South Africa Program Details

Accommodations and Food

Volunteers stay in a communal accommodation in town, basic but comfortable, with dormitory style rooms and shared bathrooms. Meals are provided in a dining room. The accommodation has a sociable atmosphere, and volunteers find it a great place to relax and unwind in the evenings, with a swimming pool and lots of activities (such as ping pong, TV/DVD room, pool table, and more).

The house is centrally located to the placements and not far from the city centre, shopping centers (within walking distance), the beach and night life. A staff member stays on site to address any needs.

Insurance, Health and Safety

United Planet provides emergency medical insurance for all of its Short-term volunteers. You receive policy information prior to departure, and the emergency number to call if you are treated for any medical issues. Insurance also covers baggage loss up to $500 and trip interruption due to extraordinary circumstances.

Upon enrolling in the program, you will receive a guide to staying healthy and safe in South Africa. We recommend booking a doctor’s appointment a few months before your departure to update your vaccinations. Your doctor, or your local travel clinic, can recommend the appropriate vaccinations and travel medicine. Please see the Health and Safety page for more information.

Transportation and Flights

Volunteers fly into the Port Elizabeth International Airport in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Volunteers are picked up by local staff and taken to volunteer housing.  At the end of their Quest, volunteers are provided transportation back to the airport. 

Start Dates

The South Africa Quest has specific start dates. Some start dates allow volunteers to stay between 5 and 12 weeks; some start dates accommodate a stay of just five weeks.

2012

Session 1:
Arrival Date A: January 14th (5 - 12 weeks)
Arrival Date B: February 18th (5 weeks only)

Session 2:

Arrival Date A: April 9th (5 - 12 weeks)
Arrival Date B: May 12th (5 weeks only)
Arrival Date C: July 14th to August 18th (5 weeks only)

Session 3:

Arrival Date A: August 25th (5 - 12 weeks)
Arrival Date B: September 29th (5 weeks only)

2013

Session 1:

Arrival Date A: January 12th (5 - 12 weeks)

Arrival Date B: February 16th (5 weeks only)

Session 2:

Arrival Date A: April 8th (5 - 12 weeks)

Arrival Date B: May 11th (5 weeks only)

Arrival Date C: July 13th (5 weeks only)

Session 3:

Arrival Date A: August 24th (5 - 12 weeks)

Arrival Date B: September 28th (5 weeks only)