, they will be
limited to coursework taught in English.
Dropping/Adding Classes Students can take
During Stellenbosch’s mandatory orientation, 1) courses offered in English within academic
you will hand in your final course registration departments,
form. This form will list your final courses for the 2) courses offered by Global Education
term. No changes can be made after a date that Programs (GEP), or
Stellenbosch will give to you. If you don’t 3) a combination of the two types of courses.
remove a course from your registration, and the
course isn’t completed, you will receive a Fail. GEP courses were created to address the need
of non-degree students to access course work
Class Schedule & Attendance in English. Some mainstream university
Attending class is a requirement. You will have courses are duplicated in the GEP program but
classes Monday-Friday. Don’t anticipate having there are also specially designed courses to fit
5the needs and interests of international others may combine lectures with tutorials. If
students. you have questions on course content, you will
want to reach out to your professor as they
International students are strongly encouraged won’t actively seek you out. If you have a
to take Afrikaans or isiXhosa, two South African tutorial for that course, that is also a good time
languages spoken in the local area, if they are to ask questions.
planning to volunteer in the community.
In addition, time may be more flexible than you
Please note that the popular course Global are used to. Sometimes faculty may not be
Service Learning has not been approved for punctual so be willing to go with the flow.
credit at UW-Eau Claire. Students are not
allowed to take the course at this time.
MONEY MATTERS
Assessment: Assessments (grading) is UWEC information about
• making payments
different than the US education system. A
• when they are due
typical course will grade on a test, an essay and
• withdrawal, cancellation and refund
maybe some tutorial tasks. These assessments deadlines
contribute to the “predicate” mark. The • financial aid,
predicate mark needs to be scored above 40% • general scholarships
in order to allow you access to write your final • budgeting
exam. Your final exam and predicate mark are • ways to bring money abroad
then averaged to determine your final grade. is found on the following websites:
This is just one example as each department Fund Your Experience
may have their own way or grading students. Study Abroad Handbook: Money Matters
Final Exam Assessment: You will have the Cost Estimate
opportunity to write (take) your final exam The most current Cost Estimate for your
during one of two exam opportunities. The first program, in easily printable format, on the
opportunity runs for the first 2-3 weeks of the Stellenbosch semester brochure page. Be sure
exam period and the second runs for second 2- you are looking at the correct term. The cost
3-week period. If you choose to sit for your estimate includes what you pay to UWEC, what
exam the first round, and you fail, you can take you pay to Stellenbosch University and what
the exam again in the second round. If you skip you pay directly to other vendors.
the first round and fail the exam in the second
round, you will not have another opportunity to Meal & Housing Costs
sit the exam. You are responsible for purchasing/cooking
your meals.
Student/Professor Relations: Courses require
much more independent learning and students You will pay all housing costs directly to
taking the initiative. You may have to study Stellenbosch. Costs will vary depending on
more outside of class than you are used to. where you are placed. You will receive a
Some faculty may present class in lecture style, housing offer from Stellenbosch that will
6indicate how you make payment. If you have Credit Cards and ATMs
questions on how to make the payment, you will ATMs are readily available in South Africa,
need to communicate directly with the housing even in small towns, but are not typically
staff at Stellenbosch. available in more remote sites or game parks.
However, safety is a large concern in terms
Currency Exchange of the risk of fraud or robbery at the ATM.
The monetary unit of South Africa is the rand, South Africa has had a major problem with
which is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in debit and credit card fraud. Because these
denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and cards give holders direct access to funds, you
R5. Bills come in denominations of R10, R20, could experience a significant financial loss and
R50, R100 and R200. ongoing financial problems if they are lost or
stolen.
You can find current exchange rates at
Given that theft and debit/credit card fraud are a
http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/.
common concern in South Africa, you may find
it helpful to carry traveler’s checks as an
Cost of Living emergency reserve fund. In this way, you will
For an idea of what everyday costs you may have backup funds if your card is lost/stolen or
encounter, check out this website: must be cancelled and replaced due to fraud. A
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of- replacement card may take 3-4 weeks to reach
living/in/Stellenbosch-South-Africa you.
Money on Arrival Again, you should try to withdraw money
A general recommendation is to travel with the from ATM’s located in the Neelsie Student
equivalent of $100-$200 dollars in your host Centre on campus, with a group of friends
country currency when you arrive. Obtaining due to recent cases of ATM fraud in the
South African rand may be hard while in the area. You can also call campus security to
states, so you should find an ATM shortly after request supervision prior to withdrawing
money. More information will be given to you at
arriving to withdraw some money.
your on-site orientation.
