High School Study Abroad in South Africa

Before starting a high school study abroad program in South Africa, setting clear goals can help you choose opportunities that align with your interests and comfort level.

Reflect on what you want to learn. Decide if your focus is cultural immersion, volunteering, academics, or exploring South Africa. Clear intentions help you select a program that supports your personal growth.
Identify your comfort and stretch zones. A study abroad experience is meant to challenge you, so choose a program that nudges you just enough.
Check your academic expectations. For students joining academic or service-learning tracks, make sure the workload aligns with your school's needs to manage your time and return home feeling accomplished.

Understand the benefits

Studying abroad in South Africa offers countless personal, cultural, and educational benefits. It’s a chance to explore a truly unique country while gaining skills that follow you far beyond high school.

Experience rich cultural diversity. South Africa’s blend of languages, traditions, and communities makes daily life feel vibrant and eye-opening. You’ll get used to hearing multiple languages and discovering new customs.
Improve your global awareness. With its complex history and modern growth, South Africa offers real lessons in social change. You’ll see firsthand how communities rebuild and move forward.
Form meaningful global connections. Meeting locals and other international students helps you grow a worldwide network. These relationships often last long after your program ends.

Things to know

A little preparation makes your high school study abroad journey in South Africa smoother and more enjoyable. Understanding logistics, safety, and cultural norms helps you feel confident throughout your stay.

Expect varied program structures. Many South African programs focus on volunteering or cultural immersion rather than traditional schooling. This offers more flexibility and hands-on learning.
Budget for activities and meals. While daily living costs are fairly affordable, excursions like safaris or rafting can add up. Planning ahead helps stretch your spending money further.
Visas are simple but required. Most students enter on a tourist visa, but academic placements may require a study permit. Programs often walk you through the entire process.

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Latest Program Reviews

Alexander Harrison

August 28, 2023by: Alexander HarrisonProgram: High School Volunteer Abroad Programs

10

My name is Jane. My son Alex is 14 years old. We live in Macclesfield, UK. Alex travelled with his school to Thailand for 3 weeks this summer. GVI was chosen by the school and I must say, I?m glad they did. From the beginning, I was impressed by the amount of information given to us about the expedition, a detailed itinerary was provided which was obviously a chance of a lifetime for students like my Alex to explore, learn, gain life skills and experience the wider world, assisting in research and conservation projects in Thailand. As the expedition drew closer, GVI organised online meetings and discussed in detail, aspects such as health and safety, practicalities, relevant documentation requirements etc. No question was too small or insignificant, all concerns were addressed professionally. The GVI staff who were to accompany the school, introduced themselves on the online discussions, they were very friendly and enthusiastic. Sending my 14year old son to the other side of the world for 3 weeks, I must admit was scary, however GVI were amazing with their knowledge, understanding, reassurance, immaculate planning and support. I felt confident that any situation would be dealt with appropriately and with care. Alex had an amazing experience and I feel that he has returned home with a more mature attitude and mindset. He has learnt skills that will help him achieve his goals. He has observed and experienced life away from Macclesfield and indeed the UK and I feel, given him a better understanding of the world?s culture and how we must care and conserve our environment. I would not hesitate to recommend GVI to anyone who is interested in becoming immersed in such an an amazing adventure.

Elyne Tais Kenza Calmels

August 11, 2023by: Elyne Tais Kenza CalmelsProgram: High School Volunteer Abroad Programs

10

I participated in the program "Dolphin and Whale Conservation Teen Volunteering" in the Canary Islands During my program I was able to participate in various activities such as land survey, beach clean and the census of cetaceans observed during boat excursions I found the staff very pleasant, and the organization of the stay was perfect. The project was really interesting and enriching. The choice of this field for my future profession is widely possible. I would like to go back with this organization next year for a new project. During my GVI experience I was able to see the amount of waste on the beaches, I also realized how much tourist activities have an impact on the marine environment. This project was advantageous for me because I was able to improve my level of English during these two weeks in total immersion.I am very happy to have met children from all over the world, it allowed me to learn more about the different cultures and lifestyles abroad. For someone who plans to do a GVI program, I would advise him to really want and be motivated because it's not easy every day, but if he's sure of himself, don't hesitate, he won't regret it

Alexander Harrison

August 28, 2023by: Alexander HarrisonProgram: High School Volunteer Abroad Programs

10

My name is Jane. My son Alex is 14 years old. We live in Macclesfield, UK. Alex travelled with his school to Thailand for 3 weeks this summer. GVI was chosen by the school and I must say, I?m glad they did. From the beginning, I was impressed by the amount of information given to us about the expedition, a detailed itinerary was provided which was obviously a chance of a lifetime for students like my Alex to explore, learn, gain life skills and experience the wider world, assisting in research and conservation projects in Thailand. As the expedition drew closer, GVI organised online meetings and discussed in detail, aspects such as health and safety, practicalities, relevant documentation requirements etc. No question was too small or insignificant, all concerns were addressed professionally. The GVI staff who were to accompany the school, introduced themselves on the online discussions, they were very friendly and enthusiastic. Sending my 14year old son to the other side of the world for 3 weeks, I must admit was scary, however GVI were amazing with their knowledge, understanding, reassurance, immaculate planning and support. I felt confident that any situation would be dealt with appropriately and with care. Alex had an amazing experience and I feel that he has returned home with a more mature attitude and mindset. He has learnt skills that will help him achieve his goals. He has observed and experienced life away from Macclesfield and indeed the UK and I feel, given him a better understanding of the world?s culture and how we must care and conserve our environment. I would not hesitate to recommend GVI to anyone who is interested in becoming immersed in such an an amazing adventure.

Elyne Tais Kenza Calmels

August 11, 2023by: Elyne Tais Kenza CalmelsProgram: High School Volunteer Abroad Programs

10

I participated in the program "Dolphin and Whale Conservation Teen Volunteering" in the Canary Islands During my program I was able to participate in various activities such as land survey, beach clean and the census of cetaceans observed during boat excursions I found the staff very pleasant, and the organization of the stay was perfect. The project was really interesting and enriching. The choice of this field for my future profession is widely possible. I would like to go back with this organization next year for a new project. During my GVI experience I was able to see the amount of waste on the beaches, I also realized how much tourist activities have an impact on the marine environment. This project was advantageous for me because I was able to improve my level of English during these two weeks in total immersion.I am very happy to have met children from all over the world, it allowed me to learn more about the different cultures and lifestyles abroad. For someone who plans to do a GVI program, I would advise him to really want and be motivated because it's not easy every day, but if he's sure of himself, don't hesitate, he won't regret it