In South Africa, is Afrikaans taught as a primary language, or do you choose to learn it.?
Just like in America, where student choose if they want to learn Spanish or German.
Languages - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Throughout the vast majority of schools in South Africa, Afrikaans is taught in primary school (often for the first 9 years). After that, the learner may chose to continue studying a different language. In South Africa, learners must chose a First Language, which is usually english, followed by an additional language mainly Afrikaans or Zulu.
2 :
The languages you can learn really depends on where you live and the schools in your area. Like The Ram said Afrikaans is taught in most schools, English alongside it usually. According to our curriculum* you have to take at least 2 languages (at least one must be an official language), and it's your choice on which level. It is even possible to take both your languages on primary language level. Just remember that even though English might be used a lot for commerce and in the media it is only the 2nd or even 3rd or 4th language of most South Africans. *That was when I was still in school, which was a couple of years back, so might change with the introduction of the new curriculum. Check the link below if you're interested.
Read more other entries :
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
How is life like in South Africa?
How is life like in South Africa?
I am thinking about moving to a major city in SA. What is the highest and lowest home prices (in USD), how are the schools, how are the schools (public and private, and do students get accepted into American Universities? I want information on a bunch of cities like Capetown, and Johannesburg and other large city you can think of.
South Africa - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
DON'T MOVE TO JOHANNESBURG! THERE IS SO MUCH CRIME THERE! Although Cape Town is safer, with a nice beach scenery and TABLE MOUNTAIN!!
2 :
The country is awesome. I don't like Jhb. But cape town is awesome. Our schools are accredited to over seas universities and 4 of our universities are accredited worldwide if you wish to stay. Property price can range from anything to anything. In dollars from about $400-$7000000. But south africa's property is one of the cheapest in the world.
3 :
My grandparents and most of my family live in Pretoria. There is a security estate called Woodhill, and you can get a 4000sq foot house for like $700 000- 900 000 USD. Property in South Africa is not expensive, there are some other Security estates close by in the area and they are a bit less pricey. Homes outside security estates are generally $200 000 USD, and for a big home, maybe $400 000. Capetown is very nice, especially table mountain, i don't know the price of housing there though. Don't move to Johannesburg, it is busy and not very safe. In Pretoria, there are plenty of malls and grocery stores. My cousins go to a private school, and they say that it is nice. The high schools are also decent. Pretoria has a University, and it is pretty decent. I don't know if students get accepted into American Universities. If you would like a cheap place to live, there are many small houses and apartments available for about$150 000-$200 000USD. Food is not expensive, neither are restaurants, clothing, and other necessities. Electronics are expensive though. Hope that this helps you.
4 :
Port Elizabeth is nice, the traffic isn't as bad as Cape Town but CT is much prettier and beter looked after cos it's under different government:)
Read more other entries :
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
What is your fondest memory from attending High School in South Africa?
What is your fondest memory from attending High School in South Africa?
I know graduation is a big thing, but I wanna know if you did something you'll never forget or if something happened that you won't forget. My father was the principal at our High School and me and my friends were always in trouble. We played lots of pranks on teachers and students. But my fondest memory is sitting in class and listening to my teacher announce that Nelson Mandela was gonna be released from prison. Just wanna ask something positive about my country.
South Africa - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
My wife's from there. Pretoria. Feel free to make contact.
2 :
I was at school in Pretoria and it was such a good school. I have alot of fond memories as I was in boarding school but it was it was cool when SA had their first free and fair democratic elections in 194 and I was there to experience all the excitment that all the South african people were experiencing.
3 :
geeeee I have loads of cool awesome, embarrassing and terribly funny and fond memories of High school.... Its difficult to pick one only... School was great .....but I like Varsity better
4 :
I hated maths so whenever I had to attend it me and my friends would disappear to the typing class and tell the teacher there that we where on free period. We called our afrikaans teacher "dubbelpunt". I miss those days.
5 :
I loved High School. I must have been the naughtiest girl at school. My geography teacher used to say that I was "rigting bedonerd" (sp?) There are too many episodes to chose from. High school really was a ball for me.