Money in South Africa
Please see the health and safety section below
Banks in South Africa have limited hours of
for more information about ATM safety.
operation; most open at 9:00 A.M. and close
around 3:00 or 4:00 P.M. You should try to
Traveler’s Checks
withdraw money from ATM’s located in the
Traveler’s checks are increasingly rare and
Neelsie Student Centre on campus, with a
difficult to use so it is not normally
group of friends due to recent cases of ATM
recommended but due to so much ATM fraud,
fraud in the area. You can also call campus
you may want to consider obtaining a few. They
security to reqest supervision prior to
generally must be cashed at a major bank,
withdrawing money. More information will be
although in some countries, post offices also
given to you at your on-site orientation.
offer this service. You must have your passport
with you. Most banks charge a fee for cashing
7the checks; it can vary widely. Before cashing a Carbonated bottled water, soft drinks, beer,
wine, hot tea, and coffee are usually safe.
check, ASK what the fee is.
Wipe off the top of a bottle before drinking out
of it or ask for a straw.
Make sure you record your check numbers and
Where water is contaminated, ice is also
keep the numbers separate from the checks, in contaminated—you may wish to order drinks
case you need to get them replaced. without ice.
Avoid fruits that cannot be peeled, fruit juices
diluted with water, raw vegetables, and
HEALTH & SAFETY salads that have not been washed with
disinfected water. If buying food from street
General information about:
vendors, stick to breads or fruits that you peel
• CISI Insurance yourself.
• Preparing to Go When you are not in control of your water
• Staying Healthy supply or cannot purchase bottled water,
• Traveling Safety consider bringing a portable water purifier,
available at most outdoor stores, boil water
• Emergency Protocols
vigorously for at least 10 minutes, or use
and links to additional health and safety water purification tablets (one tablet per quart
resources are found on the following websites: of clear water, or two tablets if water is
Health + Safety cloudy).
Study Abroad Handbook: Health & Insurance
and Safety Abroad sections. Insect Bites
Insect borne diseases, particularly from
Centers for Disease Control mosquitoes, are present worldwide. See the
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has CDC recommendations on avoiding bug bites
vaccination suggestions, how to stay healthy for detailed information.
when abroad, and health information specific to
South Africa. You can review the CDC site for Malaria
South Africa. According to the CDC (http://www.cdc.gov),
malaria is "Present along the border with
Due to an increasing measles and mumps Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Specifically, in
cases worldwide, we strongly encourage all Vhembe and Mopani district municipalities of
students to check their vaccine history to see if Limpopo Province; Ehlanzeni district
they have had the MMR vaccine. municipality in Mpumalanga Province; and
Umknanyakude in Kwazulu-Natal Province.
Water Present in Kruger National Park." The CDC also
The general recommendation from the CDC for indicates that "Chloroquine is NOT an effective
water is to not drink tap or well water in South antimalarial drug in South Africa and should not
Africa. By making sure that you are drinking be taken to prevent malaria in this region."
uncontaminated water, you can reduce your
exposure to many diseases such as infectious While the Cape region is not a malarial infested
hepatitis, cholera, diarrhea and dysentery. area, you should discuss your malaria
Additional considerations: prevention strategy with your doctor, since
personal travel plans may affect it. When
Brush your teeth with bottled or boiled water.
talking with your doctor, please discuss the
8program location and your personal travel headaches, and dizziness. See a physician
plans. What you will do about malaria promptly! Delay in seeking medical care and
prevention is a decision you must make with in diagnosis increases the chances of
your doctor. Neither the CIE nor Stellenbosch complications. Per the CDC, "Malaria
University can make this decision for you. If you symptoms will occur at least 7 to 9 days after
decide to take anti-malaria medication, follow being bitten by an infected mosquito. Fever in
the instructions from your physician carefully. the first week of travel in a malaria-risk area is
Remember that malaria is rarely acquired if unlikely to be malaria; however, you should see
you've taken the proper precautions. a doctor right away if you develop a fever
during your trip. Malaria may cause anemia and
The best way to avoid malaria is to avoid jaundice. Malaria infections with Plasmodium
getting bitten by mosquitoes! To minimize falciparum, if not promptly treated, may cause
bites: kidney failure, coma, and death. Despite using
• Cover up with clothing. Wear garments with the protective measures outlined above,
a high neckline (or a bandana around the travelers may still develop malaria up to a
neck), long sleeves, and long pants. year after returning from a malarious area.
• Use a DEET-containing insect repellent on You should see a doctor immediately if you
exposed skin AND permethrin, an develop a fever anytime during the year
insecticide, on clothing. following your return and tell the physician of
• Avoid shiny jewelry and perfumed your travel."
cosmetics, as they attract mosquitoes.
