South Africa has become a very safe country for tourists, particularly since the end of the apartheid in 1994. It is now a republic and the government is among the most advanced in Africa. Some of the most noted problems in the country are the high rates of unemployment, poverty and lack of economic power among disadvantaged groups, crime, corruption, and HIV/AIDS (see next question). The majority of these problems are most prevalent in the cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. Very little time is spent in Johannesburg (only for travel reasons). We will be spending a few days in Cape Town. During this time (or anytime really), it is recommended that students not go anywhere alone - go out in groups of at least 2-3 people. Use common sense. Protect your money and other valuables by wearing a body wallet. Don't take ALL your money with you when you go out. Try to blend in (don't wear things that will make you stand out or make it obvious that you are not from the area). Traveling through the country is probably just as safe as traveling by car in the U.S. - especially when we have a driver from the country. Urban roads are well-maintained and there is usually a significant amount traffic. Major roadways are paved and once you are out of the urban regions, traffic is much less dense. Rural roads are not as well maintained; some are not even paved. However, traffic on these roads is pretty minimal and speeds are much slower.
South Africa is a nation on the rise. They are progressing
steadily as a nation, but they do still have many health problems.
However, many of these are centered around highly populated areas,
particularly in the squatter camps that surround cities. Every country
has its recommended vaccinations - be sure to check the CDC website
(check out the links page). Recommended vaccines are Hepatitis A,
Hepatitis B, and Tetanus-Diphtheria and measles (if you need the
booster).
Rabies is an option, however, many that went on the trip last year
opted out of the vaccine - the odds of encountering a rabid animal are
no greater than they are here in the U.S. and we will not be handling
many animals. We will not be swimming in any fresh water, to avoid Schistosomiasis. Since we will be
in the country during their winter, insect-vectored diseases are not
likely to be contracted. You may want to bring deet just in case. When
you get your vaccines at Schiffert, they will also prescribe you
anti-malarial drugs. Malaria is not likely to be a problem because the mosquitoes aren't out while we are there.
However, Shiffert Health Center may want to give you a
prescription for Larium (it causes nice hallucinations among other
things), but don't fill it. In South Africa you can buy malaria
medication over the counter. They may also give you medicine for
traveler's diarrhea. However, the water is drinkable everywhere we'll
be, and the food is usually well-prepared. Taking a tablet of Pepto-
Bismol once a day is a great prophylactic.
Perhaps the health risk everyone is most concerned about is regarding the AIDS epidemic in the region of southern Africa. South Africa is definitely no exception. For this country, estimates in 2000 gave a rate of prevalence in adults to be around 20%. This can vary depending on what area you are in. Some of the poorer areas have rates as high as 70%. There are 5.2 million people living with HIV or AIDS in South Africa and it causes as many as 300,000 deaths every year. Risk of contracting HIV is virtually non-existant if you are smart - don't have intimate relations with anyone you don't know and don't get exposed to someone elses blood or body fludis. Stay in groups when you go out. Just be safe.
We will be staying in a few different types of places. In some of the urban areas and in towns, we often stay in hotels or hotel-like places. These are usually really nice and have very good security, especially in the cities. When we are in the parks, we will either be staying in cabins or in rondevals. These all provide you with your own bathrooms to share with your roommate. The only place that does not is in Swaziland. Here you stay in their "beehive huts" which are sort of like thatched tents with a concrete floor. It's basically a campground with outdoor community bathrooms.
The basic cost of the course is approximately $4,500 or more and the final cost will depend on how many students sign up for the course, the exchange rate and the air fare/fuel at the time we commit to a contract. The $4,500 covers air fare, room and other living expenses, but it does NOT include most food. Often breakfast is included in our room charges and we will have a couple of dinners that are built into the course fee. Food is relatively inexpensive and will probably cost about $12 to $15 per day.
There is also a reduced charge for summer school tuition and the cost is for 4 credits, not 6 which the entire course is worth. For Summer 2004, it cost about $560. There is also the issue of spending money. This is entirely up to the individual, but most students spent at least $200. Many spent much more than that. Miscellaneous expenses include immunizations and anything you need to buy to bring with you on the trip.
The exchange rate varies daily and yearly, and it has dropped from 10-12 rand per 1$US to below 6 rand per 1$US. The cost of the course has doubled in four years.
Options for carrying money include
Email: buik@vt.edu
