A Blog about Education Abroad

Author: elanaryklief

  • Collin Andrew Sheriff at University of Bristol, England

    Collin Andrew Sheriff at University of Bristol, England

    Before departure – South Africa

    Planning for a semester exchange abroad is vital and almost just as daunting as actually departing. One Thursday morning in September of 2019 I was packed (excited and anxious), and ready to depart to Bristol, England for my four-month exchange at the prestigious University of Bristol. However, my pre-departure preparations started many months earlier. In order to enter the United Kingdom with a South African passport I required a visa – either a Tier 4, or Short-Term student visa valid for 180 days. I applied for the latter as it was more affordable and is generally processed and approved quicker. You can only apply within three months of departing, which is not an issue considering UK visas generally get approved two weeks after applying. The entire operation is rather straightforward as I only needed to make an embassy appointment and provide all the needed paperwork – such as proof of course acceptance letters, flight information and host university accommodation documents, all of which gets provided to you (be sure to print these out before you visit the embassy).

    Before arriving in Bristol exchange students need to choose their accommodation in advance out of a list of nearly 30 different university halls – these halls are located in three difference villages; North (Stoke Bishop), West (Clifton Village) and East (City Centre). Choose wisely as each accommodation has its pros and cons. For instance, the North village accommodation is roughly a 40-minute walk from the university, although the university does provide all students with a year-long bus pass. Furthermore, accommodation cost is calculated per week (ranging from £100 to £300+) and is split up between villages as well as catered and non-catered. I chose the picturesque grounds of Goldney Hall in the West village as it was nearest to both Bristol City Centre and the university campus, at a reasonable price. The accommodation costs are covered by a housing bursary receivable from the host university (the difference in accommodation cost and bursary is entirely receivable/payable by you); and all accommodation information is also on the University of Bristol webpage. Prior to my arrival I needed to apply for housing on Bristol university’s accommodation portal which also shows your application status and other important information.

    I also needed to select the modules and classes I would like to take before arriving, however, I got to amend this in the first week of classes. Registering from classes is fairly easy when using the host university’s online portals (MyBristol.co.uk) and as an exchange student, the university’s exchange officials are in constant contact via email to answer any questions you might have. Word of advice, register for more units than what your credit requirements are – this will give you options for choosing your favorite modules later on. Stick to registering for first (C/4) and second (I/5) year modules as the work is generally more advance than Stellenbosch (I took a second-year economics module that covered work done at master’s level at Stellenbosch). All unit information will be available in the Programme Catalogue on Bristol.ac.uk.

    When it comes to booking flights be sure to buy your ticket well in advance to ensure the best deals. I opted to book my ticket from Cape Town to London and then took a train to Bristol (about a two-hour journey) since public transport is very reliable – I also suggest keeping luggage at a minimum (I had two 20-kilogram suitcases).

    University of Bristol – England

    The day I arrived I was unaware of the immensely busy week that laid ahead. All international students move into accommodation a day before English students arrive (usually the 19th or 20th of September), thereafter you will start to meet all your flat mates (unfortunately you will not be able to find out who you live with until you move in – however, don’t be anxious, I ended up making friends for life with everyone in my flat and we’re planning our England-South Africa visits).

    First things first, in order to receive your bursary from the university you will need to open a UK bank account – you can only do this once you have fully registered and received a physical copy of your proof of registration. All registrations happen in the first two days so be sure to keep an eye out for emails stating when, where and in which building registrations take place (usually in the magnificently grand Wills Memorial Building) – this is also where you will receive your U-card (student ID). Once you have received your proof of registration you’ll need to book an appointment with a bank of your choice (the university provides a PDF document stating all the possible banks and their perks – I opted for HSBC since I could freely transfer money internationally). Opening a bank account is fairly easy and about two or three weeks after you have submitted your UK banking details to the university (on MyBristol) you will receive your scholarship.

