INTERNSHIP SOUTH AFRICA
A significant portion of the South African population still lacks access to education. Due to widespread poverty in the country, education is often either unavailable or of poor quality. This is also the case in Port Elizabeth, a port city with numerous social issues in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
Our work is focused on the disadvantaged neighborhoods (also known as townships) of Port Elizabeth. Since physical education is not provided in the schools in these areas, we offer these lessons. You will be coaching and training children and young people in sports. Our foundation uses sports as a tool to address social issues in these communities, such as raising awareness about HIV, AIDS, and gender equality. Additionally, the lessons are designed to teach children important skills like teamwork, decision-making, and leadership. We also provide educational opportunities to help children develop their talents. Annually, around 18,000 children participate in our projects and activities!
As an intern, you will have the opportunity to teach your favorite sport (football, hockey, rugby, swimming, tennis, etc.). Additionally, you may assist in lessons at various schools we support, as there is a shortage of teachers. The help of interns is crucial in managing our projects.
The internship location is in Port Elizabeth (P.E.), a city with over 300,000 inhabitants (1.3 million if you include the surrounding areas). The port city is located in the Eastern Cape and is also known as the ‘Windy City,’ making it an ideal place for surfing! In Port Elizabeth, three languages are spoken: English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa.
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South Africa
For who is this internship suitable?
Your goal as an intern is not to train the next South African international athlete, although that could always happen. Therefore, you don’t need to be an experienced coach or hold certifications. However, a basic knowledge of the sport you’re teaching is beneficial. The most important thing is that you exude enthusiasm when giving your lessons.
This internship is ideal for students in sports-related studies, but also for those in event/leisure management, marketing, education, social sciences, and cultural studies. It’s important to know that you will always be involved as a sports coach and/or teacher. In South Africa, you can also choose to spend some days at the office working on your school or internship assignments. Some interesting internship tasks include: organizing a large-scale sports event, incorporating your own sport into the curriculum, conducting research, or setting up a fundraising event.
We always take your personal preferences into account. It is also possible to conduct research in South Africa—contact us to explore the options.
- No registration fees or deposits required.
- Everyone receives a no-obligation introductory consultation.
- Affordable internships abroad, especially considering the value you gain.
- Internships abroad are cost-effective, particularly when you consider the benefits.
- The only travel organization fully dedicated to social sports travel.
- We provide an honest assessment and evaluate your suitability for the project.
- Our programs are responsibly managed and have a proven positive impact.
- All our staff are well-acquainted with our international programs.
- We offer excellent personal guidance, both your home country and abroad.
- We are founders and part of the ‘Volunteer Aware‘ certification.
- We emphasize that our projects are deeply rooted in a genuine commitment to a noble cause.
ARRIVAL WEEKENDS
It is highly recommended to join one of the arrival weekends listed below. These weekends are when many volunteers and interns arrive simultaneously, and they include introductions, orientations, and icebreaker activities. Therefore, it is always better to arrive on one of these Saturdays.
Each session concludes with a vacation week. During this week, you can either stay at the accommodation or choose to go on a holiday. You can rejoin a new session the following week.
I’m a vegetarian. Will my dietary preferences be accommodated?
- If you let us know in advance that you are a vegetarian, the team in South Africa will make sure to accommodate your dietary preferences.
What do I need to consider when traveling abroad?
- After our initial conversation, where everything is discussed, you’ll have some time to decide if this adventure is right for you. If you choose to go ahead, we will schedule a second conversation with you, during which we’ll go through the ‘Welcome Pack’ together. This pack contains all the details you need to consider, including what to bring, vaccinations, and other important preparations.
Can I do the internship for less than four weeks?
- For your personal development, it is best to spend a longer period of time abroad. If you go for less than four weeks, it may feel more like a holiday experience. Therefore, we only offer internship opportunities starting from four weeks. To get the most out of your experience, we recommend staying for 12 weeks or longer.
Can I arrive earlier or later than the scheduled arrival weekend?