• Remain indoors at dusk or after dark. HIV/AIDS
• When traveling on your own, choose HIV/AIDS is a worldwide epidemic that has
accommodations with tidy grounds and air severely affected the countries of sub-Saharan
conditioning or with windows having well- Africa. Although other countries have a higher
fitting screens. Use mosquito netting percentage of HIV infection, South Africa has
elsewhere. the largest number of HIV/AIDS sufferers
• Check that bed netting has no holes or rips. worldwide. In 2016, the United Nations
Tuck netting under your mattress. estimated that almost 19% of South Africans
• Avoid unproven preventatives, such as are infected. In comparison, the UN estimates
mosquito coils or Avon Skin-So-Soft. While that 0.4% – 0.9% U.S. Americans are HIV-
these are popular folklore insect repellents infected.
in the U.S., they perform poorly in scientific
studies. Why has Africa, in particular sub-Saharan
Africa, experienced a higher rate of HIV
If you become ill, early treatment is essential if infection than many Western countries? Many
you do acquire malaria. Consider any flu-like complex reasons contribute to the higher rate of
illness in a malarial area to be malaria until HIV infection in Southern Africa – poverty, lack
proven otherwise. of healthcare and prevention programs,
different cultural and sexual mores, the low
Common symptoms of malaria include fever status of women and their lack of
and chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, empowerment, and denial of the problem by
9some African governments and churches. Also, Travelers should be advised that HIV
some researchers believe that hard-hit African infection is preventable! To reduce their risk
countries are fighting a different, more virulent of acquiring HIV, the CDC advises travelers to:
strain of HIV than the one found in the United • Avoid sexual encounters with people who
States and other Western countries. are infected with HIV, whose HIV infection
status is unknown, or who are at high risk
However, the South African government at all for HIV infection, such as intravenous drug
levels – local, provincial, and national – along users, commercial sex workers (both male
with many non-governmental organizations and female), and other people with multiple
(NGOs) are working to address the problem by sexual partners.
trying to prevent future infection through • Use condoms consistently and correctly,
education and behavior change; providing especially if engaging in vaginal, anal, or
medical, social, and financial assistance to oral-genital sexual contact with a person
those affected by the disease; funding and who is HIV infected or whose HIV status is
supporting scientists working on an HIV unknown.
vaccine; and fighting discrimination against • Avoid injecting drugs.
people affected by HIV/AIDS. • Avoid sharing needles or other devices that
can puncture skin.
To learn more about HIV/AIDS in South Africa, • Avoid, if at all possible, blood transfusions
visit the following web site: or use of clotting factor concentrates.
http://www.avert.org/hiv-aids-sub-saharan-
africa.htm. The site provides an easy-to-follow As stated, HIV is largely transmitted through
timeline of the history of HIV/AIDs in South sexual intercourse and needle- or syringe-
Africa. To find out how good your HIV/AIDS sharing. HIV is not transmitted through casual
knowledge is, take a quiz to see how much you contact; air, food, or water routes; contact with
already know at http://www.avert.org/quizzes. inanimate objects; or mosquitoes or other
insects. The use of any public conveyance
HIV Risks to Travelers (e.g., airplane, automobile, boat, bus, or train)
According to the CDC by persons with AIDS or HIV infection does not
(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2014/c pose a risk of infection for the crew members or
hapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to- other travelers.
travel/hiv-infection), the risk for international
travelers is generally low. Because HIV The Peace Corps advises its volunteers, who
infection and AIDS are distributed globally, the are in the country for 27 months, that
risk for international travelers is determined less "abstinence is the only certain choice for
by geographic destination and more by preventing infection with HIV and other
behaviors that put them at risk for becoming sexually transmitted diseases (which are also
infected, such as sexual practices and drug quite prevalent in South Africa). You are taking
use. risks if you choose to be sexually active. To
lessen risk, use a condom every time you have
sex."
10If you choose to be sexually active, whether environment where the air was contaminated by
your partner is South African, American or a person with untreated tuberculosis who was
European, do not assume this person is free of coughing and who had numerous M.
HIV/AIDS or other STIs. tuberculosis organisms (or tubercle bacilli) in
secretions from the lungs or voice box (larynx).
Dog Bites/Rabies Infection is generally transmitted through the
Although primarily limited to rural areas, rabies air; therefore, there is virtually no danger of it
does exist in South Africa. About 93% of human being spread by dishes, linens, and items that
cases of rabies are associated with dog bites. are touched, or by most food products.
Bats are the other common carrier of rabies. However, it can be transmitted through
You should discuss the rabies vaccine with your unpasteurized milk or milk products obtained
medical doctor to see if you should obtain it. from infected cattle.
Pre-departure: A pre-exposure vaccine is Travelers who anticipate possible prolonged
available and consists of series of shots that exposure to tuberculosis (e.g., those who could
must be administered by physician. However, be expected to come in contact routinely with
even those with the pre-exposure vaccine are hospital, prison, or homeless shelter
required to seek post-exposure boosters/care in populations) should be advised to have a
the event of a possible exposure to rabies. You tuberculin skin test before leaving the United
should discuss with a medical provider the best States. If the reaction is negative, they should
option for you. have a repeat test approximately 12 weeks
after returning."
In South Africa: If you are bitten by a dog, bat,
or any other animal, seek medical help South African Health Insurance
IMMEDIATELY and let the International Office In addition to the UW-System mandated
at Stellenbosch know of the incident. A rabies coverage that you must purchase, South Africa
vaccination must be administered within a few requires that you purchase medical coverage
days of the bite, so it is imperative that you see that is recognized in South Africa. Stellenbosch
a doctor. University will provide you information about
purchasing a South African health insurance
Tuberculosis (TB) policy at the time of your official acceptance to
TB is a major health concern in South Africa. Stellenbosch University.
