Hi there, my name is Kristi Lo-Fo-Sang and I am in my 3^rd year of studying to become an English Teacher. I got the wonderful opportunity to do my minor abroad in Genadendal, South Africa. I am extremely grateful to have been able to experience all that I have. If you too get this amazing chance to do your minor or internship abroad in South Africa, my advice is to not even think twice and just do it. And if you do I have noted down some useful tips to enhance your time in South Africa.

Genadendal, South Africa

First and foremost, I think it is important to note that you will be living in a foreign country where they mainly speak Afrikaans and English. So it is important that you can understand and speak English fluently. I cannot stress enough on how many times I have witnessed my fellow students struggle to communicate with people because they weren’t as strong as they thought they were in English. If anything, Afrikaans isn’t that hard to understand either. There might be language barriers so you should therefor be patient. South Africa is very different to The Netherlands, not everything is perfectly arranged for you. Simple things might take some time so really try and just go with the flow. It is also important to remember that you are in a completely different part of the world where the culture might be the complete opposite to yours, so try to be as open minded as you possibly can and show respect. Having manners is a very big deal in South Africa. I know that the Dutch are very blunt and direct and might not see a problem in certain way they act but please, just have some manners.

To make the most out of your time in South Africa I would advice you to immerse yourself as much as you can in the community. Get to know your neighbors, the locals, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Befriend your colleagues, believe me they will be able take you places you would never go on your own because you wouldn’t know otherwise.

Living in Genadendal might get tedious at times because it is such a small village, so be sure to look up what it is all you can do in and around Cape Town. It is only a 2 hour drive away (and believe me you will get used to and will not find it to be that long after all). Take a look at the Garden Route and see if it is anything for you. Genadendal might be small but I promise there ARE stuff you can do. As I mentioned before make friends and you will see how busy you will be. If anything Greyton is another village 5 minutes away from Genadendal where there is stuff to do as well. Don’t be afraid to explore and enjoy yourself to the max.

If you would like to see more of my trip in South Africa you can check out some vlogs that I made while I was there.
South Africa Vlogs