With a population made vibrant by races of many types, South Africa is rightfully called the ‘rainbow nation.’ Here is a setting where the people are just as interesting and colorful as the country itself. Study abroad in South Africa and have a meaningful learning experience amidst a picturesque backdrop and rich biodiversity. Learn more on what the ‘rainbow nation’ is about.

Cape Point, one of many spectacular views in South Africa. Photo by Troy Peden

Dynamic Peoples. The majority of South Africans are classified as ‘African’ or ‘black’ (of Bantu origin). The three most populous African groups are the Zulu, the Sotho, and the Xhosa. Other major ethnic groups are the Tsonga, Ndebele, Swazi, Tswana and Venda. They speak Bantu languages.

The ‘white’ South Africans are descendants of Dutch, French and German settlers, and the British colonialists. Also living here are people of other types of European lineage including Portuguese, Hungarian, German, and Greek. The majority of white South Africans can speak English, even those whose primary language is Afrikaans, mainly because it is a mandatory subject in schools. It is the predominant medium of communication for commerce.

Mostly found in the Cape region is an interesting mix of ethnic backgrounds that include San, Grigua, Khoi, Chinese, and Malay. The majority speak Afrikaans. However, most of the South Africans with Asian ancestry are Indian descendants of the indentured workers who came to the country to work in the sugar plantations. Most live in the city of Durban. The majority of Indian South Africans is English speaking.  

After surviving a history of violence and discord, South Africans are working extra hard to achieve harmony. Though the country is still undeniably plagued with racial inequality, xenophobic tensions, and a high HIV/AIDS rate, South Africans remain an upbeat and warm people. Do not be surprised to find kids greeting you with “molo!” (“good morning!”) or farmers cautioning you to drive safely on rural dirt roads. Study abroad in South Africa is an amazing sociological experience — whether you’re a sociology major or not.

Dynamic Climate. South Africa’s climate is just as varied and interesting as its people. You will find a unique mix of temperate, subtropical, Mediterranean, and desert climate in the country.

Studying abroad in South Africa from October to February brings you there during their summer. The season differs across the country, with rainy summers in the north and dry summers in the south. A great time for study abroad in South Africa is during autumn, between February and April — with gentle rainfalls, warm sunshine and cold nights.

Winter in South Africa falls between mid-May and July. The winter weather is also varied across the country, with a cold and dry climate in the north and rain showers in the south. Spring (between August and September) is beautiful with its blooming plants and trees, soft breezes, comfortable warmth during the day, and a mild chill at night.

Dynamic Activities. You will never run out of exciting things to do when studying abroad in South Africa. This picturesque country offers majestic mountains and cliff faces, splendid beaches, captivating semi-deserts, lush forest belts, world-famous natural parks and an impressive wildlife.

Experience the most epic of views as you hike to the top of the uniquely flat-topped mountain, the world-famous Table Mountain. Visit the beautiful stretch of coastal paradise called the Garden Route, and make the most out of the hiking trails and eco-tourism activities it offers.

Nobody studying in South Africa would think to miss out on its beautiful beaches. With more than 2,500 kilometers of coastline, there are options galore for amazing beach experiences. Catch a wave at the internationally acclaimed sports spot (the Jeffrey’s Bay) or head straight to Africa’s watersports capital (the Port Elizabeth).

You will find all sorts of terrains in South Africa for your adventures. You can go scuba diving or skydiving, sandboarding or snowboarding. You may choose to go dangling from a bungee cord, hanging onto a mountainside, or bouncing along a 4x4 on rugged mountain terrain.

A South African experience is not complete without an exciting encounter with the wildlife. The Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino — will keep you fascinated, not to mention other South African favorites like the giraffe, zebra, cheetah, hyena, hippo, warthog, and the dung beetle. With 20 national parks, hundreds of game lodges and private parks, 299 species of mammals, and 858 species of birds, South Africa is a true standout in the arena of wildlife diversity.

