South Africa Safe for Students?
I don't want to be the millionth person to ask this, but I am a white female student from Canada hoping to do a work term in South Africa. I would be placed around Durban North. Would it be safe for me to go, would there be precautions to take?
South Africa - 5 Answers
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1 :
Like many countries South Africa do have crime and statistics are a bit high. I for instance travel the world often and there is one rule I obey and which has kept me safe in some of the most dangerous areas and that is to simply always be aware and use good common sense. Kwa-Zulu has some of the higher crime statistics and you could look at comparisons on http://www.statssa.gov.za/ also good for all stats. HOWEVER everybody agrees there is a moratorium on crime stats and nobody knows the real figures. South Africa can be a great country and Kwa Zulu especially is stunning with beautiful mountains, coast line, natural beauty and zillions of game parks. Stunning. If you work in the rural areas it is slightly unsafer due to poverty. Political clashes are serious business and people get killed. Zuma might change this (?) Never ever take a minibus taxi. Never WALK outside at night. Take care of Durban City centre! Stick to your friends. Choose carefully. Hope this helps. If you specified the work you do it would have been easier. (PS: EMJAY has a very good point regarding comparing to Brazil. I was just there recently)
2 :
It depends on what you are doing and with whom. I do not want to scare you off, unlike some would on these threads, but at the same time South Africa and Canada are worlds apart. It is not because you are white inasmuch as you are not South African, please do not take this wrong way but there are parts of South Africa that make the so-called ghettos of North America look like Beverley Hills!!!! I would recommend you get informed and bring emergency AZT with you as well, for Natal you may need vaccinations, I am not sure about malaria for Natal- check it out. I am a South African and I love my country but I would not want to see anyone hurt either, please come and do your good work for our country but BE safe. If you want to compare South Africa to another country then Brazil would be a fair comparison in terms of inequality, richness and poverty, extremes and, sadly, personal risk. On the other hand it is not all bad so don't get freaked out either. LOL!!! Durban might be a bit hot for a Canuk....? ______________________________________________ The golden rule is "the tiger is master only of his own jungle". Get informed when you travel around. ______________________________________________ To the answerer below (Hopeful)- what are you chirping on about? That site Africancrisis.org is the biggest load of one-sided scaremongering that I have ever seen. It manipulates the suffering and fear of victims of crime in order to make a right wing point about a democratic South Africa. The next fact you give, Colombia, well Colombia is ranked as the FIRST most dangerous country in the world, South Africa a humble second!!!!!!! Talk about recommending the fire instead of the frying pan. ______________________________________________ The answerer above (Zulu) makes some very worthy and valid points about personal safety and with an avatar name like Zulu he must be a "banana boy" (someone from Natal)!!!!!!!
3 :
Had you asked the question a year ago I would have answered you as follows:"You may go but be very careful. Durban North is one of the more affluent areas of Durban - my husband's best friend is a neurologist (and since we are talking colour - he is white) and he lives in Dbn North. They are very aware of the growing crime problem but have not emigrated yet..." It is however not a year ago it is March 2008. South Africa has gone from teetering on the edge to falling into the abyss within the last six months. The triggers for this have been a combination of the following: SA power supplier's (Eskom's) bungling and lack of fwd planning over the last ten years has caught up with it and it can't fulfill the demands for electricity supply - country wide rolling black-outs have hit SA this year. Secondly, one Jacob Zuma who is either/all of crook/jester/cameleon has become the newly elected leader of the ruling ANC which has sent the thinking members of the SA polulation into an exponential increase in applying for emigration from SA to an anywhere. Thirdly South Africa today does not exude the same de facto tolerance towards others (especially whites) as was attempted by Mandela who endeavoured to bring about a multi-cultural rainbow nation - SA is becoming more racially and anti-white by the day (it would be a good idea to read Mbeki (current SA 'leader's' weekly online newsletter for you to judge this for youself - Just google it as per the description given and it will come up). There is now a NEW AND INCREASING OVERT HATRED BY THE BLACKS TOWARDS THE WHITES as never felt before. This hatred is not an isolated emotion it has permeated many black people. There is also another new phenomenon and that is the apparent belief by the SA police force that they are demi-gods and are above the law and may threaten and assault the public when and if they in they believe it is in the interest of apparent law and order - i.e. a de facto police state. My advice to you would be to read a www.africancrisis.co.za which collects news stories from a variety of sources and make up you own mind about the current state that SA is in. But if I would be in your position I would rather choose something safer like Columbia, Port Moresby or even the Gaza strip than South Africa at the moment.
