2 1.1 Study Abroad Application
How did you inform and prepare yourself for the study abroad application?
To prepare myself for the study abroad application, I looked into many different universities. I did not solely focus upon the country, but also upon the courses provided and the more specific location of the university. Furthermore, as I was interested in African universities, I looked at the officiality of the website and the ranking of the university.
1.2 Application to the host university
What did you have to arrange for the application to your host university once you had been selected and nominated?
Copy of my passport, nomination letter of the University of Groningen, official academic transcript and results, Marco Polo Agreement and proof of language proficiency. To obtain the last document, I fulfilled an English test at the University of Groningen.
1.3 Visa
If applicable: What did you have to arrange in order to apply for a visa? In how far did the host university support you with this?
Too much. This is one of the major obstacles of the exchange. I had to provide: Place of residence;
Picture of my lungs Declaration of my doctor
Declaration of my parents that they would support me financially, when necessary Bank records (for three months) to show you have a sufficient amount of money Copy of the passports of my parents
1.4 Language
What was the required level of proficiency in the language(s) of instruction and how did you prepare for it?
I needed b2 level and I did the English test at the language centre in the Rug. 2. Stay abroad
2.1 Arrival and orientation 2.2 Your study programme
Which courses did you follow? Was it possible to select courses outside of your major and if yes, were there any restrictions? How well did you manage to follow classes in the language(s) of instruction?
I followed: (1) Social Psychology, (2) Political Science, (3) International Relations. Initially I chose other courses, but upon arrival some courses were not given or the schedule was not beneficial for me. Therefore, I changed my courses. The language was no problem as I study in English in the NL as well. There were barely any restrictions.
3 2.3 Housing
Did the host university provide you with suggestions for housing? How difficult was it to find a room? What is the price range for a student room in your host city?
The UP (University of Pretoria) accommodated me at Tuks Resident where I lived in a house with 7 other female students. Our residence consisted of 18 houses (I guess) with 16 students in each. There were both exchange students and Phd students living, but I mostly hang with the exchange students. The rent dependent upon the exchange rate of course, but around 280 euros per month.
2.4 Grant and costs
The supermarket was more expensive than expected. Around the same price as in the NL, some stuff cheaper, other stuff more expensive. Going out for diner on the other hand, was very cheap, sometimes even cheaper than cooking. There is a grocery store nearby and so are several nice restaurants. Do not walk alone though!
2.5 Free time/ Student life
In our free time, we chilled a lot in front of our houses on the residence, because there it is safe. Furthermore, we made a lot of trips through South Africa and neighbouring countries. Besides, I played football with the guys from the residence. On top of that, at night we often went out. You can walk to some clubs (with a big group) or you can take the uber. Beers are super cheap! Just be careful, many phones got stolen.
2.6 Travelling
We travelled a lot! South Africa is an amazing, interesting, beautiful country with diverse landscapes and cultures. I can recommend a trip to Lesotho (Afriski during August to go snowboarding). Furthermore, Soweto in Johannesburg is very special, with an interesting history. Besides, Kruger (safari park), the Garden Route, Coffee Bay, Jeffreysbay (for surfing) and Drakensberg (for hiking).
3. Return
3.1 Contact with the host university before, during and after you stay
Especially before and after the exchange, the host university was difficult to reach. Send your emails or questions to several persons to increase the chance of a response. During your stay, contact Jana, she is a great help and quick responder.
3.2 Your perspective on the culture of your host country
Hectic. South Africa is of course an interesting country, with Apartheid only recently banned. If you live in South Africa and travel, you will see stuff that you are not used to. People are friendly and welcoming, and dancing, a lot! I cannot really say anything about such a thing as ‘South African culture’ as there are many different cultures and languages. Especially during your uber drives, you can ask the drivers about their cultures and languages, that’s how we learned some words of Xhosa and Zulu.
4 4. Your advice for future outgoing exchange student
The security guard will scare you at the introduction day. Yet, if you are careful, nothing has to happen. 3,4 of more was our motto (talking about persons). Just be a little bit extra cautious and you can have an amazing experience. The campus of the UP is safe and beautiful, especially the botanical garden. Furthermore, SA rocks, especially its nature, people and vibes. Travel a lot, learn about politics from the African perspective and enjoy the weather!
Take into account that if you arrive in August, it is winter in SA. Once the sun disappears, it will be cold, so take warm clothes with you. Furthermore, start on time with your visa application, it can take a while as they will send you away.
5. Other
