student handbook, new spring 2012 ver1 -1
TRANSCRIPT
STANFORD UNIVERSITY CENTRE IN
CAPE TOWN Student Handbook, Spring 2012 Bing Overseas Studies Program
Photo by anonymous, Spring 2011
CONTENTS Program Calendar...………………………………………………….. 3
Contact Information.………………..………………………………. 4
Useful Numbers.……...……………………………………………….. 6
Welcome to Cape Town……..………. ……………………………..7
Who are we? ….………..……………………………………….………..7
Communications……….………………………………………………10
Program Event.....………………………………………………………12
Money Matters..………………………………………………............14
Health and Medical Care……………………………………….......15
Transport…………………………….…………………………………….17
Academic information..………………………………………………17
Service-Learning…………………………………………………………18
House Rules…………………………..………………………………….19
Accommodation for Guest………………………………………….21
Safety in Cape Town………………………………………………….23
Adapting to life Abroad.……….……………………………………24
PROGRAM CALENDAR (Spring 2012)
Arrival Date: Wednesday, April 4
Orientation: Thursday, April 5
First Day of Classes: Tuesday, April 10
Last Day of Classes: Friday, June 8
Final Examinations: Monday, June 11-15
Last day of Residence: Saturday, June 16
Departures: Sunday, June 17
ACADEMIC DATES (Spring 2012) Preliminary Study List Deadline: 5.00pm., Monday, April 2 Final Study List Deadline: 5.00pm., Friday, April 20 Term Withdrawal Deadline: 5.00pm., Tuesday, May 15 Change of Grading Basis Deadline: 5.00pm., Friday, May 25 Course Withdrawal Deadline: 5.00pm., Friday, May 25
CONTACT INFORMATION
Stanford Staff
NAME
TITLE
TELEPHONE /
Tim Stanton Program Director [email protected]
021 447 1360
Carol Esau Finance,
Facilities and IT Administrator
[email protected] 021 447 1360
Jennifer McGhee
Student and Academic Affairs Administrator
[email protected] 021 447 1360
Janice McMillan
Service-Learning Coordinator
021 447 1360
Jen Van Heerden
Service-Learning Assistant [email protected]
021 447 1360
Amy
Herbertson
Student Advisor and Resident Assistant
[email protected] 021 447 1360
Faculty
NAME
COURSE TITLE
John Parkington The Archaeology of Southern African Hunter Gatherers
Mary Simons
Cities in the 21st Century:
Urbanization, Globalization and
Security
Stephan Klingebiel Theory and Politics of
Foreign Aid stephan_klingebiel@yahoo.
de
Diane Cooper
Public and Community Health in
Sub-Saharan Africa
Nolu Tyam Xhosa Language &
Culture [email protected]
Janice McMillan
Learning, Development and
Social Change: Service-Learning in the
Contemporary South African Context
Timothy Stanton
Timothy Stanton Sherry Stanton
Preparation for Community-Based
Research in Community Health and Development
Western Cape Sites of
Memory – REQUIRED
COURSE
PROGRAM OFFICE
Physical Address: Stanford Program in Cape Town 11A Waverley Business Park Mowbray 7705 Cape Town
Centre Telephone & Fax numbers: Program Office 021 447 1360 Program emergency number 071 087 8965 Fax 021 447 1368
Other Useful Numbers Emergency services 112 (cell phone) 107 (landline) Police 10111 Woodstock Police Station 021 442 3117/21 Vetus Schola / Orbis Security Service 0720631653 Ambulance 10177 Fire Brigade 10111 or 021 535 1100 Table Mountain Rescue 021 984 9900/ 0861 106 417 Sea Rescue 021 405 3500 Groote Schuur Hospital (Public) 021 404 9111 Vincent Pallotti Hospital (Private) 021 506 5111 Freeland lodge 021 448 6420 David Kriel 082 455 4464 Annemarie Kriel 072 334 4482 Will’s transport 083 990 2832 Redbutton Internet Network (after hours) 0748523260 or 0713604341 US Consulate ([email protected]) 021 702 72300 / 021 421 4280 (Emergencies only) US consulate Address: 2 Reddam Ave, Westlake
(off Steenberg Rd./the M42) | Business hours: Mon-Thu 8:30-12:30
Lost/stolen credit cards: Visa Mastercard Amex
0800 990 475 1-636 722 7111 1801 945 9450
A Stanford staff member will be on emergency duty 24 hours per day, every evening and weekend throughout your program, for emergencies only (see safety section).
Office Hours The program office is open Monday- Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm. If the office needs to be closed for any reason outside of these hours, we will notify you ahead of time.
WELCOME TO CAPE TOWN Welcome to Cape Town! You have chosen to come to one of the world’s most dynamic and vibrant and diverse cities. Cape Town is one of the significant cities of South Africa. It holds an important place as it plays a vital role administratively and culturally. Though the city has a soaring population, its population density is still low, as it has a fairly large area. Cape Town is famous for its natural and scenic beauty. Apart from the famous landmarks, it also houses a number of picturesque beaches. This makes the city a thrilling place to visit and explore. Interesting fact…….Cape Town is about 3 times the size of New York City, but has 5.25 million fewer inhabitants! That puts about 23,000 people fewer in your particular sq. mile :o)
Stanford staff in Cape Town are here to help you to settle into life in Cape Town, and to help you get the most from your time there, so please get to know us and ask us lots of questions!
WHO ARE WE?
Timothy Stanton
[email protected] Tim Stanton is Director of the Cape Town Bing Overseas Studies Programme. Prior to joining Overseas Studies Tim founded and directed the Scholarly Concentration in Community Health and Public Service at the School of Medicine. He helped found and served as Associate Director and Director of the Haas Center for Public Service from 1985-1999. He has taught in African Studies, American Studies, Education, Medicine, Public Policy, and Urban Studies. Beyond Stanford Tim leads a US initiative on community engagement and research universities as Engaged Scholar for Campus Compact, a national coalition of college and university presidents dedicated to promoting civic engagement and service-learning in higher education. He has published numerous articles on service-learning and engaged scholarship, and a book, Service-Learning: A Movement's Pioneers Reflect on its Origins, Practice, and Future. Tim first came to Cape Town in 1996 to participate in a conference at UCT. Starting in 1998 he has come here regularly on behalf of Stanford and to carry out various consulting assignments for South African universities and organizations. His wife, Sherry, is from Cape Town and served as student affairs administrator for the 2006 and 2008 pilot Overseas Studies programs here.
Janice McMillan
[email protected] Janice McMillan is Service-Learning Coordinator at the BOSP Cape Town Centre. She has a background in adult education and sociology and has been involved in service learning since 1999. Janice is also a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Town (UCT) where she has been since 1994. At UCT she is based in the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED) and co-ordinates the UCT Global Citizenship: leadership for Social Justice programme, a co-curricular programme across all departments at UCT. In particular she is the Convener of a course called Thinking about Volunteering: Service, boundaries and power, which is a critical reflection seminar for students involved in community service. Janice also works with academic departments on
service learning curriculum and staff development. She is a Board member of SHAWCO, the student volunteer organization, and a member of the UCT University social responsiveness committee (USRC). Janice is from Cape Town and her teaching and research interests lie in the intersection of education and development, in critical approaches to service learning, and social justice education. She holds a PhD in Sociology with a focus on qualitative service- learning research. She also has a passion for swimming, wine tasting, cooking, and reading travel books!
