Testimonial: Life in Port Elizabeth

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Californian David D. Johnson left his home to study abroad at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He studied Mediation & Negotiation and NMMU, and had an incredible experience. Read more here to find out why he'll return to this beautiful place some day.

David D. Johnson traveled around the world from California to study Political Science International Relations at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He learned so much both from his education, and in experiencing another culture so different to his own.

Name: David D. Johnson
Country of origin: United States of America
Studying at: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Study: Political Science International Relations

News report for Coyote Chronicle:

I arrived in Port Elizabeth South Africa January 28th. 2009. This was my holiday and new years’ gift from the universe/God. I pretty much won a contest to study abroad here as an International Student. I was brought to my literal beach front loft apartment at Kings Beach Summer strand, Port Elizabeth. I watch the waves flow in and out every day and night. Since I arrived I have been living out a higher level of spiritual serenity I wished for back home in San Bernardino. Not that I don’t live a positive spiritually conscious life in America. It’s just this phase here has been so enlightening.

Port Elizabeth is known as and called ‘The Friendly City’, and it literally is a friendly city. I have not experienced any negative vibes or anger period since I have been here. It’s been over a month now and that is amazing considering the rush-rush society back home in the California. Here it’s a slow-going atmosphere and attitude. People just don’t rush; they just take it slow and easy, and that means they don’t rush you if you are a visitor. This gives a person who is visiting for a while, like me, a smooth transition in getting adjusted.

One thing I can say about the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University South and North campuses is that they are literally beautiful Victorian brick constructions built on a natural reserve. On the South campus where I study, the main building is a 20-story-tall high rise. Being on the natural reserve, you will have some run-ins with monkeys and other smaller harmless wild animals. It’s funny, the students don’t pay the monkeys any mind; they are just part of the environment here like the birds and rabbits on the campus at CSU, San Bernardino. The University is huge and its multiple campuses are full of beautiful African people and internationals attending them. I have made friends from all over the world here.

Another thing here is they know how to treat foreigners with the best hospitality. I have been literally treated more like a foreign diplomat than as an American at times. Everyone was so happy to befriend and listen to me. The best thing about the treatment is the help. People here give a helping hand. People will literally come out of their way to help you. In fact, all the negatives people told me about South Africa have amounted to nothing, absolutely nada zip zero!

To give a short account of testimony, my wallet was stolen one week before I left to South Africa. I only had a temporary debit card coming here. I was blessed enough to have had my wallet turned in at the University Village on campus. After a week of being in South Africa, my temporary card expired and I had no access to my own funds. This played out for over an entire month into March. Strangers from South Africa of all kinds helped me day by day, from situation to situation. Blacks or Xhosa people, Whites or Afrikaans, Coloreds or the mixed raced peoples all made it so that I never even noticed I was without. Finally, once my best friend in the whole world and my greatest supporter, a student at CSU, San Bernardino Naomi Crawford, got my banking situation fixed, I realized how blessed I have been going through that despairing experience which has showed me how good people can be here in Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay.

Studying in Port Elizabeth has been cool. As I said, people really help each other here so I have been doing well. I actually have been getting practical experience in Mediation and negotiation. Being a Political Science International Relations major, I need these skills. I even have a professional mediation internship. Plus, the fact that I have already graduated from CSUSB with a degree in Communications Mass Media, I will be working with the production crew over the June events in regards to the 2010 World Cup which will be in South Africa. So many avenues and opportunities have come my way here.

I must mention that all kinds of people are here. All kinds of races and everyone here get along fine. Whatever inhibitions that are in your mind about South Africa having a race problem, it is not true. The past is just that, the past. Just as in the United States, people are living in the now and for the future; you won’t find a trace of racism - at least, I have not. Neither have any of the Europeans or fellow Americans who are studying abroad here with me.

The beautiful environment, the beautiful people, and the altogether beautiful experience has inspired me want more students from CSU, San Bernardino to come experience this for themselves. It doesn’t take much, just a 3.0 grade point average, about the same amount a year as you pay in California for tuition, and an adventurous spirit! I know after I leave here in November it won’t be the last of this place for me!

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