Study Abroad in South Africa

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 7-12 months
Dates: year: January- December, early July- late June; Taste of the New South Africa summer: mid-July - late August

Description: Summer Program: Taste of the New South Africa

They say variety is the spice of life and on a YFU program to South Africa you will certainly encounter a wide variety of new cultural experiences. This new summer program offers you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the new South Africa and develop an understanding of the challenges of a young democracy with a multicultural and multiethnic population. Through a rich combination of family homestay and touring the countryside, you will experience the evolution of South Africa and return home filled with new horizons and cultural knowledge.

Your first three days will be spent in Cape Town. Next, spend two weeks on an exciting tour of South Africa, where you will see some of the most spectacular nature in the world. Then, get to know South African family life firsthand while you spend three and a half weeks with a South African host family from one of various cultural backgrounds in or around Cape Town.

During your stay with your host family, YFU will organize several optional excursions - including educational visits to Robben Island, a Township, museums, and one of the two university campuses in Cape Town. These excursions are available for an additional cost and information will be made available by YFU South Africa.

This program is intended for older high school students and recent graduates, please contact the Admissions Office for details.

Adventure and language course programs as well as year and semester options are available in over 35 countries.

Highlights: Because of the effects of apartheid, rural lifestyles, geography, and a lack of financial resources, schools in South Africa vary widely. However, a new curriculum that fosters individual development, critical thinking, and integration of life skills with academic knowledge is being instituted in schools across the country.

During your stay, you'll probably attend a public school at the senior secondary or high school level where you will wear a uniform. You'll take courses that are familiar to you in subjects like science, history, geography, English, math, and art. You can also embark on learning a language like Zulu or Afrikaans. Schools also welcome initiatives to start projects or after school activities.

After your arrival in South Africa, you will attend a one-week post-arrival orientation to prepare you for your exchange year. For summer departure students there will be a mid-year orientation in December after the schools have closed.

As an optional program, you may choose to go on a 26-day tour of Western/Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal. The tour is a combination of traveling, community stay, and volunteer work. It will be an unforgettable experience that will give you a unique insight into South Africa's cultural diversity and divine nature. Perhaps you will even have the chance to meet former President Nelson Mandela during your volunteer work for the Children's Christmas Party in Qunu, which is held by Mr. Mandela each year. This program follows the mid-year orientation and is available for an additional fee.

Cost in US$: inquire for more information

Participants Travel to South Africa in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network

Youth For Understanding USA's Mission Statement: Youth For Understanding (YFU) prepares young people for their responsibilities and opportunities in a changing, interdependent world.

Year Founded: YFU in 1951