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High School in South Africa

Soak in the natural beauty and diverse traditions of South Africa!

Study Abroad in South Africa

For a high school exchange experience that combines scenic beauty with friendly welcoming people, a mix of cultures, a sunny climate and loads of fun activities, look no further. South Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho. Often called “the Rainbow Nation,” South Africa is one of Africa’s most ethnically diverse countries and is home to 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. South Africa includes many ethnic groups with their own rich history, each proud of its language, customs, and religious beliefs. It is approximately twice the size of the state of Texas, and its landscape is primarily savannah and semidesert.

As a coastal country, South Africa boasts stunning seaside landscapes, including some of Earth’s oldest exposed rocks dating back billions of years! The Western Cape’s climate is fantastic, with mild winters and incredible summers, which means you’ll have plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities such as surfing or going on a safari! Wildlife and plant diversity contribute to the country’s natural beauty, making it a popular destination for travelers, scholars, and conservationists.

What's included in your experience

  • 70 Years Experience
Muizenberg Beach

Among the many cultures that call this country home, you will find descendants of black African tribes, English and Dutch colonists, Indian, Portuguese, Asian and French immigrants. Meat is a staple of the South African diet, although cuisine varies widely according to ethnicity, so you’re sure to experience a variety of foods with unique origins! South Africans love to barbecue, or braais, slowly grilling steaks, chops and spicy sausages (boerewors) over hot charcoal. Wild game meats are also commonly eaten among many South Africans. Many also enjoy a dried meat snack called bilton or a corn porridge (pap) with meat or vegetables. However, if you are vegetarian or vegan, South African boasts great cultural diversity and you’re likely to find any kind of cuisine you’re looking for! The milk tart, a custard-like pie, is a favorite dessert among South Africans.

Nelson Mandela Mural

Although South Africa bears a wide spectrum of racial and cultural backgrounds, many South Africans work hard to build up the country’s newfound ideals in the post-apartheid 21st century. The people of South Africa are known to be warm and highly value collaboration and commitment. You’ll meet many people with an adventurous, innovative drive to work hard and enrich their country. Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first post-apartheid president, was a firm believer in the Bantu word ubuntu, which can be defined as “humanity,” and derives from the Zulu phrase Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, literally meaning “A person is a person through other people.”

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible? No, high school graduates are not eligible to participate.  
Minimum GPA None
Age Range 15 yrs, 0 months to 
18 yrs, 0 months at start of program 
COVID-19 Vaccine Not Required

Based on differences in culture, strict government regulation of medications, and other local customs, it has been our experience that not all of our international AFS partners are able to support students with certain diagnoses, including but not limited to, severe allergies, strict dietary restrictions, ADD/ADHD, and those currently taking or who have taken psychotropic medications and/or received counseling for mental/psychological issues within the past year. If this applies to you, please get in touch with an AFS Study Abroad Specialist early so that we can determine the right experience for you.

Arrival Day Welcome Team

Your Journey to South Africa

In the months before your departure, AFSers have the opportunity to participate in various preparatory activities, including an online Student Learning Journey, which is an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to learn how to develop essential global skills, intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact, maximizing the outcomes of the AFS learning experience.

Approximately two months before arrival in South Africa, you will receive all details of their host families which includes pictures and a personal letter from your host family. From that moment, you can start connecting with your host family via phone, video chat, or other communication methods.

Orientation Day 2

AFS-USA will coordinate and share your international travel with you. You will need to coordinate your own travel to the point of international departure. From there, your journey in South Africa will begin when you land in Johannesburg, where you’ll be met by staff and volunteers. Shortly after arrival, you will attend an arrival orientation and get a crash course on the culture of South Africa living with a host family, safety, and support structures.

Garden Route Tour with Elephants

Your Accomodations

From Cape Town to the Garden Route, your host community will be a middle-class residential area situated in some of the world’s most famous bucket list destinations! As you settle into home life, you’ll find yourself in a multicultural country surrounded by natural beauty. You will be able to spend time on gorgeous beaches, picnic in magnificent parks and gardens, hang out at colorful markets, and visit cultural and historical landmarks. South African families are generally affectionate, protective, and expressive. Politeness is an important aspect of South African culture. South Africans love their leisure time and are known for their relaxed and laid-back lifestyle, with the famous braai (barbeque) as a favorite way to gather family and friends together on the weekend.

South African Host Family

Most South Africans are also crazy about sport, whether watching it or playing it! The most popular sports in South Africa are cricket, rugby and soccer, and your host family or friends is likely to visit matches whenever possible. Religion plays a significant role in most South African families and attendance at some form of religious gathering is very common on a weekly basis. South African families tend to be small and close-knit so expect to spend a lot of time bonding with your host family, especially when it comes to having meals together, as some of the best memories made in South Africa are around food! Extended family members are expected to help and support each other in times of crisis. In urban areas, both women and men work outside the home, but women are often responsible for household duties and raising their children.

School in South Africa

Daily Life

Your High School in South Africa

Your high school has been chosen for their commitment to cultural exchange and the dedication and enthusiasm of their teachers. The South African school year runs from mid-January to early December, and you may attend either a public or private high school, though public school is recommended to experience the diversity South Africa has to offer. South African students and educators are eager to welcome you to their community and teach you about their cultures! Subjects at schools vary depending upon the school, the grade of the student and whether you would like to take extra classes, but they will be English-speaking and multi-cultural. Sport, art and music form an integral part of South African life. You will have the opportunity to sign up for a sport or after-school activity and have practice after classes. Schools offer the following sports, among many others: swimming, rugby, cricket, soccer and hockey. You will also have opportunities to get involved with humanitarian projects during your time in South Africa and learn from program mentors.

GROW Abroad Buddies

Teens in South Africa mostly socialize in school and spend a lot of energy studying and reading. Free time is often spent with family and hanging out with friends, talking about movies and sports. South African teenagers also enjoy going to the beach, parks, movie theatres, and swimming. Dancing, playing music, attending festivals, and enjoying cultural events are also common. South African teenagers usually socialize in organized group events, such as birthday parties or school dances.

What's Included

What’s Included

  • 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 30,000 dedicated volunteers 
  • Accommodations with a vetted host family 
  • Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates 
  • School enrollment fees 
  • Worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance 
  • Access to an in-country support team and network, as well as our Participant Support Department based here in the U.S. 
  • Orientations and intercultural education before and during your program
  • International secondary medical travel coverage
  • Visa support and guidance
  • Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people

Scholarships and Aid

We believe in the power of intercultural experiences and the potential of our students! That’s why we’re dedicated to meeting the demonstrated financial need of accepted applicants. The deadline to be considered for scholarships for summer programs departing June through August is March 5th. Learn more and view all deadlines below!

Learn More

Visa Info

Do I need a visa/residence permit for South Africa? Yes
How do I apply for the visa? (By mail, In-person, In host country) In-person
Visa/Residence Permit Process Difficulty Level (Easy, Average, Complex) Average
Estimated Visa/Residence Permit Expenses
($ – $$$)		 $
Frequently Asked Visa Questions Visit our general visa FAQ page for more information.

Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one. When you return home from your study abroad in South Africa, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and developed the confidence and resilience to accomplish anything you set out to do.

That transformation isn’t only visible to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers. Second language fluency, intercultural competence, creativity, and critical reasoning will help you succeed, whatever path you take. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning. It’s not just an adventure abroad; it’s a whole new reality. The perspectives and personal connections you gained will stay with you and likely draw you back to the second home you found in South Africa.

In fact, our alumni reviews have made AFS one of the top-rated organizations in the study abroad industry.