4 :
Yes I think it would be reasonably safe. However, before you go I would suggest that you go and see your G.P. for all your inoculations - (in other words your injections), such as typhoid and malaria. Also be very careful in what rocks and stones and logs you lift up as there are some deadly poisonous spiders and snakes in that area. and also two types of scopion - the black one and the red one I hope this wont deter you from going over there as on the whole it is a very nice place Thank you Clive North
5 :
Zulu has given your most level headed answer to this question. It's certainly very different from Canada crime-wise, so may be a huge shock t o your system, but hey - the world is a big place and there to be enjoyed (while taking reasonable precautions!)
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Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
I am a international student applying to NYU&UC Berkeley,i live in South Africa but i was born in the USA?
I am a international student applying to NYU&UC Berkeley,i live in South Africa but i was born in the USA?
I attended primary and high school in SA but i am about to write the SAT and my range from practice tests is between 1750-1850 on my SAT what are my chances of getting into these universities with these scores? ps: don't forget i have a US citizenship,not really making me an international student Also i have about +39 hrs of community service(aids centers etc) Thanks so much
Higher Education (University +) - 2 Answers
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1 :
You have a good chance of admission if you are a legal resident of California and have top grades. If you are not a California resident, you should increase your SAT score to at least 2000. You should have at least 200 community serice hours for Berkeley and over 100 for UCLA.
2 :
Your SAT scores are currently too low for either school. Keep in mind that you may be a USA citizen, but you are not eligible for in-state (low cost) tuition, and many scholarships and loans are not available to you. Education in the USA could be outrageously expensive.
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I attended primary and high school in SA but i am about to write the SAT and my range from practice tests is between 1750-1850 on my SAT what are my chances of getting into these universities with these scores? ps: don't forget i have a US citizenship,not really making me an international student Also i have about +39 hrs of community service(aids centers etc) Thanks so much
Higher Education (University +) - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You have a good chance of admission if you are a legal resident of California and have top grades. If you are not a California resident, you should increase your SAT score to at least 2000. You should have at least 200 community serice hours for Berkeley and over 100 for UCLA.
2 :
Your SAT scores are currently too low for either school. Keep in mind that you may be a USA citizen, but you are not eligible for in-state (low cost) tuition, and many scholarships and loans are not available to you. Education in the USA could be outrageously expensive.
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Sunday, November 28, 2010
What are schools in South Africa like?
What are schools in South Africa like?
I think it would be fun to be a foreign exchange student in South Africa so im looking for some info on the schools there. Im wondering how long the avarage school day is? how many days of the week do they have school? Do you think that most South African schools are harder than American schools? If you go to school in south Africa, do you like it? Is it fun? What grade are you in and what school do you go to? Thanks alot for all your answers :)
South Africa - 5 Answers
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1 :
It's been a while since I've been to school. The school depends on the city/ town and the suburb of the particular city. You can websearch a few; Centurion High John Vorster Technical Waterkloof High Zwartkops High Lyttleton Manor Eldoraigne High These are all in Pretoria, I don't know the schools in Cape Town or Durban. O yeah, there is one in Bloemfontein you can also try...Grey College. Try to learn about rugby before you go though.
