Vaal University of Technology

Inward bound Student Exchange Information

Document by:

International Relations Department

Vaal University of Technology

South Africa

Tel no: +0027 16 950 9946

Fax no: +0027 16 950 9352

You are interested in partaking in an exchange period at the Vaal University of Technology

but where to start? This information brochure will ensure that you are well informed.

Planning is the key to successful study abroad. How well you achieve your personal and academic objectives and your long term career goals depends on your choice of the right county, institutional and program.

BRIEF BACKGROUND ON THE VAAL TRIANGLE:

VUT, as we fondly call our University, is situated approximately 80 kilometer from the bustling city of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa close to the Vaal River. The Vaal University of Technology is situated in a town called Vanderbijlpark. Mittal Steel, one of the largest Iron and Steel manufacturers in the world is situated in Vanderbijpark. Two neighboring towns, Vereeniging and Sasolburg, in conjunction with Vanderbijpark forms part of the Vaal Triangle and is one of the major industrial regions in South Africa.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY:

In the 43 years of its existence, first as a College of Advanced Technical Education (1966- 1979) then as Vaal Triangle Technikon (1979-2003), Vaal University of Technology has grown in stature as a higher education institution, drawing students from all over the country. It is one of the largest residential Universities of Technology, with about 17 000 students. This position enables it to make a substantial contribution to the development of human resources in the region and country.

The campus boasts excellent facilities conducive to learning, research, recreation and sport, art and culture, and community engagement. Lecture halls, laboratories, a number of auditoriums and offices are situated on 4.6 hectares. Four satellite campuses extend the services of the University, at Secunda, Ekurhuleni and Upington. An extension to the main campus is located in Sebokeng on the old campus of Vista University. Besides the four faculties, various departments serve the students, catering for their various needs.

Mission and Vision of Vaal University of Technology:

VISION: To be a dynamic centre of technology leading in quality education for the nation.

MISSION: The Vaal University of Technology is committed to the development of higher education through:

TEACHING AND LEARNING: To achieve excellence in teaching and learning endeavors by developing entrepreneurial, technological and cognitive skills. To create an environment conductive to develop behavioral, attitudinal competencies and social skills through cultural, sporting and personal development activities.

RESEARCH: To generate innovative and relevant research which solves the problems of industry and the community.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: To create a culture of Lifelong Learning to empower our communities by sharing knowledge, skills and resources.

All these functions will be enhanced by national and international partnerships in order to meet the needs of stakeholders of a democratic society.

FACULTIES WITHIN VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY:

Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences

Faculty of Engineering and Technology

Faculty of Human Sciences

Faculty of Management Sciences

Visit http://www.vut.ac.za/new/ for more information on courses at Vaal University of Technology.

SEMESTERS:

Intake into VUT is from:

January to June

and

July to December

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Flight itineraries

Full flight information must be forwarded well in advance to the International Relations Department, Vaal University of Technology at least two weeks before arrival.

Passport

Ensure that your passport is valid for approximately one year after completion of exchange period. For information on passports and passport requirements please visit your nearest South African Consulate or visit their webpage on the internet.

Please ensure that you made a copy of your passport, permit and any other important documentation to safeguard your original documentation whilst on exchange.

Permits

It is the responsibility of the exchange student and home university to ensure exchange permits are in order. Should the permit need to be altered or extended while in South Africa the International Relations Department will assist however, this will be for the account of the exchange student and home university.

Injections and vaccinations

Please visit your nearest travel agent, South African High Commission, travel clinic or peruse the website for information on injections and vaccinations for South Africa.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH?

You need to be careful not to pack too much as you might wish to buy souvenirs etc.

Clothing (warm and cool)

Personal items such as prescriptions, glasses, contact lenses, etc

Camera

Towels

Toiletries

Bible or any other religious books

What about the climate?

Summer: December to February
Warm weather with occasional rain showers. It is advisable to bring short summer clothing with a few light jerseys or tracksuits.

Autumn: March to May
Warm during day-time but colder during night-time

Winter: June to August
Very cold during day-time and extremely cold during night-time. It is advisable to bring warm clothing such padded jackets, winter socks, gloves etc.

Spring: September to November
Warmer during the day but still chilly during night-time.