According to the World Health Organization,
South Africa is on their list of high-burden TB You will need to show proof of having this
countries. In 2015, 520 out of every 100,000 insurance before you can begin courses at
people were infected with TB in South Africa. Stellenbosch. To learn more, see
South Africa also has reported cases of drug- Stellenbosch’s website.
resistant TB.
CISI Insurance in South Africa
According to the Centers for Disease Control, If you have an accident or become ill while
“To become infected, a person usually has to studying in South Africa, you may have to pay
spend a relatively long time in a closed the price of the medical service up front.
11You will then file a claim through CISI, the themselves as a Stellenbosch University
insurance provided through the UW System for student, provide his/her location and specify
partial or full reimbursement in accordance with what is the nature of the emergency. ER24 will
plan coverages. then assist the student, whether it is by sending
an ambulance, or dispatching a trauma
Medical/Mental Health Availability counselor, or providing medical advice via their
Stellenbosch University has a health care medical hotline. This service will not only be
service on campus where minor problems can available in Stellenbosch, but countrywide. If
be treated. The Campus Health Service (CHS) you plan to travel, you can still make use of this
clinic is located on Claassen Street (off Bosman service. If, however, you need to be
Road, next to Heemstede Residence). You can hospitalized or need further medical treatment,
contact them by telephone at: 021 808 3496. it will be up to you to pay the cost. You may
There will be a fee for service. The Campus have to pay up front but keep any receipts to
Health Service personnel can also make file a claim with CISI insurance, so they can
referrals to the local hospital if necessary. reimburse you.
The Campus Health Service is closed after Services for Students with
certain hours and on weekends. All students Disabilities
requiring emergency medical treatment must Stellenbosch University has a Special Learning
call a private general practitioner or go to the Needs unit on campus. They will be able to
casualty ward of the provincial hospital or the assist you and determine if they can offer the
Medi-Clinic. You will receive names and contact same level of service that you currently receive.
information from Stellenbosch.
It is also important to look at the level of
Stellenbosch also has a Centre for Student accessibility in South Africa in general. To find
Counseling that can assist with counseling and more information on the topic, please see the
disability support services. “Laws and Special Circumstances” tab on the
U.S. State Department Country page.
Integrated Crisis Services
Stellenbosch has recently implemented a new Safety in South Africa
Integrated Crisis Service with ER24 (Private Information on crime, road safety, drug
Emergency Medical Care). This service will be penalties, and terrorist activity in South Africa
available to registered Stellenbosch University can be found in the State Department Consular
students (which includes international Information Sheet. Safety in-and-around
students), and it consists of the following Stellenbosch will be discussed during
services: orientation on-site.
• Emergency medical services
• Trauma counseling Just as you need to do in any U.S. city, you will
• A medical hotline need to take safety precautions while walking
and traveling around South Africa. Using your
In case of medical emergencies, a student must common sense at all times will aid you well.
phone 010 205 3032. The student must identify Avoid unlighted areas at night when you are
12walking around the city, and do not walk or take around major tourist areas and hotels, and in or
buses alone at night – especially women. Don't on public transportation where theft/mugging
take any unnecessary risks! are problems. Johannesburg, in particular, is
known as the mugging capital of Southern
Stellenbosch University advises that you make Africa, and some of the crime there is violent.
use of the "Green Route" on campus, which is a The following are general rules that should help
preferential route that covers all the academic you keep out of trouble in the big cities:
buildings, residences and computer centers. • Never carry anything you can't afford to
Students and University security officials lose; in particular, don't flash around a
wearing fluorescent orange armbands patrol it phone or fancy camera.
for safety. • Never look like you might be carrying
valuables (wearing an expensive-looking T-
Be street-wise in town by shirt makes you look just as rich as wearing
• staying in a group jewelry or a suit does).
• using the main streets where there are • Avoid groups of young men; trust older
usually people at all times of the day or mixed-gender groups.
night • Carry most of your cash, your credit
cards, etc., in a money belt at all times.
Given the economic realities of South Africa, • Always have some cash in a wallet or
crime is a problem. Just as you need to do in purse to give if you are mugged.
any U.S. city, you will need to take safety • Don't resist muggers; give up your
precautions while walking and traveling around valuables immediately.
Stellenbosch and other cities you may visit. • Listen to local advice on unsafe areas.
Cape Town and Johannesburg in particular are • Avoid deserted areas (such as the
reputed to have a high incidence of muggings. downtown area in large cities on the
Using your common sense at all times will aid weekends) even in daylight.
you well. Avoid poorly lit areas at night when
you are walking around the city, and do not Unfortunately, the most effective tactics to avoid
walk or take buses alone at night – especially victimization are the most difficult for
women. Don't take any unnecessary risks! If newcomers to use:
you have to return home alone late for whatever • Don't look apprehensive or lost.
reason, take a taxi or an Uber (Uber has been • Don't assume that everyone is out to get
recommended by Stellenbosch and past you.
students. Always use ride sharing apps at your • Make friends.
own discretion).
