Study Abroad - FALL 2018 SOUTH AFRICA - UW-Eau Claire
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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN EAU CLAIRE
CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
Study Abroad
SOUTH AFRICA
FALL 2018
Program GuideSafety in South Africa ....................................... 12 TABLE OF CONTENTS Traffic and Transportation ................................ 13 General Information................................................. 3 Game Parks - Stay in the Vehicle! ..................... 13 The Program ........................................................ 3 Ocean Safety & Swimming ............................... 13 The Location ........................................................ 3 Crime ................................................................. 14 The University ...................................................... 3 Beating the ATM Scams.................................... 14 Academic Calendar .............................................. 3 Sexual Assault ................................................... 15 Academics ................................................................ 3 Other Safety Recommendations ...................... 15 Registration .......................................................... 4 Emergency Contacts ......................................... 16 Class Attendance ................................................. 4 911 Equivalent in South Africa .......................... 16 Credits and Course Load ...................................... 4 Required Documents ............................................ 16 Stellenbosch Courses ........................................... 4 Special Note on Passports ................................ 16 Course Equivalencies ........................................... 5 Yellow Fever Requirement ................................ 17 Grades .................................................................. 5 General Information on Visas ........................... 17 Transcript & Grade Delay..................................... 5 Visa for South Africa ......................................... 17 Money Matters ......................................................... 6 Visa for Neighboring Countries......................... 18 Study Abroad (INTA) Explanation ....................... 6 Packing Tips .......................................................... 18 Cost Estimate ....................................................... 6 Climate .............................................................. 18 Personal Travel..................................................... 6 Clothing ............................................................. 18 Currency and Currency Exchange ........................ 6 Appliances ......................................................... 18 Travelers Checks .................................................. 7 Arriving in South Africa ......................................... 19 ATM Use, Scams, and Fraud ................................ 7 Travel Arrangements/Getting to Campus ........ 19 Health & Safety ........................................................ 7 Immigration/Customs ....................................... 19 Immunizations ..................................................... 7 The Airport ........................................................ 19 Sun........................................................................ 8 Early Arrivals in South Africa ............................ 20 Water/Food .......................................................... 8 Local Transportation ......................................... 20 Malaria.................................................................. 8 Travel Outside of Stellenbosch ......................... 20 HIV/AIDS .............................................................. 9 Settling In .............................................................. 20 HIV Risks to Travelers ........................................ 10 Orientation ........................................................ 20 Dog Bites/Rabies ................................................ 11 Housing.............................................................. 20 Tuberculosis (TB) ............................................... 11 What's Provided for your Room ........................ 21 South African Health Insurance ......................... 12 Laundry.............................................................. 21 Local Health Care ............................................... 12 Meals ................................................................. 21
Safety in the Residence Halls ............................. 21 Computer Labs ................................................... 21 Communication...................................................... 22 Time Difference ................................................. 22 Cell Phones ......................................................... 22 Skype/Facebook Chat ........................................ 22 Email ................................................................... 22 Snail Mail/Mailing Address................................. 22 Language............................................................ 23 Culture Notes ......................................................... 23 A Brief History of South Africa........................... 23 Race and Population .......................................... 26 Population .......................................................... 26 Racism ................................................................ 27 Gender ................................................................ 27 Time.................................................................... 27 Doing Without .................................................... 27 Making Friends ................................................... 28 Do’s and Don'ts .................................................. 28 Travel While Abroad .............................................. 29 Contact Names & Addresses: South Africa ............ 30 Web & Print Resources: South Africa ..................... 30
CONGRATULATIONS on being accepted to the UW-Eau Claire exchange program in
Stellenbosch, South Africa. Living and studying in a foreign culture is both an exciting and a challenging
experience. Past participants of study abroad report that the many advantages of international study
include:
Building upon existing foreign language skills
Gaining new perspectives on a chosen academic field
Increasing understanding of different cultures
Getting to know oneself
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!
This program guide is to be used together with the general Study Abroad Handbook. The handbook
has information that is valid for all UW-Eau Claire study abroad programs. This guide has information
specific to the South Africa semester/year program. It is designed to complement the study abroad
orientation, and your individual pre-departure preparations.
Please realize that although this guide was written to help you better prepare for your time abroad, and
that all of the information available at the time of printing has been used, it is impossible for any single
resource to answer all of your questions. Your peer adviser will email additional information throughout
the semester. We also strongly encourage you to contact the Center for International Education (CIE)
staff, your peer adviser, and any South African students on campus with your specific questions. You
should also make use of the additional written and web resources listed towards the end of this guide.
Basic questions only you can answer include:
1) What are YOUR goals for this experience? Common goals of student travelers include advancement
in a future profession; desire to expand personal and academic horizons; need for a change; and wish
to challenge oneself with immersion in a new culture.
2) Given the way the program is set up, how can you best prepare to meet your goals? For example, if
one of your goals is truly being immersed in South African culture, yet you are going with a group of
international students, how can you ensure that you do not spend too much time with other U.S.
Americans or international students?
1The information in this guide was current at the time of printing, though changes may occur at any time.
2primarily in Afrikaans and some courses in
GENERAL INFORMATION English.
The Program South African academic life is similar to the
Stellenbosch has a long-standing international
European tradition, mixing lectures and
exchange program with partners from around
seminars with individual laboratory time and
the world: Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and
library work.