MEDICAL AID

The on Campus Clinic can only deal with minor ailments. In the unfortunate event of a serious illness or accident, you may have to be hospitalised. It is a compulsory condition of registration for an exchange student to have adequate medical aid care cover. The cover must be sufficient to cover all medical expenses including hospitalisation whilst in South Africa. Students who have their own medical insurance care policies or who are registered as dependents on their parents’ medical policies must verify with the insurance companies to confirm whether full cover will be extended to them for their stay in South Africa. Exchange Students will be required to show full proof of international medical insurance cover upon registration.

The South African Department of Immigration Law Act 13 2002, requires all international and exchange students considering studying in South Africa to be in possession of a South African administered medical insurance to cover all medical costs before a study permit will be issued. Medical inflation in South Africa far exceeds that of general inflation, and medical insurance cover comes at a premium. In an attempt to meet the different medical insurance needs and to ensure affordability of cover for all international and exchange students various medical aid companies offer affordable medical cover. For more information please visit:

http://www.medicalschemes.com/consumer_assistance/regschemes.aspx

Local Hospitals:

Ø Naledi Nkanyezi Hospital (Private Hospital)

Ø Emfuleni Medi Clinic( Private Hospital)

Ø Cormed Hospital (Private Hospital)

Ø Sebokeng Hospital (Government Hospital)

Ø Vanderbijlpark Hospital (Government Hospital)

What if I need over the counter medication?

A number of Pharmacies and Dispensaries are available in Vanderbijlpark to assist with over the counter medication.

LIVING EXPENSES

Please note this is an estimated amount and can differ from one student to another.

TEXT BOOKS

Exchange students are required to purchase their own textbooks while studying at the Vaal University of Technology.

STATIONARY

Exchange students are required to purchase their own stationary.

SPORT

The Sports Bureau at Vaal University of Technology caters for everyone from the recreational through to the highly competitive sports person. There are recreational facilities such as tennis courts, gymnasium, soccer grounds, netball grounds, volleyball grounds, athletic track, chess, karate, Taekwondo, cricket, softball etc. For details, contact the following.

The International Relations Department, in collaboration with the International Student Organization, arrange sport events for international students.

CHURCHES AND PLACES OF WORSHIP

The Chapel of Light is situated on Campus close to the Residences. Any church denomination is welcome to make use of this facility. There are also a number of churches around the University and students also organize services in number of venues at the University. Please look out for posters and inquire from the local students. There are various religious organisations on Campus. Take time to reflect on your life and thank God for where you are.

SHOPS AND CONVENIENCE CENTERS

There are a number of shops and convenience centre within walking distance from the University.

Spar (all round convenience shop)

Pick & Pay (all round convenience shop)

Checkers (all round convenience shop)

Fruit and Veg City (fresh fruit, vegetables and meat)

The International Relations Department will assist with an orientation programme so as to enable you to know where all these facilities are located.

PHONES AND CELLPHONES:

As in most countries most popular brands (Nokia, LG, Samsung, Eriksson etc) of cellphones makes are available in South Africa. A variety of pay as you go telephone call options are available to students. Airtime is available at most convenience shops and supermarkets.

COMPUTER ACCESS

The International Relations Department assist exchange students with access to computer services.

INTERNET ACCESS

The Vaal University of Technology has internet facilities available for all students. A computer centre is available so as to assist students with their internet needs. However, please note strict rules and regulations are imposed to protect the Vaal University of Technology’s network and exchange students are required to abide by these rules and regulations.

SENDING PARCELS OR MAIL

Should a parent or any other person wish to send a package or mail to an exchange student this can be forwarded to the International Relations Department who will forward this to the exchange student.

Should an exchange student wish to send a package or mail to family and friends the International Relations Department will assist however, all costs incurred will be for the students account.

MONEY MATTERS

Traveler cheques are the safest way of bringing money with you. Credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard etc is widely used in South Africa. Please speak to you bank to ensure your credit card will be accepted in South Africa. It is a good idea to bring a small amount of US dollars or Euro with you and exchange these on the airport for South African Rands thus ensuring you have some local money available on your arrival.

What Are These Coins And Notes?

The currency in South Africa is the Rand. Bank notes currently available are R200.00, R100.00, R50.00, R20.00, and R10.00; and coins are R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and 1c.

