Where to go

So, you’re thinking of studying overseas? But you’re not sure where to go or what to do? Well, there are two options for the intrepid student traveller. Universities usually distinguish between two types of international students: exchange students and full-time study abroad students.

An exchange student is a student from a South African university who wishes to complete part of their degree at an overseas university. Most major South African universities have partner universities overseas where students can get credit for their South African degree. A full-time study abroad student studies a full degree at any international university.

Choosing a University

The first thing to remember is that all universities are not equal. Every country has a National Qualifications framework with which an educational institution must be registered in order to be able to give a degree. Beware of fake degrees! Websites abound offering MBAs in six months or Masters Degrees in exotic-sounding disciplines. Remember, institutions that are not registered on a country’s qualification framework database are not eligible to offer degrees. Contact the embassy of the country you wish to study in if you are in doubt.

Also, note that South African universities offer a three-year Bachelors degree, whereas many international universities have a four-year undergraduate degree with no Honours year. Students with a South African undergraduate degree may have to provide additional qualifications, published papers or work experience in order to be accepted for post-graduate study.

Visit www.braintrack.com for links to all the different  Higher Educational institutions or university websites in 194 countries

Getting a Student Visa

Before applying for a visa to study in a foreign country, you must have been accepted to an educational institution. Once you have received official confirmation of your acceptance, you may then apply for a visa at the relevant embassy or consulate. Embassies and consulates differ, but all have the following basic requirements for visa applicants:

• You must have been accepted by a school, college or university in the country in which you wish to study.
• You must have the required level of written and spoken English.  English proficiency tests are sometimes required.
• You must prove that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses for yourself, and return transportation for yourself.
• You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record (we’re sure this doesn’t apply to you. Right?) You may have to provide a police certificate. You must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary.
• You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave when you have completed your studies.

When applying to an embassy, you’ll probably have to provide the following information, so make sure you have it all ready to avoid delays:

• any diplomas or educational certificates that you have
• a letter from the educational institution confirming that you have been accepted on a course of study, and a statement of charges for the course
• bank statements, pay slips or other evidence to show that you can pay for your stay and your course of studies in the UK
• if you have received a bursary or scholarship or are being sponsored by a company, a letter from your sponsor giving details of how they will support you during your studies, and evidence that they can do so.

What about Fees?

Students taking the full-degree option can expect to pay for ALL costs, with funding only available through the few scholarships or bursaries available to international students. Visit the website of the university you wish to apply for to find out about funding options. Many bursaries and scholarships have to be applied for well in advance, so make sure you give yourself enough time!

Students opting for exchange usually only have to pay for the tuition fees at their home institution eg. if you’re a student at UCT who is studying for a semester in California, you’ll ONLY have to pay your regular UCT tuition. Accommodation will be organised through the University, but board, lodging and flights are usually paid for by the student. Obtaining a visa usually requires a minimal charge, and is dependant on the embassy or consulate in question.

UK Fact file

The UK is often a prime destination for those wishing to study abroad, and is seen by many South Africans as the ‘gateway’ to travel in Europe. In addition to offering hundreds of educational institutions to choose from, the UK also allows for work opportunities once you finish your degree. If you graduate from a British university with a Bachelors degree (second class honours or above), Masters degree or PhD in certain subjects, within 12 months you can apply to stay in the UK and get a job for an extra year after your degree course finishes, without getting a work permit.

Visa Required: INF5

British High Commission
Tel (0) 82 234 4450
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USA Fact File

The United States offers a startling variety of options for students. There are thousands of universities, public colleges, community colleges and private educational institutions. Considering the choice available, it is best to approach a South African university’s Study Abroad programme to find reputable affiliated universities and colleges.

All student applicants must have a SEVIS generated I-20 issued by an educational institution approved by DHS, which they submit when they are applying for their student visa. The consular officer will need to verify your I-20 record electronically through the SEVIS system in order to process your student visa application. Unless otherwise exempt, participants whose SEVIS I-20 was issued on or after September 1, 2004 must pay a SEVIS I-901 Fee to the Department of Homeland Security for each individual program. The fee may be paid either through a special website, via Western Union, or by mail. Please apply through one of the youth travel organisations/agencies listed in the right hand column of this website or in our supplier directory.

What is SEVIS and what should you know about it?

SEVIS is an Internet-based system that will track F, M and J visa participants (and their family members) from the time they receive their initial documentation (either an I-20 or a DS-2019) until they graduate/leave school or conclude/leave program.

Since some F, J and M applications require additional administrative processing, we recommend that students apply as soon as they receive their SEVIS documents from their schools or other organizations.

Visa Required: F1 Study Visa

American Consulate
Call Centre (011) 275-6300
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Canada Fact File

Many international students travel to Canada and use the opportunity to learn French, one of Canada’s official languages. Canada offers a high standard of education and living, making it a hot spot for student travel.

Visa Required: Canadian Study Permit

Canadian High Commission
Tel:(012) 422 3090
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To apply for your initial Study Permit, visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for detailed instructions. For a list of Canadian visa offices abroad, visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/missions.asp.

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) will be included in your passport if you are from South Africa. It is recommended that you request a multiple-entry TRV which allows you to leave (e.g., for visits home, academic conferences, etc.) and re-enter Canada multiple times.

Australia Fact File

For those wanting to remain in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia has many options for students. Boasting a similar climate to South Africa, Australia also has many top-class universities and, like the UK, has special work permit dispensations for those graduating from local universities.

Australian High Commission

Visa Required: Diploma or Vocational training- Visa Subclass 572
Degree or Graduate level - Visa Subclass 573
Masters or PHD level -Visa Subclass 574
Tel: (012) 342 8442
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Israel Fact File

Israel is the first choice for those wishing to pursue studies in Jewish culture and Hebrew, as well as those wanting to have a different cultural experience. Many universities offer courses in English, but the Raphael Recanati International School is the only school which offers fully accredited Bachelors degrees in English.

Israeli Embassy
Visa: Student Visa
Tel : (012) 470-3500
(012) 348-6389
Email:

Interning

Internship programmes are offered in many countries, in a range of work fields including journalism, arts & culture, engineering, commerce and politics. International internships offer the opportunity to work in world-renowned organisations and can fast-track your career. As with any commercial programme, it is very important that you go with a reputable agency and that you check the details of offers carefully.

Visit http://www.dmoz.org

Words: Charles Human