    After you have moved in you will need to sort out bedding, kitchen utensils and general living equipment – I suggest taking the local bus to Ikea for all your needs (invite your flat-mates and make it a fun outing). Now it’s time for Freshers! Freshers in the first week (o-week) where students mingle and meet course mates while attending university-, and society-planned activities. Take advantage of these as you will meet loads of new people and get free meals since most events offer food. Freshers is concluded with the Freshers Fair where every new student can go to sign up for societies, meet new people and receive freebies. I decided to sign up to numerous societies and I was definitely not disappointed. I ended up becoming part of the Clifton Crusaders Rugby Team and played numerous matches, I joined badminton and lacrosse teams, I joined the Bristol United Nations society, the Economics and Finance society, the Jive Dance society and of course the Wine & Gin society. I also ran in the JCR (Junior Common Room) elections (much like Stellenbosch HK) and stood as JCR International Representative for my hall of residence where we had a budget of £40,000 (nearly R1m) to organize residence events such as formals. I strongly suggest taking part as much as you can as this is going to make your exchange so much more enriched. Furthermore, do not feel pressured to buy the Freshers Wristband, although I would strongly recommend it, regardless of what your flat mates do, since you will save a lot of money and meet a lot of new people all while learning about Bristol and British live in general.

    After Freshers you will have your first lectures. Much like Stellenbosch you will need to construct your own lecture timetable and cross-check any timetable restrictions and clashes – this can easily be rectified by seeing your course coordinator (usually at Priory Road Complex for business modules). Be sure to attend classes more religiously than in Stellenbosch, as the pace of work is much faster – lectures also tend to be two hours as opposed to 50 minutes in Stellenbosch so prepare accordingly. Lectures tend to be longer since contact-hours (lectures) per week is low; students are expected to do more individual revision than in Stellenbosch.

    Furthermore, most modules only have one opportunity to gain marks (most exams count 100% of the unit) or a substantial assignment that requires work throughout the semester. The grading system in England is also very different from Stellenbosch University. Beware, do not expect to achieve the same mark at Bristol as you would at Stellenbosch – for instance, any work that receives a mark of 85-90% or above is likely to be published in newspapers (kind off). Generally anything above 60% is considered good, also known as a 2:1 (‘two-one’). Anything between 50 and 59 is a 2:2 (‘two-two’) and anything above 70% is a distinction (or ‘First’) – the pass rate is 40%. Lastly, don’t worry about buying textbooks as all prescribes textbooks are available at one of the university’s six libraries.

    Some extra added advice: stay informed and be involved in as much as you can! After signing up to the university’s mailing list and going to a ‘Careers in Consultancy’ event, I ended up meeting a large London-based consultancy firm’s recruitment officer. Long story short, I got invited to attend an all-paid graduate case-study training weekend at the firm’s London offices, after which I went to their flagship event and secured an interview for their Operations Consultant vacancy. At the flagship event I also had the opportunity to speak to numerous experienced consultants, associates, MD’s and even the CEO.

    The Return- South Africa

    Before I knew it my British exchange was all finished (sadly I didn’t even end up meeting Her Majesty the Queen), and it was time for me to pack my bags and embark on the 20+ hour journey back home. Notably, although I knew about so-called ‘post-exchange depression’ I thought little of it coming home to sunny South Africa. However, although it was not very severe, it is definitely something I would suggest preparing for. To a certain extent I had to re-adjust to normal ‘pre-exchange’ routines; nonetheless, after classes started I quickly found my feet again. During the first few weeks back one of the greatest challenges (funnily enough) was adjusting to the scolding Stellenbosch heat; something I completely forgot about in my daily 3 degrees Celsius Bristol commute. Furthermore, however insignificant, I felt that the pace of work in lectures at Stellenbosch is abnormally slow, but I got used to this as well.

