TRAVEL REPORT
University of Stellenbosch Business School
Carita Riutta
International Business
Aalto University School of Business
July 2014
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This travel report summarizes my experiences at University of Stellenbosch Business School
(later: USB) and in Cape Town, South Africa from January to June 2014. The reports is aiming
to give a comprehensive and honest picture of the whole exchange period from application
process to home coming. If you are considering University of Stellenbosch Business School as
your exchange location, don’t hesitate to contact me after reading this report. Contact details
are provided at the end of the paper.
1) Preparing for Exchange
Application process for my South African exchange semester started in January 2013 when the
exchange application form was submitted to Aalto University International Student Services.
After Aalto University had nominated me to USB in March 2013, I had to fill-out USB’s online
application form with several attachments.
The attachments for USB included:
Letter of recommendation from Aalto University
Comprehensive CV
Proof of medical insurance (travel insurance covering my length of stay in South Africa)
Transcript of academic records from Aalto
Proof of English language skills (document written by International Student Services at
Aalto), and
Copy of passport
All the documents were submitted online simultaneously with the USB online application form
which made the application process smooth and straightforward. Also because Aalto University
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had made the selection for the exchange students beforehand, the USB application process
was more of a formality than an actual application.
After all the application paper work, the actual planning for the trip could begin. The most
important thing was to apply for the study permit (student visa) at South African Embassy in
Helsinki, and of course, book the flights to South Africa. However, the visa application could
not be completed before USB had sent the official letter of acceptance. USB sent the letter in
September 2013 by email and it was until then when I could submit all the required papers to
South African Embassy for the student visa.
All the documents needed for South African student visa were (according to 2013 regulations):
Acceptance letter from the host university (send by USB in September)
Radiological examinations of lungs (taken by Student Health Services in Helsinki; should
not be older than three months)
Bank statement of funds (screen shot from online bank was enough)
Copy of travel documents (two-way tickets; if one-way ticket, a deposit required)
Receipt of student visa payment
(needed to be paid to the Embassy
before applying the student visa),
and
Copy of criminal records (needed to
be applied from Legal Register
Center of Finland).
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After collecting and submitting all the paperwork in person to the embassy, the actual visa was
ready in three weeks. Note that the visa application process is very important but the rules and
regulations in a country like South Africa might change every year, so make sure you will check
the latest visa process information from SA Embassy in your home country. Also, it is important
that you will start collecting all the required documents beforehand, e.g. the document of
criminal records, even though clean, will require two weeks in Finland. In total, I visited the SA
embassy three times during the process; first to ask what all was required for the visa
application, second to submit all the papers, and third to collect my passport with the visa.
2) Arriving to Africa
Before arriving to USB and South Africa, I had a bit time to travel in Africa. The first week of
January 2014 I visited Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from where I flew to Cape Town. After arriving to
Cape Town, I first stayed in a hotel in city center. Straight after the arrival, I started to look for
places to stay for the exchange. USB campus does not have any student housing available so
the students have to look for the rental apartments on their own. Best places for the apartment
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search were www.gumtree.co.za website and the local real estate agencies which all where
used by the previous exchange students at USB. I found the apartment search quite
challenging. This was because at the time there were few affordable flats/apartments available
for rent. I went to view a couple of apartments before I found a place in Durbanville,
approximately 10 kilometers from USB campus in the Northern suburbs of Cape Town.
Because USB campus was close to Durbanville and because I like to run and bike, I decided
to stay next to campus. All the rest of the exchange students stayed and shared apartments
either in Sea Point or Greenpoint near Cape Town city center. I can recommend all the
mentioned suburbs for housing.
Note: University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) is a satellite campus of University of
Stellenbosch and is located approximately 25 kilometers from Cape Town city center and 30
kilometers from Stellenbosch main campus (See: USB location marked in red on the map
above).
Overall, living expenses are lower in Cape Town than in Finland and Europe. Particularly, eating
at restaurants is cheaper and the quality of food great. Also groceries, clothing, and gas are
relatively inexpensive compared to Europe. However, internet (even though often slow) and
housing can be costly particularly in Cape Town city center and Stellenbosch. Thus, the other
exchange students shared a flat and a car to keep the living expenses lower. A car is a must in
South Africa because lack of public transportation. I decided to rent a car from Avis which gave
me the best monthly rate at the time. USB partners with a local car rental agency which offered
rental cars for a cheaper price than Avis; however, the quality of the cars was often poor so I
decide to rather pay little extra for a better and safer car.
