South Africa

AFS aims to provide 30% of our students with scholarships or grants

Find out about our range of scholarships, grants and fundraising

Eligibility Requirements

You must be between 15 years to 17 years and 6 months
Enrolled in an NZ school
You can’t have graduated from school in New Zealand
Animal allergies hard to place

Note

Please enquire and let us know if you are interested in a programme to SA

Airfare
Airport Pick-up
Host Family Placement
Housing
Meals
School Placement
Individual Contact Person
Medical Insurance
24/7 Emergency Support
School Transport
Assistance with Application Process
Visa Application Assistance
Pre-Departure Orientation
Orientations during your time abroad
Continuous Support
Worldwide Presence
70 Years Experience

Vaccinations
Cultural Tours
Visa and Passport Fees
Stipend
School Uniform

People & Community

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.

A photo posted by AFS Intercultural Programs (@afsprograms) on Jun 20, 2016 at 9:41am PDT

School

A photo posted by Afs interkulturell Utbildning (@afssweden) on Mar 2, 2016 at 6:06am PST

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.

Language

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.

Food

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.

Making up any 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.