Jennifer McGhee
Jennifer McGhee is the Student and Academic Affairs Administrator at the BOSP Cape Town Center. Jennifer comes from Liverpool in the United Kingdom, The ‘pool of life’ as ‘Scousers’ like to call it, is also famous for producing ‘The Beatles’, and of course her beloved Liverpool Football club. Jennifer recently earned her MA in Cities, Culture & Regeneration with a thesis she developed in collaboration with the Development Action Group (DAG) in Cape Town, focusing on the role of NGOs in facilitating community participation in urban development. Prior to her graduate studies, Jennifer had experienced the magic of South Africa’s Mother city as a volunteer, working at various schools and non-profit making organizations throughout the city. Armed with this experience, Jennifer served as International Program Coordinator for the American Institute of Foreign Study (AIFS), managing international study abroad programs for American students around the world, including Cape Town. Jennifer has coordinated overseas study programs and service learning placements in and around Cape Town for six years. At AIFS Jennifer was also Marketing & Operations Coordinator while based in London for various American overseas programs. Prior to this work Jennifer developed a gap year program ‘Global Adventures Project’ (GAP) for AIFS, which enables students to join volunteer projects around the world, as part of their gap year experience. Jennifer is looking forward to welcoming students to Cape Town and answering questions like what does ‘scouse’ mean? And sharing her passion for this energetic and vibrant city.
Carol Esau
[email protected] Carol Esau is the Finance, Facilities and Technology Administrator for the BOSP Cape Town Center. She was born and raised in Elsie’s River, a township on the Cape Flats. Carol's many years of administrative experience includes working at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, University of the Western Cape and in the office of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu during his tenure as Archbishop of Cape Town. She also lived and worked in Windhoek, Namibia before it gained its independence from South Africa. Carol enjoys walking and doing yoga/pilates. She lives in Rondebosch with her husband Matthew, a priest in the Anglican (Episcopal) Diocese of Cape Town.
Jen Van Heerden
[email protected] Jen is currently completing a Masters in Social Anthropology and has an academic background in Medical Anthropology and Social Justice. She has been based at Enkululekweni Wellness Centre in Khayelitsha, doing participatory research with a group of elderly women focusing on disability grants as well as access to sanitation. Jen is on the Board of an amazing UCT student-run non-profit called Ubunye. Jen is a vegetarian who hates vegetables, particularly if they are green and leafy. She has a collection of hookah/shisha pipes and does a bit of running and yoga when the mood strikes.
Amy Herbertson
[email protected] Amy is the Resident/Student Assistant at the BOSP Cape Town Center. She is excited to be back in Cape Town to support students in their adventuring and discovery of this fantastic city! In her position as RA, she hopes to encourage bold (but safe!) exploration. Additionally, her goal is to foster an academic environment of curiosity and approaching cultural unknowns with empathy, openness, and compassion. While at Stanford she was an active member of the Women's Community Center and a regular in the Co-Op scene. The last time she was in South Africa she bungee-jumped off the world's highest commercial bungee. Plans for future South African adventures include Alligator Cage-diving and abseiling down Table Mountain!
COMMUNICATIONS
Resources All students are given a welcome pack including the following: Student & Program Handbook Student welcome letter Personal information form RICA form Computer network agreement form Emergency card/ useful numbers Cape Town 2012 guide book Cape Town maps Whistle All students will be asked to read the handbook thougherly, and sign that they have received, read and understood the information in the welcome pack.
Mail You can receive mail and packages at the Stanford centre. The address to give family and friends is: Stanford Center in Cape Town Student YOUR NAME PO. Box 14041 Mowbray Cape Town 7705 If a parcel is sent, the local post office in Observatory will hold it. Once the post office has received the mail, the Stanford centre will be notified and the relevant student can collect their mail from the post office.
• Packages must be addressed to YOUR NAME c/o Stanford Centre in Cape Town • Each student has a mailbox at the Stanford center. If you receive mail, staff will collect it from
the post office and put it in your mailbox. • Please note that packages can take several weeks to reach South Africa. If for any reason
mail or a package arrives after your departure, we will be unable to forward the package onto you. Please, therefore, remind friends and family of the programme dates so that parcels do not arrive for you after the programme has ended.
• If you plan to receive FED-EX packages during the program, it can be delivered directly to the Stanford centre during office hours, at the physical address at the front of this handbook.
Telephones Making direct-dial landline calls to the US will be very expensive so we recommend that you have an International calling card to make all your calls. If you do not already have one you can purchase one with calling charges from as little as 5¢s (South African Rand) a minute. There are two telephones at the residence, which can only be used with a calling card. The landlines phones do receive incoming calls. There are also public telephones in Observatory town center, less than 5 minutes walk from the residence.
Cell Phones It is compulsory for every student to purchase a local cell phone. The Stanford Center has negotiated for students to purchase a basic pay as you go cell phone with MTN. The cost of the cell phone is approximately R100. Students will be able to purchase airtime top up vouchers for making local calls and sending SMS. Students are responsible for the RICA of their own cell phone. Students are asked to read and sign the RICA declaration in the welcome packs, and agree to safely dispose of the SIM card after the program has ended. We also ask students to think about donating the handsets to the program, or ensure the handset is used responsibly within the community. South African cell phones operate on the GMS system. The country code for South Africa is 27,– to dial from the US enter 011 before this number then the local number. If the local number begins with a zero drop this initial zero before dialing the number.
USA to SA To call from the U.S. dial: 011 27 + area code + number SA to USA To call the U.S. from South Africa dial: 001 + area code + number Stanford strongly recommends that you purchase international calling cards to make calls back to US.
Internet, E-mail, Printing & Computer Access E-mail is the most used method of keeping in touch with family and friends back in the U.S. However, Internet access in South Africa operates very differently to the US. Internet access is purchased in terms of mega-bites. Therefore the more you download and upload the more mega-bites will be used. Modest use of the Internet for checking email is recommended. Downloading images, music etc. will be very costly. • Notification of all Stanford events and news updates will be made through e-mail, and students
are advised to check email every day. • Computer facilities are available at three locations; Residence, Stanford Centre and UCT • No computer or printer should be removed from its current location or disconnected from the
network. • Computer facilities are for Stanford in Cape Town students only • Students are responsible for dealing with any problems that arise with their own personal
laptops. Although Stanford staff can be consulted for assistance with your computers, they are not the responsibility of Stanford.
• Students are asked to read and sign a computer network agreement, which outlines the rules and regulations of using the computer network at the Stanford center and the residence.
Internet The Internet in South Africa does NOT resemble that found at Stanford. Because there is limited access due to a very small number of cable connections between southern Africa and Europe, the cost of Internet usage in South Africa is far greater than it is in the US and at Stanford. The speed is much lower. For these reasons students should not expect to use the Internet in Cape Town to engage in online coursework, download and watch movies, or conduct other bandwidth-intensive activities, which they may do without thought at Stanford. It is critical that students adjust their expectations accordingly.
