University of Natal (NU)

South Africa is a dream come true for an anthropologist. There is such a ridiculous array of cultures, foods and ideas that it is often difficult not to lose oneself in the maelstrom that is Durban. Also, for those interested in animals and ecology, South Africa is one of the few places on Earth with a lot of natural, preserved areas. I had many encounters with exotic wildlife both in the city and outside of it. The best way to experience all that the country has to offer is to travel as much as possible. Finally, the best thing to do for yourself when immersed in a new culture is to relax and take cues from others. Africans are generally garrulous and kind people, but you'll have a much easier time of meeting people if you simply be yourself, learn the native customs and pleasantries, and understand what should and should not be said. While Africans are mostly nice people, there are many social taboos that you will not notice at first. Instead of sticking your foot in your mouth, take a while to watch and feel out how social interactions occur among native students. This not only applies to black Africans but also to whites, Muslims, and people of Indian descent. Each culture, no matter how familiar it may seem at first, has distinctive traits that could get you into trouble if you are not cautious about your actions and speech at first. This is meant as a polemic against ethnocentrism as well as a warning about how dangerous South Africa really is. KwaZulu-Natal has extreme poverty, class disparity, and nearly the highest AIDS rate anywhere in the world. South Africa as a nation is one of the most dangerous countries on Earth according to the UN. Therefore, in order to protect yourself it is of the utmost importance to become culturally sensitive towards the new groups that you will be meeting.

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