South Africa

Language studies
The English language business is relatively new to South Africa and the facilities available at schools may vary. Currently there are lots of small and medium-sized language schools that offer a variety of general English, business English and English combined with an activity course. Some schools offer 'travelling classrooms' where students learn English as they travel with their teacher.

The low value of the South African rand means that English language courses in South Africa can be extremely good value for money. As yet there is no official body in South Africa that regulates language schools. The South African Qualification Association (SAQA) is in the process of accrediting all education institutions in South Africa.

South Africa is a popular destination for students from Europe and Central Africa, but overall has one of the most diverse mix of student nationalities of any Eniglish-speaking country.

Travelling around South Africa
As South Africa is quite a large country, internal flights are useful for the traveller who does not have much time. South African Express Airways is the domestic flight branch of South African Airways, and offers flights to and from a variety of destinations throughout the country. These include Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Johannesburg and Walvis Bay.

However, a cheaper option may be to use one of the many forms of public transport available throughout the country. Buses are frequent and service the whole of the country. Translux buses operate on major routes and provide a 15 per cent discount for students. Transcity buses run just about everywhere else. Transcity was originally intended to carry black workers to the cities, so they are cheap, run interesting routes and stop at even the smallest village. A Greyhound travel pass is available, with a 10 per cent discount for students, for seven, 15 or 30 days of unlimited travel to be taken in either 30 or 60 days. Prices start at R1,400 (US$202).

For the more adventurous traveller there are numerous tours available that offer transport along set routes and may include guided tours. The Baz Bus is specifically designed for budget travellers and offers tickets that allow passengers to get on and off wherever they like, with no time limit. A return journey from Cape Town to Durban on the Baz Bus costs R2,900 rand (US$418).

The railway system in South Africa is well established and mostly privately run. All the major towns are connected. First class travel costs the same as covering the same distance by bus, with second class considerably cheaper. Both first- and second-class are in compartments with convertible seat/bunks, so you can save on a nights accommodation. There is also a Metro service in and around several cities. The Blue Train, which runs between Pretoria and Cape Town, is famous for its sheer luxury (formal wear required during the evenings) and people come to South Africa just for the experience. If the whole trip is out of your budget you can take just a section of it. The train is very popular and bookings need to be made in advance.

Hiring a car is a good option for people who want to get off the beaten track and explore all the hidden areas of this often remote country.

Crucial visa info and work rights
Passport holders from Australia, Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom do not require a visa for any visit, no matter how long or for what purpose, to South Africa.

Nationals of the following countries do not require a visa for stays of up to ninety days:

Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Nationals of the following countries do not require a visa for stays of up to thirty days:

Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Gabon, Guyana, Hong Kong (BNO or SAR), Hungary, Jordan, Lesotho, Macao (SAR), Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Namibia, Peru, Poland, Seychelles, Slovak Republic, South Korea, Swaziland, Thailand, Turkey, Zambia.

All other nationals, or people wishing to stay for a longer period, will need a temporary residence visa. Contact your nearest South African embassy or diplomatic mission.

Angola 27%
German 10.8%
Switzerland 8.4%
Brazil 5.7%
China 2.2%
Mozambique 2%
Korea, Republic of 1.7%
Spain 1.7%
Argentina 1.6%

Source: Language Travel Magazine

Language exams available: Cambridge, Ielts, London Chamber of Commerce, Toefl.

Addresses

Southern African Tourism Services Association (Satsa)
PO Box 900, Ferndale, 2160, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 861272872 Fax: +27 (0) 118867557
Web: www.satsa.co.za