- While it is possible to arrive earlier or later, it is strongly discouraged. Arriving outside the scheduled weekend means you’ll miss the introduction and orientation, and you’ll be joining an already established group, which can make it harder to integrate. However, if arriving earlier or later is unavoidable, or if flights are significantly cheaper, we recommend staying in a hostel for the first few days before moving to our accommodation. Let us know, and we’ll be happy to assist you!
How many other interns will be there?
- There will always be other interns or volunteers at the accommodation in South Africa. The group size typically ranges between 15 and 35 people. They won’t all be from your home country; you’ll meet people from various countries. You can contact us to find out how many others will be there during your stay. Additionally, we create a group chat with other people from your home country who will be traveling at the same time, so you can get to know each other beforehand.
Sports in South Africa
Several sports are popular in South Africa, but the most popular ones are:
- Football: This is the most popular sport in South Africa, with the national football team, Bafana Bafana, having a massive following. The country also boasts a highly competitive national football league, the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
- Rugby: Rugby is also a popular sport in South Africa, especially among the white population. The South African national rugby team, the Springboks, is one of the most successful rugby teams in the world and has won the Rugby World Cup three times.
- Cricket: Cricket is another popular sport in South Africa, particularly among the Indian and white communities. The South African national cricket team, the Proteas, is a strong international competitor and has produced many talented players.
- Netball: Netball is the most popular sport for women in South Africa, and the national netball team, the Spar Proteas, has achieved international success.
- Athletics: Athletics is also a popular sport in South Africa, with the country having produced several successful athletes, including Wayde van Niekerk, Caster Semenya, and Oscar Pistorius.
Other popular sports in South Africa include swimming, golf, hockey, boxing, and motorsports such as motocross and auto racing.
4 weeks volunteering is
£1010 €1195 $1340
- Beautiful accommodation.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off.
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner (also in the weekends).
- Introduction and guided tour upon arrival.
- A designated coordinator at your project location.
- Regular social events and joint activities with other volunteers and interns
- Visa advice and support
- Access to the groups app with all other volunteers/interns who are traveling at the same time.
- Contact details of your coordinator to get acquainted in advance
Any additional week is
£180 €210 $240
* Each additional week above 12 weeks is €170.
ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa is a country of unparalleled beauty and diversity. From vast savannas to stunning coastlines and vibrant cities, there is something for everyone in this land.
One of South Africa’s major attractions is its wildlife in their natural habitat. The Kruger National Park, located in the northeast of the country, is one of the best places to spot the Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, and leopard). The park also hosts a wide variety of other animals and plants, offering safaris and accommodation options for every budget.
Another natural landmark is Table Mountain in Cape Town. This iconic mountain, towering above the city, offers breathtaking views and is a fantastic place for hiking and enjoying nature. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and provides various adventurous activities such as abseiling and paragliding.
South Africa boasts several bustling cities with much to offer. Cape Town, nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, featuring numerous attractions, including the historic Bo-Kaap, the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and the stunning beaches of Camps Bay.
The history of South Africa is marked by years of racial inequality and discrimination, with apartheid being the most well-known example. This has led to tensions between different population groups and contributed to the current state of social and economic inequality.
It is wise to be aware of South Africa’s history, as the legacy of apartheid still affects the country’s social and political situation today. Therefore, it is important to interact respectfully with the various population groups and to work towards a better future for all South Africans, regardless of their ethnic background.
Accommodation
The accommodation in Port Elizabeth is the perfect spot for you and your friends to stay and have a great time. You’ll usually share your room with others, which is a fantastic way to meet new people and make friends. If you’re planning to stay longer, there’s even the option to get your own room, though it does come with some extra costs. The place has everything you need to chill and have fun—there’s a cozy living room, a cool hangout area, a swimming pool to relax in, and a kitchen where you can whip up your own meals. Plus, you’ll feel safe and secure with 24/7 security keeping an eye on things, so you can focus on enjoying your time there.
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