Internet at the Stanford Centre The Stanford centre has four desktop computers with open access to the Internet. Students are able to use their own laptops to access the Internet wirelessly in the student lounge area using the voucher system explained below.
Internet at the Residence Wireless Internet is available at the residence. The programme will provide students with four vouchers throughout the program. Each voucher is for 1.33GB of bandwidth per student. The vouchers will be issued to each student at the centre on the dates below. If you exceed your voucher allocation before you receive your next voucher, you can purchase additional bandwidth at 20c per mega-bite directly from the Red Button website. There are two Stanford computer stations at the residence, which have ADSL Internet access for email for communal use at Freeland Lodge. The wireless system and the ADSL system at the residence operates on the same voucher system. Please note, that the wireless system at the centre also operates using your voucher credits.
As there are only two-computer stations at the residence, there is a preliminary 30-minute limit for each period of Internet use. This will allow students without laptops equal access to the Internet. This time limit will be reviewed on a regular basis by the RA and program coordinator. Internet vouchers will be distributed at the center on the following dates:
1) 5th April 2) 26th April 3) 17th May 4) 31st May
If the Redbutton network goes down at the residence after hours, please let the RA know, who will then call: 0748523260, or: 0713604341 (Redbutton after hours number) to investigate the network problem. If the network goes down during office hours, please contact Carol as the Stanford center.
UCT Computer Access You will have access to the Internet and computer stations at University of Cape Town. Students will also have access to Vula to access course materials. There are also photocopiers and printing facilities at the University. Students wishing to print at UCT need to purchase printing cards at the University.
Internet Café’s There are several Internet café’s in the Observatory area for uploading photographs etc., at a small cost.
Abuse or Misuse of the Network All students are required to sign a network agreement before being able to connect to the network. Contravention of any rule pertaining to use of the network will result in a block on access to the network, and possibly, disciplinary action.
Printing, Photocopying, Scanning and Faxing Stanford has provided a black and white laser printer at the residence for use by all students. Stanford will provide the toner cartridges and students will be asked to provide their own paper. These services are also available at the centre. Students have access to a black and white laser cluster printer. Again Stanford will provide the toner cartridges and students will provide their own paper. For photocopying, scanning and faxing, please consult a Stanford staff member for costs.
Rags 2 Riches SHAWCOs Rags 2 Riches recycles quality used clothing and sells the clothing at affordable prices. SHAWCO places containers in student residences, faculty buildings and offices at the University of Cape Town, and at the Stanford center. Students and staff fill the containers with any clothing they no longer need. SHAWCO collects the donated items from the containers on set dates. Rags 2 Riches is a Social Entrepreneurial project planning to run as a social business. All profits from this venture are directly used to fund the SHAWCO Saturday school and sending these Learners through University.
Suggestion box There is a suggestion box at the Stanford center. We value your constructive ideas and suggestions on all aspects of the program, and look forward to receiving your suggestions. Alternatively, you can shat to staff directly about your thoughts & ideas, we would be happy to hear them!
PROGRAM EVENTS
Orientation Program Orientation: Thursday, April 5
Service-Learning Orientation: Thursday, April 12
UCT Registration & Public Transport Orientation: Friday, April 13
City Orientation: Saturday, April 14
Communities Orientation: Wednesday, April 18
Peninsular Orientation: Friday, May 4
Bing Events Welcome Meal: Friday, April 13 Farewell Meal: Friday, June 15 Bing Excursion: Friday, May 18-20 Cultural event 1: Saturday, May 5 Cultural event 2: TBC
Optional Events Other optional events may be added to the Schedule throughout the program.
Cultural Events Most, but not all, of the events are funded through the generosity of Peter and Helen Bing. Their purpose is not only to enhance students’ cultural awareness, but also to foster a sense of community. All events are offered under specific conditions, namely: • For the Bing Events; Welcome Dinner, Farewell Dinner, the weekend excursion, two Bing
cultural events, and the other programmed culture events (City tour, Peninsular tour) it is assumed that all students will attend. For other optional events, students will be asked to sign up to attend and tickets/bookings made accordingly.
• If an event is required, or if you indicate that you will attend an event, and then do not do so,
you will be charged the full amount of any cost incurred that cannot be cancelled or recovered. Sometimes, theatre tickets can be offered to non-programme members, but only if they are prepared to pay full price for them.
• There will be a co-payment of R200 for the weekend trip, and co-payments for the other two
cultural trips will be announced throughout the program. Co-payment of either 10% or R35 ($5), which ever is less, is required of all students attending. If paying this will cause financial difficulty, please speak to the Director about the matter. Co-payments are not required for meals or other day trips.
• Students who inform the program that they cannot attend a particular event on the date
offered will not receive funding to attend the event on another date on their own. • Detailed information about each event will be distributed, usually by e-mail, to all students
prior to the event. • Notification of those costs which are not be covered by the Programme, if any, will be included
with the detailed information. • Transport costs for events occurring outside Cape Town will normally be covered. If you
choose to travel to or from an event independently, the Programme will not cover the cost of doing so.
• All students are required to write a personal letter to Peter and Helen Bing, which should be a serious reflection of their overall experience on the Programme. This is not only so that the Bings receive feedback on how their support of the overseas programs is being applied. It is also a matter of “reciprocity” - a courtesy that indicates to them that their support of the Programme is of some value to you and that you are prepared to spend time to tell them about it. The letter does not need to make any reference to, or express gratitude for, the funding of the specific events, although they can be referred to, of course. These letters must be written on headed notepaper, available from Jen, and should be handed into the office no later than Friday 8th June 2012.
• Students who do not write a letter, as described above, will be excluded from the second group
dinner, or the final event of the term, whichever falls later.
UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN
UCT All students will register at UCT, and will have a UCT ID card. This allows student’s access to UCT campus, library, computer network, Vula, Jammie shuttle bus service, and sports and recreational clubs & societies. Membership fees maybe applicable to some clubs. UCT also has a newly built gym. Students can join for a fee of approximately R300 per quarter (UCT prices are subject to change).
Library Students can check books out of the UCT library. Students are responsible for any late return charges of books to the library. There is also a small library at the centre, which will have at least one copy of the majority of books required for your courses, for short – loan and reference only.
MONEY MATTERS
Currency The currency in South Africa is the RAND or the ZAR. As of 03/22/12 are 1.00 USD : 7.712 ZAR. The Rand is denoted by the symbol R1. R7 = $1. Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks, American express and Rennies Travel. Notes issued include R200, R100, R50, R20, R10; coins R5, R2, R1, 50c 20c, 10c, 5c. Currency exchange rates are available at banks and are published daily in the press.
Budgeting Budgets and spending habits vary enormously. A good budget for personal spending is approximately $900 per month in Cape Town. If you plan to add other excursions add $100-200 for each trip you plan to take. There are a number of excursions offered by Stanford and certainly enough to do in Cape Town to keep you occupied the whole time.
