A Blog about Education Abroad

Tag: China

  • Bonnie at Xiamen University, China

    Bonnie at Xiamen University, China

    Pre-departure:

    My semester exchange was at Xiamen University in Fujian, China. In the months before the trip, much of the preparation was done by conducting research on the internet. A crucial piece of advice is that a VPN should be downloaded onto a phone or computer before departure. This is so one has access to Google based websites as well as others. The process of applying for a visa is a relatively straightforward one, but it is important to make sure that you have all the necessary documents; like passports, acceptance letters among others ready when you apply. This will make the process much easier. If you do encounter any problems, such as losing an important document, you can just consult Stellenbosch University International for help.

    Another important thing when applying for a visa is to know exactly how many days you will be in the country including the days of departure and arrival. This is so that there is no possibility that you will overstay your visa or face any complications later. The visa took roughly five working days to be processed and payment was done upon collection.

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  • Busiswa at the BRICS Shanghai Summer School, China

    Busiswa at the BRICS Shanghai Summer School, China

    Pre-departure:

    Upon receiving correspondence from Fudan University that I have been accepted to attend the BRICS Shanghai Summer School Program, I was faced with much uncertainty regarding financing the trip. In the middle of that uncertainty however, SU International was a space where I could experience bouts of positivity each time I went to enquire about the possibility of actually going on the trip. From this process SU International afforded me a travel bursary. It was at this point that I began feeling excited about the possibility of going abroad. When all calculations were done I realized I still needed further financial support to cover all the trip logistics. Again, after motivating why I should be afforded an extending grant, I felt hopeful that Stellenbosch University would find it necessary to invest in me. In this waiting period I was in constant contact with both Fudan University and SU International. From Fudan’s side I had to relay to them that I have all the intentions to attend the program, however I needed a little bit more time to sort out the financial part in order to pay for tuition and the travelling costs. What was really encouraging during this time was the responsiveness I received from SU International.

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  • Shannon at the Renmin University of China

    Shannon at the Renmin University of China

    Pre-departure:

    The preparation period for a summer school abroad is quite a tricky time. I found out that I had been accepted to study in China during my mid-year examinations, not the most prime time. I had to juggle the excitement of planning my trip and researching all the sights I wanted to see, as well as registering for my summer school courses, booking a visa appointment, checking for reasonably priced flights and securing accommodation. All of this over and above preparing and studying for my crucial third year examinations. Although it was a lot to deal with, thanks to good time-management and caffeine, I managed to get through it.

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