This welcome pack contains essential information to prepare you for your trip to South Africa. Please note that it is extremely important that you fill in the ‘Personal details’ and send them back to us. This confirms that you are going to do your internship or volunteering, and only then can we start arranging everything for you in South Africa.
You can email us at:
mike@thepowerofsports.org

If you have any questions, you can reach your mentor at:

Phone +44 7758 484544 (09:00 to 17:00 UK time)
WhatsApp +44 7758 484544
mike@thepowerofsports.org

The Power of Sports team

Fill in your personal details

On this page you fill in your personal details. You can only do this after you have booked your flight. Click the green button to open the form. This Google Form lets you easily fill in all your details.

The information is automatically forwarded to our colleagues in South Africa. That way they are well prepared for your arrival and have important information such as your arrival time and date, medication, dietary requirements and emergency contact(s).

Make sure you fill in and send the form at least two months before departure. To be safe, also let your mentor know you have done so.

Fill in your personal details here
Contact details South Africa
57 King Edward Street
Newton Park
Port Elizabeth
6045
Tel: +27 (0) 41 364 0572
 
Morgan Harlin (coordinator)
Tel: +27 79 646 3207
mharlin@unitedthroughsport.org
 
Morgan Harlin is the coordinator in Port Elizabeth. He originally started as a volunteer, but he has now been involved with the organisation for more than 6 years and lives permanently in South Africa. He will be your point of contact and will make sure you have a great learning experience. It is therefore best to contact him before your visit to South Africa.
 
 
 
Nick Mould (founder)
Tel: +27 (0) 79 109 7108
nmould@unitedthroughsport.org
 
The director in South Africa is Nick Mould. Nick is half English and half South African. He lived and studied in the United Kingdom for most of his life and, after completing a degree at Cardiff University, went to the southern tip of Africa, where he became full time coordinator of the programme in 2005. He likes to think of himself as a decent rugby player, although opinions on that are divided.
 
 
 
 
Emergency contact
Someone can be reached 24 hours a day
 
Preferred contact
If your question isn’t urgent, it is best to email the team in South Africa. You can always WhatsApp or call your mentor.
 
Your fellow travellers
The Power of Sports sets up WhatsApp groups with all participants travelling to South Africa in the same period. If you’d like to get in touch with the other volunteers and interns from other countries, contact your mentor.
 
Your mentor
Your mentor at The Power of Sports helps you prepare for your internship or volunteering in South Africa. Our founder Ruben Baarda lived in South Africa for a while and was part of the project there; it was there that he was inspired to set up his own sports foundation. He has visited South Africa many times and knows a lot about the country, so the team can also help you plan any further travel. You have probably already spoken to us in an introductory conversation, in which we gave you an honest picture of what it is like to live in South Africa. You can reach your mentor at:
 
Phone +44 7758 484544 (09:00 to 17:00 UK time)
WhatsApp +44 7758 484544
Email: mike@thepowerofsports.org
Read before departure
• Be prepared for culture shock. To minimise it, it is a good idea to research the destination and culture as much as possible. That way you are ready for the different ways people act, communicate and greet each other, taboos and so on, and you realise that behaviour can simply be different and is not necessarily threatening or intimidating.
• Read up on the weather and typical weather patterns, so you know what variations to expect during your stay. This also helps you decide which clothes to take.
• Find out which diseases are common in the country and how they are caught, so you know how to prevent them or reduce the risk.
• Learn more about the creepy crawlies and other insects and animals in the country, so there are no unpleasant surprises!
 
Arrival information
You must arrive in Port Elizabeth on the start date of your trip. You will be picked up from Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) and taken to the accommodation. If you can’t find our staff at the airport, call the team in South Africa. If they don’t answer, contact your mentor.
 
Arrival:
Our arrival weekend starts on Saturday, which is also the day you are expected to arrive. You are welcome to arrive in South Africa earlier, but you must then stay in accommodation elsewhere at your own expense until Saturday and arrange your own transport from the airport to that accommodation. On Saturday we will then pick you up and take you to our accommodation. If you arrive on Friday you may be able to use our accommodation already, but we will then have to charge for an extra day.
 