Dynamic Food. Studying abroad in South Africa is a great choice for a budding chef or anyone who loves and appreciates good food. Cuisine in South Africa is just as diverse as its ethnicity. You get to sample the many different types of curry served by the Indian community in Durban. Make sure you also try the Malay-influenced cuisine in Cape Town. Carnivores love the wide selection of meats that include the more common beef and lamb to the more exotic zebra, crocodile, ostrich, pig trotters and sheep’s head. The traditional Zulu and Xhosa meals are not very outlandish, but are made highly interesting by the presentation that incorporates a lively community spirit amidst an upbeat atmosphere. Want a real culinary adventure? Foodies swear by a beef dish called bobotie with saffron rice and fried caterpillars.

Those with more conservative taste buds will be relieved to know that a good number of restaurants offer traditional Western and Chinese food. In keeping with the country’s spirit of “local is lekker’”(tasty), most restaurants serve a few regional dishes alongside the Western cuisine. If you want the best of both worlds, try one of the fusion restaurants springing up around the country. The sprawling wine route in Cape Town also guarantees a great assortment of vino to suit all budgets and palates.

Whatever your tastes, don’t miss out on the most popular South African dining experience — the braai. The African equivalent of the Western barbeque, braai usually includes sausages (called boerewors), kebabs (sosaties), chops, steak, fire-smoked vegetables, salads and breads. Braaing, a favorite South African pastime, offers a great avenue for making friends and meeting new people.

Fun Facts About South Africa

South Africa supplies 80 percent of the world’s demand for platinum, one of the rarest of metals.

With more than 1,500 species of plants, Table Mountain has more plant diversity than the entire United Kingdom.

You will find the world’s longest wine route in South Africa.

South Africa is ranked third in the world in terms of supplying safe and drinkable tap water.

The Kruger National Park offers the greatest variety of wildlife species on the African continent.

South Africa’s Palace of the Lost City is currently the world’s largest theme resort hotel. It is also the largest building project completed in the Southern hemisphere.

You will find the world’s smallest succulent plants in South Africa (at less than 0.39 inches) as well as the largest (the baobab tree).

Scientists found traces of blue-green algae that date back 3,500 million in eastern South Africa. This is one of the earliest evidence of life on earth.

Fast Facts About South Africa

Capital: Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), Cape Town (legislative)

Government: Constitutional Parliamentary Republic

Languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Xhosa, Zulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Swati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga

Population: 51,770,560

Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)

So you are interested in studying abroad in South Africa. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s safe to live, work, and study there. Like most places, this country is not without danger; however, such threats should not keep you from choosing South Africa for study abroad. It is a huge travel and tourism destination, and most visitors come and go without mishap.

Navigating through the suburban streets of
Cape Town. Photo Courtesy
nickgraywfu on Flickr

Before you get there, make sure that you only deal with credible study-abroad program providers for South Africa. Look for positive testimonials and get a hold of program alumni. When you’re in the country, awareness of possible threats and precautionary measures should keep you safe and protected. Here’s the real deal on staying safe while studying abroad in South Africa — they’re also good common-sense tips for traveling anywhere in the world.

Theft And Robbery. South Africa’s history (due to its former apartheid government) created a highly unequal distribution of wealth among its citizens. The gross disparity between the rich and poor resulted in high rates of robbery and theft; even though apartheid no longer exists there, the income gap remains, and “wealthy looking” people remain targets (including international students, regardless of how lean their budget may be). Learning about the common schemes in South Africa will help you stay vigilant and keep you from falling victim.

ATMs are hotspots for robberies. Beware of the “Good Samaritan” ploy, a common scheme where a stranger offers to help you with your ATM transaction only to rob you once you’ve withdrawn your cash. Refuse any offer to assist from strangers. If you notice anyone approaching you at an ATM (appearing more interested in your transaction than in using the machine), cancel your transaction and leave. Use an ATM only during normal business hours, and at highly populated places; avoid ATMs in remote areas. The best places to withdraw money at an ATM are inside banks, shopping malls, hotels, and other high-traffic areas that have security guards and cameras monitoring the place. Be observant and watch out for any suspicious person or activity near the ATM. Also, be wary of cords or foreign objects attached to the ATM. If you notice any suspicious device, leave at once and notify the police.

Avoid conspicuous displays of wealth. Another ongoing scheme in South Africa involves crime gangs that target individuals in public places, particularly shopping centers. They identify a person that looks wealthy, and follow that person home where he or she is robbed. The victim is sometimes held at gunpoint, though such use of force is generally only done when the target offers some form of resistance. These gangs commonly target people who appear affluent. Do not wear flashy jewelry or display large amounts of cash, and be discreet about making expensive purchases. If you are carrying a lot of cash or an expensive item, avoid walking, and opt for a taxi to your destination. Always watch for others who appear to be watching you. If you feel you are being followed, head straight to a high-traffic public place or to a police station.