Source- Richmond, S., Murphy, A. Wildman, K
You will find that safety is a major concern for & Burke, A. (2002). Survival Tactics. Lonely
most South Africans. In fact, many South Planet: South Africa, Lesotho, & Swaziland, p.
Africans seem obsessed with crime. Though 74.
most visitors are not affected by crime during
their stay, criminal activity occurs routinely. In **NOTE: Both men and women should be
particular, you should be cautious in the cities, aware of their safety at all times. In the past,
13men have been just as susceptible as women on tourists have resulted in deaths or serious
to potential risks. As U.S. Americans, you may injury.
stick out as "foreigners." The best advice is to
be aware of your surroundings, listen to your Ocean Safety & Swimming: Swimming
instincts, and use your common sense. accidents are a leading cause of death for
students abroad. The U.S. State Department
Pick-Pocketing: Pick-pocketing is the most warns that "tragic accidents can occur when
common thing the CIE hears about. Many past swimming in the ocean or walking/climbing on
students have commented on how they knew at shore areas that are not designated beaches.
least one person on their program who had Tourists have drowned when swimming in
their phone stolen. Public transportation and at coastal waters, where tides and wave patterns
popular tourist sites are a common place for can change unexpectedly and overwhelm even
this to occur. To reduce the risk, do not have excellent swimmers. Do not swim alone in
your phone or other valuables out in public isolated beach areas. Do not dive into unknown
spaces. An iPhone is a target for pick- bodies of water, because hidden rocks or
pocketers, especially in South Africa as it is shallow depths can cause serious injury or
seen as a sign of wealth. If you carry a purse, death." Risk of injury or death increases when
make sure it is across the body and has engaging in swimming while or after drinking
zippers. Keep your wallet in a front pocket, not alcohol.
a back pocket. Only carry small amounts of
cash on you to minimize loss. Using a money The State Department also would like visitors to
belt under your clothing is another way to be aware of the shark population in South
prevent valuables from being stolen. African waters that poses risks to swimmers
and surfers. "If visiting South Africa’s expansive
Places to Avoid: Past students recommend coastline, be mindful of the possible presence
avoiding the bar/club called Mystic (Die Mystic of sharks when swimming or engaging in water
Boer) due to high levels of stolen credit cards sports. In 2015 and 2016, in the Plettenberg
and phones. It is common for those items to be Bay area of the Western Cape and the Jeffrey’s
stolen right out of your hands or pocket at this Bay area of the Eastern Cape, several people
bar/club. Returnees recommend avoiding this were attacked by sharks; some of the attacks
place altogether. were fatal. When a shark is spotted close to the
shore, local authorities will sound a warning
Hiking: If you decide to hike, please make sure siren to notify swimmers."
you hike with a buddy and let someone know
where you are going and when you plan to Traffic & Transportation: One main thing to
return. While hiking, be aware of the weather as remember about safety in South Africa is that
it can turn very quickly. they drive on the opposite side of the road, so
LOOK RIGHT!! before crossing the street.
Game Parks: If you visit an animal game park
or wildlife reserve, it is very dangerous to leave Public transportation accidents occur regularly
the vehicle, or be on foot, even if a guide is in South Africa; for that reason, South Africa
around. Several incidents of wild animal attacks has a horrific road-accident record. Or in the
14words of one past participant, "Very bad at the ATM and the other can seek
drivers!" In particular, minibus taxis and buses assistance from the bank.
have a reputation for being poorly maintained • When you put your card into the ATM, press
and poorly driven. They are also targets for cancel immediately. If the card is returned,
criminal activity such as hijacking and robbery. then you know there is no blockage in the
Avoid them if you can. Instead, use individual machine and it should be safe to proceed.
metered taxis from established companies or • Don't hesitate to be rude in refusing any
licensed tour buses. offers of help in completing your transaction.
• If someone does offer to help, end your
ATM Scams transaction immediately and find another
If you are a victim of crime in South Africa, it is machine.
most likely to occur at an ATM. There are • Carry your bank's emergency phone
dozens of scams that involve stealing your number and if you do lose your card, report
cash, your card or your personal identification it immediately.
number (PIN), usually all three. Thieves are just • If you think you might need help using an
as likely to operate in Stellenbosch as in ATM, seek it before arriving in South Africa.
downtown Johannesburg and they are almost
always well-dressed and well-mannered men. Source- Richmond, S., Murphy, A. Wildman, K
& Burke, A. (2002). Beating the ATM scams.
