Study Abroad in Africa: All you need to know
Impressive Lectures – this is In addition to exploring incredible African cultural sites. Are you a student who feels drawn to the African continent? Follow that voice because you can’t ignore Africa when she calls! Studying in Africa involves engaging classes and intriguing field trips. Imagine mesmerizing sounds playing in your ear while you relax with some new pals. Furthermore, tremendous development is taking place across the continent. As a result, there is no better moment to study in Africa than right now. Keep reading for info on how to Study Abroad in Africa.
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What are some of the advantages of studying in Africa?
Take a risk and do something you’ve never done before.
When you are pushed beyond your comfort zone, you become a better person. You weren’t born on the African continent? Then, while studying in Africa, you’ll have to adjust to a few things. While most African major cities are rather comfortable, there are still impoverished townships, rural lifestyles, and social difficulties that your home nation may not be as familiar with. You’ll also have to get used to being in the minority as a foreigner. Yes, it’s unpleasant, but it’s also quite healthy! Why? Immersion in many cultures and lifestyles, on the other hand, results in kids who are more well-rounded, autonomous, and flexible. So embrace the fact that you’ll be spending a few days in a remote community without running water. You’ll come out of your study abroad in Africa a better person.
Increasing economic growth
Because Africa is on the rise. It’s the real deal! And studying abroad in Africa will put you right in the middle of it all. Africa’s economies are expanding at breakneck speed. You still don’t believe us? Simply conduct a Google search. Hundreds of thousands of stories about African development, entrepreneurs, tech clusters, clever apps, the increasing middle class, and the tourism industry will be published. And since you’re here, you’ll get to see it all firsthand! Furthermore, your new African buddies will be bright young minds that will contribute to the progress as well.
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Due to the large number of indigenous tribes in Africa, it is estimated that over 1,000 languages are spoken! Other research suggests that the number is closer to 2,000. As a result of colonization, non-African languages were also brought to the continent.
English, French, Dutch, Arabic, Swahili (in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda), and Afrikaans are the predominant languages (in South Africa).
Customs and Culture
Africa is where the human race began! Having said that, in terms of history, the continent is far from homogeneous.
There are thousands of racial and ethnic groupings in the world, and their cultures can be quite different.
Africa features a remarkable ethnic blend of indigenous and colonial cultures, particularly European and Arabic, as a result of its colonial past. South Africa, in particular, is becoming more Westernized, despite the fact that many Africans keep their cultural customs. One thing transcends cultures: the importance of family!
Elders are respected for their wisdom. In Africa, schedules are less strict, owing to the complexity of daily living in many African countries.
Living Costs
The cost of living in Africa varies. Oil-rich countries like Angola and Nigeria have exorbitant costs. Zimbabwe is still quite expensive.
For Americans, South Africa is a bargain, with things costing around a quarter of what they do in the United States.
Rent is less expensive in the majority of other African countries.
Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Ethiopia have prices that are half to a third of what they are in the United States. If you want to travel in Africa, keep in mind that currency changes frequently when crossing borders, so be careful to change your money as needed! Some currency exchangers only accept recent money to avoid counterfeiting, so be sure your US note is dated after 2005.
In Africa, where should I study?
Make sure to include these renowned African study abroad places on your bucket list. Where do all the cool kids go for African study abroad programs? There are great study abroad programs in Africa all over the place, from north to south, east to west! Here are some of the most popular destinations:
South Africa is a country in Africa.
What could be more incredible than following in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela?! You’ll be surrounded by magnificent scenery like Table Mountain and historical museums like Robben Island if you study abroad in South Africa. You’ll also get access to game drives into the forest and Africa’s southernmost beaches! Not only is South Africa the most popular destination for African study abroad students. It’s also home to some of the continent’s best universities; international students flock to Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town. Concerned about crime and safety while studying in South Africa? Make sure you don’t trip. Simple precautions such as keeping a low profile with expensive stuff and being cautious at ATMs will keep you safe.
Ghana
Are you ready to immerse yourself in Ghana’s lovely country? You’ll be hooked on West African living after studying in Ghana.’ The University of Cape Coast and the University of Ghana in Accra, Ghana’s capital, are two popular study abroad destinations for Ghanaians. Live music, markets, beautiful beaches, and cultural institutions like the Kwame Nkrumah Museum abound in Ghana. So, no matter where you live, Ghanaian culture will attract you.
Looking for vibrant kente textiles, gold bangles, and out-of-this-world artwork? Visit street markets in Accra, like as Makola. Are you interested in pre-colonial African studies? Then you must go to Cape Coast’s ancient former slave trading castles. And, get this, Forbes classified Ghana as the nicest African country and the tenth friendliest country in the world a few years ago!
Kenya
Consider the following scenario. Weekday Swahili courses and weekend trips to the Indian Ocean beaches. As a study abroad student in Kenya, you’ll have access to all of this and more. There will never be a dull moment here, with topics ranging from cultural studies to environmental issues to literacy and public health. You can research the socio economic issues that Kenyan communities face. Alternatively, concentrate on the figures that support Kenya’s status as East Africa’s largest economy. Kenyan study abroad programs provide students with excellent educational opportunities. That suggests you’ll finish the semester strong. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to learn about Kenyan wildlife (Serengeti stampede anyone? ), cultural heritage, and, of course, beach life—the beaches in Mombasa and Diani are very stunning!
Tanzania
This East African country checks all the boxes when it comes to studying abroad programs in Africa. The nearby island of Zanzibar attracts marine biology and conservation students with its palm-fringed coastlines and blue seas.