2 :
If you want a good education, rather stay where you are .. the standard of education is pathetic, unless you go to a more expensive private school. The hours is usually from 07h30 until 13h30, Monday's to Friday's but when they write exams, only on the day's they write, this is in Pretoria area ... it might differ elsewhere
3 :
I have a couple of people in my school from America who say that the standard of education at my school is much higher than that in America but I go to an all girls private school and I'm in grade 10, enjoy going to school in South Africa but that is just because I enjoy my country but I have thought about going to Le Rosey a school in Switzerland.We go to school from Monday to Friday and are normally at school from 7:25 until 1:45 but might go home later due to extra curricular activities
4 :
It has been a while but when I was at school the exchange students found that our standard of education was higher than what they were used to. You do get good schools and bad schools though, like everywhere else. I'm sure the people who organise the exchange know which schools are better than others. However, I think that when you are going on exchange the cultural and social experience you have over there is more important than what you learn in school. An exchange student from Sweden lived with my family for a year (in Johannesburg) and we are still as close as sisters. It was a wonderful experience for both of us. That year our school hosted two Swedish girls, an American, a German and an Argentinian. They all loved it :-) I think the other answers have covered the school day info. Wishing you all the best. ADD: Our exchange students got a free period during our second language class.
5 :
For me right now, school is awfully boring. Although, judging by the questions in the Mathematics section, our curriculum is not much different from the American one. (Slightly easier sometimes. For example Complex Numbers are not in our Math curriculum at all. You're just told "you can't square-root a negative number, but if you do, you get an imaginary number" and other than that, imaginary and complex numbers are never mentioned. Also, Calculus is in the Grade 12 (final year) curriculum, but only differential calculus, never integral calculus) I go to school from 7:30 to 13:45 (that's 1:45 in the afternoon. When I went over to the US, the way we write the time was the source of quite a bit of confusion :P ) We go to school from Monday to Friday, and get the weekend off (most schools work like this, but there are probably exceptions) If you're coming from America, you might want to know that you are expected (it's the law) to take a second language. Most schools teach Afrikaans, but I do have friends in Cape Town who are learning Xhosa and friends in Johannesburg who are learning Zulu (and I tried to teach myself, but have pretty much given up. My Zulu vocabulary is pretty much limited to: Sawubona (Hello) Igami lami ngu... (My name is) Ngiyabonga (Thank you) Kunjani (How are you) Hamba kahle (Good bye, to an individual) Hambani kahle (Good bye, to a group) [edit: I almost forgot. Nkosi sikelel iAfrica: The first line of our National Anthem. Everyone (here at least) knows that it means "God bless Africa"] If anyone speaks Zulu, feel free to correct me if I am wrong) Apart from having to take a second language, none of which are widely spoken in America, you should do fine. I enjoy school, but not for the learning. I am far ahead of the rest of the grade, and what makes it even worse is that the teachers see that I am finished and bored, so give me the next weeks work to keep me busy, which just puts me further ahead. The people here are kind and interesting (especially in Cape Town, somewhere where I still want to move to) Might I recommend that if you do come here, you go to Cape Town. It is a wonderful city with a lot of interesting people to meet and things to do, even if it's airport is far smaller than the Jozi one :) Also, there are some South-Africanisms you'll have to get used to: e.g. Braai = Barbecue Tekkies = Sneakers Bakkie = Pick-up Truck Biltong = Awesome (Not really, but it does taste good. Its almost like Jerky) Another thing you'll have to get used to is the sport. The sports we play here are very different to in America. We don't really play baseball or basketball for example. We do play cricket and rugby (which is similar to football, but different enough to be a completely different game) and always beat Australia and New Zealand in both (okay, not *always*) and other sports, and you'll proabably be able to find a club that does play basketball and baseball if you look. Overall, I love this country and I'm sure you will too. ===== edit: @Sprinkly: That sounds very interesting. My school never accommodates any exchange-students though, so I can't tell [the asker] how they are treated or what is expected from them unfortunately.
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Sunday, November 14, 2010
I bought OfficeHome 2007 in South Africa. How can I use it while I'm in Taiwan?
