A Blog about Education Abroad

Author: elanaryklief

  • Johan Van Schalkwyk at Reutlingen University, Germany

    Johan Van Schalkwyk at Reutlingen University, Germany

    DIME (Digital Industrial Management and Engineering) Masters at Hochschule Reutlingen

    If you are reading this post, you may have already decided or are in the process of deciding to do a semester exchange. What I can tell you is that you will not be disappointed. I feel that a semester exchange is one of the most valuable experiences you can partake in during your studies (I would almost call it mandatory). My semester abroad in Germany, at the ESB Business School of Reutlingen University, has had a tremendous impact on me as an individual and for my future career plans as an Engineer.

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    Pre-departure

    It is imperative to determine how and what type of semester exchanges would best align with your studies. It is crucial to match the appropriate exchange with your end goals; be it academic, to travel or both. My preparations started as a discussion with my research supervisor at Stellenbosch University to determine if it would be feasible and beneficial to my research. In short, what was my motivation for going abroad? After the initial excitement, the fun started – admin.

    The daunting part of a semester exchange can be the admin (planning) aspect, but it does not necessarily have to be that way. Three tips I can give you is: (i) early in the process, talk to others who have done the same or similar exchanges for valuable insight and possible shortcuts; (ii) do a little more effort from the beginning to organize all your documentation as it will save you a lot of time and effort in the later stages; and (iii) try and store all relevant documentation on a cloud (for backup & accessibility).

    I would strongly advise you to look into Visa requirements and how long the process will take for your specific exchange. Usually, you can find all this information on the embassy’s webpage, or you can visit any travel agency, like NeelsieTravel, for valuable assistance. In most cases, you require an invitation letter from your host institution for the Visa application. Thus, get into contact with both the host university and Stellenbosch University’s international office to determine what documentation is required from your side and theirs. Trust me, it is not fun to be held up during any part of your process due to waiting for documents.

    I made use of the German consulate’s web page, which was very helpful in providing all the relevant information, such as documents required and steps to follow. However, I feel that the web page lacks in providing sufficient knowledge on the financial arrangements necessary for a Visa of more than 90 days. Part of the German Visa application is proving that you can sustain yourself financially while abroad, thus you need to provide proof of bursary(ies), blocked bank account or a combination of the two (remember that opening a blocked bank account requires processing time once initiated). Another thing that is not apparent on the webpage is that you need a letter from your supervisor or SU affiliated person to state that you will be returning to South Africa at the end of the exchange. The Visa appointment is also critical – make sure you have two separate piles of copies with all the required documentation in order. Take copies of extra documentation you deem vital with you for extra reassurance. Rather be over prepared.

    My long-stay Visa did not require my flight itinerary prior to application but start looking for flight specials early on. Almost every day, I’ve checked online for flight specials; this equipped me in choosing an excellent affordable flight option. Keep a lookout for baggage allowance, flight time, air service providers reviews, and what time you arrive at the destination (after business hours and weekends can affect transport and other arrangements).

    Packing for a German winter is not as easy as packing your warmest clothes, it is not always as cold as you think and even then, the buildings are extremely warm. How to approach it then? One word, layering.

    Last tips for travelling… Keep the original and copies of all documentation on you in your hand luggage for in case you are required to support your reason for travelling at passport control and such. This may sound funny but keep at least one extra pair of clothing or at least underwear and a shirt in your hand luggage for unforeseen circumstances such as baggage delays… My bags were lost in a baggage pile-up at Frankfurt airport, and thanks to my mom for instructing me to carry clothes in my hand luggage, I was sorted during the three days I had to wait for my bags.

    Experience at the Host University

    My semester abroad was my first-time solo travelling as well as being in Europe. Thus, the uncertainty of how things work across the water was terrifying. One thing I learned was to keep calm under all circumstances; all things work itself out eventually. Keeping that in mind, it does not hurt to learn a few key German words before you arrive. Locals tend to be more helpful if you at least try to communicate in their language. In Germany, having access to such a vast network of public transport was amazing. However, getting use to not having your own car to get from point A to point B was sometimes challenging and felt restrictive.

    Upon arrival at Reutlingen University, I contacted my study coordinator, and he guided me with my physical registration and my accommodation (keep original documents – Germans want the real thing). I, Marion, and Balthazar (other SU students also part of DIME exchange) were fortunate enough to be placed in the same dormitories on campus, making walking to class far more enjoyable. I would recommend the dormitory we stayed in (Pestalozzistrasse 65) to anyone thinking of this exchange. Most accommodation in Germany were configured as having your private room bordering a shared communal kitchen and a bathroom or two. We shared the dorm with a Mexican and a Chilean and my fellow dorm mates became my closest friends during my stay in Reutlingen. In the rest of the building, we had students coming from all over the world.

