South Africa, includes many ethnic groups, each proud of its language, traditions, and religious beliefs. There’s a variety of local cuisines, so be prepared to try lots of new food.
Teens in South Africa mostly socialize in school and spend a lot of energy studying and reading. Free time is often spent with family and hanging out with friends talking about movies and sports. If you love sports, this is the place to be for soccer, rugby, cricket and netball.
You may live with a family who speaks any one of the 11 languages of South Africa at home. Family members will hug you and openly express their feelings. Politeness is very important. Religion plays a significant role in most South African families and attendance at some form of religious gathering is very common on a weekly basis. Host host families tend to be protective.
Schools in South Africa are strict and challenging. Students wear uniforms and treat teachers with lots of respect. You probably be placed in public high school. However, depending upon the location of your host family, you may attend a private or semi-private school. The school day starts between 7.30 and 8 am and ends between 2 and 3 pm. English will be the language spoken in most schools. If you want to experience an Afrikaans language school, just let AFS know.
There are 11 official languages in South Africa and some people speak all 11 fluently: Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, and Afrikaans are the four most common home languages for AFS host families, but English is widely spoken. Having a basic knowledge of English and some familiarity with Afrikaans will be helpful.
Meat is a staple of the South African diet, although cuisine varies widely according to ethnicity. South Africans love to barbecue, or braais, slowly grilling steaks, chops and spicy sausages (boerewors)over hot charcoal. Many South Africans also enjoy a dried meat snack called bilton or a corn porridge (pap) with meat or vegetables.
With over 75 years of experience in student exchanges, we know what we’re doing when it comes to support and education! AFS provides comprehensive orientation for all students and families before, during and after your exchange – AFS volunteers and staff will be there to support and guide you the whole way through. In-person orientation camps in New Zealand and your host country are supplemented by our world-leading online Student Learning Journey, an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to develop essential global skills, learn intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact. This journey will help you maximise your experience, cope with the challenges of navigating a new culture and community, and gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding throughout your time abroad and as you return to your home country. Find out more about our educational expertise here!