Banking services in South Africa

There are many banks in South Africa, the most popular being ABSA, First National Bank, Nedbank and Standard Bank. These operate a nation wide network of Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) for fast and efficient transactions. All banks will be able to assist with international currency exchanges.

Lending or borrowing of money

The International Relations Department condemns the lending or borrowing of money. Please ensure that you do not lend or borrow money.

LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN SOUTH AFRICA

The most common language spoken in South Africa is English however, we have eleven (11) official languages. The languages are Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Xhosa, Zulu, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Tswana, Swati, Venda, Tsonga. In most establishments you will find that the patrons are able to speak fluent English.

CLOTHING

Most South Africans wear European clothing such as jeans, t-shirts and sneakers. A popular way of dressing in summer is shorts, shirt and flip flops. Most South African wear informal clothing as more formal wear is only worn in an office environment.

FOOD

A huge variety of food is available in South Africa at reasonable prices. Meat, chicken, fish, vegetables and fruits are available at all supermarkets.

Meals

Breakfast normally consist of porridge or breakfast cereal. Lunch may be a sandwich, pizza or any other fast food. Dinner is normally a large meal and consists of meat and vegetables.

South Africans enjoys good table manners. Chewing with an open mouth or noisily are frowned upon. One also do not speak with your mouth full. The most commonly utensils used are knifes and forks.

Drinking

A wide variety of well known soft drinks, bottled water and liquor are available at reasonable prices.

Hygiene

South African on the whole are extremely hygiene conscience. Body odor, dirty clothing etc are frowned upon by most South Africans.

Water

South Africa is well know for the high level of safe treated water however, it is advisable to make provision to buy bottled water. Bottled water is available at most supermarkets.

Smoking

South Africa has strict laws against smoking in public this included buildings, offices, at functions, restaurants where no smoking facilities are available etc. Heavy fines can be imposed should one smoke in public places.

ACCOMMODATION

Exchange students are normally accommodated on campus. The accommodation is situated within the campus and is an easy five minutes walk. The accommodation consists two three bedroom flatlets and two four bedroom flatlets. All amenities is shares within the flatlet. The accommodation consists of separate bedroom, shared lounge, shared kitchen and shared bathroom. All flatlets are shared with other individuals such as other exchange students, senior postgraduate students, etc. Please note VUT has a strict policy to place gender groups together.

For more information please visit: http://www.vut.ac.za/new/index.php/accommodation-

Costs for International Guests Houses on campus are as follows:

Trimester Programs: R4 800

Semester Programs: R9 600

Year Programs: R19 200

Please note: Exchange students must ensure that they have sufficient funds towards tuition fees, accommodation fees, meals and all other personal expenses incurred while studying at the Vaal University of Technology in South Africa as these expenses will be for the students account.

Bedroom consists of: Bed, bedding, blankets, desk, chair, study light, cupboard, built in heater. You need to bring your clothing & personal effects. Each room is also fitted with a digital safe.

Bathroom consists of: Bath/shower, toilet, mirror.  You need to bring your own towels & personal items.

Kitchen consists of: Kitchen has all the appliances needed to make your stay as comfortable as possible.  You need to supply you own food, beverages and cleaning agents.

Lounge consist of: settee set, small table and television

Private accommodation:

Private accommodation is available however, not preferred by the Vaal University of Technology as it is extremely costly. Most bed and breakfast accommodations are not near the campus and will require traveling. However, should you be interested to be accommodated off campus please peruse the following: http://southafrica.bedandbreakfasts.net/propertysearch.asp?location=Vaal+University+Of+Technology

TRANSPORT

Some residences are beyond a reasonable walking distance from the Campus and transportation costs have to be considered by the student.  The city centre are a few kilometers away and are easily accessible by either walking or commuting.

· Just as a point of interest – local taxis are available and can take you for a nominal fee to where you need to go however, it is advisable to take a local student with you.

· Metered taxi is available however, this is a costly option.

· Busses are extremely unreliable and are not a favored way of traveling.

· Rental of vehicles are also an option however, ensure that you have an international license to operate a vehicle.

How do I get to the Vaal University of Technology?

All exchange students will be met at the O R Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa by a staff member and driver of Vaal University of Technology. It is highly advisable to forward all travel arrangements two weeks prior to arrival to the International Relations Department. Please note that this is a no charge service to incoming exchange students only. The International Relations Department will ensure the exchange student is safely delivered to the accommodation and will also assist with the settling in of the students once on campus.