    The academic side of things was very exciting and stimulating. Reutlingen is a Hochschule, which means it’s a university of applied sciences with a focus on the industry. At Reutlingen they incorporate emerging technological trends and management strategies into their study programs, such as the digitization of the supply chain and logistics industry. I was enrolled in 4 modules and my research project (thesis) at Reutlingen. These modules incorporated aspects of supply chain and logistics management, programming and information and communication technologies, and management accounting. These modules helped with giving me a better understanding and foundation for my research thesis. A useful extra course I took was German (A1.1), which is the most basic level of German, but turned out to be very useful with day to day life in Germany. Being part of the DIME dual degree program, I had a second German supervisor who gave valuable insights from a differing perspective that aligned with my research project. If you would compare my academic experience at Reutlingen to that of Stellenbosch, I want to highlight the following:

    • Classes at Reutlingen were much smaller (the largest class was 12 students, master’s level). This resulted in classes being far more interactive and incorporated discussions, presentations and such. Topics were openly discussed and enriched the learning experience by challenging you to consider alternative takes on subjects.
    • Do not undersell Stellenbosch University or higher South African education. I am of the opinion that (especially for engineers) Germany does not have the upper hand with regards to the level of academic standards. I, and my fellow maties, found that we were very able to keep up and even found some things easier to grasp than some German students even. This attested to the fact view that Stellenbosch University is world class.

    Reutlingen is located in a prime spot as it is close to Stuttgart, München, Switzerland, and the Alps. Thus, there is never a boring moment because there is so much to see in your free time. For example, a 10-min train ride one way, and you’re in the beautiful old town Tubingen with an amazing student life and history. A 10-min ride in another direction and you’re in Metzingen, which has a huge Outlet City for shopping. Once you are in Europe, travelling to other European countries are not that expensive if you are smart about it. Look out for websites such as “kiwi.com” for flight, train, and bus deals. For instance, I flew to Austria and back for only 10 Euros (+- R160). Not seeing myself as a travel junkie prior to exchange, being in Europe and seeing how easy and cheap it is, hooked me. During my exchange I visited Paris (France), Prague (Czech Republic) for new year’s, Davos (Switzerland) with Reutlingen University for skiing, Vienna (Austria), Budapest (Hungary), and a few places in Germany of course. So moral of the story is – one cannot come to Europe and not travel.

    Return to Stellenbosch

    I must say arriving at Cape Town International Airport and seeing my parents and girlfriend waiting for me after six months was genuinely heart-warming. After becoming accustomed to certain “luxuries” of a first world country, you pick up small things that you wish South Africa had. Reliable electricity, for one. But something I never thought would happen if I did an exchange; is me becoming more attached to South Africa. My initial plans were to search for work in Europe and work there for five or so years before coming back home to SA. Returning has made me appreciate the way we South Africans live even with all the challenges we are facing. It has opened my eyes by making me want to work harder and strive for a successful career here in South Africa rather than just packing my bags and escaping the challenges. South Africa is a gem full of opportunities if you view the country in a more positive light. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have studied in Germany, for the friends I have made, and the life experiences I had. I would go back in a heartbeat and explore even more if possible, but in terms of my future career, I do not see myself working in Europe permanently. However, I will keep my eyes open for opportunities to work abroad from time to time, as I am super grateful for the how this exchange experience had broadened my perspective and inspired me. I would 100% recommend an exchange programme to anyone!

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  • Joanie Geldenhuys at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China

    Joanie Geldenhuys at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China

    Graduate Academic Forum of the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China

    The following documents the experience I had while representing Stellenbosch University at the Graduate Academic forum of the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC) and will serves as a useful guideline of how to prepare for the trip to China.  The GAUC consists of twelve universities, namely MIT, the London School of Economics, University of Cambridge, Australian National University, University of Tokyo, California, Berkeley, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Imperial College London, the Indian Institute of Science, Stellenbosch University and Tsinghua University.  The focus of the forum is to establish student-level participation and conversations regarding climate change as a major global challenge and priority for the youth.