    Ultimately, my experiences abroad definitely had a substantial impact on me and where I see myself in years to come. Being fully submerged in a foreign culture truly lays the foundations for a more open-minded perspective on the world, devoid of any and all bigotry and prejudices. This, amongst other things, is one of my greatest realizations, which could only be brought about by an academic exchange. I would definitely consider future career opportunities in England and I am in the process of applying for postgraduate studies in Bristol and London. Lastly, I also returned home with a revitalized appreciation for our beautiful country and all its problems. All countries (including England) have their own socio-economic challenges and, more often than not, the grass is not greener on the other side. Nevertheless, in this case England’s grass is a tad greener (possibly just from all the rain!). Altogether, my exchange ended up being the best few months of my entire degree and possibly my life. I would definitely recommend all students to embark on this adventurous and challenging journey as it broadens your scope of thought and expands your horizons in terms of academics and future prospects, all while meeting wonderful people. So, if anyone wants some pointers for exchanging to Bristol University, or England in general, (as per quintessential British etiquette) let’s have a pint and talk about it.

  • Colette Stander in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Colette Stander in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    When I first drove into Kuala Lumpur I saw a billboard that said: Welcome to Kuala Lumpur – A City of Contrasts, and after 5 months in this Malaysian city – I could not agree more. Kuala Lumpur is a city of contrasts: jungle bursts through the concrete, tall trees bend in the wind next to the sky train, the heat of the day and the freezing cold of the aircon and an amalgamation of cultures and languages that together make up Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur was also a city of contrasts on a more personal level, when I first arrived, it seemed that almost every part of my life would be different in contrast to my life in South Africa, which is an overwhelming feeling. However, as time passed, I began to feel at home in the company of my new friends, in my University and in Malaysia. Looking back at the five months now, I am so grateful for all that I have learned, for all the growth I underwent, for the memories and friendships I have made and, most importantly, how to find balance and a common humanity in, what at first appears to be, unassailable contrasts.


    The Patronas Towers

    Pre-Departure

    It is very important to learn about Malaysia before departure, and I was very luck to have a father that has travelled to Malaysia who could give me good advice about what to expect. My dad gave me a travel bucket list with locations across Malaysia and a travel guide. It is very useful to familiarize yourself with the geography of Malaysia before you depart and keep places in mind that you want to see before you leave.

    Visa Application

    It is very, very important that you double-check the Visa requirements well in advance before departure. I had to endure great difficulties trying to enter Malaysia because I did not have a single-entry Visa. While South Africa was exempt from needing a single-entry Visa in the past, there has been a change in the immigration procedure, and it is now required. I did, however, see that there was some misunderstanding between Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and the immigration department, so rather just contact Univeristi Malaya (UM) through Stellenbosch International to make sure about your Visa Requirements. For your Student Visa there will be a very easy application procedure to follow and when you apply for university, the UM International Student Centre (ISC) will give you a step-by-step guide. You can track your application online to make sure your Student Visa is approved on time. This application is completed entirely online.
    The registration process for Universiti Malaya itself is made very easy by the institution, and Stellenbosch will give you access to registration. You will be required to pay some fees for both your Visa and Registration, so make sure your bursary is in place when you start registration. Choose your modules carefully and make sure the courses you choose are taught in English. While you can change your courses once you are in Malaysia, it is much easier to choose your courses online and in advance to ensure you get a spot in the classroom.

    Climate and Dress Code

    Perhaps the first thing you will find out when researching Malaysia is that it is a subtropical country that is incredibly hot and humid. Also be prepared for the Monsoon season (October to early December) – the thunderstorms are magnificent, but the non-stop rain can make it difficult to walk to class and go travelling. I made sure that I kept the climate in mind when I packed my bag – keeping my clothing cool and light and leaving heavy jackets and jerseys at home. You will also have to walk quite far to get to class, even if you live on campus, so pack comfortable shoes and clothing.
    I also had to consider that Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country and the dress code of Universiti Malaya (UM) includes strict requirements about hairstyles, clothing and shoes that can be worn on campus. Please ensure you follow the rules and dress accordingly – you can be fined by the university for contraventions, but it is also a sign of respect toward the Malaysian culture to cover up. Carrying a light scarf around with you can also help for an emergency cover-up if you feel that the context calls for it.

