By Maja Stensson
Thinking about studying in South Africa? Each year, hundreds of students from Europe trade familiar lecture halls for sun-drenched campuses abroad. South Africa, with its rich mix of languages, cultures, and traditions, has become a top destination for adventurous minds.
From social customs to daily realities, it’s about navigating differences with insight, openness, and respect. But beyond the bucket-list safaris and scenic coastlines lies a deeper, more complex experience that often begins with confusion, missteps, and valuable lessons in culture.
When French political science student Louise Masgrangeas chose South Africa for her exchange semester, she expected diversity. What she encountered was diversity, but “on steroids,” as Gen-Zers would put it.
Louise began her studies in 2022 at the School of Politics and International Relations. She packed her bags and left Lyon in the South-East of France, for Nelson Mandela University in the coastal city of Gqeberha, South Africa, in the spring of 2025.
“I didn’t realise how diverse it was. There are so many ethnicities and languages,” she said. “The culture changes from one region to another.”
South Africa’s 11 official languages, deep racial and class dynamics, and post-apartheid identity make for a fascinating but complex social landscape. For many exchange students, navigating the social fabric becomes a bigger challenge than the academic.
“We ate at a restaurant one kilometre from a township; it was quite special,” Louise recalled. “I was surprised at how many people live close to each other, without mixing.”
Her early weeks were a combination of excitement and quiet observation.
“It made me realise how inequality isn’t just something you read about here, it’s part of daily life.”
These visible divides between wealth and poverty, urban and rural, and even racial groups, may feel jarring from the visiting student’s perspective. Understanding the historical context behind these divisions could help students engage respectfully and avoid assumptions. Reading up on South African history, from apartheid to post-1994 transformation efforts, is essential preparation.
Making connections
One of the biggest concerns for visiting exchange students is connecting with the local community. Annika Larsson, an international advisor at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, says it often comes down to effort.
“It can be hard at first, but the best way is to get involved,” she said.
“Join clubs, talk to people, participate during orientation week, don’t isolate yourself.”
Louise agrees. “South Africans are very welcoming and curious. It wasn’t hard to make friends,” she said. “But I was careful not to bring up sensitive topics unless they did.”
Annika echoes this approach: “Local students may seem reserved at first, but persistence pays off. Get involved in activities, even if it feels uncomfortable. That’s where genuine friendships form.”
Topics like politics, race, or inequality carry significant historical weight, so listening is as important as asking questions. A 2024 research paper on International student mobility shows that students who actively participate in host-country events and clubs report significantly higher satisfaction with their study abroad experience.
Writing about the cultural adjustment of international students, author Clayton Smith found that the emotional toll of adapting to a new cultural environment is often overlooked, though it significantly affects well-being and success.
Many South African universities run buddy programmes pairing international students with local peers, which is a great way to build authentic relationships and explore cultural differences in a relaxed setting. Cultural exchange works both ways, too. International students can share their own traditions through meals, class presentations, or campus festivals, fostering mutual understanding and global awareness.
“When in Rome…”
Immersion doesn’t just teach you about others; it teaches you about yourself.
“I’ve become more aware of inequality; it’s so visible here. Now I see my own country differently,” Louise reflected.
Still, exchange isn’t without challenges. After a few months, she began missing simple comforts. Home is where the heart is, they say.
“French food, and being able to walk everywhere,” she admitted. “South Africa is beautiful, but it’s not a pedestrian lifestyle.”
Annika sees this kind of shift as one of the most valuable long-term effects of cultural immersion. One grows as a person, and such experiences will open one up and make one less fixed in their own way of seeing the world.
Culture shock is real, though. Students may struggle with new food, social routines, or mobility. But learning from locals means being willing to challenge assumptions. Communication styles, body language, and attitudes toward time often differ. Many South Africans, for example, prioritise relationship-building, so interactions may feel more personal and less direct than Europeans expect.
Students who embrace these nuances rather than resist them often find that their time abroad becomes not just a semester of study, but a life-changing experience.
Prepare yourself
The University of Gothenburg’s international office has some recommendations for how students can prepare themselves for this potentially life-changing experience.
- Do your homework – Learn about the country’s history, culture, and everyday life. Talk to returnees – Ask students who’ve been there before for honest insights.
- Engage early – Join pre-departure sessions and orientation events.
- Stay open – Be ready to adapt, even when it feels uncomfortable.
And above all, say yes.
“Take advantage of what’s offered,” Annika advised. “That includes both information and events.”
Louise’s advice is simple: don’t let fear hold you back. “You need to be careful, South Africa has its risks, but don’t lock yourself away,” she said. “The landscapes, the people, the mix of cultures, it’s worth it.”
An exchange semester in South Africa is not just about earning credits; it’s more than that, it’s about growth: cultural, personal, and even political.
“Travel safely,” Louise said, “but above all, travel.”
South Africa will challenge you, inspire you, and likely change you. The best way to prepare? Start with curiosity, stay respectful, and show up fully.
Article provided courtesy of the Khulani! Youth Journalism project
