High School Study Abroad in South Africa

Meaningful service projects, thrilling adventures, and an abundance of wildlife come together on our South Africa program for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our South Africa program mixes classic destinations like Cape Town and Kruger National Park with hidden gems off the beaten path to provide the ultimate experience! Our goal will be to get in touch with the heart of this amazing country by working with conservation experts and marine ecologists to learn more about South Africa’s natural beauty, wildlife, and conservation practices. During this program, we will discover everything South Africa has to offer while exploring the major cities, stunning countryside, and mind-blowing game reserves. For our service project, we work together to build a playground at a local school in one of the many villages in the area. The new playground will have a huge impact on the community and also demonstrate what a difference we can make! Your efforts will be rewarded with the meaningful friendships and connections you’ll form with the locals along the way and the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you have completed the project.

Experience South Africa not as a tourist but as a member of its community with ten months of living with a host family and attending a local high school. The academic year in South Africa begins in January, so you will be part of two different academic sessions in South Africa. With 11 official languages spoken throughout the country, you will have the unique opportunity to learn a local dialect, though most schools are taught in English. Students live throughout South Africa, though most host families live in urban areas (85%). There is a vast array of communities in which you could be placed, given the great cultural diversity of the country. There is no 'typical' South African, though most place a high value on family. Families are generally warm and curious about visitors. The diversity of South Africans include: those of British descent; Afrikaners, who are descendants of Dutch settlers and speak the Germanic language Afrikaans; the Zulu.

Take action with community leaders to bring Nelson Mandela’s legacy to life. Mandela, South Africa’s first black president, is famous for his leading role in ending the cruel apartheid system of racial segregation in the ‘90s. Elected to the office after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, he introduced housing, education, and economic development initiatives to improve the lives of the black population. His mission continues today through a variety of non-governmental organization (NGO) initiatives—roll up your sleeves and join in! How will you contribute? It depends on local community needs. Alongside community leaders, you might serve in a project that supports the unhoused, hospitals or schools, or vulnerable children. Learn basic isiXhosa language to connect with the community. Investigate and reflect on how the country addresses inequality and economic disparity in underserved communities and how leadership skills intersect with identity, power, privilege, and opportunity.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Join us for a wild photographic adventure in South Africa! You'll have close encounters with big cats, elephants, rhinos, and plenty more wildlife while exploring a stunning private game reserve in the Greater Kruger Area. You'll be accompanied by a professional wildlife photographer, who will offer tutoring – both in theory and practical sessions – throughout the workshop, so you can expect to end up with an impressive portfolio of wildlife images. This wildlife photography workshop is based in Timbavati, an exclusive collection of private game reserves, where game viewing is among the best on the African continent. We'll have the freedom to go off-road. With the guidance of expert guides and trackers, you're guaranteed to find animals such as leopards, lions, and buffalo. You can also observe and photograph them up close. We work in small groups (a maximum of 5 people), which means you'll enjoy personalized photographic tutoring and you can make sure to improve your skills along the way. It's a dream trip for any (aspiring) wildlife photographer!

GVI offers a variety of opportunities for young adults between the ages of 15 and 17 to gain first-hand experience in cultural immersion, marine and wildlife conservation and community development. This is a great way to become a global citizen with a better understanding of prevalent social and environmental issues. It’s also a gateway to improving your future education and employment opportunities, as you acquire soft and hard skills in your chosen GVI focus. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to dive in the oceans of Greece, visit the jungles of Costa Rica, or the rolling Incan valleys of Peru, all while contributing to sustainability, this is for you. This is an opportunity to connect with a network of people who share similar passions for sustainability, while also expanding your knowledge of different linguistic practices and cultural customs. Each project is aimed at reaching sustainable objectives that align with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Embark on the unique journey of spending a school year or semester abroad with ASSE! Living with a host family abroad and attending a public high school allows for a long-term immersive experience in the culture of the host country of your choice. There are so many reasons to decide to go on exchange: - Become fluent in another language - Get to experience the culture as an insider - not a tourist - Build a stronger resume for college applications - Develop leadership skills, self-confidence, independence, maturity - Discover another school system - Learn about building friendships, respecting differences, and tolerating the beliefs of others. By becoming a high school exchange student, you will better understand the complexities of the world around you and become a true world citizen. As one of the oldest and largest international student exchange organizations, ASSE can offer the most comprehensive Study Abroad Programs with the lowest possible fees for your school year or semester abroad. Take the leap today!