I bought OfficeHome 2007 in South Africa. How can I use it while I'm in Taiwan?
I bought MS Office home and student 2007 in South Africa. On the package it says that product activation must occur in SA. I live in Taiwan, so does that mean I can't use the package?
Software - 1 Answers
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1 :
i would try to call and let them know the situation, you must have the serial on the box this is very important. this kinda of stuff is iffy because it deals with authenticity...
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Sunday, November 7, 2010
Is my school naive for going to South Africa?
Is my school naive for going to South Africa?
My school recently went to South Africa with some students who wanted to go and payed. Isn't South Africa supposed to be one of the most dangerous country's in the world? There was something recently on the News about a Indian couple from Bristol who was shot dead out there in a hijacking. Is it a good possibility they'll run into crime? They are staying in Cape Town.
Law Enforcement & Police - 8 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
There was a family from my city who went to South Africa for the FIFA World Cup recently. They were walking somewhere, and the daughter was struck by a vehicle and killed, and the son was severely injured, suffering brain damage and in a coma. The father was walking home from the hospital one night and was mugged on the way home. The only association I make with visiting South Africa is tragedy.
2 :
It is no more dangerous than 100 other places. I would rather go to South Africa then some American cities.
3 :
no. they are nice for giving you a trip you can see... oh.. the patt-down or scanner.. hugh? lmao! your prob. not mine.
4 :
Don't listen to the liberal Sheep. South Africa is one of the most dangerous places in the world. That is especially true if your White. I have a Niece who worked in South Africa for close to two years. The Blacks were killing so many of the White Ranchers and their family she got the H**L out and come back to the states. Guess the Liberals have brain washed us so much with the PC C**P is the reason you never seen anything on the news about this. Odd they kill the White Ranchers now in many parts they are starving. Hope they aren't thinking they will see any of my money. By the way I've known more then my Niece that has told the same story
5 :
2 things: South Africa is not the most dangerous place in the world, it is Russia and N. Korea. No the couple will not likely run into crime in Cape Town; now I'm not saying that it's crime free everywhere is crime but Cape Town is known for beauty.
6 :
They are not naive. You have to put ur nose out your door some time :) They wont have crime problems if they follow the big rule : " Dont do anyhtnig stupid " Like walking after dark in a bad area ( Now thats a rule for any city on earth almost ) OR flashing cash in public. Otherwise it should be fine
7 :
I'm a South African - yes it can be dangerous, it depends on when and where you find yourself. The couple that was killed was in one of the most extremely dangerous neighbourhoods in the city - even the locals said they don't walk around there at night time. (and with more evidence coming forward it, the highjacking seems to have been planned because the couple are very rich or something? don't quote me!) How did the World Cup go? Pretty damn well! People commit crimes - and yes we have a lot of crime here but we're working on it. you're school "went" to South Africa - so are they fine or not?
8 :
The couple you are talking about, they went in the middle of the night to a township, because they wanted to experience the African nightlife. How dumb can you be? And only the women was killed, the driver and the man not harmed and the car wasn't stolen. Nothing else was stolen. So people are actually believing that the husband, who's company was 70million in debt had her killed for her life insurance and money, because she is extremely rich. So, basically, the school isn't naive. It's dangerous everywhere, you just have to be careful, and avoid your urges to experience the African nightlife in a township. Seriously. I wouldn't even drive there in daytime. We are not one of the most dangerous places. We do have a lot of AIDS though, so tell all those school kids to avoid having excessive, unprotected sex when they come here....
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My school recently went to South Africa with some students who wanted to go and payed. Isn't South Africa supposed to be one of the most dangerous country's in the world? There was something recently on the News about a Indian couple from Bristol who was shot dead out there in a hijacking. Is it a good possibility they'll run into crime? They are staying in Cape Town.