Departure:
The official departure day is Saturday. Those leaving on that day are given transport to the airport. Volunteers and interns leaving outside this period must arrange their own transport (e.g. Uber). In exceptional cases we can extend the official departure to Sunday, with extra costs for the extra night.
 
Programme orientation
The day after you arrive at the accommodation, the 2 to 3 day orientation begins at Umzi (the name of the accommodation). This is to get to know each other and your South African colleagues, learn more about the South African way of life and have a fun first weekend.
 
In-country team
A number of people look after you during your stay abroad. You will be in contact with many of them. Others work ‘behind the scenes’ to make sure you have a fun and rewarding experience.
 
Accommodation and food
Overview
 
  Standard Accommodation Comfort Accommodation
Meals 3 meals a day 3 meals a day
Drinks Tea and coffee Tea and coffee
People per room 3 to 10 1
Wifi Yes Yes
Laundry Yes – R10 per load* Yes – R10 per load*
Locker Yes, locker in the room** Yes, locker in the room**
Lock on door Yes Yes
Shower Yes Yes
Private bathroom No Yes
Sheets Yes Yes
Towels No No
Mosquito net No No
Fan No No
Air conditioning No No

* Or at extra cost at local launderettes
** Bring a padlock

Standard accommodation
Shared dormitories with 4 to 6 people per room (8 to 10 in the largest dormitories). Usually bunk beds. Shared bathrooms, usually one shower and toilet per 5 people
 
Comfort accommodation
We have one single room (shared bathroom) and one double en suite room with a double bed and private bathroom, which volunteers can book for an extra fee
 
Food
Three meals a day are provided as part of our service, but there are also two ‘mini’ kitchens to store and/or prepare your own food if you wish. Breakfast is cereal and toast, with a choice of spreads and fruit. Lunch is a packed lunch with sandwiches, crisps and fruit. Dinner is a hot meal with a standard variety of Western dishes, alternating with South African dishes. There is a dining room and a lounge, both with TV, including sports channels.
 
Supermarket: 5 minutes’ walk from the accommodation
Cash machine: 5 minutes’ walk from the accommodation.
Tap water: the tap water at our accommodation is completely clean and safe to drink
Restaurants / bars: there are plenty of small restaurants and bars within walking distance. The beach and larger nightlife areas are 15 minutes’ drive away.
 
The accommodation, Umzi (Xhosa for home), is in Newton Park, Port Elizabeth. Although the accommodation has simple shared rooms with bunk beds, it also has a range of great facilities, including:
 
– Several communal areas to socialise, including the TV room, reading room, large garden and a games room with table tennis and a pool table.
– Large swimming pool
– DSTV with nine 24 hour sports channels.
– Shops / shopping centre within walking distance.
 
Breakfast: cereal and toast (self service) from 7:30 to 9:00 Monday to Friday and 8:00 to 9:30 at weekends.
 
Lunch: volunteers and interns make their own packed lunch (sandwiches, crisps, fruit) during breakfast to take with them. Lunch boxes are provided on arrival. At weekends lunch is served between 12:30 and 13:00.
 
Dinner: dinner is served between 17:00 and 18:00. Dinner is kept aside for people who have evening training. You wash your own plates when you have finished eating. Typical meals are rice dishes, burgers, lasagne, spaghetti bolognese, curries, pie and so on.
 
Passport
Your passport is your most important document when travelling abroad. Make sure your passport is fully up to date and still valid for at least six months after you return home. Don’t put your passport in the overhead lockers when flying. Keep it on you at all times.
 
Visa
If your stay is longer than 90 days, you must have a visa. If you are staying in South Africa for longer than 90 days, contact your mentor, who will help you get a visa and advise you on how to do so. Getting a visa for South Africa is time consuming and frustrating, so start at least two months in advance. Bear in mind that countries often change their visa requirements, sometimes every six months. For the latest visa information, visit the website of the South African High Commission in London.
 