Set out on an exhilarating 20-day journey to South Africa, the “Rainbow Nation,” with our immersive summer program. Begin your adventure in Cape Town, where we explore vibrant markets and iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Travel to the heart of the conservation efforts, where we assist in protecting the critically endangered white rhinoceros, and other native wildlife. Experience the stunning landscapes along the Garden Route; visit the poignant Robben Island Prison; watch ostrich, baboons, and African penguins at the Cape of Good Hope. This unique program for ages 16-19 combines hands-on wildlife conservation, cultural exploration, and personal growth, offering a rare opportunity to connect with South Africa’s natural beauty and rich heritage while earning community service hours. Join us for an unforgettable adventure that will inspire and transform your perspective.

South Africa's position at the southern tip of Africa has created a diversity of lifestyles and a diversity of environments, from the lofty Drakensberg Mountain range to the Cape Vineyards. South Africa is leading the way in African politics and is seen as an inspiration to other countries. With eleven national languages and a variety of religions, South Africa truly is the 'Rainbow Nation' Projects Abroad is based in the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, located in the heart of the Western Cape. Volunteer programs are available in the areas of Teaching, Child Care, Equine Therapy, Conservation & Environment, Surfing, Farming, Creative & Performing Arts, Building, and Culture and Community. International internships are also available in the fields of Nutrition, Journalism, International Development, Veterinary Medicine, and Law & Human Rights. This is your chance to enhance your skills in a setting where volunteers can make a profound difference. Visit our website for more details!

Get the chance to work with a variety of exotic and indigenous animals in this volunteer project in South Africa! Perfect for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, this program is based at an animal and bird sanctuary where you’ll provide hands-on assistance with the care of rescued and non-releasable animals. The sanctuary is large, so expect to get involved in different areas. As a volunteer, you’ll support the team in various activities – from preparing food according to each animal’s diet to maintaining the grounds. Some tasks are challenging yet highly rewarding as you get to spend a lot of time with the animals. You have 5 workdays and 2 days off each week, allowing you to explore the beautiful beaches of nearby Jeffreys Bay. You can also visit Big 5 wildlife reserves or hike the adjoining nature reserve to watch birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. This animal welfare project is available all year round, and you can join any day from Monday to Friday. Volunteers should be at least 16 years old if unaccompanied and 14 years old if accompanied by a parent or guardian. The minimum length of stay is 2 weeks and longer periods are subject to visa requirements.

Spend a life‑changing year in South Africa in Port Edward, KwaZulu-Natal, mastering English while living with a caring host family. Students receive 20 hours/week of CEFR‑aligned English, academic support (GED/IGCSE bridging), and curated cultural adventures. Students also choose a sport track—tennis, golf, horse riding, swimming, or squash—with two weekly coaching sessions included. Port Edward’s beaches, nature reserves, and local attractions create a safe and outdoor lifestyle that students love. We have been catering to international students for the last 5 years. Our guardianship model gives parents peace of mind, with services that include airport pickups, daily attendance, curfews, medical protocols, and weekly WhatsApp updates. The next intakes are in January and July—limited spots are available.

Located in Mahikeng, North West Province, the International School of South Africa (ISSA) provides a comprehensive and balanced education. With a focus on academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and sporting opportunities, ISSA prepares students to become the next generation of global leaders. The school follows the prestigious Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) curriculum and also offers the Independent Examination Board (IEB) curriculum, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education recognized both locally and internationally. ISSA's academic structure is divided into three key stages, catering to students from Forms 1 to Upper 6. Small class sizes allow for personalized attention, with a maximum of 25 students in lower forms and 15 in advanced levels. The school's dynamic learning support program addresses the unique needs of each student, fostering an environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. ISSA also offers excellent boarding facilities, providing a supportive and inclusive community for both local and international students.

Hout Bay International School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11-16 in South Africa. This program focuses on developing the whole child by nurturing intellectual, social, aesthetic, and cultural growth. Students are encouraged to make connections between real-world experiences and classroom knowledge through a skill-based framework. The MYP at Hout Bay International School is a five-year program designed to prepare students for the IB Diploma Programme. It includes a balanced curriculum across eight subject groups and provides opportunities for personal and academic growth through unique projects and community service.