6 :
I hate my High School!! I wasn't one who kept to the school rules so i was a rebel. I eventually dropped out of High School in Grade 9 (Standard 7) and went to a college. The college i went to didn't have so many stupid rules and they treated us like adults. I was still naughty in College but i enjoyed it there and my marks were good. I have so many fond memories at college that i cant even think of one to tell. But my favourite thing about college was all my friends and all the good fun teachers! I loved college and would go back to those years any day!
7 :
Hi, Porgie. I think there's something wrong with my IP Address. Each time I go to a South African Category I keep seeing my question only. I can't see anybody else's questions. I had to search for your name to see your question. My Fondest Memory from High School. > I always attained the highest points in mathematics > I fell in love with a mathematics teacher > I always attained the lowest points in Physical Science > I had a fight twice with teachers, in both cases they were Physical Science teachers.
Read more other entries :
Thursday, September 1, 2011
How do South Africans feel about Americans (particularly American students studying in South Africa)?
How do South Africans feel about Americans (particularly American students studying in South Africa)?
I am thinking of studying abroad at the University of Stellenbosch and want to know if there is resentment towards Americans or anti-American sentiment. Thanks. PLEASE DO NOT POST YOUR OPINIONS ABOUT HOW BAD AMERICANS ARE OR HOW BAD SOUTH AFRICA IS! I just need to know how South Africans feel about Americans. Hey thank you for your responses! Im not a Bush supporter and dont plan on talking about Iraq, and Im defintely not a missionary either... So thanks a lot for your help!
South Africa - 9 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I think its wonderful. That way they can return home and educate the rest of the people in the States who still believe we live in the bush beating drums, and run after animals with spears, stones and sticks. South Africans are very accepting people, they do not shun foreigners away as you would find in most other countries. They are also very helpful, and will always lend a helping hand when you are in need of help. We try to make people feel as welcome as possible, and to show them what South Africa has to offer. This goes without saying, we treat all foreigners the same way on a whole, it does not differ from country to country. What I am trying to say is, we don't treat the British any different from the Americans for example. I think the only resentment you may find is when you speak about the war in Iraq etc. Many, if not all South Africans, do not agree with the war in Iraq. In this case, Americans are viewed as somewhat blood thirsty and overly greedy for control over the oil wells in the Middle East. That; and when we're asked dumb questions about how big our grass huts are or if we have lions in our streets. Honestly, this is the 21st Century, its time to get with the program. Otherwise, we love people who come into our country, and befriend them very quickly as to make them feel all the more welcome! :-)
2 :
I have no problems with Americans but had an incident in my 1st year with American student-missionaries. They came to South Africa without doing enough research into our cultures & country & i think they thought that we were "Heathens" as they were misinterpreting our way of life as South Africans. They even went as far as insulting our Cultural rituals by saying they were "witchcraft". I find that generally Americans tend to be a little ignorant but we get ignorance right here too.
3 :
You can come to study here. Even if you are a Bush/McCaine supporter, it bothers us not.
4 :
I think it is a good thing for us, But why would you want to
5 :
We have no problem with americans, just the bush administration. i live near stellenbosch but i wasn't excepted because of my low grades.
6 :
Yes, there is Anti-Americanism, but not serious. You guys are after all world famous for being ignorant and self centered. YOu must come with an open mind. Race relations are not the same as the USA and you should learn to accept that and not try to compare it to what you have been tought in school in America.