South America. Beginning in fall 2012, UW-Eau
Claire students may participate in a one or two
Academic Calendar
semester exchange. Stellenbosch University follows a southern
hemisphere academic calendar, which means a
The Location typical academic year runs from February to
Stellenbosch is a charming university town
December. Semester 1 typically runs February
with a population of 90,000, not including
through June and Semester 2 runs mid-July to
students. It is ideally situated in the heart of
mid-December. Fall students will actually be
the Cape Winelands, surrounded by the
participating in the second semester at
magnificent mountains of the Jonkershoek
Stellenbosch. Spring students will be
Valley. Stellenbosch is conveniently located 20
participating in the first semester at
minutes from the nearest beaches and 30
Stellenbosch.
minutes east of Cape Town (the second largest
city in South Africa). The town was established
Fall 2018 Calendar
in 1679, making it the oldest in South Africa.
At the time this guide was created, exact dates
The look of Stellenbosch still reflects its
for arrival and departure were not available.
colonial roots, as reflected in the historic
Based on past years, we expect the semester to
buildings. Despite its rustic qualities, it is a
run mid-July to mid-December. Once CIE
modern city, bustling with locals, students, and
receives dates from Stellenbosch, we will make
tourists. The city offers a wide range of
you aware of the dates.
activities, including beautiful hiking trails in the
mountains, winery tours, and the close access
Do not make your flight arrangements until
of beaches and Cape Town.
you receive confirmation of your acceptance
and the exact arrival/departure dates from
The University Stellenbosch.
Stellenbosch University (SU) was founded in
1866. It is now recognized as one of the four
top research universities in South Africa and
contains about 118 departments in 10 faculties. ACADEMICS
SU is home to approximately 22,000 students There is additional information on academic
(roughly 16,000 undergraduates and 6,000 topics such as registration, class attendance,
graduate students). Stellenbosch is a credits and course load, grades, transcripts, and
multilingual institution with instruction
3accessing the UW-Eau Claire library while are set by individual instructors. Excessive
abroad in your Study Abroad Handbook. absences will result in a lowered grade.
Registration Credits and Course Load
At UW-Eau Claire: CIE staff will register you The credits you earn in South Africa are
for the South Africa program under a considered UW-Eau Claire resident credits.
temporary course number (INTA 412) for 12 The classes you take will count towards the
credits. This temporary registration for 12 total credits needed for graduation, and grades
credits will appear on your billing statements. will be figured into your UW-Eau Claire GPA.
You do not need to complete any other
registration at UW-Eau Claire. Once your
You are required to carry a full course load. At
transcript from Stellenbosch arrives, your
Stellenbosch University, students take 60
actual Stellenbosch University classes,
credits, and grades will be posted on your South African credits, which is the equivalent
UW-Eau Claire transcript. The INTA 412 of 15 U.S. credits. 15 credits is the maximum
registration code will remain on your transcript number that you can take.
so that the university can maintain historical
records regarding who has studied abroad. Stellenbosch Courses
However, the INTA 412 credit units will be The university is a bilingual university with
removed and the INTA 412 course will not be courses taught in English or Afrikaans. Unless
graded. students can demonstrate a high level of
fluency and literacy in Afrikaans, they will be
In South Africa: You indicated your course
limited to coursework taught in English.
choices on your Stellenbosch University
Students can take 1) courses offered in English
application. Stellenbosch will make a
within academic departments, 2) courses
determination if you are qualified to take these
offered by Global Education Programs (GEP),
courses based on the transcript and course
or 3) a combination of the two types of courses.
descriptions that you submitted with your
application. In your acceptance email they will
GEP courses were created to address the need
indicate which courses you were approved to
of non-degree students to access course work
take. You will not be allowed to take courses
in English. Some mainstream university
for which you have not been pre-approved.
courses are duplicated in the GEP program but
You will finalize your registration upon arrival.
there are also specially designed courses to fit
the needs and interests of international
Class Attendance students.
You are required to follow the attendance
policies of Stellenbosch University. You are
International students are strongly encouraged
expected to attend all regularly scheduled
to take Afrikaans or Xhosa, two South African
classes and field trips. Specific requirements
languages spoken in the local area, if they are
planning to volunteer in the community.
4offered in the future, or that they will be
Please note that the popular course Learning offered during the term you are abroad.
for Sustainable Community Engagement has not
been approved for credit at UW-Eau Claire. Grades
Students are not allowed to take the course Grades are assigned by professors at
at this time. Stellenbosch University according to the South
African system. Once the transcript arrives at
Course Equivalencies UW-Eau Claire, the grades will be converted to
Some courses you can take at Stellenbosch the U.S. grading scale.
University have already been evaluated for
UW-Eau Claire credit. To find Stellenbosch UW-Eau Claire uses the following scale to
courses that have been evaluated, go to the convert South African grades to UWEC grades:
Transfer Credit Wizard site:
https://my.uwec.edu/psp/PUBLIC/EMPLOYEE/ South African Grade UW-Eau Claire
HRMS/c/EAU_SS_CUSTOM.EAU_TRNCRDWZ 75-100 A
.GBL. Choose "South Africa" from the 70-74 A-
“Country” pull down menu, then hit “Search.” 60-69 B
Then, select “Stellenbosch Univ” by clicking 56-59 B-
the link. You will need to look up the 50-55 C
equivalencies by using the Stellenbosch course 0-49 F
title as Stellenbosch does not use course
numbers on their transcripts. You may also hit Note that UW-Eau Claire students abroad are
search to see the first 300 equivalencies. not allowed to take classes pass/fail, and that
grades from South Africa are figured into
If a course appears on the list, it has already your UW-Eau Claire GPA.
been reviewed by the appropriate UW-Eau
Claire department chair and the equivalency Transcript & Grade Delay
listed is what you will receive upon successful At the end of the semester, Stellenbosch
completion of the course. (Please note that University sends a transcript to UW-Eau Claire.
catalog changes at either university may Courses, credits, and grades are incorporated
change a previously established equivalency. into your UW-Eau Claire transcript.
