United Planet also offers long-term (6 months and one year) volunteer programs and virtual volunteering and virtual internships in South Africa. See all of our volunteer abroad programs and virtual countries and projects in Africa.
Our South Africa Country Coordinator, Nick, shares how United Planet volunteer will get involved in a meaningful program working with children from less-advantaged backgrounds and building friendships on a common ground.
I think as expected in any year of your life, especially abroad, I grew a lot and developed and strengthened different aspects of my personality. I think the challenges are a means of growth and this year definitely presented me with various challenges but I always welcome personal growth which is why I would all in all regard this experience as very good. What would have made it excellent was if I was given a more accurate and honest job description.Nikole T.- United Planet Volunteer in South Africa
United Planted has been an uplifting program and as given me the ability to unlock new aspects in my life. I have changed tremendously and have learned more about myself. I volunteered in hopes that my perspective may change with culture simulation and that I may bring my ideas to share with the community. I was given more than I could ask for.Amelia B.- United Planet Volunteer in South Africa
My Quest in South Africa has completely changed me! I got to experience life in someone else’s shoes and indulge in a different culture. The people I met were the most caring and loving people I’ve ever met and have helped to show me what type of person I want to be. It was definitely one of the most amazing and life-changing experiences of my life!Kelly P.- United Planet Volunteer in South Africa
United Planted has been an uplifting program and given me the ability to unlock new aspects in my life. I have changed tremendously and have learned more about myself. I volunteered in hopes that my perspective may change with culture simulation and that I may bring my ideas to share with the community. I was given more than I could ask for.Amelia B.- United Planet Volunteer in South Africa
I’ve had the most amazing time volunteering in South Africa. The staff has been inspirational and the experiences you have will last a lifetime.Erica S.- United Planet Volunteer in South Africa
Volunteers will work under the guidance of our in-country team and be based in the townships and schools that skirt Port Elizabeth. You’ll have the chance to coach one of the following sports: cricket, hockey, netball, rugby, soccer or tennis. The emphasis is not on developing Africa’s next international star, but helping children from less-advantaged backgrounds and building friendships on a common ground.
Volunteers will work either at a child care center or a school in Port Elizabeth area. Possible experiences include playing with children, home work assistance for older kids, supporting and assisting local teachers in lessons and organizing other extracurricular activities.
As a volunteer in South Africa, you’ll participate in at least two cultural activities or excursions during your stay. Examples include a visit to the Kragga Kama Game Reserve in Port Elizabeth, an authentic meal at the Bushcamp Boma in Port Elizabeth, a traditional dancing and drumming workshop, or a visit to Bloukrans – the world’s highest commercial bungee jump site.
United Planet South Africa volunteers live in shared volunteer houses in the Port Elizabeth area. You’ll be staying with anywhere from 8 to 40 volunteers at a time!
Volunteers can choose to stay in South Africa for 4 weeks to 12 weeks.
The age requirement for South Africa Quest is at least 17 years old.
There is no language requirement to volunteer in South Africa.
We ask that volunteers enroll at least 60 days prior to their anticipated departure date. This gives us enough time to schedule volunteer placements, coordinate in-country activities, and provide sufficient pre-departure training. If you are interested in enrolling for a program starting in less than 60 days, please contact us directly.
United Planet Quests are designed to be immersive, authentic, comprehensive and provide you everything you’ll need to succeed. The program elements allow you to engage fully with a new culture, forge strong relationships, and challenge yourself. Most importantly, we partner with the community to ensure your experience will be important, relevant and helpful to the community you serve.
United Planet provides emergency travel and medical insurance for all volunteers. All South Africa staff members participate in extensive health and safety training, and are available at all times by 24-hour phone line. Upon enrollment, you will receive a full emergency contact list. In addition, we register all of our volunteers with US Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). We recommend booking a doctor’s appointment or visiting a travel health clinic a few months out to update your vaccinations. Read more about health and safety.
Due to varying airline prices, United Planet does not arrange or cover the cost of flights to and from South Africa. However, we arrange all ground transportation to and from the airport in South Africa and will ensure that you arrive safely at the volunteer house in Port Elizabeth. You will be able to walk to your volunteer project from your accommodations.
4 Weeks | 5 Weeks | 6 Weeks | 7 Weeks | 8 Weeks | 9 Weeks | 10 Weeks | 11 Weeks | 12 Weeks |
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$1995 | $2395 | $2795 | $3195 | $3595 | $3995 | $4395 | $4795 | $5195 |
We want you to succeed. That means having in place the support our volunteers need. We don’t just drop you in country and hope for the best. We provide training before you leave … language exposure … 24/7 in-country support … support for your host family … accommodations, meals and airport transportation … activities and excursions. The whole idea is to make the experience successful and productive for you and the host community, and we have found that these things are crucial. Remember that we are a non-profit, mission-driven organization – we wouldn’t spend money on something that wasn’t important.
*Payment Plan Details: A $300 deposit is due at the time of your enrollment to lock in your spot in our program. After your confirmation in a program, you can choose to pay the Quest Fee all at once or in installments. The total Quest Fee is due 4 weeks before your departure date.
United Planet is an international non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. We connect people who want to make a difference in communities across the world through overseas volunteer travel programs, global virtual internships & volunteering, and project-based virtual exchange programs. With opportunities in more than 40 countries, you will learn, teach, work, engage and immerse yourself in a culture outside your comfort zone. For many, volunteering abroad is the most fulfilling experience of their lives!
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