The ATM scam you're most likely to encounter Lonely Planet: South Africa, Lesotho, &
involves the thief tampering with the machine Swaziland, p. 57.
so your card becomes jammed. By the time you
realize this, you've entered your PIN. The thief Sexual Assault
will have seen this, and when you go inside to (This next section contains information about
report that your card has been swallowed, he sexual assault. If you are not comfortable
will take the card and leave you several reading, please go to the next section.)
thousand rand shorter. Past students have
There is a very high level of sexual assault and
known other students that had this happen to
violence against women in South Africa. Of
them – even when trying to rent a car. Always
particular concern is the high rate of child rape.
be cautious, no matter who you are working
According to Amnesty International, 40% of
with. There are no guarantees, but if you follow
rape survivors are under the age of 18. In the
the rules listed here, you stand a better chance vast majority of cases, South African women
of avoiding this and other scams: and girls are raped by people they know: family
• Avoid ATMs at night and in secluded friends, neighbors, teachers, classmates, and
places. Rows of machines in shopping malls relatives. Many factors contribute to the high
are usually the safest. incidence of sexual violence against women
• Carefully watch the people using the ATM and girls: poverty, lack of female empowerment,
ahead of you. If they look suspicious, go to myths about curing HIV/AIDS through sex with
another machine. a virgin, the after-effects of apartheid's violent
• Use ATMs during banking hours and if history, and the ineffective prosecution of
possible, take a friend. If your card is sexual offenders.
jammed in a machine, one person can stay
15In 2009, South Africa's Medical Research Racism
Council published a study which found that one Apartheid
in four South African men admit to having The National Party (NP) was led by D. F.
raped. Nearly half of the respondents admitted
Malan, who stood for drastic measures against
to more than one attack. Although the majority
the “black menace” and coined the concept of
of survey respondents identified their rape
“apartheid” (which literally means 'the state of
victims as women and girls, 3% identified their
being apart'). The National Party, a right-wing,
victims as men or boys. The study also found
Afrikaner party, won the 1948 whites-only
that one in ten men reported having been raped
by other men. The study was based on a election on the platform of apartheid and
representative sample of 1,738 men in South remained in power until 1994.
Africa's Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal
provinces. Racial Classification and Its Legacy
During apartheid, all people were classed into
As a result of the high rate of sexual assault four racial categories: white, black, coloured,
and HIV infection in South Africa, both men and and Asian.
women should use caution and common sense
in all your interactions, particularly at night or if White - Refers to anyone of European descent.
you have been drinking. Be conservative Along with white, Afrikaans (Afrikaners) are
around people you do not know. Also, descendants of Dutch settlers; are white and
whenever possible, travel with others. Lock the speak Afrikaans.
door to your room even when you are in it,
especially if you are alone. Report unauthorized
Black - Refers to anyone of African descent.
visitors or guests in your building.
(Note: As a political term - i.e. black liberation
movement - black referred to Black, Indian and
If you are sexually assaulted, you should seek
Coloured people.)
medical attention immediately. Medical
treatment should include antiretroviral therapy
against HIV/AIDS. Coloured - Refers to people of mixed race, a
group made distinct by apartheid despite their
very similar heritage to Afrikaners. Frequently
Resources for Victims of Sexual
referred to as the Bruin Afrikaners or brown
Violence
General information and resources are on the Afrikaners.
Health & Safety section of the study abroad
website. Asian- Referred to almost anyone with roots in
the Indian sub-continent and Asia.
LGBTQIA+ Traveler
Country specific info if noted in Laws & Special Although apartheid no longer exists, some
Circumstances section of State Dept Country South Africans still identify themselves and
info sheet. others according to these categories. However,
The US State Department LGBTI Travel because of the history of racial discrimination
Information page and section 6 of their Human associated with racial categories, you shouldn't
Rights report for further details.
describe people by race or color unless there is
16a strong reason to distinguish someone's race. Party, nor between the Zulus and the Indians in
Instead, you should refer to people as people. Natal.... “(Rissik, 2003, p. 52).
You should also avoid the following words: Rissik, D. (2003) Culture Shock! South Africa: a
guide to customs and etiquette. Portland, OR:
Non-White - An apartheid term, which meant Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company.
everyone else in the entire country; that is a
total 'no-no.' Richmond, S., Murphy, A. Wildman, K & Burke,
A. (2002). Lonely Planet: South Africa,
Asian - As a result of its apartheid use, many Lesotho, & Swaziland, pp. 52-53
Indians and Chinese find it extremely offensive,
especially as it does not recognize the vast Emergency Contacts
diversity of the region. General emergency procedures are described
in the Study Abroad Handbook, and the
Kaffir - The South African equivalent of the "N" Stellenbosch international staff is available if
word in American English. Never use this word difficulties arise. See the Contact Names &
even though you may hear locals use it. Addresses page of this guide.