An alternative way to get a visa is to show proof on arrival in South Africa that you will leave the country within 90 days, for example by showing your return flight home. On arrival in South Africa you then automatically receive a 90 day visa. Once in South Africa you can change your return flight to your original departure date, and we are happy to help you apply for the visa. We have written a handy guide for this. This approach is considerably easier than applying for a visa from home and saves both time and money. That is why most volunteers and interns choose this method
 
Photocopies
It is always wise to make copies of all your important documents. Keep one copy with you abroad (separate from the original documents, of course!) and leave another copy at home with a friend or family member. We recommend making photocopies of the following documents in case of loss or theft:
Passport: your passport number, date and place of issue and any visa.
Flight details: your flight numbers, connections and destination airports.
Insurance policy: your policy number and 24 hour medical emergency number.
Vaccination card: documents showing which vaccinations you have had.
Bank cards: the phone number you need to report or cancel credit or debit cards.
 
Email yourself!
It is also wise to scan your important documents and attach them as jpeg files to an email. You can then send this email to an account you can access anywhere in the world. This way you still have copies of your documents even if the originals and photocopies are lost or stolen.

Voluntourism

The topic of ‘voluntourism’ gives plenty to talk about, and we completely understand that! You may have heard of ‘orphanage tourism’, but voluntourism is much broader than that. It is really important that you, as a volunteer or intern, are aware of this topic and the influence it can have. At our organisation we set up our projects ourselves and think carefully about every aspect of voluntourism. To set ourselves apart from other organisations, we are even a co founder of ‘Volunteer Aware’, a quality mark that shows we avoid harmful forms of voluntourism.

But it is essential that we consider our behaviour carefully not only as an organisation, but also as individuals. A well known phenomenon within voluntourism is the so called ‘white saviour syndrome’, where Western volunteers and interns tend to see themselves as the saviours of less privileged communities in other countries. Although our programmes definitely have a positive impact, we must stay aware of the limits of our role. As a volunteer or intern you have a supporting role within the project. Remember that we are guests in the community where we work and that our role should mainly focus on supporting local initiatives and listening to the needs of the community.

To help you better understand voluntourism, we recommend watching the video below. It will help you become aware of the key principles of responsible voluntourism and how to apply them in practice during your project.

We are incredibly grateful for your commitment and dedication in taking part in our programmes. Let’s work together towards a responsible and respectful approach to volunteering or interning abroad.

Insurance

Taking part in activities of The Power of Sports is at your own responsibility. Before and during the activity, everyone must have valid health and travel insurance covering medical costs, repatriation, accidents and liability. For activities abroad, an EHIC or GHIC is also required where applicable. Insurance details must be provided on registration; without them, participation may be refused or ended without a right to a refund, insofar as permitted by law.

The Power of Sports and its carefully selected partners are insured for their business operations, but medical costs and loss of or damage to personal belongings are always at your own expense, unless directly caused by a mistake by The Power of Sports or its partners. For full details see our terms and conditions.

To make sure you are properly insured, we recommend European Insurances. They know our programmes and can give you professional advice, including for trips outside Europe. Through their website you can easily request a call back and get tailored advice within 24 hours. Please check that the policy is available to UK residents; if not, choose a UK travel insurer that covers volunteering and sports activities abroad.

European Insurances
Vaccinations

For a trip to South Africa there are some recommended vaccinations and precautions to consider:​

Recommended vaccinations:

  • DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio): This vaccination is recommended for all travellers to South Africa. ​

Possible vaccinations:

  • Hepatitis A: Recommended for travellers staying in basic conditions. ​

  • MMR (mumps, measles and rubella): If you have not been vaccinated against measles or have not had the disease, this vaccination is recommended.

  • Yellow fever: This vaccination is required if in the seven days before arriving in South Africa you have been in a country where yellow fever occurs, or had a transit there of more than 12 hours. ​

Vaccinations depending on your situation:

Depending on your personal situation and travel plans, the following vaccinations may be considered:

  • Hepatitis B: Recommended for stays longer than three months or for high risk activities.

  • Rabies: Consider this vaccination for a longer stay or close contact with animals.​

  • Tuberculosis (TB): In certain cases, such as a long stay, this vaccination may be recommended.​

Malaria prevention:

Malaria occurs in some areas of South Africa, particularly in the north east including the Kruger Park, mainly from September to May. It is advisable to take antimalarial tablets and to protect yourself against mosquito bites, for example by wearing covering clothing and using insect repellent with DEET.

Extra tips:

  • Plan your vaccinations in time: It is wise to arrange your vaccinations at least four to six weeks before departure.​

  • Get personal advice: Consult a travel clinic or your GP practice for tailored advice based on your health and travel plans.​

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your trip to South Africa with peace of mind.