Law Enforcement & Police - 8 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
There was a family from my city who went to South Africa for the FIFA World Cup recently. They were walking somewhere, and the daughter was struck by a vehicle and killed, and the son was severely injured, suffering brain damage and in a coma. The father was walking home from the hospital one night and was mugged on the way home. The only association I make with visiting South Africa is tragedy.
2 :
It is no more dangerous than 100 other places. I would rather go to South Africa then some American cities.
3 :
no. they are nice for giving you a trip you can see... oh.. the patt-down or scanner.. hugh? lmao! your prob. not mine.
4 :
Don't listen to the liberal Sheep. South Africa is one of the most dangerous places in the world. That is especially true if your White. I have a Niece who worked in South Africa for close to two years. The Blacks were killing so many of the White Ranchers and their family she got the H**L out and come back to the states. Guess the Liberals have brain washed us so much with the PC C**P is the reason you never seen anything on the news about this. Odd they kill the White Ranchers now in many parts they are starving. Hope they aren't thinking they will see any of my money. By the way I've known more then my Niece that has told the same story
5 :
2 things: South Africa is not the most dangerous place in the world, it is Russia and N. Korea. No the couple will not likely run into crime in Cape Town; now I'm not saying that it's crime free everywhere is crime but Cape Town is known for beauty.
6 :
They are not naive. You have to put ur nose out your door some time :) They wont have crime problems if they follow the big rule : " Dont do anyhtnig stupid " Like walking after dark in a bad area ( Now thats a rule for any city on earth almost ) OR flashing cash in public. Otherwise it should be fine
7 :
I'm a South African - yes it can be dangerous, it depends on when and where you find yourself. The couple that was killed was in one of the most extremely dangerous neighbourhoods in the city - even the locals said they don't walk around there at night time. (and with more evidence coming forward it, the highjacking seems to have been planned because the couple are very rich or something? don't quote me!) How did the World Cup go? Pretty damn well! People commit crimes - and yes we have a lot of crime here but we're working on it. you're school "went" to South Africa - so are they fine or not?
8 :
The couple you are talking about, they went in the middle of the night to a township, because they wanted to experience the African nightlife. How dumb can you be? And only the women was killed, the driver and the man not harmed and the car wasn't stolen. Nothing else was stolen. So people are actually believing that the husband, who's company was 70million in debt had her killed for her life insurance and money, because she is extremely rich. So, basically, the school isn't naive. It's dangerous everywhere, you just have to be careful, and avoid your urges to experience the African nightlife in a township. Seriously. I wouldn't even drive there in daytime. We are not one of the most dangerous places. We do have a lot of AIDS though, so tell all those school kids to avoid having excessive, unprotected sex when they come here....
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Monday, November 1, 2010
do government medical colleges in south africa accept foreign students?
do government medical colleges in south africa accept foreign students?
i finished my o levels last year adn cueerently doing my a levels, under edexcel.......so do the governmrnt/national medical universities in south africa accept foreign students? what are the minimum/additional requirements? IELTS? SAT?
Higher Education (University +) - 1 Answers
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1 :
Yes you can try with enrol online with search
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i finished my o levels last year adn cueerently doing my a levels, under edexcel.......so do the governmrnt/national medical universities in south africa accept foreign students? what are the minimum/additional requirements? IELTS? SAT?
Higher Education (University +) - 1 Answers
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1 :
Yes you can try with enrol online with search
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Thursday, October 28, 2010
Student Loans in South Africa?
Student Loans in South Africa?
Where can I apply for a student loan? I've already applied once at FNB and they denied it because of the new credit law. If I apply at another bank, will they do the same? Are there any companies that specialise in student loans like overseas?
