UConn Education Abroad in Cape Town
Ben Brown
(former Study Abroad Student and UConn RA 2008-2015)
Future Capetonians,
Before I begin, please note that this advice is purely my own. It’s based off of my experience in Cape Town, both as a three-year resident and as a study abroad RA. I’ve also included some of the experiences of the students I have worked with over the past six semesters. This advice in no way represents the official advice or instructions of the University of Connecticut.
What are the weather conditions going to be like when we arrive in Cape Town?
You will be arriving in Cape Town in the middle of summer, lucky you! The weather in Cape Town, particularly the time of year you will be arriving is incredibly gorgeous but always unpredictable. Many people say that you can experience all four seasons in just one day in this city. That’s definitely true, for example, in the mornings it can be very chilly, the afternoon very hot, and the evening very cold.
You will mostly be wearing summer time clothes while you are here; however, the weather will get continually colder so by the end of your trip you could be in long pants and jackets.
The best tactic to deal with changing weather conditions is to prepare for everything and anything. Layering your clothing in the morning so that you can peel off during the day, as it gets warmer, is the best tactic, as well as always carrying with you a good rain jacket or small umbrella.
Basically, you are going to have to pack for summer and fall. There is very little rain fall during the summer but make sure to bring a rain jacket, a small and easily transportable umbrella, and a variety of clothes.
Also, both of the houses we live in can get pretty cold at night, so a hoodie or sweat pants might be a good idea as well.
What type of clothes should I bring on this trip?
First, make note of the weather conditions above and bring a variety of clothes suitable for various weather conditions and seasons.
Cape Town is actually a very European city where most people dress very trendy. There is a lot of funky layering, scarves, and interesting accessories. Basically, anything goes. You can be as dressed up or as dressed down as you like because you will definitely find both in the city.
What type of luggage should I bring?
A lot of people suggest to only bring what you can carry and what you essentially need. Honestly though, you are going to be staying in the same house this entire trip (except for the excursion) so once you get here you can unpack all your stuff and forget about it (its not like you are picking up and moving every week or so). The only thing you have to worry about is getting through all those airports! So I would recommend bringing what you are comfortable with, most students however do bring the maximum amount of luggage you are allowed to bring (I think standards have changed but two big checked bags and a carry on or book bag). This way you can fit a variety of clothes and make sure you that you have everything you think you might need for the trip. That’s just my philosophy though, better to be over packed than under packed.
Important: There is a lot of shopping to be done in Cape Town - both clothes and souvenirs. Typically, students buy A LOT of each. So, you might want to think about saving room in each of your bags on the way down so that you can use that space when you come back for the extra stuff you buy. Also though, students tend to just buy another piece of cheap luggage here and use that for their souvenirs (they just pay to check another piece of luggage).
As far as the type of bags you bring it really doesn’t matter. Personally, I brought a big rolling suitcase, a hiking backpack and book bag. Don’t worry about standing out with your luggage because you are only going to be seen with it at the airport! Also, you might want to consider having a piece of luggage that is easy to travel with if you are considering taking smaller trips outside the city.
What should I know to become better acquainted with the people and culture of Cape Town?
I think one of the biggest difficulties in adjustment that students experience in CPT is getting use to the pace of life in the city. Cape Town and South Africa move on their own timetable and things generally run a lot slower here. Once you adjust to it, it’s actually really pleasant, described by many students as the best part of studying here.
Each of you will be participating in an internship that will help you get to know the people and culture of South Africa extremely well, so don’t worry about thinking that you aren’t going to get enough contact with local people.
What will be the biggest safety concerns while we are in Cape Town?
I always tell people this – act in Cape Town just like you would in any other big city in the US and you will be fine. Do all the normal smart things like not caring your ATM card or too much cash, not wearing incredibly flashy clothes, travel with people or a buddy, always be careful in bars and clubs, not getting in the car with strangers, look both ways before you cross the street…etc.
Your chances of getting “raped, robbed, or randomly shot” are the same as in any other city in the United States. As long as you are careful and smart you shouldn’t panic or be afraid for your life while you are here. That however, is not saying that your safety shouldn’t be something you take seriously.
Furthermore, my primary responsibility while you are here is your safety. Therefore, you will have an intensive safety meeting with me, and also a visit to the US consulate when you first arrive here. I guarantee you will feel more than comfortable to live here after all of that. I will make sure that you are more than equipped with all the information you need to be happy, comfortable, and safe in this city :)
Am I going to stand out as an American?
Yes.