Examples of such changes would be a change
in course title, number or description, dropping Grades will not arrive until about two months
a course at one institution, etc.) after the end of the semester, so you will
initially receive a grade report with “NR” (not
Please keep in mind that this is a historical reported). A revised transcript will be issued
record of past course equivalencies. There is after the grades have arrived.
no guarantee that the same courses will be
5If you are a senior, and are studying abroad for Personal Travel
your last term, please note that the different Past participants, have reported spending
timelines in grade reporting mean that you anywhere from $300 to $3,500 on personal
may need to delay your graduation. The UW- travel. To give you an idea of what is possible
Eau Claire Registrar's Office must receive for various amounts:
grades within 42 days of the last day of the
UW-Eau Claire semester in order to confirm $300: "I traveled for one week, flying between
your graduation that semester. For example, cities and staying in hostels."
for Fall graduation in a term that ends on
December 14, your grades from South Africa $1,500: "I traveled for 10 days after the program
must arrive by January 25. This is a UW-Eau and took 4 weekend trips. I flew or traveled by
Claire requirement, and our partners abroad bus and I stayed at hostels."
are not expected to change their usual
timelines to accommodate it. $3,500: "I traveled for 2 and 1/2 weeks before
the program, and 6 weekends during/after the
program, using every means of transportation
imaginable (car, bus, cab, plane). I mostly
MONEY MATTERS stayed in hostels, but I also stayed at one resort,
Information about how payments are made, one 4-star hotel, rented a house, and stayed at a
when they are due, withdrawal/refund few other hotels."
deadlines, financial aid, scholarships, budgeting,
and how to bring money abroad is in your Study
Currency and Currency Exchange
Abroad Handbook. The monetary unit of South Africa is the rand,
which is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in
Study Abroad (INTA) Explanation denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and
On a study abroad program (INTA), UW-Eau R5. Bills come in denominations of R10, R20,
Claire tuition is waived and a student pays the R50, R100 and R200.
tuition, fees, housing, and meal cost set by
Stellenbosch University. As of December 18, 2017, $1 U.S. dollar = 13.06
rand. You can check current exchange rates at
Cost Estimate http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/.
You can find the most current cost estimate for
your program, in easily printable format, on the United States dollars can be exchanged for
CIE South Africa webpage. Be sure you are foreign currency at international airports,
looking at the correct term. Remember that railroad stations, and banks. Cash or traveler’s
the cost estimate includes what you pay to checks can be exchanged at banks in South
UW-Eau Claire, what you pay to SU, and what Africa. You pay a commission every time you
you pay directly to other vendors. exchange money, so budget wisely!
6Stellenbosch advises that you arrive in South emergency reserve fund. In this way, you will
Africa with approximately 300-500 in rand, have backup funds if your card is lost/stolen or
especially if you arrive on the weekend or must be cancelled and replaced due to fraud. A
late afternoon. Banks in South Africa have replacement card may take 3-4 weeks to reach
limited hours of operation; most open at 9:00 you.
A.M. and close around 3:00 or 4:00 P.M.
Please refer to the Health & Safety section for
Travelers Checks safety advice on using ATMs in South Africa.
Many people no longer find travelers checks
useful in South Africa due to the convenience
of ATMs and the service fees (1-4%) associated
with cashing your traveler’s checks. Also, you HEALTH & SAFETY
will need to go to a bank or a money exchange Additional information on these issues, as well
office (e.g. bureaux de change) in order to cash as on CISI insurance, is included in the Health
travelers checks, which can be inconvenient. Issues and Safety Abroad sections of your Study
However, traveler’s checks are useful in an Abroad Handbook.
emergency situation such as when your credit
or debit cards are lost or stolen, your cards are Immunizations
damaged, or your cards are deactivated due to You received an update on Health and Safety
fraud concerns, etc. Theft and fraud are through the Learning Content section of your
common in South Africa so having traveler’s UWEC study abroad account. You were
checks that you can use in an emergency is a encouraged to visit the Centers for Disease
good idea. Control (CDC) site to learn what immunizations
are recommended for travel to South Africa.
ATM Use, Scams, and Fraud
ATMs are readily available in South Africa, In addition to having all routine immunizations
even in small towns, but are not typically up-to-date, you should discuss the CDC
available in more remote sites or game parks. recommended immunizations with your
However, safety is a large concern in terms of doctor. The current CDC recommendations for
the risk of fraud or robbery at the ATM. South South Africa can be found here:
Africa has had a major problem with debit and http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/sout
credit card fraud. Because these cards give h-africa.htm.
holders direct access to funds, you could
experience a significant financial loss and CDC immunization recommendations should
ongoing financial problems if they are lost or be taken very seriously since there are very few
stolen. required vaccinations anywhere in the world
for travelers. Requirements can only be placed
Given that theft and debit/credit card fraud are
by the government of a particular country, and
a common concern in South Africa, you may
because such requirements often discourage
find it helpful to carry traveler’s checks as an
7tourism, governments are reluctant to well. If in doubt, peel fruit and vegetables to be
establish them. extra safe. While most food is safe, use your
judgment. Is the vendor's cart clean? Is the
Since many of the recommendations depend food kept cold until it is cooked? Etc.