 
Food poisoning
Many of our participants get an upset stomach within 48 hours, because they are in a new environment and exposed to new bacteria. By resting, drinking plenty of fluids and replacing salts, you will quickly recover from this. Some people travel with one a day multivitamins to boost their immune system.
 
Sunburn
Watch out for heat and intense sunshine. Dehydration, sunburn and heatstroke are all too common among our participants. However, you can easily avoid these problems by taking the following precautions:
– Avoid direct sunlight when the sun is strongest (e.g. in the afternoon)
– Wear sunglasses
– Wear a cap or hat
– Apply high factor sun cream
– Drink plenty of water throughout the day and always carry a full bottle of water
 
HIV and AIDS
All participants should be aware of HIV and how it is transmitted. HIV and AIDS are present all over the world, so make sure you follow these basic rules wherever you are:
– Avoid casual sex and contact with infected bodily fluids
– Never let yourself be injected with an unsterilised needle or syringe
– Avoid any other blood contact wherever possible
 
First aid
It is advisable to bring a personal first aid kit. This is essential for any minor accident or injury you have abroad. Also make sure you keep it somewhere handy during your stay and take it with you every day when volunteering.
Safety and security
Theft is more common abroad than at home. However, it can be avoided by staying alert and taking various precautions. Below are some general things that can get you into trouble. When you arrive in South Africa you will also learn to become ‘street wise’, so you know where you can and can’t go.
 
Tourists are always targets for pickpockets. Find out as much as you can about South Africa before you leave, so you can stay alert in all kinds of situations. Some tips:
 
– Never travel or go out alone, especially at night.
– Find out where the unsafe areas are and avoid them
– During your trip, keep all important documents and valuables in a safe place, such as a hidden inside pocket or a money belt.
– Only carry as much cash as you think you’ll need.
– Don’t wear expensive jewellery or watches
– Be wary of people who seem too friendly too quickly
– Keep cameras out of sight.
– Keep your wallet in your trouser pocket.
– Before swimming, ask how safe the area is, and don’t all go swimming at the same time.
 
Precautions to take:
• A money belt is handy for your valuables. Keep it out of sight under your clothes and only open it in familiar and safe places.
• When using a cash machine, make sure it is in a well lit area and don’t count your money until you are somewhere safe. Also avoid withdrawing money at night, and don’t do it alone.
 
Manners and clothing
Your behaviour and clothing can attract a lot of attention. Cultures in less developed areas may react differently from what you intended. They may see your clothing or attitude as offensive or disrespectful. Overconfidence is seen as showing off and boasting, especially when it comes to material possessions. So behave well and try to put yourself in other people’s shoes.
 
Some hints:
• Try to be modest and keep a low profile.
• You are there to experience, understand and immerse yourself in the culture, not to compare and contrast and make disparaging remarks.
• Try to adopt some local manners and customs; for example, many cultures have their own style of greeting, so learn them.
• Wear clothing that is appropriate and in no way political or offensive.
• Travelling in a group can be experienced as intimidating and threatening. Think about your impact.
 
Language
Many swear words are international, and almost everyone in South Africa understands English. Swearing has a bigger impact in South Africa than you may be used to at home. Always remember that you are a role model, so swearing will not be tolerated.
 
Drugs
NEVER buy, use or keep drugs while you are abroad. Not only will your volunteering be ended immediately, the local police will not hesitate to arrest you and send you to a local prison without trial. Conditions in foreign prisons are often very poor and you usually don’t have the same rights as you do at home. The penalties for possessing a small amount of marijuana are extremely high and can be well over 10 years.
 
Alcohol
Almost all incidents are in some way related to drinking too much alcohol. Participants who drink excessively are often robbed in bars, or worse. Any amount of alcohol affects your reactions and gives you a feeling of invulnerability. This increases the chance of ending up in a potentially dangerous situation. We recommend not drinking alcohol on weekdays and staying ‘in control’ at weekends.

Click the link for our current Terms and conditions and code of conduct

The Power of Sports – Code of conduct

As a volunteer or intern with The Power of Sports, you help create a safe, respectful and positive environment for everyone involved in the project. This short code of conduct describes what is expected of you.

