Focus on South Africa

  South Africa

Pretoria

Durations of Program: 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Dates: inquire for specific dates

Description: South Africa, "The Rainbow Nation," is a country that offers a mix of populations, each proud of its language, traditions, and religious beliefs. Eighty percent of the population is black ethnic groups, while the rest of the population consists primarily of Europeans, Malays, and Indians. There's also a bunch of local cuisines, so be prepared to try lots of new dishes. South Africa contains endless natural beauty, from the vast Karoo Desert to the picturesque coastal towns of the Garden Route to the subtropical mountain ranges in KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa's passion for nature dates back to 1898 when the government established the forerunner of today's Kruger National Park, the continent's oldest safari preserve.

Highlights: Year and Semester Programs:
This program is for mature participants. Arriving midway through the academic year, you will be placed in the next-to-last year of a formerly segregated or township high school. Education is very important to South Africa's future, and the government invests nearly six percent of its budget on it, one of the highest rates in the world. Consequently, be prepared to be challenged - and to make lots of new friends. AFS South African offers several orientations and get-togethers to give you a chance to share your experiences.

Summer Community Service Program
You'll receive an orientation before moving on to your host communities. You'll meet your host families and learn about your work on a community project organized by the local AFS volunteer chapter. Weekends will be free time with the host families unless additional chapter activities are organized. The final day of the program will be spent at an end-of-stay orientation prior to departure for the U.S.

Cost in US$: $6,900 - $9,900

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

AFS Intercultural Programs's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947