    Important Tips

    • Malaysia uses different wall plugs than we use here in South Africa so make sure your laptop charger is equipped with a universal adaptor or that it charges with a two-point plug (Two-point plugs work fine in Malaysia).
    • There is no need to overpack – Kuala Lumpur has an overwhelming number of shopping malls that are fully equipped with almost everything you will need. You will easily find bedding, stationery, cutlery and so on – the only downside is that you will likely leave these items behind when you leave Malaysia. Just ensure that you pack any chronic medication you need or that you have a prescription – I found the pharmacies in Malaysia to be strict about what they dispense. The closest shopping mall to campus is KL Gateway, but a good place to do your big shopping is Midvalley MegaMall or 1Utama.
    • UM offers an airport shuttle to take you from the KL International Airport to campus, and I would recommend booking your flights so that you will be able to make the airport pick-up times. Information on these shuttles will be sent to you by the UM International Student Centre about two weeks before you land. If you land in a time slot where there is no shuttle, you can download the Grab app (Uber in Malaysia) or MyCar to order a car to take you to campus. Once on campus, there will be many UM Buddies and staff to welcome you and help you get settled.

    Academic program at University Malaya

    I spent five months (one semester) as an exchange student at the University of Malaya. During my time as an exchange student I had five courses:
    – Entrepreneurship
    – Political Science and Public Administration
    – International Politics and Human Rights
    – Sustainable Development
    – Global Environmental Change

    I grabbed the opportunity to take modules that I wouldn’t be able to take in Stellenbosch, and registered for modules with subject matter that I was interested in and passionate about. I was so lucky to have taken modules such as Sustainable Development and Global Environmental Change – I didn’t just learn more, but my worldview changed too. Hearing the perspective on issues such as the global economy and climate change from people across the world was an enriching and eye-opening experience – I learned that perspectives differ and that tackling global issues will require mutual understandings and consensus. This, for me, was the most important lesson I learned during my exchange – learning from others, from all corners of the world, is the best way to develop an open and critical mind, to question implicit assumptions that constitute your reality, to be aware of the possibilities to think and do things differently.

    Class Work

    Sitting in class with like-minded and passionate people was a major advantage of the academic program at UM. The lecturers I had during my stay were experienced, industry professionals who went beyond the textbook. In Stellenbosch, a lot of focus is placed on staying on schedule to cover all the work, but in UM lecturers focus more on real-life circumstances, and how students feel about the subject matter. Most of my classes were debates and discussions, with only brief mentions of the textbooks or theory. Therefore, it was incredibly important for me to work in my own time to make sure I cover the course outline in preparation for exams, because lecturers don’t really go into detail.
    However, I was constantly working – we were given many class and online assignments and groupwork presentations. There are many continuous assessment opportunities (especially weekly group presentations) throughout the semester and more emphasis is placed on group/shared learning than in Stellenbosch. Adapting to UM’s more flexible and open-ended academic structure can be challenging for Stellenbosch students who are accustomed to structure and discipline, but speaking to local students and being on class groupchats will make sure you are on the same page as the rest of the students.


    At the SUKMUM Athletics closing ceremony

    Examinations

    I found the exams at UM to be quite challenging -most exams will be worth only 50 or 60 marks and, depending on your module choices, will be in essay format. My recommendation for the exams is to understand the class work, but also to do additional reading, to stay on top of current events and to formulate an opinion about the subject matter. I found the exam questions to be very open-ended, testing how you understand and apply the work- not how you remember it. The UM academic program demanded a different approach from me, and the skills that I have learnt abroad (trusting my academic voice, thinking critically and asking more questions) will make me a stronger student here in Stellenbosch.