SAFETY

As in all countries it is advisable to adhere to the following:

At the airport:

• Stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings.
• Never leave your belongings unattended even for a moment.
• Carry your carry on belonging under your arm, close to your body.
• Preferably wear a money pouch on your clothing.
• Rather keep expensive belongings such as cameras, cellphone etc in your hand luggage

At your accommodation

• Do not leave your belongings unattended. Rather lock this away in your room on arrival.
• Store valuables in the safe placed in your room.
• Keep your accommodation key on you. Do not allow any other person access to your keys.

Out and about

• Do not walk around with valuables in the open. Rather place valuables in a slingbag and wear close to your body.
• Carry just enough money on you so as not to attract attention.
• Avoid going out alone after hours. Take with a friend.
• Tell your roommates where you are going, with whom and approximately how late you will be back.

10 Tips to help you settle in:

1. Give yourself time to settle in

Give yourself time to settle in and find your feet. Don't feel like you have to hit the ground running and be able to manage everything perfectly right from the very first moment. Starting an exchange programme at university is probably not the only new thing you'll be thinking about.

2. Make new friends

Starting to establish connections on campus can help you feel more settled and that you belong. The perception of many first time exchange students is that everyone else already has friends on campus and that they are the ONLY person who doesn't know anyone. Get to know people in your course. This can help you feel more socially connected and enable you to chat with other students about assignments or set up study groups. There are lots of different clubs and societies that you can join to get to know other students with similar interests to yours. An International Student Organization was also established to assist new and exchange students to settle in.

3. Turn up for classes

Unlike high school, no one will follow you up if you don't go to class. However, it is easy to fall behind quickly if you're not attending lectures, and your grades may be affected. Some courses have compulsory attendance requirements, or a participation component to the final grade. Even if you are not feeling great, just being in a lecture and listening is a good idea.

4. Keep up

Lecturers pack a lot of information into a semester-long course. It's easy to get behind quickly. Keeping up with weekly readings, problem sheets or computer labs will help keep your study load manageable. BUT even if you haven't completed all of the readings for a lecture or a tutorial, go along anyway. You'll pick up more information than if you stay away.

5. Be positive

Many exchange students feel shy, anxious or awkward when attending new classes. If you have come from a small school, you may have been a big fish in a little pond and now you may feel like a very small fish! Be positive about yourself and your abilities. Remember that you have demonstrated the abilities and qualities needed to get you in to university and you will feel more confident with time.

6. Don't be afraid to ask for help

VUT is a big campus and it's not always easy to find your way around. Ask for help if you are lost or unsure of anything, the International Relations Department is also on hand to assist where possible. Every other student on campus will either be a first year, or have been a first year and will know what you are going through!

7. Keep a balance

While your study is important, it is essential that you keep a balance in your life. This means eating well, getting enough sleep, going out and having fun, as well as making time for your assignments. Many students have a part-time job. Studies have shown that students who work 10-15 hours per week can manage full time study and their work. However, students who work more than this may find that their stress levels start to increase and their study begins to suffer.

8. Use the services that are there to help you

When you enrol at VUT, you become eligible to access a wide range of services. The staff will be able to answer questions and provide support. If you are having difficulties, ask for help sooner rather than later (smaller problems are much easier to deal with). Don't forget to contact your International Student Oraganization members for assistance.

9. Plan ahead

The first few weeks of university can seem pretty manageable  - then the first few assignments are due in the same week! In the first week of lectures you will be given a course outline for each subject which will list all of your assignments and their due dates. Write these in your diary and on a wall calendar so you can see clearly where they fall and plan ahead to ensure that you can meet all the deadlines.

10. Reward yourself

At university it can be hard to tell how well you're going. Standards are high and your grades may be a bit lower than what you are used to, or you may not have many assignments from which to gauge your performance. This is why it is important that you recognize the achievements you make and reward yourself. Celebrate finishing an assignment, getting to all of your classes, doing a presentation or just keeping a balance in your life and feeling like you are managing.

Should your require any additional information or assistance please do not hesitate to contact the International Relations Department, Vaal University of Technology, Gauteng, South Africa.

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Tel no: +00 27 16 950 9318