    Pre-departure

    For a visa application at the Chinese embassy you do not need an appointment, it is first come first serve, so it is best to be early.  The Chinese VISAs only take a week (which is fairly quick), but try to go at least two weeks in advance, best case a month before. It is advised to take the following:

    • Completed online application form. Select type F visa.
    • VISA photos according to specifications for Chinese visa photos). Wear a shirt that’s not white so that you stand out against the white background.
    • Your invitation letter provided by the conference organisers.
    • A leave letter from your study leader saying that you have leave from Stellenbosch University and specifying that you will be required to come back to complete your studies for degree purposes after the trip.
    • Official registration letter for VISA purposes from the university.
    • Accommodation reservation: if you want to stay a day or two longer in Beijing you will have to provide a booking reservation. Agoda and Bookings.com both have good deals and allows you to pay at the property. To see the sights, I recommend to stay in a place with someone who understands English and is situated safe and central to the main attractions.     TripAdvisor has accurate reviews, visitor photos and advice about each place.
    • Your flight itinerary.
    • A colour copy of your passport Bio page – verified at the post office or the police station that’s open 24hrs.

    Additional documents that might prove useful to take with you to the Chinese embassy:

    • Three months bank statements with at least $100 per day in your account for the time you’re out of South Africa, but they might not use these depending on your visa type (that can changed by the assistant once you are at the VISA office).
    • Flight purchase or some form of indication that you, or a sponsor can/will pay it.
    • Travel insurance if you have purchased (not a requirement for Chinese visa but a good idea and not too expensive).
    • Conference info and agenda.

    Print out the address and directions to your hotel in Chinese/Mandarin to take with you.  This is the easiest way to communicate with taxi drivers as they do not understand English.  Installing a translator app that works in China will also be important, as the best way to communicate is to type your message in the translator and show it to the other person.   You should install the WeChat, Didi and Alipay apps as opposed to WhatsApp, Uber and PayPal.  Most people in China pay with their phones using Alipay.  China also has their own apps for navigation and maps.  I bought a Chinese SIM card at the airport and would recommend you doing so as well.  This also helps the organisers to contract you if you should get lost on campus or to inform you about last minute changes on their schedules.

    During the Forum

    The work you submitted for the forum will either be asked to be presented on a A2 poster or you will be asked to do a formal oral presentation in one of the parallel sessions.  The themes for the parallel sessions were: “The Zero Emission Technical Revolution” and “Building Green Future: Economic-Social-Ecological System”. The Youth Declaration on Climate Change was also established to state that climate change is a very important priority and responsibility of the youth and that we should take an active stand in order to solve its challenges.

    There were also cultural activities integrated with the forum program. The hosts took us to both the Tsinghua University Art and History Museums.  Keep your passport and a bit of cash on you, museums and tourist sites require your passport and you will be asked to pay your own entrance fees.

    Breakfast was provided at the hotel restaurant where they accommodated all the delegates.  We were also provided with a meal card to use at the campus cafeterias for lunch and dinner.  The best and most affordable place to use the food cards is the Tsinghua University Student Culture Activity Centre where the food is similar to McDonalds, but prices are roughly R30-R40 per meal (burger, chips and coke).  This is also one of the cafeterias that serve western foods.  Some of the burgers and food can be very spicy, so it would be a good idea to have a Chinese translation of what food you would like to order before placing your order.

    After the Forum

    You may want to go see one or two sights after the forum has finished and there isn’t really any free time to do so during the forum.  Also, as China gets rapidly colder as November progresses, it would most probably be better to book the extra day or two for sight seeing before the forum starts to have a few degrees warmer weather.  Some of the students went to see the Great Wall of China which is about 2 hours away by bus, though this might be a relative expensive option.  No worry, Beijing has many sights that is inexpensive and not far from Tsinghua.   The “Palace Museum” is situated in the center of Beijing where the “The Last Emperor” movie was shot and the “Lama Palace” also nearby where you can go see typical Chinese artwork buildings and experience a piece of the Buddhism culture.  Both these place offer student discount on tickets, but will ask if you are undergraduate as China only offer student discount to undergraduate students.

    Lastly, student delegates were offered an opportunity to write a collaborative letter to Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, as to highlight the importance of climate change in our society and that we as youth see it as an important priority and personal challenge to solve.  The president responded with an email after the forum where he shared his personal experience, when he was still a young man, with the devastating effects of unsustainable development in a small village resulting in economic collapse.  He also shared his vision for China in tackling climate change towards becoming a sustainable ecological civilisation. The delegates also received the opportunity to respond to the president’s letter.   It is clear that climate change is bigger and accelerating faster than what is historically considered to be natural. It is all of our duty to become informed and involved in order to divert from our current path towards a sustainable future.

