Info

You can combine 2 or 3 different projects for a broad experience. You can teach a variety of subjects. No qualifications needed. Resort city, beach town or Zulu Kingdom!

-> THREE different regions
-> THREE different types of locations
-> THREE different experiences!

Rewarding Teaching Projects with Disadvantaged Children.

We help schools in a few different locations, each with its own unique attractions and experience. Please see brief descriptions below.

SUBJECTS YOU CAN TEACH:

You don't need any qualifications to do any of these projects, but you should be reasonably fluent in English. The most popular subjects with our volunteers to teach are English, Drama and Music, and Sports. You can also teach IT, Design Technology, Maths, some Languages, and just about every academic subject - the choice is yours.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

-> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the different cultures of South Africa.
-> New skills, more confidence and invaluable personal and professional development.
-> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
-> The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them
-> And maybe best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

LOCATIONS:

1. Teaching in the beach resort of Knysna on the renowned Garden Route:

South Africa goes to Knysna for its holidays - that tells you what this region is like! It has some of the most beautiful beaches and coastline in the world. You'll help the poorer African and Coloured children in the local community, in Travellers' long-term programme where volunteers have benefited the children for many years. This is a very sociable placement where you'll share accommodation with our other volunteers in a house where monkeys bring their babies onto the verandahs!

2. Teaching in Cape Town, a Top Three Tourist Destination:

Teach English and other subjects at a school located in the foothills of Table Mountain. The children at the school come from Cape Town's townships and are from poorer backgrounds. Cape Town has everything to offer with its stunning beaches, great surf, penguins, great nightlife and of course Table Mountain!

The average class size is between 28 and 40 and sometimes classes will be split into smaller groups. More often than not, you will be needed to take small groups of children or individuals out of the class and work with them privately. Classes tend to last between 30 - 60 minutes. Standards are generally very high and the enthusiasm of the students and colleagues more than makes up for any hardships they may experience.

3. Teaching in a rural Zulu Village in eMakhosini ("the Valley of the Kings") in KwaZulu-Natal:

This is a truly unique teaching location in the heart of Zulu country. Almost all our volunteers falls in love with the children and the setting and most of them maintain a connection with the community long after they return home. This is a project rich in cultural experience!

You'll work with local children and you'll see the difference you make to their lives. You can also teach music and dance ... and then the children will teach you how to dance their way, the tribal Zulu way! You can teach sports, too, if you'd like to do that, or if you have computer or IT skills, they would really love you to teach them.

The classes are quite large, with an average of around 50 pupils per class, ranging from around 5½ to about 15 years old. In the junior schools, English is taught in Zulu and is done by translating words and phrases. Many of the children don't reach the standard required for the subject and when they get to high school where everything is taught in English, they find it very difficult to learn their other subjects.

This is where you will be able to play a big part. By exposing the children to conversational English and helping them to build up the confidence to use the language in the classroom, on the playing fields or in extracurricular activities, you'll be helping them to cope better with learning all their subjects in high school.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:

Add to your travel experience in Africa by doing some additional exciting activities, such as:

-> A 5- or 7-day Safari from Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route,
taking in Dolphin and Whale Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world), and a guided tour of the Cango Caves.

-> Surfing Courses:
In the buzz city of Durban.

-> Paragliding Course:
Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you to do solo paragliding around the world.

-> 5-Day Bush Survival Course:
This is a fantastic experience and opportunity to see lots of wild animals in their native habitats in Game Reserves. You'll learn a lot and you'll really enjoy learning some bush skills in the great outdoors!

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in South Africa. That way you’ll get a good knowledge of two or more very different regions of the country.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It’s as easy as that.

OUR USERS SAY:

"I learnt a lot about myself whilst in Africa and have certainly grown up a lot! I have made some great friends. There were a mix of ages and types of people, but I think that's what makes the placement so fantastic. I would recommend this placement to somebody who has passion and is willing to go for it! You get out what you put in to the placement. If you go in with enthusiasm it will just encourage your students even more!"

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £795 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.

Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.