South Africa - 3 Answers
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1 :
There's a company called Eduloan that specialises in student loans. But first try applying for financial aid from the university you're applying to. This is cheaper, because the interest only begins when you graduate. Find out about bursaries from the financial aid office: if this is postgraduate study, there are lots of bursaries you could qualify for (although some are reserved for South Africans). If you can get someone to stand surety, you ought to be eligible for a student loan at a bank. Phone a bank and ask exactly what the requirements are to qualify for a student loan. Then maybe there's something you can do to meet those requirements. Also, bear in mind that you only need to pay the deposit up-front. The rest of the fees you can pay at the end of the year (you don't get your qualification until you've paid them). So that gives you a bit more time to come up with funding. Whatever you do, don't go to a loan shark (the kind of 'instant cash' shops you see in the city centre). They charge exhorbitant interest, and take your ATM card (with pin) and ID book until you pay back the full amount - and they can send thugs round if you don't pay. If there really is no other option, you can postpone registration at university for another year (your acceptance will still be valid) and work to save up.
2 :
My sister is currently studying at Potchefstroom with a student loan from standard bank. The banks usually requires some form of surety that the loan will be paid once you have finished your qualification, in my sisters case my parents signed as surety for her loan and are currently paying only the interest portion of the loan. In addition to this you need to prove to them that you are serious about your studies, by giving them good matric results or results from another tertiary institution, because many students call it quits after the first year because of too much pressure.The loans from standard bank amounts to a Maximum of R30 000, which basically means it's just enough to cover your course, your lodging will have to be financed by another means unless you can obtain a scholarship from the university. I suggest you try the other local financial institutes before turning to an overseas company.
3 :
Do not trust an overseas company that will give you a loan, they are loan sharks and the interest will kill you. No respectable UK or US bank will loan to an SA student unfortuneately. As said in a previous answer, try Standard Bank. It is best if you go with your parents, and you need proof that you can pay it back, eg good matric results will prove you wont leave the course half way through, and if your parents have a house, that is insurance for the bank that, if you dont keep up the repayments, they can sell the house.
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Where can I apply for a student loan? I've already applied once at FNB and they denied it because of the new credit law. If I apply at another bank, will they do the same? Are there any companies that specialise in student loans like overseas?
South Africa - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
There's a company called Eduloan that specialises in student loans. But first try applying for financial aid from the university you're applying to. This is cheaper, because the interest only begins when you graduate. Find out about bursaries from the financial aid office: if this is postgraduate study, there are lots of bursaries you could qualify for (although some are reserved for South Africans). If you can get someone to stand surety, you ought to be eligible for a student loan at a bank. Phone a bank and ask exactly what the requirements are to qualify for a student loan. Then maybe there's something you can do to meet those requirements. Also, bear in mind that you only need to pay the deposit up-front. The rest of the fees you can pay at the end of the year (you don't get your qualification until you've paid them). So that gives you a bit more time to come up with funding. Whatever you do, don't go to a loan shark (the kind of 'instant cash' shops you see in the city centre). They charge exhorbitant interest, and take your ATM card (with pin) and ID book until you pay back the full amount - and they can send thugs round if you don't pay. If there really is no other option, you can postpone registration at university for another year (your acceptance will still be valid) and work to save up.
2 :
My sister is currently studying at Potchefstroom with a student loan from standard bank. The banks usually requires some form of surety that the loan will be paid once you have finished your qualification, in my sisters case my parents signed as surety for her loan and are currently paying only the interest portion of the loan. In addition to this you need to prove to them that you are serious about your studies, by giving them good matric results or results from another tertiary institution, because many students call it quits after the first year because of too much pressure.The loans from standard bank amounts to a Maximum of R30 000, which basically means it's just enough to cover your course, your lodging will have to be financed by another means unless you can obtain a scholarship from the university. I suggest you try the other local financial institutes before turning to an overseas company.
3 :
Do not trust an overseas company that will give you a loan, they are loan sharks and the interest will kill you. No respectable UK or US bank will loan to an SA student unfortuneately. As said in a previous answer, try Standard Bank. It is best if you go with your parents, and you need proof that you can pay it back, eg good matric results will prove you wont leave the course half way through, and if your parents have a house, that is insurance for the bank that, if you dont keep up the repayments, they can sell the house.
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