1. Respect and behaviour

  • Treat all participants, colleagues, volunteers and interns with dignity and respect.
  • Discrimination, intimidation, bullying, abuse or any form of inappropriate or transgressive behaviour will not be tolerated.
  • Always contribute to a safe, inclusive and supportive environment, and outside project activities too, show respect for local culture, norms and customs by avoiding behaviour or expressions that could be experienced as offensive, disrespectful or inappropriate in the local context.


2. Professionalism and integrity

  • Act honestly, responsibly and professionally.
  • Do not misuse your position, information or project resources for personal gain.
  • Follow the instructions and guidelines of project coordinators where necessary, when they relate to safety, cooperation or the reputation of the project.
  • Offering or accepting inappropriate gifts or other unlawful benefits is prohibited.

3. Laws, rules and safeguarding

  • Comply with all applicable local laws and project rules.
  • Respect all safety, health and safeguarding regulations, including child protection policies where applicable.
  • Respect the house rules of accommodation and partner organisations, follow coordinators’ instructions regarding safety, wellbeing and regulations, and be aware of your role as a representative of the project during your stay and activities.

4. Use of property and resources

  • Handle project and partner property, facilities and materials with care.
  • Use these resources only for legitimate project related purposes.

5. Communication and cooperation

  • Work constructively and respectfully with fellow volunteers, interns, staff and partners.
  • Communicate openly, honestly and professionally in all project related situations, both during and outside working hours when it concerns the project.
  • Respect agreed schedules, working arrangements and responsibilities.
  • Report concerns, incidents or suspected misconduct to your supervisor or project coordinator as soon as possible.
  • Inform your supervisor in good time in case of illness, delay or absence, and always agree changes in planning or attendance in advance with the coordinator responsible.
  • Take responsibility for your own wellbeing and consider the safety and wellbeing of others in the project environment.

6. Drugs / alcohol

  • The possession, use, purchase or distribution of illegal drugs or narcotics is strictly prohibited for the entire period you stay with us.
  • Breaking this rule leads to immediate termination of participation and may lead to removal from the project and/or accommodation.
  • You are responsible for complying with local laws on drugs and alcohol, which in some countries may be stricter than in your own country.

7. Sexual contact and transgressive behaviour

  • Sexual harassment and transgressive behaviour are not permitted.
  • Sexual contact with minors is strictly prohibited and leads to immediate termination of participation and possible reporting to the authorities.
  • Sexual contact between volunteers, interns, staff or others involved is discouraged in order to maintain professional boundaries.

8. Conflicts of interest

  • Avoid situations in which personal interests could conflict with your role as a volunteer or intern.
  • Report any actual or potential conflicts of interest to the project coordinator immediately.

9. Compliance

  • Compliance with this code of conduct is a condition of participation as a volunteer or intern.
  • In serious cases, non compliance may lead to immediate termination of participation without a right to a refund.

10. Use of photos and video

  • Photos and videos taken during project activities are the property of The Power of Sports.
  • Volunteers and interns may only use this footage for project related purposes and with the prior permission of the organisation.
  • Sharing photos or videos on social media or other external platforms is only allowed with permission, always respecting the privacy and safety of participants and third parties.

What to bring

This checklist helps you pack for your trip to South Africa. The climate is generally warm, but if you arrive in winter the nights can feel cold. As the atmosphere in South Africa is quite informal, you can leave your formal clothes at home.

On arrival you receive a (sports) shirt from our foundation to wear while coaching. Also bring enough sportswear so you can train comfortably every day.

Recommended clothing

  • Fleece: for warmth on cooler nights, especially in the winter months.
  • Hat: protect yourself from the sun. A wide brimmed hat is better than a cap, because it also protects your neck.
  • Jumper: bring a couple of warm jumpers (wool or fleece) for when it cools down in the evening.
  • Shirts: bring some shirts and a few sports shirts or training tops for the programme.
  • Shorts: it is usually warm, so bring plenty of shorts.
  • Socks: bring enough socks for sports activities, and football socks if you want to play for a local team.
  • Swimwear: there are lots of places to swim, both in the sea and in pools, so swimwear is important.
  • Trousers: choose cotton trousers, which are airy and keep insects away. Also suitable for the evening.
  • T-shirts: bring enough T-shirts to wear every day.
  • Underwear: cotton underwear is more hygienic than synthetic. Bring enough to get through the week.
  • Special clothing/equipment: whistle/hockey stick (for hockey coaches), trainers/football boots.