For those interested in biodiversity and sustainable development, Arusha, the gateway to the Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Maasai settlements, is excellent.
If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of a big city, head to Dar Es Salaam, which has a slew of colleges and Swahili language programs.
With approximately 500 international students from 30 countries, the University of Dar es Salaam is a top-ranked institution in the world.
Egypt
Egypt is known around the world for its pyramids, Sphinx, and River Nile, but it is much more than that.
Egypt has been a backbone of the Arab world for thousands of years, filled with culture and life. Egypt’s capital, Cairo, is one of the world’s most populous cities as well as a major social and political hub.
The main campus of the University of Cairo is in Giza, which is directly over the Nile from the city.
Some of Africa’s best universities are located in Egypt. Egypt has two of Africa’s top 10 universities, and ten of Africa’s top twenty institutions. In the region, there are 17 public universities, 51 private institutions, and 16 public universities. Depending on the university you apply to, tuition fees will range from $2,000 to $18,000. The cost of living in the country is low, ranging between $285 and $504 per month.
Safety and Health
Diseases like cholera and the black plague still occur in several African countries. Malaria is a problem in almost every country. Unfortunately, it’s a rare person who travels to Africa for an extended period of time without contracting diarrhea, worms, parasites, giardia (a parasite transmitted through feces), or other stomach problems. Medicine is generally inexpensive, and your program should supply you with contact information for a Western-trained doctor in the city where you are studying, but prevention is more vital.
Consult a doctor about antimalarials before going, wash produce with bleaching water, and stick to freshly cooked street food. Above all, don’t let the prospect of becoming sick deter you from studying in Africa. It’s usually nothing that a few days of rest and some TP can’t fix.
Your study abroad program provider should give you information about safety precautions to take while in Africa. Take these warnings carefully and be aware of the dangers that come with the country you’re visiting. Don’t let this deter you from studying in Africa, just as it shouldn’t deter you from being sick. It has dangers, just like anywhere else, but there are reasonable precautions you can take in most African countries to keep yourself safe.
Many students who travel to Africa believe that life will be harsh, similar to a prolonged camping vacation. As a result, people prefer to overpack their baggage with quick-dry t-shirts, zip-off pants, and other REI-style outdoor clothing. While some of this is practical – quick-dry garments are great for hand washing clothes during the rainy season – you’re unlikely to wear any of it on a daily basis. You’re better off carrying standard street clothing, especially if you’re going to be in a city. Also, remember that in many African cultures, appearance is essential, so wearing a finer outfit or two can show people that you respect their traditions and will help you blend in.
However, some camping equipment, like headlamps for regular power outages, rain jackets, quick-dry towels, and Swiss army knives, is useful to have on hand. Also, if you want to avoid paying higher prices for sunscreen in Africa, bring plenty of it.
Africa’s best universities
The University of Cape Town is located in Cape Town, South Africa.
The University of Cape Town’s campus is located at the base of Table Mountain, offering spectacular views of Devil’s Peak and the city. The institution was founded in 1829, making it the country’s and Africa’s oldest, after the University of Sierra Leone, which was founded two years earlier.
On the main campus, you’ll find a number of teaching faculties, a public library, and a number of residence halls. The middle and lower campuses are home to the majority of student housing, athletic fields, and academic departments.
The five faculties for academic study and instruction were Commerce, Law, and Management; Engineering and the Built Environment; Health Sciences; Science; and Humanities.
The university is devoted to social change through its transformation programs, which address diversity, student opportunity, and behavior. International students account for 18% of the total student body.
University of Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch University is 50 kilometers from Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Africa. Cafés, boutiques, and galleries adorn the streets of this university town, which retains Dutch colonial buildings.
Africa’s first microsatellite, built by the university’s teachers and students in 1999, is one of the university’s many achievements.
The university’s teaching is dispersed among four campuses, with the main one in Stellenbosch and the others scattered around the surrounding area.
Students will complete homework and tests in both English and Afrikaans, despite the fact that Afrikaans is the major language of teaching.
The demographic of the class dictates the language used in postgraduate classes, which is usually English.
Across ten faculties, there are around 150 academic departments and various study centers.
In addition to a large library system, the university features a conservatory with two performance halls and is home to South Africa’s oldest chorus, the Stellenbosch University Choir.
The Institution of the Witwatersrand, usually known as the Witwatersrand University, is a public research university in Johannesburg. Because it has the most gold of any place on the planet, it was founded as a mining school.
In the late twentieth century, the institution expanded dramatically, and the campus has increased significantly with the addition of several new buildings.
During this period of anti-apartheid protests, the university campus was divided. Despite this, the university has produced a number of renowned black leaders. Five campuses are present, two of which are linked by a footbridge.
The Origins Centre, Planetarium, theatres, libraries, and galleries are all located here, as well as college housing (including female-only dorms).
Commerce, Law, and Management; Engineering and the Built Environment; Health Sciences; Science; and Humanities were the five faculties in which academic studies and instruction took place.
Through the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, the medical school teaches more professionals than any other university in Southern Africa.
The Disability Rights Unit is a flagship center dedicated to ensuring that handicapped people, parents, and those who require special accommodations have access to higher education.
Our Thoughts
Africa is a big continent with a diverse range of cultures, languages, ecosystems, and political perspectives. The educational infrastructure in international higher education is likewise improving.
Studies in Africa represent a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for ambitious foreign students seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience when you consider opportunities for engagement with local people, interesting fieldwork, and a first-hand view at the growth of a world on the cusp.
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