    Campus Activities

    The UM International Student Centre and the UM Buddies will host many events for international students during your exchange semester. I attended many cultural evenings, with South East Asian music, dance and art on display, and I attended traditional holiday celebrations such as the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and Malaysia Day. The UM International Students Association (UMISA) will host events that introduce international exchange students to full-time international students, and UMISA hosts many events that I attended – the Halloween party, the Christmas party and the International Food Festival. I found that attending campus activities was the best way to meet new people, to make friends and to experience the unique campus culture of UM. There are also beautiful jogging routes on campus, the 25m swimming pool that is free for students, the UM lake that you can go rowing on and, my favourite part, the University’s botanical garden. All facilities are open and free for UM students.

    My Buddy Group Dinner

    Travelling

    Kuala Lumpur is a massive city with countless attractions and an incredibly far-reaching and efficient public transport system. What this means is that every opportunity to go exploring must be seized. Taking the skytrain (!!), subway and city busses is effortless and cheap and you can easily visit some must-see attractions – KLCC Suria mall and Park, the Patronas towers, the Batu Caves, the National Museum and Mosque and the Malaysian Art Gallery. Kuala Lumpur also has many beautiful parks and jungles that you can explore – the KL Botanical Gardens, the Bird Park and the Forest Eco Park (an ancient rainforest in the city). There are also countless mamaks (outdoor restaurants) that serve delicious foods – I would recommend Teh Tarik and Roti Telur as your first Malaysian meal.

    Travelling outside city borders is just as effortless, there are many buses that take you almost everywhere (at a very low cost) – Singapore, Penang, Langkawi, Cameron Highlands – beautiful destinations that are all worth the visit.

    Return to Stellenbosch

    My journey in Malaysia was one of ups and downs, but the good days in Kuala Lumpur far outweighed the bad. I was glad to return to my family and loved ones, the clear skies and the African sun, but at the same time, I was sad to leave my friends behind. I knew that we would be scattered across the world when we said goodbye and departing with the memories I had made close to my heart was both humbling and melancholic. En route to the airport it was strange to see roads that were once so foreign to me become familiar and I realized, as my flight took off, how Kuala Lumpur became a second home to me without me realizing it. The journey home was a long one – the Dubai Airport was flooded due to an unexpected tropical storm and I was delayed by almost 5 hours. I forgot all about the plane journey (24 hours long) the moment I saw my family at the gates.
    Coming home to South Africa and returning to my own life was habitual, it required no effort – it was like climbing into your own comfy bed after being away from home for a while. My lifestyle in Malaysia was so drastically different to my life in South Africa that my time abroad felt almost like a dream for my first few days back home. Trying to compare the two worlds would be fruitless. What matters instead is how I changed during my time abroad. Learning to adapt to foreign contexts and a vastly different lifestyle has made me more resilient and self-confident. Connecting with people from different cultures has made me a better communicator and the conversations I had opened my eyes to worlds very different to my own. My Malaysian friends taught me the value of compassion, my Chinese friends the value of selflessness and my Japanese friends the value of listening to others and respect. The value that these connections brought to my personhood is immeasurable.

    Studying at a South East Asian institution has also changed my perspective on certain aspects of South African life. Listening to scholars who are sceptic of the facets of life that I take for granted, such as democracy and universal human rights, made me realize that there are countries premised on vastly different philosophies and conceptions of politics and economics. Negotiating and working in the global society (which is what I intend to do in future) requires an increased sensitivity to these differences and an inter-cultural understanding requires deeper connections than what can be taught in one’s comfort zone. From this perspective, I realized how important it is to, not only go abroad, but to have enough time to immerse yourself in a different culture. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity for immense learning and self-growth.

