Volunteer in South Africa
Often referred to as “The world in one country” South Africa is a land of extraordinary beauty, mystery and adventure. Although this expression alludes to the varying climatic conditions, vegetation and the abundance of animals, it can also be used to describe the diversity of cultures, languages and religions, and the extremes of first world development next to third world difficulties.
Working with VIP in South Africa gives the volunteer first hand knowledge of a new nation working toward a vision of unity and prosperity. Many serious problems need to be tackled if this vision is to be realized, such as poverty, AIDS, and inequality. This is where volunteers can make a real contribution, in areas such as education, health care and environmental projects. Read an essay from a volunteer in South Africa in 2008.
Volunteer Abroad Program Overview — South Africa
Arrival - Orientation - Conditions - Fees
Arrival & Orientation in Cape Town
Applicants will arrive into Cape Town International airport, and will call the Ashanti Lodge for a pick up at the airport and a transfer to the accommodation. The volunteer will be based here for the seven days during the comprehensive orientation before starting their volunteer projects.
The purpose of the orientation is to provide an understanding of the people, culture, languages and political climate of South Africa. It will also give the volunteer the necessary travel-safety and medical advice and how to prepare for the upcoming work or project. This will all take place while experiencing some of the beautiful areas that the Cape has to offer.
At the end of this orientation period, the participant will be taken to their proposed project sites, to meet with the project coordinator, as well as with their host families or move into their accommodation and embark on an exciting project.
Example Orientation Schedule - set for Tuesday arrivals:
- Tues: Airport pick up from Cape Town Airport to accommodation
- Wed: Walking tour of Cape Town: a tour offering an overview of the city
- Thursday: Cape Point full day tour
- Friday: Robben Island tour
- Saturday: Township half-day tour.
- Sun: Free day for rest and getting ready for projects.
- Monday: Winelands Tour full day tour
- Tuesday: Taken to project site.
On completion of the project, the volunteer is taken back to Cape Town, where accommodation is arranged for one night before either flying back home or leave to do an independent tour through the rest of South Africa.
PROGRAM CONDITIONS:
Eligibility
- 18 - 35 years of age, though more mature participants are welcome to apply. Admission will depend upon the availability of suitable project(s) and the willingness of the applicant to accept all program conditions. US citizens must be 19 to participate.
- Individuals are preferred on this program as it is often difficult to place couples
- At least completed High School certificate
- Tertiary training would be an advantage
- Flexible, talented and skilled individuals, willing to work hard.
- It is important for applicants to be able to speak, read and write English quite well.
- An ability to live and work in rural communities where conditions may be less comfortable
Duration & Visa requirements
- Program runs all year round, there is no fixed period of application.
- The length of the visitor's/tourist visa is 3 months.
Work Hours
Time spent on work is approximately 35- 40 hours per week, applicants will usually have 2 days off, generally over the weekends but it does depend on the project and whether you job is within the hospitality industry, where weekend work is generally expected. Also depending on the project, there may be interesting little trips to nearby towns for provisions and sight seeing.
Program Fees 2009*
- 5 weeks: US$1997
- 9 weeks: US $2253
- 13 weeks: US$2685
- 17 weeks: US$3124
- 25 weeks: US$3887
- 33 weeks: US$4508
5 weeks - age 35+:
US$2402 - Includes private rooms, 4 tours during orientation and a different set of project options.
*Note: The published prices remain subject to change in case of major currency fluctuations. Contact your sending office.
Included in fee
- Application processing, interview and pre-departure information.
- Pre-placement in a development project.
- A handbook and guide with more information about living in South Africa .
- Meals and accommodation for the duration of the placement.
- Transfer from the airport in Cape Town to the Lodge/Hostel.
- Transport to and from the project site.
- A comprehensive seven-day orientation on arrival in Cape Town .
- Daily pick ups from the hostel when on day tours
- A total of 5 different tours during the orientation week, with two free days.
- The full support of SASTS, the hosting organization.
- Applicants are free to use SASTS telephone (for local calls) and computer for e-mail.
- SASTS Working Adventures provides assistance and back-up support to all inbound students while in South Africa , with full onward travel advice.
- 17, 25 and 33 week programs include an extra tour/excursion and a midway feedback session. Additional food or accommodation not included.
Not included
- Transportation to and from South Africa, passport and visa fees if any
- Meals during orientation week
- Transport to project site on Sundays
- Airport shuttle after program completion
- Some social activities
- Extra costs associated with special dietary needs
- Personal expenses including international phone calls
Payment procedures
A deposit of 20% of the total program fee is required with your application. It is non-refundable upon notification of acceptance and is applied to the total program fee. The balance of the program fee is required 30 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation after acceptance and prior to placement confirmation - the deposit is forfeited
- Cancellation after confirmation of placement - 50% of the program fee is forfeited
- No Show or Early Departure from Program - 100% of the program fee is forfeited.