  • Jessica Lagerwall at Lund University, Sweden

    Jessica Lagerwall at Lund University, Sweden

    Hej! I’m Jessica. I have just returned from a semester-exchange at Lund University, Sweden, where I completed a free-standing course in Advanced Neuroscience. My time at Lund was one of the most life-changing experiences I’ve ever had. It was filled with many adventures, new friends and LOTS of fika. More importantly – it was an extremely eye-opening educational experience. For these reasons, I would highly recommend Lund University as your university of choice when considering studying abroad.

    Pre-departure:

    Alright so honestly, this is the most stressful yet exciting time of the entire experience.

    The difficult part: I’m a bit of a “stresser” by nature (Stressy-Jessy if you will), so this period was quite tough for me! Be prepared for a lot of administration and a lot of emails back and forth. But I promise you – every. single. second. spent organising this exchange will be so, so worth it.
    The exciting part: This time is filled with so much uncertainty and possibility that you can’t help but dream about what it’s going to be like. I did as much research into Sweden and Lund that I possibly could so that I had a rough idea of what to expect.
    Because you never really know what it’s going to be like until you’ve arrived, and you can only control so much – there comes a point after all your preparation where you just have to let it be!

    Here are a few tips I learnt along the way:

    • Be organised. Have a ‘To do’ list and make sure you cross things off as you make your way through it.

    Here’s an example of mine:

    • Stay on top of things and keep records of everything (printed and kept in a flip file and also electronically where you can easily access it from anywhere).
    • Speak to your coordinators! My International Coordinators at both Stellenbosch University and Lund University really helped me stay organised – they were also always available whenever I had any questions.
    • Make sure you say your proper goodbyes, as 6 months (or in my case 8 – read below to find out why), is a long time!


    Experience at Lund University:

    I arrived in Lund a few days before the official Arrival Day. In hindsight I’m glad I did this, as it allowed me to settle in and get my bearings before the whirlwind that was Arrival Week commenced. I spent those few days wondering aimlessly around the town with no destination in mind, trying to soak it all in. This was going to be my home for the next semester. It was a concept that took me quite a while to come to terms with, but I was beyond excited to start this new journey. The weather in August was superb. I had no idea I was going to be treated with ~25˚C and clear, sunny skies. My grocery store visits took ages initially, and it was here where Google Translate became my best friend.

    Lund University has an incredible orientation programme for international students, and it is an amazing opportunity to make friends. I took full advantage of the jam-packed programme and attended as many activities as I could, making many close friends along the way. This orientation period really sets you up for the rest of your time in Sweden – you get a taste of the Swedish culture, history, nature and cuisine. I took a 3 credit Swedish language course during these 2 weeks and learnt the basics of Swedish which was incredibly helpful in daily life (read: grocery store). I would also highly advise taking the semester-long Swedish language course if possible, as things will get busy and the structured learning environment will give you a big advantage.

    Lund is a small, quaint town and thus its no surprise that the main mode of transport is a bicycle. It only takes about 20 minutes to get from one side of Lund to the other, and the best part – it’s completely FREE. Lund also has a very efficient public transport system, and so getting anywhere by bus or train is completely hassle-free, using the Skånetrafiken app. Remember – it’s always cheaper to buy your ticket with a friend! My friends and I took trains to Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Kivik, Stockholm and Kiruna (a 22 hour train ride to the very north of Sweden!).

    I took the semester-long Advanced Course in Neuroscience, which consists of a research project performed in a lab within the Wallenberg Neuroscience Institute. I ensured I could incorporate this research project into my MSc thesis at Stellenbosch University. My research at Lund was a complete learning-curve for me, however it was so rewarding to be able to work in a lab practicing such progressive techniques. I also thoroughly enjoyed interacting with everyone in the department – there was “Fika” twice a day where everyone on the floor mingled over coffee and treats. After my research project had finished, I was given the opportunity to stay for an additional 2 months as an intern, where I continued with the project and learnt additional techniques – this is how I stayed for a total of 8 months in Lund.