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Below listed are some of my living expenses (monthly in local currency Rand):
2 bedroom and bathroom apartment rental (including water, electricity, basic TV
and housekeeping once a week): R7500
Car: R4500 (with basic insurance)
Internet: R300
Gym membership: R650
In addition to the living expenses mentioned, one-time international student fee of R5460 was
to be paid when arriving to USB. This fee covered studies, internet usage at the USB campus,
tea and coffee served daily, printing, and class trips e.g. company visits. The fee did not include
books or other study materials; however, I was able to share books with other students and
borrow one from the library so I did not spend any money on study materials.
3) Exchange Studies
The exchange studies began on January 15 with a half-a-week-long orientation with the
exchange students. The orientation took us to the main campus in Stellenbosch, Spier Wine
Estate and around Cape Town on a sightseeing bus. The exchange students totaled 15 and
most of them were from France. A Finn (me), two Germans and a Belgian completed the group.
The orientation week gave us a good overall picture of the surrounding areas but we were never
given a tour around the USB campus in which all the classes took place which I found quite
funny.
On the second week, starting from January 21, the actual classes started and we got to know
all of the local students better. The exchange students at USB are part of full-time MBA group
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which mean that the local students are studying a quite intense two years program. As working
experience is one of the requirements for a MBA program, most of the local students were older
compared to us exchange students. In addition, some of local students had a background in
other fields than business which sometimes made communication a bit challenging. Things
such as group work, business presentations and academic writing were new to some of the
local MBA students.
Studies at USB are divided into two semester which both consist of two terms; the exchange
student will thus participate in two terms during a six months long exchange. The first term in
2013 was 11 week long and the second 12 weeks making the exchange semester end at the
end of June. Some of the classes went through the both terms and the weekly timetable could
change in the middle. Also the second term timetable was not given until a couple weeks before
the second term started which was quite unusual - at least for me. Unfortunately, when studying
at USB during the first semester (Note: European spring semester is fall and first semester in
South Africa, and vise versa), the class selection is very limited. Class participation is
compulsory too which together with changing/unknown timetable made planning of trips and
other activities harder. There were, however, two one week long holidays during the six months.
Despite of the limited selection of the classes, I had to complete enough USB credits for my
Master’s degree at Aalto. For my minor in International Studies (or International Study Module,
suom. Kansainvälinen opintokokonaisuus), I needed to have total of 60 SA credits in order to
fulfill 24 ECTS credit requirement for a minor at Aalto. Preliminary selection of the classes were
given to USB via email before the exchange but the class selection could be altered in the
beginning of the terms. The classes I selected at USB are described below.
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Business Fundamentals 10 SA credits / 4 ECTS, Lecturer: Johan Burger
Business Fundamentals class focused on basics of business strategy. Particular attention was
drawn to comprehensive understanding of business within its environments. The class
introduced basics strategic management tools such as Porter’s five forces model, and SWOT
and PESTEL analysis. The lectures totaled eight and in addition online Business Strategy
Game (BGS) was played in groups outside the lectures. Class assessment was based on the
Business Strategy Game results (+ presentation of the results) and Key Learning Journal and
Individual Company Analysis papers. The papers were approximately 15 pages long. The class
was taught by Johan Burger whose strong personal opinions kept the class discussions
interesting. Mr. Burger took us to one company visit at Backsberg Wine Estate which surely
was the highlight of the course.
Marketing Management 20 SA credits / 8 ECTS,
Lecturer: Professor Frikkie Herbst
Marketing Management was the best class I selected
at USB. Even though the course was built on basics
of marketing, the South African emphasis made the
course very interesting. Particularly, Professor Herbst
made the course very interactive and he had invited
several of quest lecturers to enrich content of the
course. Assessment was based on a mid-term exam,
10 online quizzes, a group marketing plan (written
paper and presentation), class participation, and a
final exam. Both of the exams were case studies and
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the group marketing plan could be done for a company of the group choice. Online book was
used as the main material and the online quizzes were based on the book chapters.
Managerial Accounting 20 SA credits / 8 ECTS, Lecturers: Roelf Pienaar and Nicolene
Wesson
Managerial accounting class was divided into two parts which were taught by different lecturers.
The first part touched upon the basics of cost accounting and was taught by Mr. Roelf Piernaar.
The second part of the class was taught by Mrs. Nicolene Wesson and focused on financial
management. As a non-accounting student I found some lectures a bit challenging. The
assessment was based on four tests, five quizzes and financial evaluation of a company (group
assignment). The class was a lot of work, but yet still because of the challenge, I enjoyed this
class. For an accounting or finance student this class would have been very easy.
