AFS Intercultural Programs - South Africa High School Programs

  South Africa

• Other Cities in South Africa: 
Pretoria

Durations of Program: 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Dates: Year High School (Fall): July 2010- May 2011/ Year High School (Spring): Feb. 2011- Jan. 2012/ Semester High School (Spring): Feb.- Dec. 2011

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. AFS host family placements are located throughout South Africa.

Highlights: Year and Semester programs are 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. AFS places students with volunteer host families located throughout South Africa.

Cost in US$: Year Programs- Fall/Spring: (USD 10,500), Semester Program- Spring (USD 9,250)

This Program is open to American Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

AFS Intercultural Programs/USA'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