I am interested in enroling in a BA degree through the University of South Africa, in order to validate my language skills. I am particularly interested in Romance Languages (Italian, French and Portuguese, but not Spanish). I am also interested in the courses in Arabic language and the Middle East they offer. Does anyone here have direct experience with UNISA? I have been told that their admissions process is quite bureaucratic. What about quality, rigor and exams? Do they accept language exams such as the French DALF and give credits for them? Are the tutors helpful? Do they mark assignments quickly? Do they have an honours system? If so, can you tell me something about it? What is the total cost of a BA? What are the minimum and maximum number of years one can take to complete the BA I will deeply appreciate your help. joi How are credits distributed? Can I choose to take the credits outside my concentration in whichever course I see fit? Can I, for example, combine all the above mentioned subjects?
Hi joi - As you know, I can't answer these questions directly. However, I can suggest that you go here http://www.iaci-canada.com for assistance in the application/registration process. There may also be some information on that site to answer your questions. Good luck, Jack
Link? Out of curiosity, do you have the link to that major? I've searched, but cannot find a degree in languages. I see some language-related ones...are you referring to one of them? This certainly sounds interesting. Definitely something I want to look into, for me and a few friends... Etienne ___ Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
Jack, thanks for the Canada link. Do you think I should also write to them and evaluate the possibility of doing everything from Canada? I am worried about the chaotic Cuban mail system (actually, everything is chaotic in this island). Only DHL offers a decent courier service here (Ironically, it again takes an American company to have something working here). I am also worried about UNISA's reputation regarding their admissions process. Lawhopes: simply follow the link to the language department and send an enquiry to Alice Diogo. I wish you luck for you and your friends. joi
I have had several occasions to contact UNISA staff and have had good luck by sending email messages to the Dept. Head with a cc to the Administrative Asst. The application process is laid out clearly. Sometimes people do not follow it precisely and then they are perplexed when they discover that no one has contacted them to say they've made a mistake. They will not tell you that you've made a mistake, sent stuff to the wrong place, that transcipts have not arrived, etc. Be proactive. Be assertive. Don't send generic email. Send to specific persons. If you're not getting fast responces via email then set your alarm clock and use the telephone. Be aware that all your application documents will need to be evaluated by SAQA and this will take a bit of time. You can look at the SAQA website and contact them as well. Overall, I believe that the UNISA admission process is an example of the old expression, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." Good luck. Jack
I have contacted UNISA before more than 4 years. I did not like their dealings. They were sooooooooo slow. I do not know if things have changed since then.
Thanks again, Jack. Can you comment on IACI? Do you think it would be more practical if I, living as I am in Cuba, register and work through IACI? joi
The information I have is 1) They do not care very much where you live. 2) They can make the admission/ registration process somewhat easier and faster. Jack
Thanks< Jack. I wrote to both Unisa and IACI yesterday. I am somewhat inclined to work through IACI. It's closer andif they can speed the admissions and registration processes, so much the better joi
