Programme details
| Programme length | Start | End | Price | Age on departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFS year programme (academic year) | February 2009 | January 2010 | $11,250 + $300 visa | 16 - 18 |
South Africa’s passion for nature preservation dates back to 1898 when the government established the forerunner of today’s Kruger National Park, the continent’s oldest safari preserve, where visitors can see all of Africa’s most popular animals. By contrast, the government is striving to erase any legacy of apartheid, the obsolete social policy that suppressed South Africa’s native black majority and gave power to immigrant Europeans through racial segregation.
Though South Africa still struggles with social and economic disparities, opinion polls reflect widespread optimism that integration is headed in the right direction. The challenge remains daunting, however.
South Africans, who speak 11 different official languages (one of which is English), include nine black ethnic groups, Europeans, Malays, Indians and Chinese. In today’s Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, stock traders leave their glass-and-steel offices talking on cell phones and pass medicine shops selling jars of lizards’ feet and crocodile fat. South Africans come together, though, in a cross-cultural enthusiasm for soccer.
Family life
Population diversity in South Africa is reflected in the diversity of host families, which can differ one from the other in language, race, culture and religion. It is therefore hard to identify a single lifestyle, although families are generally warm and curious about visitors. It is common in South Africa to hug and show your feelings, talk sincerely but remain polite and concerned about moral behaviour. South African society is generally conservative, valuing a commitment to family, and a vast percentage of the population is active in one of the many religions.
School life
The school system in South Africa has changed during the past decade, where there was only white, black and coloured schools. The government is well aware of the fundamental role of education and recognises it as one of the most important long-term investments a country can make. Because of this, the education budget has increased significantly, giving South Africa one of the world’s highest rates of government investment in education.
Schools in South Africa are strict and challenging. Students wear uniforms, and teachers command respect (students stand when teachers enter the room, and address them as “Madam” or “Sir”). You may be placed in a once traditionally black, white or coloured school, consistent with your host-family setting. There is a school holiday for 10 days from late September to early October. Summer break is from the beginning of December to the beginning of January, and Easter holidays last three weeks in March/April. Classes are from Monday to Friday.
AFS South Africa does not accept graduates (i.e. students who have finished year 13), or smokers.