    A few tips regarding life in Lund:

    On saving money:

    • Shop at Lidl and Willy’s and try avoid ICA and Coop if possible (These can get quite pricey)
    • Meeting friends at cafés and restaurants in Lund is expensive when you’re a South African on a budget (I’m talking about R100 for a beer, and minimum R150 for a plain burger). I’d suggest making use of the Student Nations (which are the student associations i.e. student prices) as well as socialising at friend’s houses (we would often make dinners together, watch a movie, play boardgames, etc.)
    • There is a Facebook Group called “Lend JoJo card Lund”, where you can borrow people’s train tickets at a discounted price. This is especially useful if you’re wanting to go somewhere like Copenhagen in which it’s a standard R230 for a one way ticket.
    • If you’re looking to travel to nearby countries whilst abroad – Ryanair has some really good deals – my friend and I found R50 tickets to Poland (!).

    On activities/events in and near Lund:

    • Keep an eye on Facebook events! The student nations as well as the Lund International Office (and other organisations) often post their events on Facebook so you can easily find events that interest you. Either follow these organisations or click the “Happening near me” link on Facebook, or simply look at events your friends have responded to.
    • In Winter, Lund has an initiative called “VinterLund”. This is essentially a bunch of activities for the residents of Lund with the aim of keeping away the “winter blues”. They have events over the period November to the end of December with a central Christmas theme. Examples of such events is the celebratory lighting of the giant Christmas tree in Lund Town Square, as well as several Christmas markets, including one in Lund’s historical museum.
    • Malmö is a big city situated 10 minutes from Lund by train (think of it as the Cape Town to Stellenbosch). There are many interesting things to do in Malmö so I’d highly recommend going there as often as you can, even if it’s just to escape the “small town feel” that one can often get (I know I even get this feeling living in Stellenbosch).

    Some things to do/see in Malmö:

    1. The Disgusting Food Museum (Okay this is a must – It’s horrible yet satisfying at the same time)
    2. The City Library is stunning. I’d highly recommend having a study day there.
    3. There are some really great Bageri’s (Bakeries) in Malmö, such as Bageri Leve and Söderberg & Sara.
    4. Second Hand Stores – Vintage shopping is a really big thing in Sweden. There are a few really nice and big second hand stores in Malmö, especially on the main shopping street (Sodergatan).
    5. Art Galleries (Kunsthall is free for the public).
    6. Christmas Markets, International Food markets, other events (Check Facebook)
    7. Ice Hockey Games (Ice rink at Hyllie station)
    8. Shopping Mall (Triangeln, Emporia at Hyllie)
    9. Hiking spots: Kullaberg Nature Reserve, Soderåsen National Park, Måklappen
    10. Copenhagen is a must-see! It is honestly one of the most magical cities I’ve been to. The New Harbour (NyHavn) should definitely be at the top of your list. During Christmas time I went to the Amusement Park called Tivoli, as they have a HUGE Christmas market. It’s perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit.
    11. Dalby is a quarry about 20 minutes from Lund which is now filled with water. It is especially beautiful in summer, where students often go there to swim.
    12. Lomma is a beach 10 minutes from Lund and is also a great swimming destination in summer.
    13. Sauna – Swedes LOVE a good sauna. They’re especially obsessed with the notion of swapping from sauna to the ice cold sea/lake and back again.
    14. Lund has plenty of saunas nearby.

    Return to Stellenbosch

    I returned back home one week prior to my original departure date due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Arriving home was a bit of a whirlwind. I started my 2 week quarantine as soon as I arrived and the nationwide lockdown was implemented one week after. The main feeling I experienced was that “Everything had changed, but yet nothing had changed at all”.

    My time at Lund feels a bit like a dream, and I’ve just woken up. I think it’s important to remind myself that everyone who has studied abroad feels this way, and that one should just continue to treasure the memories made with friends. I also believe that the unique experience makes for a powerful bond between you and your friends. I’ve been making a concerted effort to keep in touch with all the friends I made in Lund, and I already have future travel plans with a few of them. All in all, my time abroad has made me more appreciative of time spent with family and friends, as sometimes it is only fleeting.

    Studying abroad made me appreciate the diversity present in the scientific world. It taught me that communication is vital among colleagues and that it should be prioritised to a great extent in any department. It also showed me that a collaborative effort is often more fruitful than working independently. Lund University is largely an international university, and I appreciated the diversity of cultures and will be more inclined to that type of environment when making future plans. Lastly, Sweden is an extremely progressive society, where equality among the sexes is extremely prominent, and there is limited weight placed on hierarchy and authority. This was extremely refreshing, as it is something I am not accustomed to in South Africa. It is inspiring and I believe that with consistency and education, South Africa can too (and NEEDS to) achieve this state.