South Africa: Work experience

Work placements and internships

Work placements are available through organisations such as Travellers Worldwide . They provide the opportunity to work in a number of sectors, including teaching, drama and sports coaching. Placements need to be funded by the applicant.

Teaching schemes

The BUNAC Volunteer South Africa  programme offers the opportunity to work with children and to assist the teacher or take your own class, preparing classes and marking work. You will also have the opportunity to organise extracurricular activities such as arts and crafts, sports, dance and music.

Volunteering

Global Vision International (GVI)  runs a range of volunteer programmes in South Africa including a wildlife conservation expedition, orphanage projects, surfing and sports education, and healthcare and hygiene workshops. 

The BUNAC Volunteer South Africa programme offers placements ranging from 5 to 33 weeks in teaching, work with children, HIV/AIDS awareness, community development, care work, and environmental work and conservation. Previous experience and/or an interest in the area of work is preferred, particularly for teaching volunteers.

Other organisations, such as i-to-i , also provide volunteering opportunities. You will usually have to fund yourself.

Casual work

It is difficult for UK graduates to get casual work due to the job market situation in South Africa. Most casual work opportunities can be found within the hospitality sector, but these jobs should ideally be secured before going to South Africa. The Careerjet South Africa  website has a searchable database of casual work. A work visa is required.

Short-term opportunities

Although it is difficult to get short-term jobs in South Africa, there are opportunities available. Short-term jobs can range from au-pair work to language teaching. These jobs should ideally be secured before going to South Africa. A work visa is required.

Gap year opportunities

There are many organisations offering gap years in South Africa. To choose a reputable organisation, you should seek advice from your university careers service or check whether the company is registered with the Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL)  scheme or other similar organisations, such as the Year Out Group .