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.
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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.
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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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Tuesday, August 16, 2011
I am from South Africa currently working in the US I want to stay here. Can a fellow South African sponsor me?
I am from South Africa currently working in the US I want to stay here. Can a fellow South African sponsor me?
I want to change my J1 visa to a 4 year student visa, but I need a sponsor to stay here. Is it possible that someone from South Africa can sponsor me to stay and study here or must it be an American citizen?
Immigration - 4 Answers
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1 :
American citizen for sponsorship. But you don't need a sponsor for a student visa, just the money to keep yourself, and a letter of admission to an accredited school. Talk to the school about this - their admissions office will help you.
2 :
To sponsor someone for perm residency they must be immediate family, spouse, sibling, parents, children, step children. So no, not just anyone can sponsor you. To sponsor someone you must be a citizen or someone with perm residency for a certain period of time. You can change your visa for a study visa with a letter of acceptance to a school, show that you can care for yourself and your expenses.
3 :
Must be a US Citizen.
4 :
A financial sponsor can be either inside or outside of the U.S. Nothing in the law prevents an individual outside the U.S. from paying the educational costs for the student. The foreign student must still show that he or she has sufficient funds to cover education and living expenses while in the United States.
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I want to change my J1 visa to a 4 year student visa, but I need a sponsor to stay here. Is it possible that someone from South Africa can sponsor me to stay and study here or must it be an American citizen?
Immigration - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
American citizen for sponsorship. But you don't need a sponsor for a student visa, just the money to keep yourself, and a letter of admission to an accredited school. Talk to the school about this - their admissions office will help you.
2 :
To sponsor someone for perm residency they must be immediate family, spouse, sibling, parents, children, step children. So no, not just anyone can sponsor you. To sponsor someone you must be a citizen or someone with perm residency for a certain period of time. You can change your visa for a study visa with a letter of acceptance to a school, show that you can care for yourself and your expenses.
3 :
Must be a US Citizen.
4 :
A financial sponsor can be either inside or outside of the U.S. Nothing in the law prevents an individual outside the U.S. from paying the educational costs for the student. The foreign student must still show that he or she has sufficient funds to cover education and living expenses while in the United States.
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What to give my exchange student?
What to give my exchange student?
I am from Australia and I am going to South Africa as an exchange student. What should I get for my exchange and her family?
Other - Education - 2 Answers
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1 :
vegemite
2 :
if i was the one getting the gift i would want chocolate and/or chicken wings!
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best bank for students in south africa?
best bank for students in south africa?
hey! i'm moving to SA in december to go to university in stellenbosch. for the past four months i have been working to save up some money, and now i just need to decide which bank i'll be trusting with my hard earned cash... my question is: which bank is the best concerning services for students? that includes withdrawal charges, interest, payments every month, etc. i don't want to be cheated out of small amounts here and there or have to pay huge amounts of hidden charges or transaction fees. the majority of my friends in SA use standard bank, but i'm not sure if it's for me yet. could you please let me know your opinion and also why you chose that particular bank (ABSA, FNB, standard, etc.)? thanks! forgot to ask... anybody by any chance know how many (and where they are) FNB ATM's there are in stellenbosch?
South Africa - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
There is not much real competition between the banks meaning that you will end up paying roughly the same at all banks. ABSA is the largest band and will have the most branches and ATM machines and are a real pain when attempting to do foreign exchange transactions. Standard is also large. FNB is smaller and there ATM's are more difficult to find. Nedbank can be rather beurocratic.
2 :
Each of the major banks in South Africa may have Student accounts ( Ie Accounts that are specifically suited for students needs,) ABSA has the student Silver Account. I've used it. My reason for choosing ABSA was because they always have ATMs everywhere.
3 :
Yes, you should try any three of the major four, .i.e. FNB, Standard or ABSA. Absa has more coverage. The fourth one, Nedbank is for businesses people. though it also has appetising student packages. My younger sister is at university and she uses Capitec. They also have very good student packages. Problem is that is thinly spread (location-wise).
4 :
The best option I found was a Lifestart account for Students at FNB. You get discount on so many items, no withdraw or deposit fee's, free internet banking, SMS Notification etc etc etc. The list is endless. It only costs R13, 50 a month. I think its great... I moved from Nedbank to FNB and have never looked back. Nedbank are money sharks!
5 :
I would strongly recommend Nedbank I was with nedbank when i was a student They dont charge you any bank charges except for Saswitch and swiping of your card. They are really friendly and the ques aint that long usually.
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how do i get a scholarship to come to america while i am in south africa?
how do i get a scholarship to come to america while i am in south africa?
i have been checking on the internet and i cant find anyhing, i really want to come to america in june if possible. i finished my high school last year, i am in varsity now, but i am not njoying being here bcoz all my life i have wanted to come to the U.S.A so, can you help me get a schorlaship, or maybe even better a student exchange programme. or anything that will make me come to my favourate country!!!!
Financial Aid - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I believe that you have to get a social security card to be a resident or even a student in the USA (I am not sure). There is not much that can be done, but try to get a lawyer and fight the law to a better education. Good Luck!
2 :
You can go to http://www.all-about-scholarship.com it's about scholarships information. Good luck
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i have been checking on the internet and i cant find anyhing, i really want to come to america in june if possible. i finished my high school last year, i am in varsity now, but i am not njoying being here bcoz all my life i have wanted to come to the U.S.A so, can you help me get a schorlaship, or maybe even better a student exchange programme. or anything that will make me come to my favourate country!!!!
Financial Aid - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I believe that you have to get a social security card to be a resident or even a student in the USA (I am not sure). There is not much that can be done, but try to get a lawyer and fight the law to a better education. Good Luck!
2 :
You can go to http://www.all-about-scholarship.com it's about scholarships information. Good luck
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How is language instruction taught in South African schools?
How is language instruction taught in South African schools?
Do South African students have to learn all 14 of the official languages in school?, if not, what language is used in school in South Africa?
Languages - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Correction: We only have 11 official languages. I depends on what school you choose, but mother tongue education is given. I am Afrikaans, but went to a Afrikaans-English primary school. I had all my classes in Afrikaans. We have English as a subject. We also had Xhosa as a subject. When I went to high school, I went to an all Afrikaans school. Had all my classes in Afrikaans, except English as a subject. Xhosa isn't compulsory in high school, but you can still choose to do it. In my high school we could also choose to do German / French. Some schools also have Spanish, etc. But according to region / province, the third language will differ, when you are Afrikaans / English, for example you will have Tswana as a third language when you live up north and Xhosa as a third language when you live south. This is just a very rough explanation!
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