Emergency Money Should you need to have emergency money wired to you during the program, you can use either the Amex MoneyGram service or Western Union. • American Express guarantees to transfer a sum of money within minutes from the U.S. to
Cape Town. (For example, it would cost $40 to have $500 sent, $20 to have $200 sent.) For more information regarding the MoneyGram service, in the U.S. call 1-800-543-4080.
• The fastest and most efficient way to get money transferred is through Western Union’s WILL CALL system. Depositors in the U.S. phone Western Union at (800) 325-6000. They can then organize to send the money either on a credit card or by purchasing a money order.
Money Handling Recommendations • Try to exchange money at a bank or post office during the week. Most banks are open for
limited if any hours on the weekend. • Try to avoid "Bureau de Change", these always charge commission and generally offer less
favorable exchange rates.
• Don't over tip. Refer to a staff or advice on tipping. In some places, a tip may already be included in your bill.
• Never, ever carry large sums of cash on you. If it is lost or stolen there is no way to replace it.
ATM Cards ATM machines are the best way to access funds internationally. Before using your ATM card internationally, make sure you have informed your bank that you will be abroad for the quarter. This will prevent the bank putting a block on your account. Accessing your personal bank account for funds will allow you the best exchange rate (5% or more better than the retail rate given by most banks).
Credit Cards The most recognized are Visa, MasterCard or American Express (Visa is the safest and most widely accepted). If you have a PIN for your credit card, you will able to get a cash advance at an ATM, however, cash advances should be used in an emergency only as interest rates are very high.
Travelers’ Checks Travelers’ checks a safe and most reliable form of money when travelling. All major U.S. travellers’ checks are accepted in South Africa. The most widely recognized are American Express, Bank of America, Barclay, and Citicorp. Keep track of all checks as you spend them by keeping a written record separate from the checks.
VAT (Value Added Tax): Currently set at 14%, VAT is included in the marked/quoted price of most goods and services. Foreign visitors are not exempt from paying VAT on purchased goods. They may, however, claim back VAT paid on items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R 250.00. Receipts can be taken to the VAT office at Cape Town international airport at the time of departure to claim a refund.
Meal Money Every student will be given a ATM card for Standard Bank, and a four-digit pin code. Meal money allowance will be loaded onto the ATM cards every two weeks automatically. Students can then withdraw the cash. No advances will be given unless cleared with the program Director. Students will be charged R50 for lost cards. Meal money will be loaded onto student meal money ATM cards on the following dates:
1) 5th April 2) 20th April 3) 4th May 4) 18th May 5) 1st June
Meal money will be given to students up until the day the student departs the program. Please note, that the cost of course readers, and Bing event copayments will be deducted from your meal money. You will be informed of this in advance via email.
Health and Medical Care
We hope you remain fit and well during your stay in Cape Town, but you may find that at some point you need to see a doctor. If you do fall ill, here are the procedures you should follow: In the event of illness you should contact Stanford staff. (Resident assistant, and/or program coordinator) in the first instance. If necessary you can ask a friend to do this for you, and we will help to make a Doctor’s appointment as soon as possible.
IF YOU ARE ILL OUTSIDE OF OFFICE HOURS……….. You have two options:
1. In an Emergency, dial 112 (from cell phone) for emergency services, and state that you require a Private hospital. You will be taken to Vincent Pallotti Hospital, then call Stanford staff. If you are taken to a state hospital (Groote Schuur Hospital) state that you have private medical insurance, and you will be transferred to a private hospital.
2. If the situation is less urgent, but you feel you need assistance, contact Stanford staff immediately on: 0710878965 (24hr emergency number) Program this into your phone under the header ICE. ICE stands for “In Case of Emergency” and emergency services normally look for these numbers first.
3. Common illnesses such as colds and flu in most cases will not require medical assistance. If you visit a local pharmacy, ask a qualified pharmacist for advice. You will usually be told which medicines you can buy over-the-counter to make you feel better.
When you visit the doctor, please make sure you take along your medical insurance claim form. The doctor must fill in the medical aspect of the form, and sign. Please ensure to request and keep all receipts from medical expenses to support your claim. Consult your individual medical policy for coverage details, inclusions and exclusions.
Personal Health Care • In the event of any medical emergency (blood loss, unconsciousness or disorientation), call for
an ambulance. DIAL 112. Program into your cel l phones! ! ! ! ! • Contact Stanford staff as soon as it is safe and practical to do so. • Locate the first aid boxes in the kitchen of both residences. • Look out for each other and let staff know if you have concerns about any student’s health,
physical or emotional. Remember too that you can come to a staff member at any time if your need to talk, are feeling depressed, disorientated or struggling to cope with being in Cape Town.
TRANSPORT
Public Transport We have a public transport orientation on Wednesday 11th April. You will be accompanied by Stanford staff on the infamous mini bus taxis into town, we will negotiate the minibus taxi system into the city, and travel back to Observatory via train. At the end of the orientation you should feel comfortable with using public transport.
Mini-bus Taxi Public transportation in Cape Town consists of trains, buses, and 'mini bus-taxis'. While these modes of transportation are generally safe during the day, students are highly discouraged from using them (especially trains and mini bus-taxis) outside of regular commuter hours (7:30AM to 5:30PM, M-F). In South Africa, 'mini bus-taxis' are very different from the traditional 'metered' taxis that most of us are used to in the States. They are much cheaper than conventional metered taxis (most fares are under R10), and are heavily used by Capetonians from poorer townships and outlying areas. Mini bus-taxi routes and stops can be extremely confusing, and you shouldn't attempt to ride them alone, especially when traveling to the townships and areas at a significant distance from the city. If you choose to take a mini bus-taxi, travel with at least 2 other students, preferably with someone who is very familiar with routes and destinations. You should NOT board a mini bus-taxi that is empty and you should remove valuables and/or keep money in a secure place before you leave. All students will participate in a practical public transport orientation with Stanford staff during orientation week.
Train The train has two different ‘classes’ of travel. Metro – which is the general carriage, and Metro-Plus which is the ‘upper class’ carriage. Usually the difference is that security will be present on the Metro-plus carriage. Although this is not always the case. We recommend that students purchase tickets for the Metro-plus carriage, which is usually R1 or R2 more expensive than a general ticket.
The UCT Jammie Shuttle The “Jammie” transports students to all parts of the UCT Campus and adjacent neighborhoods. The two stops nearest to the Stanford residences are at the Health Sciences Building, Route 9C, in Anzio Rd. and Liesbeeck Gardens, Route 9, on Durban Rd. near Mowbray Station. The Jammie shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes in Durban Rd and 20-30 minutes in Anzio Rd. The route map and schedule can be downloaded at http://www.uct.ac.za/students/services/transport/maps/. Transport for events or activities will always be covered by the programme. Transport for optional events will be included in the price quoted to you.
