Course Costs (2004)
We employ the services
of a travel agency that operates in South Africa that make our
reservations, coordinate our itinerary, etc. Course costs are
difficult to predict with accuracy because of the foreign exchange
rate. The relationship between the US$ and the SA
Rand is highly variable as you can see from this site. In Summer
2004 the course costs were approximately:
| Item |
Approximate Cost (in US$) |
| Travel expenses (includes
airfare, some meals and transportation in the country) for 4 weeks |
$4450 |
| Tuition (reduced summer
rate because we are off campus) |
$560 (in-state tuition for
4 credit hours) $1876 (out-of-state tuition for 4 credit hours) |
| Food (estimated at $15 to
$20/day) |
Estimated 30 days (some
meals, especially breakfast, are included in course costs |
| Spending money |
Highly variable, $200 -
$400 |
Financial aid is often
available for students who act in a timely fashion. Please contact the
Financial Aid office to learn more.
Comparison or our
costs to commercial costs for trips to South Africa that last from 10
to 11 days range from $1995 to $5995 and do not include airfare. As you
compare costs, also keep in mind that the Virginia Tech course is for
academic credit and has been used by students to fulfill Area 2, Area
7, biology elective, biology laboratory and writing intensive
requirements. Here are some travel agency sites to visit that were
reported in the USA Today article on "Shining a light on South Africa's
dark past," (July 9, 2004). We are sure you can find other travel plans
as well.