on the type of travel you anticipate doing, or
the length of time you are staying, you need to In December 2017, the Department of Health in
consult with a doctor to determine what's best South Africa announced an outbreak of the
for your individual situation. You can also visit food-borne disease listeriosis with 13% of
UW-Eau Claire's Student Health Services, reported cases in the Western Cape. Listeriosis
which offers immunizations (IG, tetanus, can cause extreme food poisoning. There is no
Hepatitis B, etc.) and health education on vaccine to prevent infection, however, it is
international travel. Contact Student Health treatable and preventable. Preventative
Services at (715) 836-5360. measures include: washing hands before
handling food & during food preparation,
Sun separating raw food from cooked food,
The sun in the southern hemisphere is more cooking food thoroughly & never eating half-
intense and transmits more ultraviolet light cooked or uncooked food especially meat
than it does in the north. Protect yourself by products, thoroughly washing food that
wearing at least SPF 15 sunscreen. If you burn doesn’t need to be cooked, keeping food at
easily, use a higher level SPF and consider safe temperatures, using pasteurized milk
wearing a hat, especially from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 products. Symptoms include flu-like illness,
p.m. when the sun is the strongest. You may diarrhea accompanied by fever, general body
also want to bring sunglasses to protect your pains, vomiting and weakness. People at an
eyes. increased risk of severe illness are pregnant
women, newborn infants, people older than 65,
Water/Food and people who have a weakened cellular
The tap water in South Africa is generally of immune system.
high quality, especially in urban and tourist
areas. When traveling or visiting rural areas, Malaria
drink bottled water if you have concerns about According to the Centers for Disease Control
the water quality. Never drink water from a and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov), malaria
river or untreated well. Water that looks clear is "Present along the border with Zimbabwe
and clean can contain waterborne diseases and Mozambique. Specifically in Vhembe and
such as giardiasis, amoebic dysentery, and Mopani district municipalities of Limpopo
hepatitis A. Province; Ehlanzeni district municipality in
Mpumalanga Province; and Umknanyakude in
Generally, food in South Africa is safe. You Kwazulu-Natal Province. Present in Kruger
should be sure to eat hot foods hot, and cold National Park." The CDC also indicates that
foods cold. Wash fresh fruit and vegetables "Chloroquine is NOT an effective antimalarial
8drug in South Africa and should not be taken to • Avoid unproven preventatives, such as
prevent malaria in this region." mosquito coils or Avon Skin-So-Soft. While
these are popular folklore insect repellents
While the Cape region is not a malarial infested in the U.S., they perform poorly in scientific
area, you should discuss your malaria studies.
prevention strategy with your doctor, since
personal travel plans may affect it. When If you become ill, early treatment is essential if
talking with your doctor, please discuss the you do acquire malaria. Consider any flu-like
program location and your personal travel illness in a malarial area to be malaria until
plans. What you will do about malaria proven otherwise.
prevention is a decision you must make with
your doctor. Neither the CIE nor Stellenbosch Common symptoms of malaria include fever
University can make this decision for you. If and chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
you decide to take anti-malaria medication, headaches, and dizziness. See a physician
follow the instructions from your physician promptly! Delay in seeking medical care and
carefully. Remember that malaria is rarely in diagnosis increases the chances of
acquired if you've taken the proper complications. Per the CDC, "Malaria
precautions. symptoms will occur at least 7 to 9 days after
being bitten by an infected mosquito. Fever in
The best way to avoid malaria is to avoid the first week of travel in a malaria-risk area is
getting bitten by mosquitoes! To minimize unlikely to be malaria; however, you should see
bites: a doctor right away if you develop a fever
• Cover up with clothing. Wear garments during your trip. Malaria may cause anemia
with a high neckline (or a bandana around and jaundice. Malaria infections with
the neck), long sleeves, and long pants. Plasmodium falciparum, if not promptly
• Use a DEET-containing insect repellent on treated, may cause kidney failure, coma, and
exposed skin AND permethrin, an death. Despite using the protective measures
insecticide, on clothing. outlined above, travelers may still develop
• Avoid shiny jewelry and perfumed malaria up to a year after returning from a
cosmetics, as they attract mosquitoes. malarious area. You should see a doctor
• Remain indoors at dusk or after dark. immediately if you develop a fever anytime
• When traveling on your own, choose during the year following your return and tell
accommodations with tidy grounds and air the physician of your travel."
conditioning or with windows having well-
fitting screens. Use mosquito netting HIV/AIDS
elsewhere. HIV/AIDS is a worldwide epidemic that has
• Check that bed netting has no holes or rips. severely affected the countries of sub-Saharan
Tuck netting under your mattress. Africa. Although other countries have a higher
percentage of HIV infection, South Africa has
9the largest number of HIV/AIDS sufferers Africa. To find out how good your HIV/AIDS
worldwide. In 2016, the United Nations knowledge is, take a quiz to see how much you
estimated that almost 19% of South Africans already know at http://www.avert.org/quizzes.
are infected. In comparison, the UN estimates
that 0.4% – 0.9% U.S. Americans are HIV- Interesting facts on the Avert.org site include:
infected. • In South Africa, almost one in three
women aged 25-29, and over a quarter
Why has Africa, in particular sub-Saharan of men aged 30-34, are living with HIV.
Africa, experienced a higher rate of HIV • HIV in South Africa is predominantly
infection than many Western countries? Many transmitted heterosexually between
complex reasons contribute to the higher rate couples, with mother-to-child
of HIV infection in Southern Africa – poverty, transmission being the other main
lack of healthcare and prevention programs, infection route.
different cultural and sexual mores, the low
status of women and their lack of HIV Risks to Travelers
empowerment, and denial of the problem by According to the CDC
some African governments and churches. (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2014
Also, some researchers believe that hard-hit /chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-
African countries are fighting a different, more travel/hiv-infection), the risk for international
virulent strain of HIV than the one found in the travelers is generally low. Because HIV
United States and other Western countries. infection and AIDS are distributed globally, the
risk for international travelers is determined
However, the South African government at all less by geographic destination and more by
levels – local, provincial, and national – along behaviors that put them at risk for becoming
with many non-governmental organizations infected, such as sexual practices and drug use.