Private (Metered) Taxis When exploring the city, you are strongly encouraged to use an organized/metered taxi service (Excite Taxis) for transport around the city. We specifically recommend that students use this service when travelling in the evenings. Excite have various size vehicles, and can take up to 7 passengers. Planning ahead is important; you can call ahead and order a taxi to pick you up at specific times, door to door, safe transport. Excite Taxi’s: 021 448 4444
Placement Transport Transport will be provided to and from service-learning and/or research placements that require transport, and a transport schedule will be distributed. If you are able to use public transport to access your placement site, the cost of doing so will be reimbursed. Using public transport is encouraged where possible. Transport to and from organizations is a necessary, but significant cost to the program, and contributes to a large carbon footprint! The program provides transport to placements organized into a specific schedule in the most efficient and cost effectively way possible.
Transport Costs Once the schedule is confirmed with students, students are asked to stick to the transport group as outlined in the transport schedule. If students fail to use the transport provided, without a minimum of 24 hours notification of cancellation, the student will be charged the full cost of the one-way transport to their placement. If the partners are responsible for the cancellation of the transport due to a change in the organization’s plans, then with confirmation from the organization, students will not be charged for transport.
Transport Cost Guidelines: Location Cost – One Way Khayelitsha R220 Gugulethu R190 Nyanga R190 Mitchells Plain R200 Lavender Hill R200 Pinelands R150 Athlone R150
ACADEMIC INFORMATION A class schedule, and program itinerary will be circulated at orientation. General notes: • Academic deadlines are set, as illustrated previously. • Consult course syllabi for specific course related information and material. • Punctuality – All lecturers have a full teaching schedule, and should not be expected to delay
the start of a lecture or re-schedule due to students failure to attend classes. Failure to attend classes or service-learning placements may adversely affect final grades.
• Personal travel away from Cape Town is not a valid reason for requesting changes in class or service learning times, or assignment deadline dates.
• If you are taking a course with flexible units, consult with your lecturer to determine the additional work required for those units.
• Dates of official program sponsored events and academic trips will be announced throughout the program.
• Books are available for purchase at Clarkes book store. Telephone: 021 423 5739. Note, opening hours; Monday – Friday: 9am to 5pm, Saturday: 9am to 1pm. The bookstore is not open on Sundays.
Library & Course Readings • Most courses use Vula to post academic readings • If your course has a reader, it is available via pre-order only. If students sign to order a reader,
the student is responsible for the full cost of the reader, even if the course requiring the reader is dropped. The cost will be deducted from meal money.
• The center has a library. Books can be borrowed, but must be signed out and signed back in using the loans book. The system operates on an honor system, so please make sure you follow the rules.
• There is no loan limit on books, but we ask that students be mindful of returning popular books, or books required for courses for other students to utilize.
• There is a library catalog available on the bookshelf, with a list of available books.
SERVICE-LEARNING & RESEARCH PLACEMENTS Students are expected to engage in service-learning, which is integrated with one or more course offerings each quarter. Service-learning is a means of getting to know aspects of South African society, which are largely inaccessible any other way. More information about research and service-learning opportunities can be found on the BOSP Cape Town Program website. It is our intention to provide a service-learning program that; • Integrates service to the local community with academic study • Complements classroom learning with practical experience • Develops personal skills Many of you will be taking part in an integrated approach to learning and community involvement by being active in service projects. All of the service placements are designed to meet the needs of local communities and help build a network of social responsibility. Service-learning in a local South African community will be a physical and emotional challenge, unlike anything students have undertaken before. Students will require patience, understanding, compassion and a good sense of humor! Service placements are made based on the interests, goals and needs of the community, and the skills and experience of the student. Students are expected to work at their service placements 2 full days per week as scheduled: Wednesday and Thursday. Service-learning placements will commence on Thursday, April 19, 2012. During orientation week, students will have the opportunity to discuss service-learning opportunities and interests, and visit some of the communities involved.
Service-learning and Research Claims & Reimbursements: Request for funding for use at service-learning and research placements There is a small budget available for students to access that can be used to cover costs associated with their service-learning placement. Please note the following: • Each student may apply for a maximum of R200. • The money can be used to cover all non-transport related costs. Travel reimbursement must
be applied for separately. • Students may apply for money to cover photocopying, printing photographs, stationary, and
for purchasing refreshments at the end of the quarter. Pricing guidelines for photocopying are outlined at the copier machine.
• Students at the same placement may apply in a group for a group project. • If students would like to access more money, or for different purposes as outlined here, please
be in touch with Jen van Heerden or Tim Stanton for research. The procedure for applying for funding from the programme is as follows: • Complete a request form and hand to Jen van Heerden or Tim Stanton for research. • Once your request has been approved, students may go ahead and purchase whatever supplies
they need. • Students will not be given a cash reimbursement, but will have the money added to their meal
allowance. If students apply for money after the last meal allowance for the quarter has been allocated, they will be reimbursed with cash after handing-in a receipt.
• Students MUST hand-in receipts before reimbursement. Students will not receive any money without handing in a receipt.
• Receipts must be handed in by June 8th 2012. No late receipts will be accepted and students will forfeit reimbursement if they do not hand-in receipts on time.
• IMPORTANT: We will not reimburse students for money that has not been pre-approved.
Research Students in the Cape Town program are encouraged to engage in a targeted, community-based research project sponsored by the Program and a set of Western Cape community organization partners. Although students may choose the focus of their research, it must respond to information needs expressed by Western Cape communities or NGOs and be endorsed by one or more of the program’s partner organizations. The targeted research option is best pursued by students who choose to study in Cape Town for TWO QUARTERS, or at least during Spring Quarter and the following summer. Research projects for Winter Quarter only are not likely to be approved. Contact Tim Stanton for more information.
ACCOMMODATION IN CAPE TOWN While attending the BOSP Cape Town Programme you will be staying at either 6 Herschel Road (Freeland Lodge) or 8 Herschel Road in the Southern suburbs neighborhood of Observatory. Both residences are next to each other, with access between both properties via a lockable door. There are two students per room, unless otherwise requested (see rooming list). Most students find these accommodations to be satisfactory. They enjoy the friendships that they develop with classmates and the time to share and reflect on their experience in the program. However, students should also note that the space is small and very public, which makes privacy a challenge at times for some. While the housing provided is far superior and more comfortable than that experienced by most South Africans, it may not resemble Stanford’s most comfortable dormitories or the kinds of homes many students are accustomed to in the US or other first world countries. We encourage students to come to Cape Town to experience it as it is, as most South Africans do, and not to continually compare it to “home.” An accepting, inquisitive attitude will serve you well and help ensure that you have a fantastic experience.
Housing Staff Freeland Lodge and 8 Herschel Road properties are managed by David and Annemarie Kriel. David and Annemarie are siblings who have been managing student accommodation in Observatory for many years. They will be at the lodge frequently to look after maintenance issues. If there are any issues or problems with the residence, contact the RA who will then contact David immediately. David Kriel: 0824554464 Annemarie Kriel : 0823344482
Cleaning Zenele is the housekeeper at Freeland Lodge and 8 Herschel Road. Common areas are cleaned three times a week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Bedrooms WILL NOT be cleaned; this area is the responsibility of the students to keep clean. There is also a handyman - Patrick who maintains the buildings and does repairs.
Laundry There are laundry – washer / dryer – facilities in the accommodation (three washing machines and one coin operated tumble dryer which takes R12, 2-new five-Rand coins and a two Rand coin).
