Pre-departure:
I would recommend that students participating in a winter/summer school programme start applying for their visas as soon as possible. This is especially relevant in cases where you hope to spend some time there before the programme commences (e.g. travelling around your destination). The other big must is to have your documentation correct down to the tee.
Pre-Departure:
Once I had received the phone call from the Stellenbosch International Office to tell me that my application for the International Protection of Human Rights Course at Humboldt University was successful, I could hardly believe that setting off for a month in Berlin had become a reality. After attending a meeting with three of the other four candidates, the preparations were underway. The Visa process ran a lot smoother than expected – my Schengen Visa was available for collection at the German Embassy in Cape Town after only two days since my application was submitted. However, I suggest that you strictly follow the list of required documents, making copies if necessary, and apply for one as soon as you have your confirmation letter from the partner University. For me, this eliminated the last minute stress, particularly during exam time, and also meant that I didn’t have to go through to the embassy more than necessary. My only problem with the Visa application was that my photos were not the correct specifications, but I was allowed to retake them at a Kodak store around the corner from the embassy, and then continue the interview process.
Pre-departure
Planning a trip abroad is perhaps one of the most exciting things to do. While it is important to read up and plan immaculately, it is just as important to keep in mind that no amount of planning would render a trip perfect and that, too, is okay. If you are, like me, inclined to plan too much, you might lose out on wonderful opportunities resulting, such as spur-of-the-moment day trips, changing your itinerary, or following the advice of locals whom you’ll meet at your host university, the local bar, or perhaps a hostel if you do an extended trip. (more…)