The Teaching in South Africa program is designed to offer classroom-based learning to young South Africans, an opportunity that provide a brighter future. Global Crossroad has partnered with local schools to provide support and lesson plans for our volunteers to help these children get the education they deserve. Volunteers get to share their knowledge of reading English and see the heartwarming smiles on the children as they learn to read a new story.
Volunteers in teach in South Africa project spend a majority of their time teaching English, but can opt to teach other subjects as well, such as Math or Science, in primary and junior secondary schools. While teaching abroad in South Africa you will develop conversational skills with students aged 5 to 10-years-old in primary schools and 11 to 16-years-old in junior secondary schools. Reading literature to and with them helps improve their low comprehension level and practicing conversations develops the poor pronunciation levels of students. Volunteers will also be able to provide theoretical and practical assistance while assisting local teachers as they interact with and teach the students. South Africa has four academic terms per year: January-March, April-June, July-September and October-December.
In South Africa, we work in small communities/neighborhoods, and the majority of our projects are very closely related within these communities. All of these projects are in desperate need of volunteers. Therefore, volunteers will often be requested to work with more than one project in their community during their stay. This not only helps the projects immensely, but it also gives volunteers a unique opportunity to experience different the different issues and facets of the South African people.
There are no specific qualifications needed to join our volunteer teaching in South Africa project beyond a fluency in English, but your understanding of South African culture and diversity can help improve the experience for you and your students. Consider enrolling in our five-day Cultural Immersion & Information program. No previous teaching experience is required. Volunteers should have a love for teaching, English and conversation. Volunteers should be enthusiastic, reliable, flexible, patient and be positive role models for students.
The locations of Global Crossroad’s volunteer in South Africa projects are in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces. All projects and our Cultural Program originate in Cape Town, but most placements are located are located outside of Cape Town. All placements offer access to activities that are considered “authentic South African” experiences and all locations are surrounded by breathtaking scenery and natural beauty.
A few of our projects are located in Stellenbosch in The Winelands. This town is the second oldest and one of the richest towns in South Africa. The wines, historical buildings, oak lined streets and university offer a beautiful backdrop for free-time excursions. Stellenbosch is centuries old and the town was founded primarily to support the region’s wine production. Historic Cape Dutch architecture rules the town and most buildings have been carefully restored. Vineyards and wineries are the main pull here, but hiking trails abound at local nature reserves.
Our Garden Route projects are based in Albertinia, Knysna, Oudtshoorn and Riversdale. The Garden Route is wrapped along the coastal area along the Gouritz River, up into the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains. There are a few local wineries and the local Garden Route Game Reserve offers a chance to see animals in their natural environment. The 2nd highest bungee jump in South Africa is located at the famous Gouritz Bridge. Beachside towns are only 30-45 minutes away and offer a great afternoon of relaxation and playing tourist. There are water sports and trails for hikes, horses and cyclists. Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich feather capital of the world and also boasts caverns and caves to explore. Riversdale is the flower kingdom of the garden route and there are mountain activities as well as many local markets at which to buy local artists’ works.
