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.
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