(NGOs) are working to address the problem by
trying to prevent future infection through Travelers should be advised that HIV
education and behavior change; providing infection is preventable! To reduce their risk
medical, social, and financial assistance to of acquiring HIV, the CDC advises travelers to:
those affected by the disease; funding and
supporting scientists working on an HIV • Avoid sexual encounters with people who
vaccine; and fighting discrimination against are infected with HIV, whose HIV infection
people affected by HIV/AIDS. status is unknown, or who are at high risk
for HIV infection, such as intravenous drug
To learn more about HIV/AIDS in South Africa, users, commercial sex workers (both male
visit the following web site: and female), and other people with
http://www.avert.org/hiv-aids-sub-saharan- multiple sexual partners.
africa.htm. The site provides an easy-to-follow • Use condoms consistently and correctly,
timeline of the history of HIV/AIDs in South especially if engaging in vaginal, anal, or
10oral-genital sexual contact with a person bites. Bats are the other common carrier of
who is HIV infected or whose HIV status is rabies.
unknown.
• Avoid injecting drugs. Pre-departure: A pre-exposure vaccine is
• Avoid sharing needles or other devices that available and consists of series of shots that
can puncture skin. must be administered by physician. However,
• Avoid, if at all possible, blood transfusions even those with the pre-exposure vaccine are
or use of clotting factor concentrates. required to seek post-exposure boosters/care
in the event of a possible exposure to rabies.
As stated, HIV is largely transmitted through You should discuss with a medical provider the
sexual intercourse and needle- or syringe- best option for you.
sharing. HIV is not transmitted through casual
contact; air, food, or water routes; contact with In South Africa: If you are bitten by a dog, bat,
inanimate objects; or mosquitoes or other or any other animal, seek medical help
insects. The use of any public conveyance (e.g., IMMEDIATELY and let the International Office
airplane, automobile, boat, bus, or train) by at Stellenbosch know of the incident. A rabies
persons with AIDS or HIV infection does not vaccination must be administered within a few
pose a risk of infection for the crew members days of the bite, so it is imperative that you see
or other travelers. a doctor.
Peace Corps advises its volunteers, who are in Tuberculosis (TB)
the country for 27 months, that "abstinence is TB is a major health concern in South Africa.
the only certain choice for preventing According to the World Health Organization,
infection with HIV and other sexually South Africa was ranked number 5 out of 22
transmitted diseases (which are also quite high-burden TB countries. In 2015, the
prevalent in South Africa). You are taking risks infection rate for TB was 834 out of every
if you choose to be sexually active. To lessen 100,000 people. South Africa also has reported
risk, use a condom every time you have sex." cases of drug-resistant TB.
If you choose to be sexually active, whether According to the Centers for Disease Control,
your partner is South African, American or “To become infected, a person usually has to
European, do not assume this person is free of spend a relatively long time in a closed
HIV/AIDS or other STIs. environment where the air was contaminated
by a person with untreated tuberculosis who
Dog Bites/Rabies was coughing and who had numerous M.
Although primarily limited to rural areas, rabies tuberculosis organisms (or tubercle bacilli) in
does exist in South Africa. About 93% of secretions from the lungs or voice box (larynx).
human cases of rabies are associated with dog Infection is generally transmitted through the
air; therefore, there is virtually no danger of it
11being spread by dishes, linens, and items that requiring emergency medical treatment must
are touched, or by most food products. call a private general practitioner or go to the
However, it can be transmitted through casualty ward of the provincial hospital or the
unpasteurized milk or milk products obtained Medi-Clinic. You will receive names and
from infected cattle. contact information from Stellenbosch.
Travelers who anticipate possible prolonged Stellenbosch also has a Centre for Student
exposure to tuberculosis (e.g., those who could Counseling.
be expected to come in contact routinely with
hospital, prison, or homeless shelter Safety in South Africa
populations) should be advised to have a You will be given specific safety advice during
tuberculin skin test before leaving the United orientation in South Africa. Please take it very
States. If the reaction is negative, they should seriously. A list of consulates in South Africa is
have a repeat test approximately 12 weeks included towards the end of this guide.
after returning."
Stellenbosch University advises that you make
South African Health Insurance use of the "Green Route" on campus, which is a
In addition to the UW-System mandated preferential route that covers all the academic
coverage that you must purchase, South Africa buildings, residences and computer centers.
requires that you purchase medical coverage Students and University security officials
that is recognized in South Africa. Stellenbosch wearing fluorescent orange armbands patrol it
University will provide you information about for safety.
purchasing a South African health insurance
policy at the time of your official acceptance to Be street-wise in town by
Stellenbosch University. • staying in a group, and
• using the main streets where there are
Local Health Care usually people at all times of the day or
Stellenbosch University has a health care
night
service on campus where minor problems can
be treated. The Campus Health Service (CHS)
It is never advisable to walk unknown routes or
clinic is located on Claassen Street (off Bosman
to walk alone at night.
Road, next to Heemstede Residence). You can
contact them by telephone at: 021 808 3496.
Stellenbosch has recently implemented a new
There will be a fee for service. The Campus
Integrated Crisis Service with ER24 (Private
Health Service personnel can also make
Emergency Medical Care). This service will be
referrals to the local hospital if necessary.
available to registered Stellenbosch University
students (which includes international
The Campus Health Service is closed after
students), and it consists of the following
certain hours and on weekends. All students
services:
12• Emergency medical services metered taxis from established companies or
• Trauma counseling licensed tour buses.
• A medical hotline
Game Parks - Stay in the Vehicle!