     

  • Chanelle Botha at the University of Bocconi, Italy

    Chanelle Botha at the University of Bocconi, Italy

    Thinking of exchanging to Milan? Here’s what’s up:

    Pre-departure:

    There is a LOT of admin and deadlines that have to be taken care of before departure. Write down all of your deadlines and make lists of all the to-dos, also make sure that you read all of Sarah’s emails on time.

    Apply for your Visa as soon as you can. I applied for my visa (Schengen study visa) in Hatfield, Pretoria. Apply as early as you can to be sure to get your visa on time, it usually takes about 3 months. Remember to double check that you have all the necessary documents when going to your visa appointment in order to speed up the process.

    With regards to the plane tickets, I found it way more convenient making use of a travel agent instead of booking the tickets by yourself on a website, just because of the simple fact that they can arrange deals and offerings that you can’t. Another tip is to buy flexible plane tickets so that you will be able to change the time/date of your flights when you need to at a more affordable price.

    Housing was the biggest struggle in terms of preparation. We were advised to NOT apply to a Bocconi residence as they tend to place exchange students in a residence that is located quite far away from campus (about 30minutes tram ride), and trust me, getting into a crammed tram during heavy traffic is NOT fun. I recommend finding a place less than 2km from campus. I used an agency to find housing (feel free to message me for their email) a 3-minute walk from class. I lived with three other exchanges and, let me tell you, culture differences really stand out when you live with people from across the world, and, honestly, it was an inconvenience most of the time. Thus, I would recommend contacting an agency early in order to find an apartment with someone who is going on exchange with you, or, if you are traveling alone, finding a bachelor’s flat near campus. I say this because it simplifies things when you have your own space and you manage it in your own way (since people from other countries live way differently than we do), and also, you can invite anyone over for drinks or dinner without inconveniencing anyone else.

    Module registration (which usually happens in August, so keep an eye on your emails) works on a first-come-first-serve basis. Read up about all the modules on the university website and choose your modules before the deadline. Also, have some ‘extras’ in the very possible case of not being able to pick a module you wanted. It is important to have your laptop and the link for registration open about 20 minutes before they open the website to not miss out on your module choices. Try to choose modules that SU cannot offer you, since you are there to expand your knowledge. I would recommend the modules Fashion Management and Marketing Communication as they were the most fun for me and they really interpret practical activities in the classes. Another thing, if you have a liking in economics, they have a wide variety of economic modules and I recommend you go for it! They are, in fact, ranked 3rd in the world for their economics!

    Experience at host university:

    Upon arrival in Milan, there is a lot of admin to sort out first. It will be tough because you have to finish it off before even getting to know the city. If you have any problems in terms of finding your way just email the ISD (International Student Desk) at Bocconi and they will help you out very quickly. Also, join any Facebook or WhatsApp groups that come across your way, they’re really helpful for meeting people and asking questions.

    I highly recommend joining the ESN (Erasmus Student Network). They are a group that organizes socials, parties and day trips to various cities at a joining fee. When joining you also qualify for various discounts, the best is 15% off Ryanair flights and a free 20kg bag on your flight: I used this discount many times and saved A LOT of money.

    Bocconi has many exchange students per semester from across the entire world, and all of them are in your shoes: trying to create experiences and meet people, so don’t be afraid of walking up to a group of people and starting a conversation! If you are church-going, that is another great opportunity to meet people that have something in common with you! I joined Hillsong Milan and that was probably the best decision I have made on exchange.

    Milan is a city very centrally located, which means it is really easy to travel to many destinations from there. By using the Omio app you can compare prices of flights, trains or busses to find the cheapest/fastest option for you. I also recommend downloading the Citymapper app to find your way around cities via public transport.

    Milan is a big and busy city, but so beautiful. As you spend more days there you will eventually get tired of the hustle and bustle of the city center, but there is way more to explore outside of that. Try Googling for hidden gems and beautiful quiet streets to go on walks or grab a croissant. And take many photos, Milan has the some of the most photogenic streets and architecture I’ve seen, especially in the Brera and Porta Romana area.

