Information about studying English in South Africa

South Africa is the most advanced country of the African continent with countless attractions – from unique natural reserves with pristine flora and fauna to bustling large cities, cosmopolitan ports, or quiet towns hidden in the greenery of gardens and parks. What's more, there's a multiform of ethnic and cultural mosaic of almost 50 million welcoming and hospitable locals, each speaking English and at least another one of the official 11 languages. South Africa truly is a world in one country.

For most of the visitors South Africa is attractive because of its pleasant subtropical climate. Thanks to its location on the southern hemisphere it offers summer temperatures during Europe's winter. When they say “The sun shines today in South Africa”, it is not an exaggeration, it is the truth - 365 days a year.

South Africa has 11 official languages and prides itself on its
diversity

The
Tourist
Service
in SA

South Africa has a very good tourist service network, with lots of tour operators, car rentals who deliver and collect at your door, foreign exchange kiosks, ATM's, information centres and lots more. With the World Cup the infrastructure has been largely improved and Cape Town can compete with other major cities in the world. It scores consistently high as a favourite tourist destination. It has been recently voted 2nd best city in the world by Travel and Leisure magazine. (www.travelandleisure.com). For what we know, it is an undisputed number one for us!

Power
supply
used
in SA

South Africa uses 220 volt power outlets with 3 point sockets, which are not compatible with any European or American sockets. However, adapters are cheap and widely available.

How is
the life
in SA?

Life in South Africa is very relaxed and laid back, foreign visitors should be aware that public holidays are celebrated throughout the country and very few businesses remain open during a public holiday. There's also a “make-up” holiday - should the holiday fall on a weekend day, the next Monday is then a public holiday.

What
visa is
required
for SA?

Visitors coming to South Africa are exempt from visa duty for 90 days if they hold the passport valid for at least six months after the planned return, with at least two free pages and issued in one of the following countries:

African Union Laissez Passer, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana,Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland.

The following countries do not require a visa if their passport is valid for at least six months after their planned return, has at least two free pages and their stay does not extend 30 days:

Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Gabon, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Jordan, Lesotho, Macau, Malaysia, Malawi, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Peru, Poland, Seychelles, Slovak Republic, South Korea, Swaziland, Thailand, Turkey, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Please note that this list is only for information purposes. Always check your visa requirements with your nearest South African diplomatic mission before departing to South Africa. Also, please contact your nearest SA embassy, if your country is not listed, before making any travel arrangements.

The
Weather
in Cape
Town?

The weather in the Cape Town area is generally moderate, with the ocean surrounding the city as the best air-conditioner in the heat of summer, and the nice sunshine warming up the winter days. The temperature here rarely climbs over 32 degrees in the summer and rarely falls below 20 in the winter.

Have a look at the weather in Cape Town.

What
is the
money
in SA?

South Africa's currency is Rand. All major credit cards are widely accepted, from major stores and hotels to the smallest corner shops.

Take a look at the currency converter.

The Tourist Service in SA

Power supply used in SA

How is the life in SA?

What visa is required for SA?

The Weather in Cape Town?