7 :
Hey! You have made the best pick of a school to go to in SA! I am an American from Florida and I studied at Stellenbosch this year from January to the end of May as a full degree student. It is in one of the most beautiful areas of the country and the Afrikaans people are so so so amazing and wonderful! You will have the best time of your life if you go there! Stellenbosch is such a fun, awesome town!!!! I was a full degree student in the International Studies program, but by the end of the semester I decided to go back to the US to get my degree. Please contact me for more information. I can give you lots of details and info on things that you will otherwise not receive. South African bureaucracy can be very, very frustrating. Please do yourself a favor and contact me so I can give you the 411 on being an american in Stellenbosch I made some very close friends during my time there so I can even give you some contacts if you'd like and let my friends know your coming so they can make you feel right at home. By the way>>>>> I just read everyone else's comments and I just want to say that there is some anit-americanism in SA just as there is anywhere you go in the world. There is this thing among the Afrikaaners in Stellenbosch which is "Local is Lekker." Meaning they like local people better than foreigners. I did have a few situations during Jool week where some guys were very rude to me for being an American. In one situation the guy didn't even allow me to introduce myself. He overheard the guy I was talking to say "Oh your from Florida?" and the guy standing next to him just goes, "Oh god an American! and just walked away from me." Needless to say this absolutely hurt my feelings. BUT- this is not a norm among Afrikaaners or South Africans in general. However, be prepared to defend yourself from the widespread assumptions that all americans are equally ignorant and superficial. As an exchange student, more than likely you will not be living in the normal student residences, which will take you away from being with the locals. I reccomend you request to stay in Metanoia Residence. BEG to actually... This res is the most open to people who are different and who are not Afrikaans. South Africans just want to see that you are interested in their culture. Try to learn some afrikaans, learn how to sokkie dance, and try and hang out with the locals instead of other exchange students. You will have a very different experience if you make friends with the local kids instead of always hanging with other foreigners. You will also have to make an extra effort to make friends with the full degree students there. Unlike in the US where everyone wants to be the foreign exchange student's best friend, people at stellenbosch university will avoid you because they are used to people coming and wanting to be apart of their culture and then leaving 3 months later. You should absolutely go if you have the chance to. Just keep an open mind and a closed mouth. lol And just remember to brush your shoulder off. Oh and ALWAYS keep an eye on your drink. Spiking is a popular sport. GO MATIES!
8 :
I am not from Stellenbosh...but i think generally you will like it in SA. There may be anti-American sentiment but i think most of us do not generalise. Enjoy the country and the people...SA is lovely...and not as dangerous as people make it out to be. Be aware of your surroundings...stay away from unsafe areas...and don't be too trusting!! Just like any other metropolis.
9 :
I am one of those who do not like Americans. I believe they are misinformed and opinionated. I think I suffer from the same thing as most americans. i have never been in USA and have my own (possibly wrong) preconceived ideas. So how do I feel about American students in SA; I think it is simply brilliant. You can first hand see what we have, and hopefully can change the minds and hearts of some in your own country.
Read more other entries :
I am thinking of studying abroad at the University of Stellenbosch and want to know if there is resentment towards Americans or anti-American sentiment. Thanks. PLEASE DO NOT POST YOUR OPINIONS ABOUT HOW BAD AMERICANS ARE OR HOW BAD SOUTH AFRICA IS! I just need to know how South Africans feel about Americans. Hey thank you for your responses! Im not a Bush supporter and dont plan on talking about Iraq, and Im defintely not a missionary either... So thanks a lot for your help!
South Africa - 9 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I think its wonderful. That way they can return home and educate the rest of the people in the States who still believe we live in the bush beating drums, and run after animals with spears, stones and sticks. South Africans are very accepting people, they do not shun foreigners away as you would find in most other countries. They are also very helpful, and will always lend a helping hand when you are in need of help. We try to make people feel as welcome as possible, and to show them what South Africa has to offer. This goes without saying, we treat all foreigners the same way on a whole, it does not differ from country to country. What I am trying to say is, we don't treat the British any different from the Americans for example. I think the only resentment you may find is when you speak about the war in Iraq etc. Many, if not all South Africans, do not agree with the war in Iraq. In this case, Americans are viewed as somewhat blood thirsty and overly greedy for control over the oil wells in the Middle East. That; and when we're asked dumb questions about how big our grass huts are or if we have lions in our streets. Honestly, this is the 21st Century, its time to get with the program. Otherwise, we love people who come into our country, and befriend them very quickly as to make them feel all the more welcome! :-)
2 :
I have no problems with Americans but had an incident in my 1st year with American student-missionaries. They came to South Africa without doing enough research into our cultures & country & i think they thought that we were "Heathens" as they were misinterpreting our way of life as South Africans. They even went as far as insulting our Cultural rituals by saying they were "witchcraft". I find that generally Americans tend to be a little ignorant but we get ignorance right here too.