Shoes

  • Casual shoes: one pair is enough.
  • Sandals/flip flops: good quality ones with ankle straps for ventilation and comfort.
  • Trainers: bring shoes that can get dirty, as you will be working and playing sport outside. Rain showers can make the area muddy.

Rainwear

  • Waterproof jacket: lightweight, waterproof and breathable, always handy.

Other essentials

  • Camera/phone: for photos and memories.
  • First aid kit: essential for minor accidents or ailments.
  • Mosquito and insect repellent: choose a product with a high DEET content (50% recommended).
  • Sleeping bag: not required, but handy if you want to travel afterwards.
  • Sun cream and after sun: high factor (30+), given the strong sun.
  • Sunglasses: protect your eyes from the bright sun.
  • Torch: always handy, especially during power cuts. Your phone usually has a light too.
  • Towels: bring at least two towels and a beach towel.
  • Wash bag: with the usual toiletries.
  • Water bottles: make sure you always have at least two litres of water with you.
  • Whistle: handy when refereeing a match.
  • Handy bag: a small, practical bag for everyday use.
  • Power bank: essential during power cuts (load shedding).
  • Padlock: bring your own padlock for the locker in your room.
  • Hand sanitiser: because you will be holding lots of children’s hands.

The Power of Sports clothing

By taking part you receive this great The Power of Sports shirt from us. After you have filled in your personal details, we send you an email with your unique code. With that code you can order the ‘casual shirt’ for free.

To do this, go to our web shop, click on the casual shirt and enter your unique code. The shirt will be sent to you before you leave.

It’s also ideal to wear the shirt on your arrival day, so our colleagues abroad can easily spot you when you are picked up from the airport

Would you like to order extra shirts or other clothing? Of course you can! Feel free to have a look at the rest of our range. All clothing is high quality and delivered to your home before departure.

Worth knowing:
The full profit from the shirt goes straight to The Power of Sports Foundation. So you not only wear a great shirt, you also do your bit for our foundation!

Welcome Pack South Africa - The Power of Sports
Welcome Pack South Africa - The Power of Sports
Phone
 
The international dialling code for South Africa is +27
 
You can buy a South African SIM card to make calls cheaper, but luckily there is WhatsApp these days. There is free wireless internet at the accommodation, so people who bring phones and laptops can get online (bear in mind that the internet can be slow when a lot of people are using it). There are also internet cafés a short walk from the accommodation.
 
Laundry
 
There are four coin operated washing machines available at your accommodation. Alternatively, a paid laundry service is available at R10 per kg.
 
Electricity
 
South Africa uses type D, M and N sockets. See the pictures below. If you live in the UK you will need a travel adapter for type D, M and N sockets.
The accommodation uses type M.

Load shedding

Since 2022 South Africa has had ‘load shedding’: the national electricity supplier switches off the power for about 2 hours, sometimes several times a day. Although it usually doesn’t have a big impact, it can be annoying in the evenings. At the accommodation, solar panels with batteries are connected in the office building, so there is usually power in the main building during load shedding.

Tip: bring a torch and a power bank so you are prepared!

Transport

Transport to and from Port Elizabeth airport (PLZ) is included. Transport between the accommodation and the activities is also arranged.

Money

The official currency in South Africa is the South African rand (ZAR). An approximate exchange rate is:

€1 ≈ 19 ZAR

For the latest exchange rate, visit www.xe.com.

Spending: allow a budget of around €75 to €100 per week during your stay in South Africa.

Food and drink

South African food is delicious and varied! During your stay you can try all kinds of meat, from impala and kudu to ostrich, usually cooked on a typical South African ‘braai’ (barbecue). Traditional dishes such as biltong, bobotie and boerewors are definitely worth trying.

Vegetarian: although South Africans love meat, there are plenty of vegetarian options too.

Drinking water: tap water is safe to drink in urban areas. Be careful in more rural areas.

Smoking and drinking

Smoking and drinking are allowed in South Africa, but smoking is banned in public places such as cinemas, bars and airports. Alcohol is affordable and South Africa is known for its good wines and local beers, which you should definitely try!

