Details

• South Africa
• MACEMS-17
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

The most important thing is to apply right away for the Visa. Visa procedures take a very long time. They also expect the bank statements to bear a stamp and signature. Simple digital print outs are not accepted even if they are digitally signed. In case the statement is missing visa procedure is only resumed after all documents are available.

2. Accommodation

A lot of students are staying in the student housing of Metropole. It is not luxurious, but ok. The best part about it is the community and the shared kitchen in the roof with a pool. The one in Green Point is next to the campus. In Sea Point a bit more away. The building is fenced and safe. It's one of the cheaper solutions and more hassle free, than looking for a private stay. Airbnb can be expensive. Especially in December until February. There are cheaper solution like Property24 but sometimes landlords step away from contracts, if they see better opportunities or leases are limited to less than the whole semester. However, there are very nice apartments/houses, which can be rented in a group.

3. Academic life at host university

Campus is located in Waterfront. This means not at the main campus, which is located at the feet of table mountain, in Rondebosch. Ergo you should consider this while looking for accommodation. UCT GSB is in my opinion located better since you can do a lot like shopping and dining in Waterfront and it is very safe. The CEMS community is small as only around 25 students are in the cohort. This makes it feel very personal. You get to meet everyone on a special level. Courses with the Dean Catherine Duggan are exceptionally good: Politics in Context, Doing Business in Emerging Markets. Moreover, Negotiations with Benjamin Spatz was great as you benefit from practical role play and learn a lot about yourself

5. Every day life in the host country

Uber is cheap and Bolt is even cheaper. Both are safe to use. I haven't taken the bus, but it should be relatively safe. Since a Bolt is only 1,5-2,5 EUR for shorter distances, I used it all the time. Take care of your belongings. Leave your phone in your pocket when walking. Walk and hike in groups. Areas around the university should be safe. Waterfront, Green Point, Gardens, Camps Bay. Take care in parts of Sea Point, CBD and Woodstock. You can join running events like Running Late Club (online) where many persons meet and every level is welcome. Directly next to campus there are Squash courts and not too far away at the Hellenic Football club there are Football pitches you can book in order to play 5 vs 5. First Thursdays: Galleries open for live clubbing and the city turns into crazy fun.

6. Testimonial

One of the best exchanges you can experience. Very friendly people, beautiful city and country with an unbelievable nature, great activities and a very good university with one of the best classes I have ever attended.