3 :
You can come to study here. Even if you are a Bush/McCaine supporter, it bothers us not.
4 :
I think it is a good thing for us, But why would you want to
5 :
We have no problem with americans, just the bush administration. i live near stellenbosch but i wasn't excepted because of my low grades.
6 :
Yes, there is Anti-Americanism, but not serious. You guys are after all world famous for being ignorant and self centered. YOu must come with an open mind. Race relations are not the same as the USA and you should learn to accept that and not try to compare it to what you have been tought in school in America.
7 :
Hey! You have made the best pick of a school to go to in SA! I am an American from Florida and I studied at Stellenbosch this year from January to the end of May as a full degree student. It is in one of the most beautiful areas of the country and the Afrikaans people are so so so amazing and wonderful! You will have the best time of your life if you go there! Stellenbosch is such a fun, awesome town!!!! I was a full degree student in the International Studies program, but by the end of the semester I decided to go back to the US to get my degree. Please contact me for more information. I can give you lots of details and info on things that you will otherwise not receive. South African bureaucracy can be very, very frustrating. Please do yourself a favor and contact me so I can give you the 411 on being an american in Stellenbosch I made some very close friends during my time there so I can even give you some contacts if you'd like and let my friends know your coming so they can make you feel right at home. By the way>>>>> I just read everyone else's comments and I just want to say that there is some anit-americanism in SA just as there is anywhere you go in the world. There is this thing among the Afrikaaners in Stellenbosch which is "Local is Lekker." Meaning they like local people better than foreigners. I did have a few situations during Jool week where some guys were very rude to me for being an American. In one situation the guy didn't even allow me to introduce myself. He overheard the guy I was talking to say "Oh your from Florida?" and the guy standing next to him just goes, "Oh god an American! and just walked away from me." Needless to say this absolutely hurt my feelings. BUT- this is not a norm among Afrikaaners or South Africans in general. However, be prepared to defend yourself from the widespread assumptions that all americans are equally ignorant and superficial. As an exchange student, more than likely you will not be living in the normal student residences, which will take you away from being with the locals. I reccomend you request to stay in Metanoia Residence. BEG to actually... This res is the most open to people who are different and who are not Afrikaans. South Africans just want to see that you are interested in their culture. Try to learn some afrikaans, learn how to sokkie dance, and try and hang out with the locals instead of other exchange students. You will have a very different experience if you make friends with the local kids instead of always hanging with other foreigners. You will also have to make an extra effort to make friends with the full degree students there. Unlike in the US where everyone wants to be the foreign exchange student's best friend, people at stellenbosch university will avoid you because they are used to people coming and wanting to be apart of their culture and then leaving 3 months later. You should absolutely go if you have the chance to. Just keep an open mind and a closed mouth. lol And just remember to brush your shoulder off. Oh and ALWAYS keep an eye on your drink. Spiking is a popular sport. GO MATIES!
8 :
I am not from Stellenbosh...but i think generally you will like it in SA. There may be anti-American sentiment but i think most of us do not generalise. Enjoy the country and the people...SA is lovely...and not as dangerous as people make it out to be. Be aware of your surroundings...stay away from unsafe areas...and don't be too trusting!! Just like any other metropolis.
9 :
I am one of those who do not like Americans. I believe they are misinformed and opinionated. I think I suffer from the same thing as most americans. i have never been in USA and have my own (possibly wrong) preconceived ideas. So how do I feel about American students in SA; I think it is simply brilliant. You can first hand see what we have, and hopefully can change the minds and hearts of some in your own country.
Read more other entries :
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)