Respect others: only drink in moderation and make sure it doesn’t affect your work during the week. Antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.

Greetings

South Africans value greetings highly, and a simple ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ go a long way towards making friends and being accepted. Take the time to learn a few local words; it will be appreciated! Shaking hands is also common; the Western way is fine, but you will probably pick up some local variations.

In general, South Africans are relaxed and friendly. Don’t worry about small social mistakes; they are unlikely to cause offence!

Free time

At the weekends you are always free to do what you like. For interns and volunteers there are also organised programmes you can join. Some activities are free, while others cost extra. Below is an overview of the activities on offer.

Activities and events

Every Wednesday – 5-a-side football
– Week 1 – Arrival weekend
– Week 2 – Jeffreys Bay – home of surfing in South Africa – transport free, overnight stay free, optional dune boarding approx. R180, optional surf lessons approx. R400)
– Week 3 – Great White Shark Cage Diving – Cost R2,700
– Week 4 – Bloukrans Bungee Jump – transport free – Bungee R1350
– Week 5 – Departure / Arrival Weekend
– Week 6 – Adrenaline Addo – Zip wires, Bungee Swing, Canoeing – R700
– Week 7 – Schotia Game Reserve – Big Five Reserve – R3,500
– Week 8 – Kragga Kamma – game reserve close to Port Elizabeth – free
– Week 9 – Skydiving – R2,600
– Week 10– Sundays River – boat trip and BBQ (braai) on the river – free
– Week 11– Bushcamp – outdoor meal under the stars, plus a traditional African dance group – free
– Week 12 – Departure weekend

Important information

Please note: activity dates are not guaranteed and may change due to various factors, such as weather conditions, the number of participants and other events. Volunteers staying 12 weeks can take part in all activities. Bear in mind that prices may change between now and your arrival date.

South Africa Experience

Four times a year a ‘South Africa Experience’ is organised. During this week you do the Garden Route together with all the other volunteers and interns. A fantastic way to say goodbye to South Africa. Press the button to see the full programme. If you’d like to join, let us know! The total cost is €490

Dates 2026:

27 March – 3 April
26 June – 3 July
14 – 21 August
6 – 13 November

Dates 2027

26 March – 2 April
25 June – 2 July
06 – 13 August
05 – 12 November

Click here to see the programme

Confidential adviser

If something happens during your stay abroad that you would like to talk about with someone outside our organisation, you can contact one of our two confidential advisers. They are trained for this and offer an independent and confidential listening ear. Together you can discuss what happened and what support you might need.

Welcome Pack Curaçao - The Power of Sports

Catherine (confidential adviser)
Tel: +31 6 27117466

Hi, I’m Catherine
A listening ear, a safe person to talk to and a committed confidential adviser. I’m an enthusiastic all rounder, a people person and a dedicated support worker. For years I have worked in roles where trust, integrity and attention to others are central. I love talking to people with genuine interest, curiosity and an open mind.
What drives me is meeting others. Whether at work, while discovering new countries and cultures or in my personal life: every story deserves to be heard. That’s why I’m happy to act as a confidential adviser for The Power of Sports. Maybe something is bothering you, you have a question, you’re unsure about a situation or you just want to share your story. Whatever your reason, you are welcome.
Feel free to get in touch with me, no matter how small it seems. Together we look at what you need, in a safe and confidential setting.
Welcome Pack Ghana - The Power of Sports

Juliette (Confidential Advisor)
Tel: +31 6 37350327

Hi, I’m Juliette. I’m originally from Leiden and completed my bachelor’s in Psychology and master’s in Forensic Psychology in England. I now live in Holland again, although I’m often abroad.

My passion lies in contact with people: I love to listen and talk, and I think it’s important that everyone feels heard, understood and at ease. I believe an open and safe atmosphere is the basis for personal growth and development. That’s why I try to meet the person in front of me without judgement and explore together what they need to move forward.

Besides my interest in psychology, I get a lot of energy from travelling, discovering new cultures and meeting different people. These experiences have broadened my view and help me look at others with an open, curious and empathetic attitude. The combination of travel and psychology is why I’m keen to be a confidential adviser for The Power of Sports.