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 alongside 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, inequality and AIDS. This is where volunteers make a real contribution--in areas such as education, health care and environmental projects.

Read a first-hand account from a volunteer in South Africa or watch the video below for an introduction to volunteering here.

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 two days during the 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.

At the end of this orientation period, the participant will be taken to their host families (or move into their accommodation) to get to know their family and their local community. Volunteers will then start at their project the following day.

Example Orientation Schedule

Sunday: Airport pick up from Cape Town International Airport to accommodation. Welcome session with the House Manager and first night accommodation at Volunteer House.
Monday: Transfer to local office for orientation followed by a walking tour of Cape Town: a tour offering an overview of the city. In the afternoon, volunteers will be transported to their prospective accommodation.
Tuesday: Start at the project.

* Participants have the option to include a 3 Day Cape Peninsula Tour at an additional cost which includes 2 nights accommodation, Cape Point, Winelands and Township Tour as well as a visit to Hermanus. Optional activities such as shark cage diving is available. This tour can be done before, during or after volunteer placement.

Volunteers will have to find their own way back to the airport or into the city after completion of the Volunteer program.

PROGRAM CONDITIONS:

Eligibility

18 years and older.
Possibility to place friends or family together.
At least completed High School.
Tertiary training would be an advantage but not necessity.
Flexible, talented and skilled individuals, willing to work hard.
It is important for applicants to be able to speak, read and write English.
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 90 days (3 months.)
A visa has to be applied for in home country, should participants decide to stay
longer than 90 days.

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.

Standard Program Fees 2012*

2 weeks: USD 1054
3 weeks: USD 1204
4 weeks: USD 1340
6 weeks: USD 1626
8 weeks: USD 1912
10 weeks: USD 2112
12 weeks: USD 2341
16 weeks: USD 2842
20 weeks:USD 3199
24 weeks: USD 3628

* 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 project and host family for the requested number of weeks.
Placement inventory information prior to the arrival of the applicants in South Africa
Arrival orientation will include the following:
1. Airport transfer from the airport to the SASTS Volunteer House.
2. Dormitory style accommodation for 1 night during orientation.
3. Transfer to SASTS Office for orientation.
4. Orientation program, including Welcome Session and Orientation Session.
5. Orientation booklet with information relevant to South Africa.

Transportation to the host family after orientation.
Meals and accommodation for the duration of the placement.
SASTS Working Adventures provides assistance and back-up support to all inbound
students while in South Africa, with full onward travel advice.
On-going program support from SASTS including the following:

Courtesy call during the placement and visit at the project/ host family by a SASTS representative during the course of their stay (this is only applicable to volunteers staying 4 weeks and longer.)
The full support of the partner organization, SASTS, while on the program.
Access to email, internet and mail-holding facility at the SASTS volunteer house.
Travel advice and information for volunteers who would like to travel further after their program.
Booking made for extramural tours and activities.

Not included

Transportation to and from South Africa, passport and visa fees if any
Meals during orientation days
Social activities
Extra costs associated with special dietary needs
Personal expenses including international phone calls
Evening activities
Transport to and from the city
Transport to and from project
Airport shuttle back to the airport after the completion of the program
Additional cost due to special dietary requirements

Not Included

Kindly note that applicants cannot select specific projects but should rather indicate which categories they prefer.

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.