How to Study Abroad in South Africa

Location and Demographics

South Africa is located at the southernmost tip of Africa, a country of over 50 million people. The majority of South Africans are classified as "African" or "black" (of Bantu origin). The three most populous native African groups in the country are the Zulu, the Sotho, and the Xhosa. The "white" South Africans are typically descendants of Dutch, French, and German settlers, and of course the British colonialists. South Africans with Asian ancestry live mostly in the city of Durban, most are Indian descendants of the indentured workers who came to the country to work in the sugar plantations.

Climate

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

Studying abroad in South Africa from October to February introduces students to South Africa's 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, consisting of 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 especially beautiful and comfortable with blooming plants and trees, soft breezes, comfortable warmth during the day, and a mild chill at night.

Language and Currency

The majority of South Africans can speak English, even those whose primary language is Afrikaans. English is widely understood mainly because it is a mandatory subject in schools and it is the predominant medium of communication for commerce. The nation's currency is the South African Rand (ZAR), ten ZAR are equally to one U.S. dollar.

Food, Culture, & Activities

South Africa easily inspires budding chefs or anyone who loves and appreciates good food. Food tends to be quite international, one can sample the many types of curry served by the Indian community in Durban or try Malay-influenced cuisine in Cape Town. Carnivores love the wide selection of meats that include common beef and lamb dishes all the way to exotic zebra, crocodile, ostrich, pig trotters, and sheep’s head concoctions. 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. Students looking for a real culinary adventure should taste the beef dish called bobotie, served 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 islekker (taste), most restaurants serve a few regional dishes alongside Western cuisine. Fusion restaurants continue to spring up around the country. The sprawling wine route in Cape Town also guarantees a great assortment of wine to suit all budgets and palates.

Visitors should never 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 as well.

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 upbeat and warm people. Do not be surprised to hear children greeting individuals with “molo!” (good morning), or farmers cautioning drivers to drive safely on rural dirt roads. Studying abroad in South Africa is an amazing sociological experience, whether students intend to study sociology or not, because of the nation's history and current movements.

Students will never run out of exciting things to do when studying 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. International students can experience the most epic of views by hiking to the top of the uniquely flat-topped mountain, the world-famous Table Mountain. A mountain with more than 1,500 species of plants, which makes mean it has more plant diversity than the entire United Kingdom. Students can also visit the beautiful stretch of coastal paradise called the Garden Route. Nobody studying in South Africa can miss out on the country's beaches either, with more than 2,500 kilometers of coastline there are options galore. Students can catch a wave at the internationally acclaimed sports spot of Jeffrey’s Bay or head straight to Africa’s water sports capital of Port Elizabeth.

Students will find all sorts of terrains in South Africa for adventure, scuba diving, skydiving, sand boarding, and snowboarding. From dangling off 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. With 20 national parks, hundreds of game lodges and private parks, almost 300 species of mammals, and over 800 species of birds, South Africa is a true standout in the arena of wildlife diversity.

Study Abroad in South Africa

Most study abroad programs in South Africa are located in Cape Town. Programs often provide optional, or supplemental, service learning components or internship opportunities to expand student learning and understanding of the culture. Areas of study that have been highly applicable to the nation throughout history and in present times are often the best course options. For example, courses or degrees revolving around sociology, colonization, globalization, racial inequality, public health, and politics, are all widely available at universities around the country. English speaking students can easily transition in to lecture courses spoken in English. Wildlife programs and courses are also quite common in South Africa.