Bed linen Linen is provided, however you are expected to wash your own linen, make your own beds, and keep the rooms clean and tidy. Towels are provided, but can also be purchased locally for 80 Rand if you would like additional towels.
Meals Meals will be provided for you at the residence five evenings per week (Sunday through to Thursday), by a catering company called “The Business of Catering”. Hot evening meals will be provided at approximately 6pm each evening. You will have access to a communal kitchen for cooking and preparing Lunch and breakfast. Each student will receive a meal stipend as previously discussed. There are many local grocery shops in the area to purchase breakfast, lunch and dinner to suit any budget. The Observatory area is full of student bars, cafes and restaurants, specifically designed to cater for all tastes, and student budgets.
ACCOMMODATION FOR GUESTS As mentioned above, overnight guests are not permitted at the residence. There are, however, some other local options for friends and family to try: Koornhoop Manor House Cnr Wrensch / London Roads Observatory, Cape Town (+27) 021-4480595 Just 2 minutes walk from the Stanford houses -- 8 en-suite double and single rooms and 2 large furnished self-catering apartments (3 bedrooms, lounge and kitchen). Offers a full-spread continental breakfast, secure parking, a beautiful big garden to relax in, and personalized service from hosts - Vic and Trish Smith. 33 South Boutique backpackers 33 South, 48 Trill Road Observatory, Cape Town (+27) 21 447 24 23 email: [email protected] http://www.33southbackpackers.com/ Opened at the end of 2007, just around the corner from the residence. "Boutique Backpackers" is a new concept which describes 33 South's ideal: a trendy, themed, stylish, clean, comfortable (boutique) establishment which still maintains the key features of a great backpackers: it's homely, communal, affordable, safe and has a self-catering option. Brentwood Guest house +27 (0) 21 448-8840 8 en-suite double rooms (3 with fireplace). Home from home hospitality and value-for-money accommodation. Dinner on request. No children under 12. Little Scotia Guest house 5 Rustenburg Avenue Rondebosch , Cape Town
Tel: (+27 21) 686 8245 email: [email protected] http://www.scotia.co.za/ Fifteen guest-room B&B located in Rondebosch (the neighborhood next to Obs). “Little Scotia is a relaxed and homely Bed & Breakfast guest house in the heart of historic Rondebosch on the doorstep of the University of Cape Town (UCT). The homestead, though steeped in history, has been tastefully modernized.” Aloe House B&B Frank Gaude 12 Howe Street Observatory, Cape Town Tel: +27 214485337 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.aloehouse.co.za Small (2 room) guest house located 4 or 5 blocks away from the Stanford houses. Wild Sage Mountain B&B 70 Arnold Street Observatory, Cape Town Small B&B offering 2 self-catering apartments (each with 2 rooms). Also about 5 blocks from the Stanford houses. At Villa Garda B&B (Mowbray) 5 Osborne Rd Mowbray, Cape Town Frederic Rusterholz +27 21 762 1543
Safety & Security in Cape Town While an overseas study experience is usually an extremely safe one, it is important to remember basic safety precautions that anyone should take in an unfamiliar environment. Most experts would advise that the likelihood of someone traveling overseas being involved in an incident is extremely low. We recommend that all students register with the local American embassy, Smart Traveler Enrollment program (STEP): http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_4789.html We also ask you to complete on arrival a ‘Personal information sheet’, which will be kept on file at the student center in case of emergencies. All information is confidential and will be held securely.
Program & Residential Safety & Security
Overview of Observatory’s Social Context
Concentration of Students especially international students • Observatory is generally a safe, student orientated neighborhood, but outsiders know that international students are likely to have computers, electronics, cameras and money, leading to opportunistic crime. Thus, there is a need to be cautious and vigilant at all times.
Neighborhood Resources • Vetus Schola is the local security company in Observatory, but will be taken over by Orbis on May 1st 2012. The same contact number is applicable for both organisations. They are available by calling: 072 063 1653 if there are suspicious people or activity around the house. If called, they will come and escort them away. Security officers are also available by telephone as walking escorts from clubs and restaurants in the neighborhood to the residence in the evenings. • Woodstock Police service Observatory. The Stanford centre has good contacts with them, and are in contact with them regularly for crime updates etc. Telephone: 021 442 3117/210 • Obs Neighborhood Watch. Stanford is a member of the Observatory Neighborhood Watch program. There are walks taking place in Observatory 10 -15 times each month. Students are encouraged to join these walks. The schedule is available from the Stanford center.
Homelessness & Solicitations on the street • Do not give money to homeless people or street children, as there is no way of knowing if that money is used for drug &/or alcohol problems. There are food vouchers from a scheme called “food in the hood” that are available at Pick n Pay and Kwik Spar. You can give homeless people these vouchers, which can be exchanged for food. • Never respond to solicitations at the residence. This helps to prevent people from hanging around the residence expecting handouts. • If homeless people are found sleeping on the residence stoop, call the local security service to remove the person. Do not attempt to interact with the homeless, as their behavior can be unpredictable. • If you are uncomfortable walking down the street when you see a stranger, turn around and go another way. • It is ok to greet people (say hi), but you do not have to make eye contact or stop and speak to people on the street. If in doubt, just keep on walking. • Do not give out your personal information to strangers, be vague “I live in Obs…oh…around Lower Main”. • Maintain space. If people are in your space and making you uncomfortable make it known.
Personal Safety Rules in and around Observatory & Cape Town • NEVER walk around by yourself especially at night. Stay with friends or use the walking escorts, if you need to get to and from Lower Main or elsewhere in Obs. • Keep important phone numbers with you and in your phone. • Carry the whistle provided with you to alert people if you see something happening, or if something is happening to you. • Be alert when you are walking. Carry your bag close to you. If you need to carry a computer, use a book bag as opposed to a specific computer bag that draws obvious attention. • Walk together, in groups, to any event that may involve retuning to your accommodation after dark, or late at night. If you are on your own, take a recommended private hire, metered taxi back to the residence. • Avoid running by yourself if possible. • Never carry valuables such as purses, wallets, cameras, phones etc., in any pocket where pickpockets can reach them. One-shoulder purses are particularly easy to snatch. If you have a purse that goes across your body, it is a better idea to wear it. Backpacks are also vulnerable, especially in crowds. Some students have had success using key rings or backpack locks to close their bags. Messenger bags that are worn at the side can also be useful. • Always leave a copy of passport and valuable documentation where you can find them in an emergency situation, or at the Stanford Center.
• Carry the emergency contact numbers with you at all times, and program the numbers into your cell phone. The center has issued everyone with a small laminated card, giving emergency contact telephone numbers, Stanford numbers and US embassy numbers for your use. Keep this with you, but not in your wallet, so you can access it in the event of an emergency. • Don’t advertise the fact that you are American by, for example, wearing your US college sweatshirt/ baseball cap etc. • Try to blend into the local culture as much as possible and avoid group behavior, which attracts attention. • Do not get into political discussions with people you don’t know. • Do not give out your residence address to people you meet, until you know them well. • If you plan to be away from your residence overnight, please give travel and contact details directly to Stanford staff in the office or via email for us to have in case of an emergency. • Do not pull out a map in public as it alerts those around you to the fact that you are a tourist. If you need to consult a map, duck into a shop to check. • If you are taking a tour (i.e. in and around the City Center and/or surrounding townships), stick closely with your tour group. • Pay attention to those around you; be wary of people approaching you trying to sell you things. • It’s a good idea to have a computer lock to secure your laptop to your desk. • Watch out for one and other. • Don’t leave anyone alone in a bar or unfamiliar area.
