The course dates are May 23- June 4th. Students must depart by the 22nd, at the latest, to arrive on time. If you want to arrive early in order to adjust to jetlag, you can book an extra night on your own in Pretoria (see hotel link for contact information on the guesthouse). If you arrive early, you need to arrange your own transportation. Otherwise, you can book a room at the JNB airport and catch the first GMU group shuttle to Pretoria.
Course
Credit
Students successfully completing the 2 weeks and all assignedwork 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 participantswill receive GMU graduate credit and are responsible for ensuring the transfer of credits to their home university/school.
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 Patriot Web. Personal checks
and money orders should be made payable to George Mason University (make sure to include your GMU ID number in the memo line). If a credit
card is preferred, payment can be made via Patriot Web. 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 5, 2011. 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 5, 2011.
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 Townback to Johannesburg to get your connection. Although, we don't do a group booking for the international ticket, Studentuniverse.com and STA Traveloffer student discounts.
The program begins with dinner and accommodation on May 23rd. Students must depart by the 22nd, at the latest, to arrive on time. If you arrive on the 22nd, we will arrange transportation from the JNB airport to the Hotel in Pretoria (where we will be staying). If you chose to arrive earlier, you can book extra nights at the hotel 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.
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. Do not delay.
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.
Personal
Property and Valuables
The University cannot accept responsibility for personal property brought on the trip recommend that insurance coverage 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. Automated teller machine (ATM) networks across the country.
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. TIPPING IS NOT
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE TRIP, SO BE PREPARED WITH SMALL CHANGE.
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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