Off-Campus Studies

University of Natal Exchange Program

THIS PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY ON HOLD

Where?

The University of Natal consists of campuses in two cities, Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Durban, founded in 1823, is a vibrant coastal city and a prime holiday destination. The city supports industrial and commercial sectors, a wide range of accommodations, good health care, sports and entertainment centers, and quality education facilities. Within a short distance from the city center is the Indian Ocean with lovely sand beaches. Durban also has a multicultural and multi-ethnic flavor, with its population comprised of African, Asian and Western people.

Further inland lays the city of Pietermaritzburg. Known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, the city was founded by the Dutch Voortrekkers and later became a British military garrison. The University of Natal campus is located in the suburb of Scottsville, a 20-minute walk from the city center.

The Program

While South Africa has 11 official languages, English is the medium of instruction at the University of Natal. Allegheny students of all majors will find courses relevant to their line of study at Natal University. The grading system in South Africa is quite different than in the US, with end of semester exams weighed very heavily, sometimes as much as 50% of a student’s grade. The marking in South Africa is also on a different scale. For example, an ‘A’ at Natal University is 75% and above, while it is comparatively harder to get an ‘A’ in the U.S.

Eligibility

This program is open to students who are at least second semester sophomores, although junior status is recommended. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required to participate.

Application Process

Allegheny students must first be approved to study off-campus before applying to their chosen program. Deadlines to submit the approval packet are February 20 for the fall program and September 20 for the spring program. Approval packets will be reviewed immediately following the appropriate semester deadline. Stop by Reis Hall to pickup the guidelines or access the information on the web at http://sites.allegheny.edu/offcampus/guidelines/.

Student Life

The University has a main library, as well as special subject libraries. Computing services include computer labs and email addresses for all students. Students buy their meals at Refectories (food outlets), which provide a variety of hot meals, drinks etc. Students can also use meal vouchers. There are bookshops on campus, Campus Health Clinics and a Student Counseling Center.

Within the University are various sports and recreational facilities, theaters and art galleries. There are also clubs, societies and student organizations, including the International Students Association, which aims to “bring together all international students and to share their cultural insights with the local students.”

Costs

Students are charged Allegheny tuition, fees (including $300 off-campus fee), room and board, and Allegheny financial aid, except workstudy, is applied to program costs. Additional costs include insurance, international airfare, and personal expenses (including passport, visa, and local transportation). Students receive meal vouchers for food.