Health & Wellbeing • Watch out for mental health or adjustment issues in yourself and with other students. Inform
staff if there are problems. • There are first aid boxes at the residence (top of fridge) and at the center. There are emergency first aid signs & instructions near the chalkboard at the residence. • Don’t take unnecessary risks - HIV/AIDS is prominent in South Africa. Please be prepared to act responsibly. Condoms are available at the Stanford Centre and in Freeland Lodge. • If you are going to have any form of sex, please use protection. • The HIV rate in Cape Town is very high (approximately 25% of young adults), and in townships the rate is higher. • The consequences of unsafe sex in South Africa can be much higher than back at Stanford/in US. PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Don’t be too shy to ask your partner to get tested and to ask to see their papers. People may not be honest! Also, if this is a one-night stand is it really worth it? Please make good decisions for yourself and your health! PROTECT YOURSELF! • Alcohol consumption - Drink responsibly. Don’t make yourself a vulnerable target; keep your wits about you. Do not put your drink down. Keep it with you at all times. • Drugs: Not tolerated by Stanford - you can be sent home for taking drugs or dealing drugs. The consequences for possession are not the same universally, and are different in SA to the USA. Don’t end up in South African prison.
Travelling around Observatory & Cape Town • NEVER walk alone at night! This applies to both MEN AND WOMEN. • No one has ever been attacked in Observatory when walking with one other person. Do not walk alone at night! • In the daytime it is generally okay to walk around alone. Just be careful and know where you are and where you are going. Keep track of your possessions and keep them out of sight. • Generally, try to walk in groups of three/four, especially in Cape Town city center. Join the Obs running club if you don’t want to run alone. It’s always better to run with at least one other person. The Observatory Running Club (ORC) was founded in 2010 to meet the needs of
Observatory residents, and friends, who wanted a social club with which to share their enthusiasm for running as well as meet new people. Currently there is a club run 10km (Wednesday) and 5km (Friday) meeting at 6:00pm at the War memorial opposite Spar on Wednesdays and at 5:45pm on Fridays, when the run is followed by beers. All standards welcome. [email protected] • Make use of the Jammie Shuttle and program-approved, metered taxis, whenever possible. • The center recommends that you use Excite taxis (metered taxi). They are reliable and safe. They use GPS and meter their trips. Always use this service at night. • Minibuses along Main Road are fine to take during normal business hours. Do NOT take them at night! Do NOT take minibuses outside the city center or anywhere that you do not know your way around in. They are only safe when the vehicle looks in good condition, and there are other people in the taxi. NEVER get into an empty one. • Don’t try to pay with large bills (100 or 200R) on a minibus. Keep change. You make yourself a target when you pull out large bills. • Trains are also safe during business hours, and in the first class or Metro-Plus carriages. Do not use trains after dark. We recommend the Cape Town – Simons town route only.
Rules for using public transport… 1. NEVER travel using public transport after dusk/ dark. 2. NEVER travel with anything valuable 3. NEVER travel with large amounts of cash 4. ALWAYS try to travel with a friend 5. ALWAYS plan your route & check timetables in advance 6. ALWAYS use a Stanford recommended private hire metered taxi for travel in the evenings 7. ALWAYS use EXCITE TAXIS after dark (021 448 4444)
Residence Safety & Security Rules • *We have recently undertaken a security review of the residence, and there will be some structural changes to the residence throughout Spring quarter 2012.
Residence Rules: 1. While attending the BOSP Cape Town Programme, you are bound by the Fundamental Standard, as you would be on campus. In particular, you have agreed to “act in ways that demonstrate respect for order, morality, personal honor, and the rights of others.” 2. Students must agree to, and sign the housing agreement for the BOSP residence in Cape Town. 3. Communal living requires everyone to take individual responsibility and Collective responsibility! One person’s negligent act (i.e., leaving outside gate open) can endanger everyone else! In a group living situation you are responsible for yourself and each other.
4. Drug abuse, including excessive consumption of alcohol, is viewed with zero tolerance. Engagement in these or related illegal and/or socially unacceptable activities will lead to disciplinary action and possible expulsion from the program. 5. Should any costs arise out of unacceptable activities, such as excessive drinking (transport to hospital for instance), the costs must be borne by the individual or group concerned.
6. Noise, of any sort, must cease by 11.00 p.m. or earlier if it is likely to impact on the neighboring residents, the occupiers of adjoining properties, or other house members. Students must get permission from RA prior to an event taking place at the residence. 7. Damage, of any kind, to the buildings or anything contained within the buildings must be paid for by those responsible. If an individual or group does not claim responsibility, the cost of refurbishment, repair or replacement will be charged to all House members. 8. A refundable deposit of 200R will be taken from all students for lost/stolen keys or keypads or damage on arrival. 9. Overnight guests are not allowed in the residence. Please see accommodation suggestions for guests. 10. No guests should be allowed into the house without a Stanford Resident’s identification and approval of that person. Letting a person you do not know into the gate can be very dangerous, and becomes your responsibility. 11. Interference with smoke or heat detectors, the fire extinguishers or alarm bells is not permitted. 12. No smoking is allowed indoor or outdoors within the grounds of the residence, or the Stanford centre. 13. No animals, of any kind, may be kept at the residence. 14. Never leave doors unlocked or windows open. You are responsible for the security of your own belongings and should take all necessary precautions. 15. Do not leave personal belongings in the common areas. 16. Please respect fellow guests’ property. 17. Under no circumstances are students allowed on the roof of any building. 18. Ensure all doors close and lock behind you. 19. Keep doors and windows closed when you are not in the room. 20. Lock bedroom doors and windows at night, and close curtains. 21. Valuables in sight attract potential thieves (fishing). When you are not in your room put valuables away in the closet.
Security at the Residence • Security & Keys. - Freeland lodge and 8 Herschel Road have a high security gate with a fingerprint security system. The dorm rooms will have keys. There will be a charge of 200R for lost keys. • The front perimeter is topped by an alarmed electrically charged wire. If the wire is triggered, security services will be notified immediately. • The South side passage of Hershel #8 has a beam that is alarmed 24 hours a day. This area is a “No Go” area for students. • Don’t be careless. Make sure you close and lock the gates. If you swing it closed sometimes it
bounces open. • NEVER let people you don’t know into the house. Don’t be afraid of offending people. If they say they know someone, then find that person to let them in. When you let someone into the house, they become your responsibility as you are opening up everyone’s space to that person. • Leave in smaller groups when exiting the house to go out. When you leave in large groups and make tons of noise people know the house is empty. • Locking doors and windows: important if you are not in the house. Close curtains. • Valuables in sight attract potential thieves. (fishing) When not in your room put valuables away in closet. • Please lock doors at night- perimeter, while secure, are not foolproof. • In rooms facing onto the public road, at the front of the houses, “fishing” items out of open windows does happen, so keep windows closed, when you are not there. • Both houses at the residence are alarmed, but the alarm is not set unless everyone is away from the residence. • Both houses have panic buttons which if, triggered will alert the security service immediately. • If the alarm goes off, the local security service will arrive at the house to verify the alarm has either gone off accidental or there has been an intruder, who must be dealt with. • Students will be taught how to use the alarm during the residence orientation.