Although apartheid is gone, racism still exists in 911 Equivalent in South Africa
many corners of society. As U.S. history If you are in an emergency situation in South
teaches us, institutionalized racism is not Africa, you will need to know how to reach the
something that is easily eradicated. If you are of local police, fire, or ambulance services. In
European descent, South Africans may assume South Africa, you have more than one number
that you are a white South African and judge to reach emergency services:
you according to their assumption about white 1. Countrywide Police: 10111
South Africans. Or white South Africans may 2. Countrywide Fire/Ambulance: 10177
assume that you are the same as them and 3. Countrywide Emergency Service Calling
share their views. As a result, they may be from Mobile Device: 112
surprised that you paid for your studies by 4. Cape Town All Emergencies: 107
working in a restaurant or gas station. If you
aren't white, this may be noticed by white South Marijuana and other Illegal Drugs
Africans. In general, the constant awareness of The possession and use of marijuana is
race can be annoying regardless of your skin illegal. Even carrying it on your person can be
color. considered drug trafficking. Penalties for
possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in
Please be aware that "racial animosity in South South Africa are severe and convicted
Africa is not just the often discussed white/black offenders can expect long jail sentences and
issue. The Boer War led to the English and heavy fines. U.S. citizenship offers no
Afrikaans South Africans hating each other. protection if you break a South African law.
There is no love lost between the African There is NOTHING the CIE, Stellenbosch or the
National Congress and the Inkatha Freedom U.S. government can do if you are found in
violation the law.
172. Purchase health insurance that is
In addition to legal penalties, you are putting recognized in South Africa. Stellenbosch
yourself at risk of robbery or assault, or you University will provide a contact for
may get a much more dangerous combination purchasing health insurance from a South
of drugs than you thought you were buying. African company. This coverage is in
addition to the UW-System CISI policy.
REQUIRED 3. Complete a written application and
gather a number of supporting
DOCUMENTS documents. Documents include a certified
copy of your birth certificate, radiological
General passport and visa information is in the
Study Abroad Handbook: Travel Resources report, medical report, etc.
section. 4. Apply in person at the South Africa
Consulate. Most UW-Eau Claire students
If you are not a U.S. citizen, please contact (e.g. MN and WI residents) are under the
the CIE for more information about the jurisdiction of the Chicago consulate.
following topics.
You will receive documentation about how to
Visa apply as well as a copy of the application form
A visa is official permission to temporarily in your BlugoldsAbroad account. You can also
reside in another country and is granted by the find information online at
government of that country. https://www.southafrica-
newyork.net/permanent-mission-of-south-africa-
Although the CIE will provide information, it to-the-united-nations/
is your responsibility to keep up-to-date
about student visa requirements for South If you have any questions, call the South
Africa, and to apply for and receive a visa in African Consulate in Chicago at (312) 939-7929
a timely manner. Due to immigration reform in or send a fax to (312) 939-2588.
South Africa, the rules and procedures have
been changing on a regular basis. Although the Consular Services
information below was current at the time of Consulate General of South Africa
printing, things may change. 200 South Michigan Avenue, #600
Chicago, Illinois 60604
U.S. citizens traveling for the semester/year. https://www.southafrica-newyork.net/contact-us/
Since semester and yearlong students will be in
South Africa longer than 90 days, you must
Yellow Fever Requirement
apply for a study permit prior to arrival in South Per the U.S. State Department, South Africa
Africa. It is a long and complicated process that requires travelers entering South Africa from
involves the following steps: WHO-designated yellow fever countries to
present their current and valid “International
1. Complete an FBI background check. This Certificate of Vaccination as approved by the
can take up to 4 weeks to complete. Start World Health Organization (WHO)” (commonly
early! called a “yellow card”) or statement of medical
18exemption (also located on the same yellow
card). Additionally, South Africa treats Zambia
PACKING TIPS
General packing information is in the Study
and Tanzania as yellow fever countries.
Abroad Handbook: Travel Resources section.
A country-specific packing list will be released
This requirement is imposed on travelers
through your BlugoldsAbroad account a few
flying to South Africa via yellow fever
months prior to departure.
countries, even when passengers transiting
a yellow fever country do not deplane in the
yellow fever country (e.g., flights stopping in Weather
Dakar, Senegal; Accra, Ghana; or Nairobi, Many people think of Africa as being hot, but
Kenya), or if the plane makes an South Africa, like Wisconsin, has 4 seasons:
unscheduled landing in a yellow fever spring (September-November), summer
country. As a precaution, all travelers to (December-February), autumn (March-May),
South Africa should carry their original and winter (June-August). Since South Africa is
yellow vaccination card. located in the southern hemisphere, its seasons
are directly opposite those in the northern
South African immigration inspectors do not hemisphere. When it is summer in Wisconsin, it
generally accept letters, scans, copies, or faxes is winter in South Africa.
regarding prior yellow fever vaccination. While
this requirement may not be consistently Winter in the Cape Region is cold and rainy.
applied, travelers who cannot present an Average temperatures from June-August are
original and currently valid yellow card risk 33-67 degrees Fahrenheit.
being refused entry into South Africa.
South Africa has experienced years of drought.
Technically, if you never land in a yellow fever You may notice this or hear people talking
country, you wouldn’t need to have the yellow about it.
fever vaccine. However, you never know when
a plane may need to make an emergency Packing
landing. It is at your own risk if you choose to You should pack clothes that can be worn in
not obtain the yellow fever vaccine. layers as you will experience at least one
season change during your time in South
Visas/Vaccines for Travel to Other Africa. Even though it may never get as cold as
Countries Wisconsin, you will become accustomed to the
If you plan to travel outside your host country South African weather so cooler days will feel
while abroad, you should verify visa and cooler than you’d expect.
vaccination requirements for each country you
will visit by contacting the nearest consulate for Many housing options don’t have central
that country, or your travel agency. heating so it may feel cold. You will want to
consider packing warmer clothes to sleep in.
