Travel Information
Student Study Abroad Handbook - 
LCC_Student_Study_Abroad_Handbook.pdf05/16/2013
The information provided within this handbook gives general requirements and advice on how to have a successful experience abroad. Some of the information will be discussed at your orientation session, but it is your responsibility to read through the entire handbook. This Document is an adaptation of the International Education Office Madison Area Technical College’s Student Handbook (2009)
Location - For the majority of our time spent in South Africa, we will be stationed at Wilberforce Community College about 30minutes outside of Johannisberg (also called Joberg). There will be a few scheduled trips into the city or Evaton township but for the most part, we will be staying local to campus. Please Note: There are no convience stores within easy walking distance so plan to bring all your personal item needs with you.
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Website: Physical address Telephone: (016) 583-8000 Postal address |
View Campus in Google Map | View Campus in Bing Maps |
- Breif Evaton Town History - Evaton_Urban_Renewal_Project_evatonHistory.pdf05/16/2013
School History: HISTORIC SCHOOLS RESTORATION PROJECT or from the AME-SADA Current Programs in South Africa -
Tour of the A.M.E funded Wilberforce Community College in Evaton, South Africa; Interview with Dean Mbabo regarding the history, purpose and aspirations of the institution. Alma Mater of some of Africa's greatest leaders located in an all black township (a result of apartheid) just 26 miles south of Johannesburg.
- Read some related information about a Solar Pioneer's program for High School students on the community college campus or High school students learn to make a living from solar.
Flights - We expect to pay about $1500 for round trip ticketing. As of March 1, flights via United are about $1k more that what we paid for our initial flight. Travel advisers say that booking domestic and international flights about six to seven weeks in advance of travel gets the best prices.
The Flight we are tracking:
Leaving Eugene (EUG) Early Friday, June 21 - Leaving Johannesburg (JNB) Late Thursday, July 3.
https://www.google.com/flights/#search;f=EUG;t=JNB;d=2013-06-21;r=2013-07-03
Don't pull the travel trigger too soon. Look on the timeline or expect an email as to when to purchase.
Passport - There is plenty of time to get your passport if you do not have one please have a look at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html for their instructions.
If this is your first time getting a passport and or if you need to renew it, you'll first need to get your photo taken. While there are many ways to have a friend take a photo with a digital camera, there are specifications that need to be followed exactly. Most often it is just easier and more timely to go somewhere and have it done. Call first to make sure their equipment is operational and if an appointment is necessary. Here are a couple local options:
- Pacific Photo Lab - 166 W 6th Ave. Eugene, OR 97401 Phone: 541-342-3686
- Dot Dotson's - 1668 Willamette Eugene, OR 97440 Phone: 541-485-1773
- Passport Photo at CVS Photo
DO NOT WAIT TO THE LAST MINUTE! Sometimes processing can take 4-6 weeks!
http://travel.state.gov/passport/processing/processing_1740.html
Currency
South African native currency is called the Rand or abbreviated as ZAR. As of today, the rate is 1 US Dollar equals
9.10 South African Rand. So one easy way to try and make the conversion in your head is just to round up 9.1 to 10. That way when you see something that costs 200 Ran you just need to move one decimal point to the left which would equal approximately $20 USD (actual conversion would be 200 Rand = $21.98 USD).
Google it to find out more: https://www.google.com/search?q=USD+to+Rand