Fire at the Residence • The residences have several fire extinguishers in common areas. Find out and remember where they are. • Each bedroom has a fire extinguisher. Know where it is located. • Students will be trained on how to use the fire equipment and what to do in the event of a fire at the residence. • Students must keep living areas tidy, and exits clear at all times. •
Service-Learning Safety • Wait indoors at your placement until transport has arrived to pick you up. • During research project / service-learning work, utilize local hosts as 'guides' and travel with them whenever possible.
ATM Safety • NEVER let anyone help you at an ATM. • If you are approached by anyone while you are drawing money, cancel your transaction
immediately, take your card and walk away. • NEVER let anyone see your PIN number.
• Try to go to the ATM with a friend who can be aware of the surroundings while you are busy at the ATM.
• If your ATM card is STOLEN, or if someone see’s your PIN number, cancel your card with the appropriate bank (see contact numbers at the front of the handbook). Then contact a staff member, and inform the police.
• If your ATM card is SWOLLOWED by the card machine, your card is safe. It will remain in the machine until it is destroyed. If the card is a US card, you will need to contact the bank and order a new card. If it is a Standard bank card, inform a staff member during office hours, and we can order you a new card.
Emergency Procedure’s The Stanford centre staff has devised a series of responses/ actions to be followed in the event of local, national, or international emergencies, which includes; • In the event of any serious medical emergency (blood loss, unconsciousness or disorientation), call for an ambulance. DIAL 112 from a cell phone. Program that number into your cel l phones! ! ! ! ! • Contact Stanford staff as soon as it is safe and practical to do so. Emergency number is: 0710878965. Program this as “Incase of Emergency” (ICE) Number into your cell phone. • Locate the first aid boxes in the kitchen of 6 Herschel residence. • Look out for each other and let staff know if you have concerns about any student’s health, physical or emotional. • Remember too that you can come to a staff member at any time if your need to talk, are feeling depressed, disorientated or struggling to cope with being in Cape Town. • There is a rota, nominating a member of staff to be ‘on call’ during the evenings and weekends for students to contact should the Resident assistant not be available, or be unable to deal with an incident. You may reach this staff person by calling 0710878965. Program that number into your cel l phones! ! ! ! !
Student Responsibility for Safety • You are an individual living in a communal living environment, so you have a responsibility to act in a way that keeps everyone safe. • Close your curtains and windows, and lock doors prior to leaving the house. Valuables that are insight attract potential thieves. • Lock your bedroom door at night when you are sleeping, and if you are leaving the house. This is a deterrent and barrier to potential burglaries. • Lock the house gates and doors when you leave. If you are leaving the house, make sure the gate closes behind you. Letting it swing shut does not guarantee that it is locked!!!
Students are in turn asked to; • Notify program coordinator and the RA by email of all absences of more than 24 hours from the residence which should include dates of the period away, destination, accommodation contact numbers, mode of travel (e.g. Train, bus, plane) and if possible, times of departure & arrival, and who you are traveling with.
If you do have a problem or issue, talk to staff immediately for help, advice & support. There has not been an incident or condition that staff have not dealt with.
Nothing shocks us!
Training Sessions: Students must attend the following training sessions:
1) Residence safety and security training will take place at the first house meeting. 2) Fire safety at the house
ADAPTING TO LIFE ABROAD
Realistic expectations It is normal for students to have some unrealistic expectations about living in a foreign country. Many students have never experienced the culture or visited the country where they plan to study but they have an idea of what it will be like. This can come from reading about the country or hearing about the experiences of a friend or family member who visited or studied abroad in the same location. It is important to understand that every person’s experience is different, and that reading or hearing about a place is not the same as living there. If you go abroad expecting everything to be a certain way you will be disappointed. Keep an open mind and expect the unexpected. You’ll need to be prepared for a lifestyle change. Everything about your daily routine is about to change; from the educational system to what time you will eat dinner. Be flexible and stay open to new things. Don’t assume that the U.S. way is the “right” way to do everything. One of the main reasons people choose to study abroad is to integrate themselves in a new culture. You cannot integrate if you expect everything to be like it is at home.
Culture Shock You will encounter many new and sometimes confusing situations while studying abroad; the language barrier, new educational and teaching styles, different living arrangements and so on.
What is culture shock? Almost every traveller who spends an extended period of time away from home experiences culture shock to some degree. You will encounter many new and sometimes confusing situations while studying abroad, for example, differences in language, customs and expectations, educational and teaching styles, living arrangements and so on. Culture shock is a type of stress that results from trying to cope with these situations. You find yourself outside of your comfort zone and as a result, you may feel frustrated, depressed or even sick. Warning signs that you might be experiencing culture shock are: • Feeling fatigued or tired even with adequate rest • Finding it difficult to sleep or sleeping longer than usual • Reacting inappropriately or impatiently to those around you because of cultural differences • Feeling alone or isolated Most of the stress-causing differences between home and the host culture will be obvious to you right away: disruption of your normal daily routine, the distance between you and family and friends, strange new food and the climate. Other differences are not so obvious but can also cause a significant amount of stress. This can include interaction with others, how people in the host culture make decisions and resolve problems, how recreational time is spent, customer service and business practices, and the type of body language people use. Getting used to all this can cause a
considerable amount of anxiety. Since everyone handles things differently, there is no “formula” for dealing with culture shock. It does help to know that it happens to everyone in one way or another. Knowing that you may experience it at some point during your stay abroad, will allow you to take some positive steps to prepare yourself:
• Accept the differences. In order to acclimatize yourself you are going to have to find a way to
accommodate aspects of the alien culture that you are not 100% comfortable with. Differences in manners, punctuality, customer service, food, and the educational system for example, are culturally specific and are not going to change because you don’t like them. Not only is criticizing and attempting to change cultural habits inappropriate, it will only compound your feeling of frustration.
• Be patient. You are not going to get used to living abroad in a couple of days or even a week or month. Adjustment takes time.
• Keep an open mind. Relax and accept things as they are. You might end up appreciating the host culture’s way of doing things or at least develop an appreciation for how things are done at home.
• Pay attention to cultural differences. Social customs vary widely from one culture to another and there is no way to “fit in” until you learn what is (and is not) appropriate behaviour. You will learn this by paying attention to the actions of those around you.
• Get some exercise. If you are used to a regular exercise program at home keep it up while you are abroad. Exercise will help you battle culture shock in a constructive way. Go for a run or join in a group activity!
We hope you enjoy the program in Cape Town!