19Do Not Bring Buying a Changeable Ticket
Do not bring expensive cell phones, jewelry, or We strongly recommend that you buy a
other luxury items that can be lost or stolen. If roundtrip ticket with a low change fee. Note that
you do decide to bring items that are expensive trip insurance does not cover flight changes if
to replace, you may want to consider personal you buy a non-changeable, non-refundable
property insurance for your time in South Africa. ticket.
GETTING TO SOUTH Early Arrivals
AFRICA Arriving early is not recommended as you won’t
have access to the international staff. If you do
There is information on booking flights in the arrive early, you will need to make your own
Study Abroad Handbook: Travel Resources way to Stellenbosch University and stay in a
section. hotel until the dorms open. The halls cannot
accommodate early arrivals.
Travel Arrangements
It is your responsibility to make travel Airport Safety Precautions
arrangements to South Africa. Airline tickets are Once you finish with customs, you will transition
not included in your program fees. to a non-secure area where you will meet your
ride to Stellenbosch. This part of the airport
You should fly into Cape Town International may contain people looking for work. People
Airport on the designated arrival day. As long will approach you with offers to carry your bag
as you have filled out the online Arrival/Airport or find you a taxi; these are services for which
transfer form to the Stellenbosch International you would normally tip someone. By U.S.
Office at least two weeks in advance of your standards, the offers might appear aggressive
arrival, they will send someone to meet you at and the number of offers can feel
the airport and bring you to Stellenbosch overwhelming, especially if you don't need or
University (about a 30-minute drive). The want help. However, the offers are largely
Arrival/Airport transfer form can be found by driven by the economic realities of South Africa.
clicking here. The CIE strongly recommends These same economic factors also contribute to
you do this as this is a safe way of getting to petty crime. Be vigilant about your bags and
campus. personal property once you leave the secure
area.
We recommend that you do not make your
travel arrangements until Stellenbosch has In the immigration area, there are carts that you
accepted you to the program and dates have can use to transport your luggage to the
been confirmed. If you feel that you can't wait domestic area. Use a cart or carry your own
until you get your visa, we recommend that you bags if you are not able to tell the difference
purchase a ticket with a low cancellation and between a legitimate porter and a hustler. Or
change fee. you can use an official porter to assist you with
your bags. Past participants recommend
looking for someone wearing a bright jumpsuit
labeled "porter."
20In addition, if any events or outings are
Late Arrivals-Expected and planned, they will make you aware and you can
Unexpected participate in them for a small fee.
If you don’t arrive as scheduled, for any reason,
you will be responsible for arranging and paying Local Transportation
for your transfer from the airport. Uber is Stellenbosch is a relatively small town and it is
recommended by Stellenbosch. You will need possible to get around on foot or by bicycle.
to have the Uber app downloaded BEFORE New and second-hand bicycles can be
you leave the United States. There is free wi-fi purchased from local dealers.
in the airport that you can use to find an Uber.
You will need to take that to campus and check- There is no bus service between Stellenbosch
in to housing. It is recommended that you also and Cape Town, but there is a train service,
get in contact with the Stellenbosch housing operating from 6:00 a.m. until about 9:00 p.m.
and international staff to notify them that you Please note that public transportation does
are arriving late. pose some safety risks. Taxis between Cape
Town and Stellenbosch are relatively
Important reminder: Write down your address expensive, and minibus-taxis should be avoided
or campus address, on a piece of paper, in for safety reasons. During orientation you will
case you need to give it to a driver. be introduced to possible shuttle services to
and from Cape Town.
Leaving Your Host City
Return airport transportation isn’t included in Recently, returnees have been recommending
your program fees and you will need to find students use Uber or Taxify (a ride-share app
your own way to the airport on your last day. like Uber) instead of taxis. Please ask the staff
at Stellenbosch what they recommend for the
SETTLING IN safest transportation. This is always evolving
and changing so asking during orientation is the
Orientation best way to know what is currently the safest. If
You will have a mandatory orientation program you use a ride-share app, be sure to always
upon arrival in Stellenbosch. The orientation will travel with another person you know and trust.
introduce you to the campus and the city as Ride-share apps can be convenient, but they
well as to cultural, safety and security issues in pose their own risks.
South Africa.
Getting Involved
On-Site Support In addition to the formal orientation at the
The Stellenbosch University international office beginning of the program, there are other ways
will provide support should any questions or to get involved.
concerns arise. They are there to assist you,
but they will not actively seek you out to make Sports: Stellenbosch has a lot of sporting
sure everything is going okay. opportunities so if you already know a sport or
want to learn one, you can sign up once you
are in South Africa!
21You can also read
