Are African university degrees of any value abroad?

Yes

1 of 1

by Das Govind

• 

Write now Print Invite a writer™ Add to Favorites RSS Feed Contact this writer

I am a South African citizen; currently working in the United Kingdom. I work in the health sector, and did do my training in South Africa. I come from a third World country, but we certainly do not have third world standards; especially when healthcare and education are concerned.

My initial concern when I came to Britain was the lack of respect they had for people who had qualified in third world countries; even though our training was far more superior to the UK training. Our English is also perfect, and we speak better English than most people who live in England. The United States it seems has an even more snotty approach to people who hold degrees from Africa. Health proffessionals have to sit board examinations just to get in; even though we do three or even four year degrees; whereas the United States criteria is two years.

It is true that first world countries lack proffessional people with good university degrees. The people who live in these countries have everything they desire, and are too lazy to study after they finish school. It is actually the studenst from African and Asian countries who perserve, work hard and eventually attain university degrees. They do not stop there though. They continue doing post- graduate studies, and head for greener pastures. The university degrees gained at African Instituions are not inferior, as the first world countries generally recruit a lot of African health care proffesionals, and also finance professionals.

The University of Cape Town for example is an acclaimed research and higher learning institution. The standards that the university adhere to are highly ranked, and the research methods are world class. The University of Witwatersrand is another world class recognized higher learning institution. Theswe two universities, and also the University of natal have turned out many world class scientists, doctors, lawyers and accountants. One must not forget that the first heart transplant was performed by Christian Bernard, in Africa. he had studied at an African institution.

One must not be stereotyped in thinking an African degree is inferior to more developed countries, but first world countries must be ready to take on African graduates; who will strive to be the best. The world ahs always looked on Africa with scorn, but there are many intelligent people in Africa who have a lot to offer the rest of the world.

Learn more about this author, Das Govind.
Click here to send Author comments or questions.