Economics for Managers 10 SA credits / 4 ECTS, Professor Andre Roux
Economics for Managers class touched upon the basics of the economics starting from macro-
economic trends to micro economics. The assessment was based on two class tests and one
individual paper comparing three different nations according to given economic indicators.
Unfortunately this class was also taught on a very basic level which did not enhance my learning
significantly. Professor Andre Roux was however one of the best lecturers and speakers who I
have listened which made the course very good. Also the South African emphasis was great
and one lecture focusing on the economic development of African continent was particularly
interesting.
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Personal Skills Development 1 SA credits / 0,4 (?) ECTS, Lecturer Barbara Forscher
This class focused on written and oral business communications skills. Lectures totaled only
four but the assessment was based on 15 online quizzes, one written assignment and individual
oral presentation with PowerPoint slides. I think this course was an awful lot of work compared
to the credits earned; that’s why the question mark behind the ECTS credits. Because of being
a business student for several years, the course did not give me much new. Lecturer was
however great and new her field of business communications well.
4) Free Time and Other Information
Weather
No matter whether studying during the fall or spring, South African climate will show its best
and worse parts. When arriving to Cape Town in January, weather is beautiful and hot. Average
temperature is between 25-30 Celsius all the way to March-April. Fall will start in April which
makes the weather bit rainier but yet still it is relatively warm. May and June are considered the
first winter months making the temperature
drop to 10-15 Celsius. Houses are often not
well prepared for the winter so 10 degrees
with rain might feel colder than it actually is.
Winter will end around August-September
which are considered the first spring months.
Summer starts in November-December
making the temperature rise to 20 degrees
and above.
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Safety
Before travelling to South Africa some advised me to be careful because of the safety issues in
the country. I personally did not feel unsecured – not even once. However, as always when
travelling to new places, is it important to keep eyes open, take care of belongings and avoid
shady places. It is good to keep in mind too that Cape Town and surrounding small towns (e.g.
Stellenbosch, Paarl, Hout Bay, Franschhoek) can be considered one of the few most
developed areas within the whole African continent so when travelling outside Cape Town extra
cautiousness is needed. Roads and driving - after learning how to drive on the left-side of the
road - is safe and roads well-kept. However, local police cannot be trusted and thus following
traffic rules is particularly important.
Things to do and see
There are plenty of things to do in and around Cape Town. Sporting activities which are close
to my heart are everywhere in Cape
Town. Particularly, running, hiking,
biking, surfing and paragliding are must-
do activities to try in Cape Town. Table
Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and
Lions Head in Cape Town and
Jonkershoek in Stellenbosch were my
absolute favorite locations for running,
hiking and biking. In addition to sports,
weekend markets such as Old Biscuit
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Mill and Bay Harbour Market are places to visit! American type of shopping malls in V/A Water
Front, Tyger Valley, Century City and Cavendish have stores to spend money.
As mentioned I travelled to Ethiopia before flying to Cape Town. In addition to that I did not do
any major trips to the neighboring countries. However, I visited Franschhoek, Stellenbosch,
Paarl and towns along Garden Route several times. I can highly recommend all of those towns
which all have their own unique atmosphere. Particularly, I loved the different wine yards in
Paarl and Stellenbosch.
People and Culture
South Africans and South African culture is a mixture of different cultures. During the 20 years
of democracy, the South Africans have finally learned how to embrace their diversity. Different
foods, languages, events and music are proofs of the diversity. Particularly, South Africans love
their braai (word barbeque), wine, and sports such as rugby, cricket and soccer which all should
be experienced while in Cape Town. Even though, the country has walked its long way to
freedom, the gap between the rich and poor is still huge. The division of people can be seen
for example in racist behavior and at times it made me feel sad.
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5) Final Comments and Contact Information
I can highly recommend Cape Town for exchange and travel location. I fell in love with Cape
Town just simply because of its uniqueness and I am sure I will return to the Mother City and
South Africa someday. However, if you want to enhance your learning and select advanced
master’s level courses, University of Stellenbosch Business School is not for you. But, as any
exchange, the most you learn is outside the class room and with the local people. In addition
to the country and its culture, I learned most how to communicate with people from different
backgrounds and how to take leadership in group assignments. Problem solving skills were
also put on a test daily when living in a new environment.
In Helsinki July 7, 2014
Carita Riutta
+358 45 267 1985 carita.riutta (at) aalto.fi caritariutta (at) gmail.com
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