In case of medical emergencies, a student must If you visit a game park or wildlife reserve, it is
phone 010 205 3032. The student must identify dangerous to leave the vehicle or otherwise be
themselves as a Stellenbosch University on foot, even in the presence of a guide.
student, provide his/her location and specify Several incidents of wild animal attacks on
what is the nature of the emergency. ER24 will tourists in the region have resulted in deaths or
then assist the student, whether it is by serious injury.
sending an ambulance, or dispatching a trauma
counselor, or providing medical advice via their Ocean Safety & Swimming
medical hotline. This service will not only be Swimming accidents are a leading cause of
available in Stellenbosch, but countrywide. If death for students abroad. The U.S. State
you plan to travel, you can still make use of this Department warns that "Tragic accidents can
service. If, however, you need to be occur when swimming in the ocean or
hospitalized or need further medical walking/climbing on shore areas that are not
treatment, it will be up to you to pay the cost. designated beaches. Tourists have drowned
You may have to pay up front, but keep any when swimming in coastal waters, where tides
receipts to file a claim with CISI insurance so and wave patterns can change unexpectedly
they can reimburse you. See the Study Abroad and overwhelm even excellent swimmers. Do
Handbook for more information about CISI. not swim alone in isolated beach areas. Do not
dive into unknown bodies of water, because
Traffic and Transportation hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause
One main thing to remember about safety in serious injury or death." Risk of injury or death
South Africa is that they drive on the opposite increases when engaging in swimming while or
side of the road, so LOOK RIGHT!! before after drinking alcohol.
crossing the street.
The State Department also would like visitors
Public transportation accidents occur regularly to be aware of the shark population in South
in South Africa; for that reason, South Africa African waters that poses risks to swimmers
has a horrific road-accident record. Or in the and surfers. "If visiting South Africa’s expansive
words of one past participant, "Very bad coastline, be mindful of the possible presence
drivers!" In particular, minibus taxis and buses of sharks when swimming or engaging in water
have a reputation for being poorly maintained sports. In 2015 and 2016, in the Plettenberg
and poorly driven. They are also targets for Bay area of the Western Cape and the Jeffrey’s
criminal activity such as hijacking and robbery. Bay area of the Eastern Cape, several people
Avoid them if you can. Instead, use individual were attacked by sharks; some of the attacks
were fatal. When a shark is spotted close to
13the shore, local authorities will sound a your personal identification number (PIN),
warning siren to notify swimmers." usually all three. Thieves are just as likely to
operate in Stellenbosch as in downtown
Crime Johannesburg and they are almost always well-
Given the economic realities of South Africa, dressed and well-mannered men.
crime is a problem. Just as you need to do in
any U.S. city, you will need to take safety The ATM scam you're most likely to encounter
precautions while walking and traveling around involves the thief tampering with the machine
Stellenbosch and other cities you may visit. so your card becomes jammed. By the time
Cape Town and Johannesburg in particular are you realize this, you've entered your PIN. The
reputed to have a high incidence of muggings. thief will have seen this, and when you go
Using your common sense at all times will aid inside to report that your card has been
you well. Avoid poorly lit areas at night when swallowed, he will take the card and leave you
you are walking around the city, and do not several thousand rand shorter. There are no
walk or take buses alone at night – especially guarantees, but if you follow the rules listed
women. Don't take any unnecessary risks! If here you stand a better chance of avoiding this
you have to return home alone late for and other scams:
whatever reason, take a taxi. • Avoid ATMs at night and in secluded
places. Rows of machines in shopping malls
**NOTE: Both men and women should be are usually the safest.
aware of their safety at all times. In the past, • Carefully watch the people using the ATM
men have been just as susceptible as women to ahead of you. If they look suspicious, go to
potential risks. As U.S. Americans, you will another machine.
stick out as "foreigners." The best advice is to • Use ATMs during banking hours and if
be aware of your surroundings, listen to your possible, take a friend. If your card is
instincts, and use your common sense. jammed in a machine, one person can stay
at the ATM and the other can seek
Information on crime, road safety, drug assistance from the bank.
penalties, and terrorist activity in South • When you put your card into the ATM,
Africa is included in the State Department press cancel immediately. If the card is
Travel Advisory at the end of this guide. returned, then you know there is no
More information about safety will be covered blockage in the machine and it should be
upon your arrival in Stellenbosch. safe to proceed.
• Don't hesitate to be rude in refusing any
Beating the ATM Scams offers of help in completing your
If you are a victim of crime in South Africa, it is transaction.
most likely to occur at an automatic teller • If someone does offer to help, end your
machine (ATM). There are dozens of scams transaction immediately and find another
that involve stealing your cash, your card or machine.
14• Carry your bank's emergency phone men in South Africa's Eastern Cape and
number and if you do lose your card, report KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
it immediately.
• If you think you might need help using an As a result of the high rate of sexual assault and
ATM, seek it before arriving in South Africa. HIV infection in South Africa, you should use
caution and common sense in all your
Source- Richmond, S., Murphy, A. Wildman, K interactions, particularly at night or if you have
& Burke, A. (2002). Beating the ATM scams. been drinking. Dress and act conservatively
Lonely Planet: South Africa, Lesotho, & around people you do not know. Also,
Swaziland, p. 57. whenever possible, travel with others. Lock the
door to your room even when you are in it,
Sexual Assault especially if you are alone. Report
There is a very high level of sexual assault and unauthorized visitors or guests in your building.
violence against women in South Africa. Of
particular concern is the high rate of child rape. If you are sexually assaulted, you should seek
According to Amnesty International, 40% of medical attention immediately. Medical
rape survivors are under the age of 18. In the treatment should include antiretroviral therapy
vast majority of cases, South African women against HIV/AIDS.
and girls are raped by people they know: family
friends, neighbors, teachers, classmates, and Other Safety Recommendations
relatives. Many factors contribute to the high You will find that safety is a major concern for
incidence of sexual violence against women most South Africans. In fact, many South
and girls: poverty, lack of female Africans seem obsessed with crime. Though
empowerment, myths about curing HIV/AIDS most visitors are not affected by crime during
through sex with a virgin, the after-effects of their stay, criminal activity occurs routinely. In
apartheid's violent history, and the ineffective particular, you should be cautious in the cities,
prosecution of sexual offenders. around major tourist areas and hotels, and in or
on public transportation where theft/mugging
In 2009, South Africa's Medical Research are problems. Johannesburg, in particular, is
Council published a study which found that one known as the mugging capital of Southern
in four South African men admit to having Africa, and some of the crime there is violent.
