Dates
of Attendance
The course dates are June
8-20, 2008. Students
must depart by the 7th, at the latest, to arrive on time.
Course
Credit
Students successfully completing the 2 weeks and all assigned work
will earn 3 credit hours of ITRN 702. Students not currently enrolled in a Masters
of Arts Program with the George Mason University School of Public Policy should
assure themselves through their department director, academic advisor, or other
appropriate source at their home university/school that they will receive appropriate
credit for the course. Graduate credit is issued by George Mason University. NonGMU
participants will receive graduate credit as extended studies students and are
responsible for ensuring the transfer of credits to their home university/school.
Extended
Studies Students
Students not currently enrolled at George Mason University
will be enrolled as a GMU Extended Studies student in order to receive credit
for the course. NonGMU students need to fill out both an extended studies form
and domicile form.
Deposit
There
is no deposit required with the application. Upon acceptance into the program,
students will pay a non-refundable $1,000.00 deposit. The deposit can be made
either by personal check, credit card, or via the banner system. Personal checks
and money orders should be made payable to George Mason University. If a credit
card is preferred, the credit card authorization form is available on-line. Failure
to remit the deposit to the GMU Cash Office by the due date will be cause to drop
the applicant from the program!
Payment
of Balance
The balance of the student's cost for this program may be paid at any time, but no later than April 15, 2008. Payment may be made by any of the methods specified above. Unless extended on an individual basis, failure to remit the balance by the due date will be cause to drop the student from the program or additional late fees! Board and lodging arrangements for the group must be guaranteed; we regret that there can be no refund of any kind after April 15, 2008.
The program fee is based on a 7 Rand to the dollar. If the dollar falls, the program price will increase accordingly. The final price of the program will be set April 10th.
Airfare
Participants
are responsible for making and paying for their own travel arrangements to and
from South Africa. Please note: you can fly roundtrip to Johannesburg (JNB) or
you can fly into Johannesburg with a return from Cape Town (this is most ideal).
If you fly round trip into Johannesburg (JNB), you will need to buy a one way
ticket from Cape Town back to Johannesburg to get your connection. Although, we
don't do a group booking for the international ticket, I suggest we share good
prices and travel agents. Studentuniverse.com and STD Travel offer student discounts.
The program begins with dinner and accommodation on Sunday, June 8th. Students
must depart by the 7th, at the latest, to arrive on time. We will arrange transportation
from JNB to the HPC Center (where we will be staying). If you chose to arrive
earlier, you can book extra nights at the HPC Center at your own expense.
NOTE: Airline baggage restrictions have tightened up in recent months.
Be sure to pay close attention to what is permitted and prohibited for number
of pieces, weight, content, carry-on luggage size, etc. Students must depart by
the 7th, at the latest, to arrive on time.
Orientation
Participants
are required to attend a pre-departure orientation program at the School of Public
Policy in Arlington, Virginia. (Out-of-area applicants will be given orientation
materials separately). Orientation is mandatory.
Passport
A valid passport
is required for travel to the South Africa. Applicants who do not have a valid
passport are strongly urged to apply for one as soon as possible. Information
on applying for a passport can be obtained from the Department of State Passport
Agency at (202) 647-0518 or from the web site http://travel.state.gov. Passport
applications can be downloaded from that web site or obtained from your local
post office.
International
Visa
US citizens visiting for less than 90 days do not need visas
and are given an entry permit when they arrive at JNB international airport. If
you are not a US citizen, you are responsible for acquiring your own VISA and
making sure you have the appropriate documents to leave and reenter the country.
For Further Information
VISA Contact
The Embassy of South Africa
3051 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
(202)
232-4400
http://www.saembassy.org/
Insurance
From
past experience, we strongly recommend that participants take out insurance to
cover themselves against cancellation of their travel plans, and also against
personal accident and medical expenses, and against damage to or loss of personal
property. Mansfield College will not be held liable for any losses of personal
belongings that may occur in the accommodation. It is advised that insurance to
cover this kind of risk should be purchased in advance.
Medical
You are advised to take out your own medical insurance as no cover is provided
by the program.
Personal
Property and Valuables
The University can accept responsibility for personal property brought onto Department or University premises and we recommend that insurance cover is obtained.
What
is the South African currency?
South
Africa's currency unit is the Rand, R1=100 cents. Banknotes are issued in denominations
of R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10. Coins are minted in denominations of R5, R2,
R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c. The international symbol for the currency is
ZAR. For current exchange rates, check online at http://www.vb-tech.co.za/forex.htm
Can
I use my credit card in South Africa?
Credit cards and ATMs are recommended. American Express travelers cheques are
also generally honored. Automated teller machine (ATM) networks across the country.
Banking hours are from 08:30 - 15:30 on weekdays and 08:30 - 12:00 on Saturday.
Is
there tax in South Africa?
Value-added
tax (VAT), currently set at 14%, is included in the price of most goods and services.
Visitors are required to pay VAT on purchased goods but may claim refunds on VAT
on items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R250. Claims can
be made at departure airports, harbors, and customs offices by presenting the
items with purchase slips. For all inquiries regarding VAT refunds, please contact
the South African Revenue Service at info@taxrefunds.co.za or by telephone: 011-27-11-394-1117
or by fax: 011-27-11-394-1430
What
is the time difference between the United States and South Africa?
Geographical
location places South Africa in a standard time zone two hours ahead of Greenwich
Mean Time throughout the year. During winter daylight savings, the U.S. (Eastern
Standard Time) is seven hours behind South Africa and six behind (Eastern Standard
Time) during summer daylight savings.
How
is the weather in South Africa?
The
winter season for the entire country lasts from about May to Sept. The coastal
part of the Western Cape has a distinctive Mediterranean climate. The moderating
affect of the seas (Indian and Atlantic) as well as the Drakensberg Mountains
in the northeast ensure comfortable temperatures in most areas throughout the
year. For Real-time weather data please check www.weather.com.
Does
South Africa have the same voltage as the U.S.?
The
standard electricity supply in South Africa is 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz. Appliances
compatible with all international plugs are obtainable locally or most hotels
will have adaptors available. If you wish to bring your own adaptor, it can be
purchased in any travel store.
What
are the acceptable standards for tipping?
In
restaurants a gratuity of 10% of the bill generally applies, depending on the
standard of the service. Restaurants do not usually include the tip in the bill.
Luggage porters are given R-6 while taxi-drivers expect 10% of the fare.
How
large is South Africa?
The
Republic of South Africa covers about 1,277,200 km², which is about 1/8 the
size of the U.S. or twice the size of Texas.
What
is the population in South Africa?
The
results of the second democratic Census (Census 2001) were released in July 2003.
On the night of 10 October 2001 there were 44.819.778 people in South Africa.
Of these, 79% classified themselves as African; 9,6% as white; 8.9% as coloured;
and 2.5% as Indian/Asian. A total of 21.685.415 people in South Africa are male,
and 23.662.839 female.
What
language is spoken in South Africa?
South
Africa has 11 official languages, which are .English, IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, Afrikaans,
Sepedi, Sesotho, SiSwati, Xitsonga, Setswana, Tshivenda, IsiNdebele.
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