Criminals often go after ‘soft’ targets. These are people who appear preoccupied and not very attentive of their surroundings. A distracted person is a good target, so be observant: don’t walk while you’re texting, reading, looking at your phone or music player, rummaging through your bag, or otherwise not paying attention to your surroundings. If you must do any of the above, stop and do it in a safe, visible, well-populated area, then continue on your way.

Choose airport transportation wisely. Although generally rare, visitors leaving the airport are targeted by criminals. Be extra watchful when leaving the airport. Make sure you choose your mode of transportation well. Only hire vehicles approved by the airport, or arrange your transportation with the organization hosting your study-abroad program in South Africa.

Traffic And Road Safety. South Africa has a high rate of deaths from road accidents, mostly due to a combination of inadequate enforcement of traffic laws, substandard driving skills, driving under the influence of alcohol, aggressive driving, and road rage. Steer clear of minibus taxis: these are white vans that are usually operated by unlicensed drivers. Minibus taxis charge fixed rates, which makes it profitable for them to get to their destination and back as quickly as possible. They usually disregard traffic signs and speed limits. Make sure you choose marked, metered taxis that are associated with established taxi companies.

Pedestrians are advised to be extra careful. Drivers in South Africa are known for being aggressive to pedestrians and often fail to give way even along marked pedestrian lanes. Needless to say, the extra caution must come from the pedestrian.

Diseases/ Health Risks. Most parts of South Africa are malaria-free. You do have to take precautions when visiting low-altitude areas in Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, particularly the Kruger National Park and other game reserves. Malaria risk exists in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in the coastal lowlands. Taking preventive treatments, like a malaria prophylaxis, is highly advised. As additional precaution, you may choose to visit these areas between June and September when risk is much lower.

Tuberculosis is a health issue in South Africa, but exposure to the disease is highly unlikely. Take extra care when visiting risk areas like hospitals, homeless shelters or prisons. The parasitic disease schistosomiasis is also present in the country, but is mostly isolated in distant eastern and northeastern coastal freshwater bodies. Avoid exposure to high-risk freshwater.

Another known health risk in South Africa is the prevalence of HIV and AIDS, with more than a quarter of the population infected by the disease. Always practice safe sex. Avoid intravenous drugs. Never share razors and other personal care items.

You can expect high-standard medical services in private hospitals in the urban areas. Make sure that you secure travel insurance before traveling to remote areas. Travel insurance plans usually cover emergency helicopter lifts from remote areas to hospitals in the city. Be aware that most travel insurance plans do not include coverage for accidents while doing adventure sports like rappelling, mountain biking, hiking, and kite surfing.

Natural Hazards. As with most adventure destinations, South Africa is not without danger. Table Mountain alone has more fatalities than Mount Everest; fatal hiking accidents happen almost on a weekly basis. Make sure you are well equipped and dressed appropriately for your hiking adventure; never hike alone, and have a mobile phone with emergency numbers already plugged in if you should need to call for help.

Shark attacks have been reported along South Africa’s coastline. Local authorities are on constant lookout and are ready to sound a warning siren in case a shark appears near the shore. Hypothermia deaths and drowning are also common along the country’s coastline. Make sure that you limit your water adventures along marked areas. Wild animal attacks on tourists in game parks have also been reported. When on a safari, make sure you don’t leave your vehicle.

Safety Of Women. South Africa has the highest reported incidence of rape in the world. Foreigners are not usually direct targets, and these incidents mostly happen in the townships. Women who travel alone in South Africa may experience some sort of harassment, but it is usually more annoying than threatening. Women are advised to dress conservatively and to wear sunglasses so they can avoid eye contact with strangers. If going out at night, women should travel in groups. It is best to ignore catcalls and whistles from men. If asking for directions, women are advised to inquire from other women. Women who feel that they are being followed should walk into a shop, hotel, or any establishment where they can ask for help. If you feel someone groping you, make a loud scene and get the attention of any police or security nearby.