South Africa Volunteer Quest

Volunteer in South Africa: 6 or 12 months

“The experience proved to be so much more than I had expected. While I knew it would be a wonderful, exciting, fun experience, it ended up also being a life-changing one. Thank you United Planet, for allowing me to reach my full potential. ”

-- John, United Planet volunteer

You can also participate in a United Planet Short-term Quest to South Africa, from 1 to 12 weeks.

Volunteer Stories

Hear directly from United Planet Volunteers about their experiences.

What makes a United Planet Long-term Quest unique?

United Planet’s Quest volunteer abroad programs are 100 % cultural immersion experiences. Long-term Quest volunteer opportunities begin in August and January of each year and areavailable to U.S. and Canadian residents of all ages and skill levels.

All Quests include:

Personalized attention and ongoing support from Coordinators
Extensive pre-departure training and in-country orientation
Local home stays or on-site lodging options

We have no doubt it will be life-changing and provide lasting memories. Read on for more detailed information about volunteer opportunities in South Africa.

Country Information

From world-famous vineyards to miles of coastline, bustling cosmopolitan cities, desert, mountains, wildlife parks and more, South Africa is a vast country with widely varying landscapes and an equally diverse population. A former Dutch colony, South Africa has 11 official languages, but English is the most commonly spoken language in commercial and public life. Compared to its neighbors, South Africa enjoys a strong economy, a well-developed infrastructure and modern amenities. Wine and gold are the country’s biggest exports. While domestically, South Africa is still healing the wounds of apartheid, the country is a major player in regional politics. Despite this, many South Africans still live below the poverty line. As with many sub-Saharan African countries, South Africa is also suffering from the AIDS pandemic. As a volunteer in South Africa, you can support health and education initiatives aimed at raising the local standard of living.

United Planet and the ICYE Federation

For six months to one year, you can experience a life-changing program in one of over 30 countries across the globe. United Planet is the U.S. and Canadian member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation , founded in 1949. Through their vast network and 60 years of experience, United Planet and ICYE offer a wide range of programs for volunteers from around the world.

Who can apply?

Volunteers must be 18 years of age to volunteer in South Africa with United Planet. United Planet can send volunteers who are citizens of the United States and Canada or those who are currently living in the U.S. and Canada. Citizens and residents of other countries must contact the ICYE partner in their home country. United Planet can send people from any country to our Short-term Quest locations for 1-12 week programs. Some of our short-term volunteer placements can be extended for longer stays. Please contact us for more information about volunteering with United Planet.

Volunteer Opportunities in South Africa

United Planet currently offers social volunteer opportunities in different locations in partnership with local organizations in South Africa.

What's Included and Program Details

Please see the Long-term Prices and Details page for more information on what's included in your program fee.

Quest Program Briefs

	Orphanage / Children’s home Volunteers will have the opportunity to assist in all aspects of running the home from administrative, childcare, sports programs, education, collecting food donations and so on. Volunteers may be required to do night shifts. The orphanage hosts children from a very young age up to 18 years old. The project tries to assign tasks based on the volunteer’s preference, interest, skills and personality.
	Homeless Shelter Volunteers will assist with a range of administrative duties such as marketing or donation drives. Volunteers may also do trainings for shelter users such as basic computing skills; or help monitoring existing commercial shelter projects like organic garden, candle-making and earthworm farming.
	Elderly Volunteers work in a retirement community, caring for the elderly, assisting with basic care, cooking, social activities and physical exercises.
	NGO Administration Volunteers work as administrative assistants in an established NGO that focuses on the care, development and rehabilitation of the underprivileged in South Africa. This NGO (BADISA) is an umbrella organization that runs around 150 retirement communities, hospices, orphanages, drug rehabilitation centers and adoption centers.

Volunteer Accommodations

Volunteers in South Africa live with host families. When not available, an independent living situation may be arranged.

Learn about the application deadlines and program fees for this Long-term Quest.

Three Easy Steps to Apply

Questions about applying?

Call one of our friendly regional Quest coordinators today. We will walk you step-by-step through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

Step 1: Choose your Quest. Contact us at any time for help! We'd love to talk to you. Email or call .

Step 2: Enroll online. Please fill in the enrollment form. Then reserve your spot with a deposit (which will be credited toward your program fee).

Step 3: Meet your Quest coordinator and iron out the details. Once you've applied, your United Planet coordinator will contact you, and arrange a phone session to talk about your Quest of interest. THANKS!

Fundraising

Cost Savings Guide with tips on finding an affordable program, fundraising and more.
Scholarships and Grants page for current opportunities and resources.
Fundraising page
Special Discounts

More Info

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