Is this a bad thing?
No. Despite popular opinion, people actually like Americans! There are A LOT of us already here as well. American culture is completely immersed throughout Cape Town – music, dress, movies, and celebrities. Actually, standing out as an American will be beneficial in a lot of ways because it will help you meet people who live here. Certainly don’t feel like standing out as an American will get you assaulted because that is certainly not the case at all.
Are there going to be any opportunities to travel outside of Cape Town?
Most definitely. Extra traveling though does require good planning, time, and most importantly money. We will all be traveling on a group Excursion around March (more details to follow later). There are also a number of opportunities to travel around Cape Town, the Peninsula, and the Garden Route.
I recommend if you want to travel extra to begin thinking about it now and start planning as soon as you get here. Don’t try to arrange things before you arrive though because I guarantee it is much easier and cheaper to do it once you are here.
Also, if you plan to stay after the end of the program, and can afford to be a little more extravagant, there are a number of other countries in and around South Africa that are easily accessible and beautiful including Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, and Namibia. If you plan to do this you will have to extend your VISA and change your plane ticket, so plan ahead.
Do I need to get Malaria Pills or the Typhoid vaccine?
You definitely definitely definitely DO NOT need malaria pills for Cape Town! I’ve had a number of students who took them their entire time here and it just absolutely unnecessary.
Malaria pills are recommended for traveling around the area in which we will have our excursion. Many students in the past have not taken them and have been fine so it really is your choice. You will be in a malaria zone for only 1 week so bring the type of pills that you prefer, your travel doctor will have more information for you.
As far as Typhoid, it is your decision. Personally, I got the vaccine the first time I was here but not this time around. In fact, I didn’t get any vaccines my second time here. Again though, if you are going to be traveling outside of South Africa you may want to consider it.
Also, you should check the CDC’s website about countries that have Yellow Fever restrictions. If you pass through one of these countries and you don’t have a vaccination certificate, South Africa will not let you back across the border. So that is something to research if you are planning to travel outside of South Africa.
This is my first time out of the country, what should I expect?
Sheer excitement and joy? Haha. When I first traveled to Cape Town, it was actually my first time outside of the US as well. Cape Town is an incredibly accessible city – its easy to get around, the people are friendly, the cultures are amazing. It’s not a difficult city to live in by any means and not to mention it’s gorgeous! So I think the only thing you should worry about if this is your first time outside of the country is the small dose of homesickness and culture shock (let me tell you now, there are no Targets in Cape Town :). But fear not, should these things arise (and they surely will) I’ll be here to help you through it.
Point being: you should be nothing but excited!
Have you ever been an RA before?
Yes! I worked in the housing department at UNC for over two years and I’ve also RAed for this program for the past 6 semesters for both the honors and nursing schools. So yes, I do have lot of experience working with students and all the issues that arise from study abroad. Trust me, there is no problem, dramatic episode, or conversation that I have not already had or dealt with in some way.
What should I do about accessing money in Cape Town? What bank should I use? Should I use an ATM card or a credit Card? Should I bring money or traveler’s checks?
The best way to access money in Cape Town and South Africa is using an ATM. I wouldn’t recommend keeping your ATM card with at all times though. It is best to draw cash infrequently from the ATM and leave your card at home.
You can use credit cards but you are charged I think 3% for each purchase you make (which some students didn’t mind doing because they said it was less than what they would pay for in tax in the US). You can certainly bring one though as an emergency back up and leave it in the house.
Do not bring traveler’s checks. There is just no point.
Important: you HAVE to let your bank know that you will be traveling abroad. Give them your departure date and your arrival dates back in the US. Otherwise, your ATM card will not work and it could take up to a week to get it fixed. I would also call your bank right before you leave and double check that they know you will be using your card abroad (I used to work for a bank and know first hand that they often make mistakes like this).
What is the average meal cost there? What is a good weekly budget to follow? How much money should I bring?
Average Meal R50-80
Above Average Meal R80-150
Groceries per week (if strictly just cooking all your meals) R500 – 800
Average Transportation for night out - can be split among group R 240 – 300 (round trip)
Average Cell Phone Minutes per month R200
Average transportation to and from work per day R20-30
Average drink R15-30
Please note that these are just broad estimates.
In Cape Town, you can live as frugally or as extravagantly as you want. I would say I live somewhere in the middle but still comfortably.
Well, I hope this information helps! Let me know again if there is anything else ya’ll need to know. No question is too small!
See each of you very soon!!!!
Cheers,
Ben