    If you have a love for fashion and shopping, you are definitely going to the right place! Milan is THE hub for shopping – whether it’s designer or just fast-fashion retail – with H&M Zara each having four floors! As well as every designer store you can name. And don’t think that you can rock up to class in shorts and plakkies – ohhh no. Dressing up to class is a major thing – so pack your fanciest pants and different jewelry to wear to class. You’ll soon get a feel of the dos and don’ts of dressing up for class. Also, don’t wear gym clothes to class – that’s not a thing in Milan – no one cares if you gym.

    When it comes to the workload, expect either one midterm test or project and a final exam for each module. The projects can be intense and a lot of work, but the exams are mostly multiple choice and quite simple compared to the standards of SU. Expect group work and presentations as projects during your exchange. If you manage your time and workload correctly, you may find that you are free to travel during weekends. Tip: try picking modules in a way that you don’t have class on a Friday, which gives you more time to travel and explore. Remember that exchange is supposed to be a type of guide as well: to see how the same industries might differ across country borders. Thus, don’t be dismayed when you don’t enjoy a module you thought you loved (this happened to me), and rather see it as an eye-opener.

    Be careful with public transport (not just in Italy, but the entire Europe). Fines are a thing! Make sure to buy public transport tickets no matter where you go. In Milan, I found that the cheapest option is getting an “ATM-card” and paying for transport monthly at a station at 22 Euro pm. When getting a sim card there are a few options of networks. I used Vodafone for 10 Euros per month for 30G data pm. Tip: don’t buy your data from tabacchis, they tend to cheat you. Rather look for a Vodashop and pay your monthly amount there.

    When eating, the cheapest thing on restaurant menus are usually Margarita pizzas – around 4-7 Euros per pizza depending on the restaurant – and they are the BEST. We found that they are so large that you could actually share them between two to split the cost, they even cut them in half for you and serve them separately!

    Return to Stellenbosch:

    If I can sum exchange up in one sentence it would be this: high highs, but low lows.

    Exchange got hard sometimes, I experienced a major culture shock in Italy, and I guess that I couldn’t quite get used to it. You get thrown into the deep side and have to learn to stand on your own two feet. So, for me being back in South Africa, I am glad to be back in a place where people are friendly and understanding and with which I am familiar with. I have missed my family and friends very much and seeing them again made me feel like I belong right here in my country, at least for now.

    Although, one thing I have found is that people can’t quite relate to what you experienced or went through. So, don’t take it personally when your friends don’t show much interest or ask many questions. When you return, try to make plans and catch up with your friends, it might feel as if you never left.

    At times, it may feel as if the exchange was an illusion or dream, especially when you fall into routine again as classes start. In a way, it is comforting to come back to Stellies and notice that not much has changed, but it is also important to never forget that this experience actually happened – take another look at the photos and videos you took and remind yourself of everything you were able to see and experience – not many people get this opportunity. Also, keep in touch with the friends and acquaintances that you’ve made abroad as they are very valuable networks and someone to relate to when you need to chat about exchange.

    During exchange, I have learnt to appreciate what South Africa offers: friendliness, hospitality, beauty, diversity and hope as well as kuier and braai. South Africa may have many problems, but what country doesn’t? Try focusing more on the great things our country has to offer before deciding to leave for ‘greener pastures’. They may not be as green as they seem.

    With that said, I would not exchange my exchange (haha) for anything in the world. The people I’ve met and the places I’ve seen have been more than I could have hoped for. However, I have realized that, as I start out in this industry, I would like to start out in my home country. It’s weird that my love for this country grew more when I was outside of it than when I was actually here. Who knows where the future might take me, it may be overseas after all. But for now, Imma stay right here and enjoy whatever South Africa has in store for me.

    PS: I am NOT a Winter-person, which probably contributes to the idea of staying in SA 😀