Study Abroad in South Africa

Semester Programs

While in South Africa, you will live with a volunteer host family and attend a local high school.

School

During your stay, you will attend a local public or private high school located near your host family. Students should be aware that nearly all high schools in South Africa require uniforms, and school etiquette can be quite formal. You will 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. Often, extra-curricular activities are integrated into the school day, and students can try new activities like rugby, cricket, drama, or music. Seniors should be aware that due to South African regulations, exchange students will be placed in the 11th grade.

Orientations

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (for Spring departures). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

After arrival in South Africa, students will attend a post-arrival orientation to prepare for the exchange year. High school students also have a regional re-entry orientation before they return home. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Language

Zulu, Xhosa, Sothos, Afrikaans, and English. These are only 5 of 11 official languages. There is no guarantee that students will be placed in an English-speaking family or school, so students should be open to learning a new language.

Wildlife Rescue – Seabird and Penguin Volunteer Programs

YFU offers young adults the opportunity of a lifetime to serve as volunteers and experience South Africa for 6 months. This program is open to participants who have graduated from high school and are over the age of 18.

A detailed program description is available in the downloadable PDF brochure.

Trimester Programs

While in South Africa, you will live with a volunteer host family and attend a local high school.

School

During your stay, you will attend a local public or private high school located near your host family. Students should be aware that nearly all high schools in South Africa require uniforms, and school etiquette can be quite formal. You will 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. Often, extra-curricular activities are integrated into the school day, and students can try new activities like rugby, cricket, drama, or music. Seniors should be aware that due to South African regulations, exchange students will be placed in the 11th grade.

Orientations

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory National Pre-Departure Orientation which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (for Spring departures). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

After arrival in South Africa, students will attend a post-arrival orientation to prepare for the exchange program. Students also have a re-entry orientation before they return home. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Language

Zulu, Xhosa, Sothos, Afrikaans, and English. These are only 5 of 11 official languages. There is no guarantee that students will be placed in an English-speaking family or school, so students should be open to learning a new language.

Wildlife Rescue – Seabird and Penguin Volunteer Programs

YFU offers young adults the opportunity of a lifetime to serve as volunteers and experience South Africa for 3 months. This program is open to students who have graduated from high school and are at least 18 years of age.

A detailed program description is available in the downloadable PDF brochure.