Community Service Africa by 360° Student Travel

  South Africa

• Other Cities in South Africa: 
Johannesburg,  Botswana

  Zambia

• Other Cities in Zambia: 
Livingstone

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: June and July

Description: Welcome to Africa!

Incredible wildlife, varied landscapes, warm people authentic African adventures, all in peaceful democratic countries complete our recipe for an unforgettable journey. We return to our friends - the children and families of Acornhoek, South Africa to continue our yearly projects and much anticipated cultural exchange. Botswana, a country rich in diamonds but also in wildlife invites us to Chobe National Park to see the Big 5 except for Rhinos which are more common in Zambia, where we will see them when we do safari by canoe. The Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans, the largest salt pans in the world and a scenic wonder is where we ride our ATVs and enjoy an overnight trip under the stars. In Zambia we join children at an orphanage and local school providing supplies, games and laughter. In Sun City and Lost City we are rewarded for our hard work with sun and fun. The program combines service, wildlife education, cultural immersion and adventure and will truly be the experience of a lifetime.

Community Service:
    - Meet the children of the Shilekisi Primary School
    - Provide some TLC to orphaned children
    - Build
    - Teach
    - Plan

Language & Cultural Immersion:
    - Learn how to speak Shagaan
    - Play land sports "Africa style"
    - Discover history at The Apartheid Museum & The Cradle of Humankind
    - Take drumming lessons
    - Visit a Tribal Village

Adventure:
    * Experience a 2 day safari and a bushwalk to see the Big Five
    * Ride your ATV to an overnight on the salt pans
    * Sunset Boat Cruise
    * Get up close and personal with a hand raised Cheetah

Highlights: Amazing Details:

* SOUTH AFRICA (11 Days)
- The Children of Acornhoek & Our Service/Culutral Exchange Program:
Our mission will be to interact with the children and teach them English, land sports, games and to beautify their school with painting, landscaping and building projects. From planting mango trees to painting desks and building playground elements and a volleyball court, we are sure to make the children happy.

And in return for our efforts, the children will teach us their local language, their version of games and land sports and they will join us in all of the above service projects. Our finale will include an afternoon of skits done by our students and their children in the opposite languages. Overall we will make new friends in a far away land and change their lives as they change ours forever.

* ZAMBIA (5 Days)
Jet down the thrilling Zambezi River and end your day by a bonfire where you will learn to drum an African jibe.

- Livingstone Orphanage & School
For our service here, we will visit both the local orphanage and primary school in Livingstone. Although we will visit the school and drop off much needed supplies, our main focus will be at the orphanage and the children that call it home. Aside from playing with the children and providing some TLC, we may build, paint and complete repairs to various sections of the building.

Children of the orphanage vary greatly in age from infants to teens. There are typically just under 100 people residing there and assistance is needed in cleaning, cooking, teaching, and program planning.

By joining us on our African journey you are committing to making a change in the lives of these children.

- Victoria Falls

* BOTSWANA (6 Days)
- Chobe National Park
- ATV Overnight to Salt Pans
Gweta is the starting point of our adventure into the largest Salt Pans in the world. We will spend a night in a traditional Rondavel and enjoy this rural stay by playing land sports with the locals and getting a taste for how they live and survive on a daily basis. Then we will leave to The Sow, Nxai and Ntwetwe Pans which collectively make up the 12,000 sq km Makgadikgadi Pans. Your day will start with ATV driving lessons and before you know it you will be riding on never ending terrain similar to a moonscape. The night to come is truly "under the stars" and it will awaken your senses!

* SOUTH AFRICA (4 Days)
- Apartheid Museum
- Cradle of Humankind
- Grand Finale in Sun City and Lost City

Upon returning home, Images of your journey will play like a slideshow in your mind the soothing sunset from your safari tent, the first time a child reached out for your hand and made eye contact with you, the picturesque landscape of Botswana, Zambia and South Africa and the new YOU a mentor, teacher, friend and volunteer. All of this made possible by you and a remarkable continent called Africa.

Qualifications: Participants should be prepared for our program. Once you are part of a team, you are committing yourself not only to hard work on service days (from 6-8 hours) but also to your fellow volunteers and those we will be assisting. In sharing this rewarding experience, you are guaranteed to form lasting friendships and will no doubt take away much more than you give. You will receive a certificate of completion recognizing 30-80 hours (depending on program) of service and listing projects accomplished.

Cost in US$: USD 6,199

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of limited up to 30 participants

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

360 Student Travel's Mission Statement: 360 Student Travel will allow you the opportunity to step in a new direction. Travel, volunteer, or improve your foreign language skills we are here to help you take that new step by helping you keep your other foot planted. Regardless of travel style, all programs are created with the understanding that no matter what you want to accomplish during the summer, it is still summer, and the challenges and experiences should be enjoyable as well as rewarding. On our Community Service Program you'll be making the world a better place and discovering the world at the same time - ziplining in Costa Rica, exploring a glacier in Alaska, or marveling at the "Big 5" in Africa. If you're open-minded and interested in achieving goals, volunteering, and helping others, then this will be a meaningful and adventurous summer for you. If you're thinking of studying Spanish or French and want the excitment of travel join us in either Spain, Costa Rica or France. On most of these language programs, we study at multiple locations within a country so you experience its full diversity. On our Pre-College Enrichment program get a sneak peek at college life while being immersed in the culture and excitement of Barcelona. We have teamed up with the renowned International House School, centrally located just steps from Plaza Cataluna, to bring you exciting courses from Creative Writing and International Business to Spanish Language, and SAT prep with Princeton Review. Join us on our Global Adventures if adventures are for you. We offer the most unique variety of activities imaginable that encourage individual growth and character.

Year Founded: 1992