raped. Nearly half of the respondents The following are general rules that should
admitted to more than one attack. Although help you keep out of trouble in the big cities:
the majority of survey respondents identified • Never carry anything you can't afford to
their rape victims as women and girls, 3% lose; in particular, don't flash around a
identified their victims as men or boys. The camera.
study also found that one in ten men reported • Never look like you might be carrying
having been raped by other men. The study valuables (wearing an expensive-looking T-
was based on a representative sample of 1,738
15shirt makes you look just as rich as wearing 911 Equivalent in South Africa
jewelry or a suit does). If you are in an emergency situation in South
• Avoid groups of young men; trust older Africa, you will need to know how to reach the
mixed-gender groups. local police, fire, or ambulance services. In
• Carry most of your cash, your credit South Africa, you have more than one number
cards, etc., in a money belt at all times. to reach emergency services:
• Always have some cash in a wallet or 1. Countrywide Police: 10111
purse to give if you are mugged. 2. Countrywide Fire/Ambulance: 10177
• Don't resist muggers; give up your 3. Countrywide Emergency Service Calling
valuables immediately. from Mobile Device: 112
• Listen to local advice on unsafe areas. 4. Cape Town All Emergencies: 107
• Avoid deserted areas (such as the
downtown area in large cities on the Save these numbers in your cell phone in
case you need to use them quickly.
weekends) even in daylight.
The U.S. State Department also provides a list
Unfortunately, the most effective tactics to
of 911 numbers abroad. Like South Africa, in
avoid victimization are the most difficult for
some countries there are different numbers for
newcomers to use:
fire, police, and ambulance. Plan ahead and
• Don't look apprehensive or lost.
research numbers before you go.
• Don't assume that everyone is out to get
you.
• Make friends.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
General passport and additional visa
Source- Richmond, S., Murphy, A. Wildman, K
information is found in your Study Abroad
& Burke, A. (2002). Survival Tactics. Lonely
Handbook.
Planet: South Africa, Lesotho, & Swaziland, p.
74.
Special Note on Passports
Check your passport! It must be valid for 30
Emergency Contacts
days after your departure date from South
General emergency procedures are described
Africa and must contain at least two blank
in the Study Abroad Handbook and
(unstamped) visa pages for endorsements for
Stellenbosch staff are available if difficulties
each time you enter South Africa. The blank
arise. You received an emergency contact card
page needed for endorsement purposes
at orientation; be sure to keep it in your wallet
excludes pages in a passport reserved for
at all times. The information is also on the
amendments and observations. If you plan to
Contact Names & Addresses page of this guide.
travel outside of South Africa a couple of
You will have access to a 24-hour emergency
times during your stay, you will need at least
service throughout the term.
6 blank pages.
16for and receive a visa from your host
Yellow Fever Requirement country’s consulate or embassy. Please read
Per the U.S. State Department, South Africa the “Visa” section of your Study Abroad
requires travelers entering South Africa from Handbook for more information about what
WHO-designated yellow fever countries to you should do to keep up-to-date on visa
present their current and valid “International requirements.
Certificate of Vaccination as approved by the
World Health Organization (WHO)” (commonly Visa for South Africa
called a “yellow card”) or statement of medical Due to immigration reform in South Africa, the
exemption (also located on the same yellow rules and procedures have been changing on a
card). Additionally, South Africa treats Zambia regular basis. Although the information below
and Tanzania as yellow fever countries. This was current at the time of printing, things may
requirement is imposed on travelers flying to change.
South Africa via yellow fever countries, even
when passengers transiting a yellow fever Traveling with children. Many of the rule
country do not deplane in the yellow fever changes involve children. If you are a student-
country (e.g., flights stopping in Dakar, parent traveling with a child during your stay in
Senegal; Accra, Ghana; or Nairobi, Kenya), South Africa, please make sure to contact
or if the plane makes an unscheduled landing study abroad coordinator Courtney Brost,
in a yellow fever country. As a precaution, all brostcn@uwec.edu, and visit the U.S. State
travelers to South Africa should carry their Department Consular Information Sheet for
original yellow vaccination card. South South Africa to see what additional documents
African immigration inspectors do not will be required.
generally accept letters, scans, copies, or faxes
regarding prior yellow fever vaccination. While U.S. citizens traveling for the semester/year.
this requirement may not be consistently Since semester and yearlong students will be in
applied, travelers who cannot present an South Africa longer than 90 days, you must
original and currently valid yellow card risk apply for a study permit prior to arrival in South
being refused entry into South Africa. Africa. It is a long and complicated process that
involves the following steps:
General Information on Visas
A visa is official permission to temporarily 1. Complete an FBI background check. This
reside in another country and is granted by the can take up to 12 weeks to complete. Start
government of that country. The CIE will early!
provide you with information regarding entry 2. Purchase health insurance that is
requirements and visa regulations. However, it recognized in South Africa. Stellenbosch
is ultimately your responsibility to keep up- University will provide a contact for
to-date about student visa requirements for purchasing health insurance from a South
your host country, and if required, to apply
17African company. This coverage is in
addition to the UW-System CISI policy.
