Few countries have changed politically as much as South Africa in recent years. It is a diverse and beautiful country, from the Kruger National Park to the stunning Kalahari Desert. Volunteers generally work in private or state schools and their roles involve improving education levels of students with varying aptitudes and needs, or working in the outdoors leading adventurous activities.
Placement Locations
Placement locations range from the industrialised cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town to smaller provincial towns and rural areas.
Is it for me?
Placements on offer range from assisting students with special needs in the classroom or leading group activities in outdoor camps through to teaching entire classes in remote rural areas blighted by AIDS. These placements will suit open minded, resilient, self-starters who are culturally sensitive and mature in attitude.
Roles Explained
Schools Assistant placements vary considerably from private boarding and day schools, to state high schools. Volunteer tasks may include such things as boarding house duties, after-hours supervision of students, sports coaching, tutoring of small groups in English, maths or IT and assisting with school administration.
Teaching placements are generally in schools in rural areas where facilities are very basic. These are challenging placements where volunteers take responsibility for their own classroom and teach students in a range of subjects with limited aids and resources. Given the nature of these placements volunteers must be imaginative, determined and motivated. If you are looking to make a real difference these placements are truly rewarding and will change your life.
Outdoor Activities placements have an emphasis on skills building and teamwork. They often involve working with children in the stunning wilderness of South Africa At times these placements can be physically demanding.
Community placements are undertaken in orphanages and schools for either mentally or physically disabled children. Volunteers assist with a full range of recreational activities and, in some cases, with personal care.
Some placements provide pocket money in South Africa and working hours vary according to the specific placement.
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation is mostly in hostels attached to the host institution, where a system of self-catering has been established for volunteers.
What’s Included?
Pre-departure briefing
Airport Pickup
Accommodation & food
In-country orientation
In-country support
24/7 support
Need to know
Pre departure briefing – all volunteers are invited to a group briefing prior to departure
On arrival – all volunteers will attend a three-day orientation and teaching skills course (for those who require it) on arrival in South Africa
Costs
| Interview fee | $100 |
| Contribution fee | $3100 |
| Tax | $36 |
You will also need to budget for:
Travel insurance
Airfares
Visa
Police check
Travel
Volunteers have the opportunity to travel before and after their placement. For anyone seeking adventure, South Africa will deliver. From safaris to cage diving with crocodiles, hot air balloon flights over National Parks to shopping for designer goods, South Africa offers an inexhaustible range of experiences. Don’t miss Cape Town and the Kruger National Park. Make time to visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, Soweto and the Apartheid Museum to understand how much South Africa has changed in recent years.