PACKING TIPS
3. Complete a written application and In addition to the general packing information in
gather a number of supporting your Study Abroad Handbook, you should know
documents. Documents include a certified the following about South Africa.
copy of your birth certificate, radiological
report, medical report, etc. Climate
Many people think of Africa as being hot, but
4. Apply in person at the South Africa
South Africa, like Wisconsin, has 4 seasons:
Consulate. Most UW-Eau Claire students
spring (September-November), summer
(e.g. MN and WI residents) are under the
(December-February), autumn (March-May),
jurisdiction of the Chicago consulate.
and winter (June-August). Since South Africa is
located in the southern hemisphere, its
You will receive documentation about how to
seasons are directly opposite those in the
apply as well as a copy of the application form
northern hemisphere. When it is summer in
in your online UWEC study abroad account.
Wisconsin, it is winter in South Africa.
You can also find information online at
http://www.southafrica-
Winter in the Cape Region is cold and rainy.
newyork.net/homeaffairs/permit_study.htm.
Average temperatures from June-August are
33-67 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you have any questions, call the South
African Consulate in Chicago at (312) 939-7929
or send a fax to (312) 939-2588. Clothing
You should pack clothes that can be worn in
layers as you will experience at least one
Consular Services
season change during your time in South
Consulate General of South Africa
Africa.
200 South Michigan Avenue, #600
Chicago, Illinois 60604
http://www.southafricachicago.com/ Appliances
South African electricity works on 220/240
volts AC, 50 cycles. The plugs have three, large,
Visa for Neighboring Countries
round pins. If you plan to bring a hair dryer,
If you plan to travel to other countries while
razor, etc. with you from the U.S., you will
you are abroad, you should verify visa
need to buy a voltage converter and plug
requirements for each country by contacting
adapter. The other option, of course, is to buy
the nearest consulate or your travel agency.
the necessary appliances after you arrive.
You can find general information about entry
requirements at the U.S. State Department
Web site: http://www.state.gov/travel/
18ARRIVING IN SOUTH Semester/Year students. In addition to your
AFRICA passport, the immigration agent:
• Will examine the study permit that will be
Travel Arrangements/Getting to
affixed to a page in your passport.
Campus
It is your responsibility to make travel • May ask to see your WHO yellow card
arrangements to Stellenbosch. Information is documenting your yellow fever vaccination
included in the Study Abroad Handbook. The depending on your travel plans.
CIE strongly encourages you to consider
traveling with another program participant—a The Airport
travel companion can make arrival in a new Once you finish with customs, you will
country much less intimidating! transition to a non-secure area where you will
meet your ride to Stellenbosch. This part of
You may wish to buy travel or trip cancellation the airport may contain people looking for
insurance when you purchase your ticket in work. People will approach you with offers to
case your plans change unexpectedly. Discuss carry your bag or find you a taxi; these are
your options with your travel agent and be sure services for which you would normally tip
you know exactly what the policy covers. (For someone. By U.S. standards, the offers might
example, most policies specifically exclude appear aggressive and the number of offers
travel disruption due to acts of war.) can feel overwhelming, especially if you don't
need or want help. However, the offers are
You should fly into Cape Town International largely driven by the economic realities of
Airport on the designated arrival day. As long South Africa. These same economic factors
as you have filled out the online Arrival/Airport also contribute to petty crime. Be vigilant
transfer form to the Stellenbosch International about your bags and personal property once
Office at least two weeks in advance of your you leave the secure area.
arrival, they will send someone to meet you at
the airport and bring you to Stellenbosch In the immigration area, there are carts that
University (about a 30 minute drive). The you can use to transport your luggage to the
Arrival/Airport transfer form can be found by domestic area. Use a cart or carry your own
clicking here. bags if you are not able to tell the difference
between a legitimate porter and a hustler. Or
you can use an official porter to assist you with
Immigration/Customs
When you arrive in South Africa, you will clear your bags. Past participants recommend
immigration where you will have your passport looking for someone wearing a bright jumpsuit
stamped. Clearing customs is a straightforward labeled "porter."
process. Show the immigration official your
passport.
19Early Arrivals in South Africa Orientation
Please note that Stellenbosch University You will have an orientation program upon
cannot accommodate early arrivals. If you arrival in Stellenbosch. The orientation will
arrive before the move-in date, Stellenbosch introduce you to the campus and the city as
will transport you from the airport but you will well as to cultural, safety and security issues in
need to arrange private accommodation until South Africa.
you can move into the university residence
halls. The university residence halls cannot Housing
provide housing for students who arrive early. Housing is not guaranteed for students going
on the INTA course code. Students will need to
Local Transportation apply for housing on Stellenbosch’s website
Stellenbosch is a relatively small town and it is using the online Accommodations form. On
possible to get around on foot or by bicycle. campus housing is approved on a first come,
New and second-hand bicycles can be first serve principle. To try to get on campus
purchased from local dealers. housing, you will want to apply before you
even receive your acceptance letter from
There is no bus service between Stellenbosch Stellenbosch. DO NOT wait until the housing
and Cape Town, but there is a train service, application deadline to submit your
operating from 6:00 a.m. until about 9:00 p.m. application.
Please note that public transportation does
pose some safety risks. Taxis between Cape **While early application is encouraged and
Town and Stellenbosch are relatively your chances of getting approved for housing
expensive, and minibus-taxis should be are good, it is still not guaranteed that you
avoided for safety reasons. During orientation will get on-campus accommodations. If you
you will be introduced to possible shuttle are not approved for on-campus
services to and from Cape Town. accommodations, you will be responsible for
finding your own accommodations.
Travel Outside of Stellenbosch
If you travel outside of Stellenbosch, let Students approved for on-campus
someone know your plans, indicating where accommodations stay in double rooms in a
you are going and approximately when you will Stellenbosch University residence hall. It is
return. If you are planning on being gone for basic, but comfortable. Bedding is provided.
more than 24 hours, notify the Stellenbosch Buildings in South Africa don't often have
staff. You should also leave an address where central heating systems and students are
you can be contacted. advised to bring warm sleepwear and
comfortable clothes.
SETTLING IN
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