Teaching Volunteer Project Abroad in South Africa, Port Elizabeth

Teaching in South Africa
Although South Africa is considered to be one of the most developed African nations, there is still a clear imbalance in the educational opportunities available throughout the country. Many of the township schools are largely under-funded and under-staffed, but this teaching project will give you the chance to make a significant difference to the standard of education that so many children are deprived of.

Your Teaching Placement
You will be based in Port Elizabeth where there is a variety teaching opportunities available to you. As in every education system, there are different schooling stages in relation to the age of the children. This means you can be exposed to a range of teaching methods and standards in the townships. With the younger children, you will have the opportunity to teach English as a foreign language, aiding your students to develop their fluency and conversational confidence.

For the older children, English skills are stronger, and so there will be ample opportunity to teach a broad range of subjects that may include English Language, English Literature, Maths, Science, French, IT, RE, Design, Construction and Agricultural Studies. There may also be opportunities to teach drama, journalism or sports coaching. Although it may appear daunting, having fluent English and numeracy skills makes you a very valuable individual. It is from this platform that you can really start to make a positive difference to the lives of your students.

Your Teaching Role
You will be attached to one of the under-resourced schools in Port Elizabeth , which will most likely be in one of the townships. From here, your role will be to offer inspiring and exciting lessons that will improve the literacy, numeracy and communication skills of your class. You will probably start by supporting local teachers, assisting in lessons and helping to organise other extracurricular activities. This will allow you to build close friendships with your pupils and the local teachers. From this grounding, you will venture out and start to plan and teach your own lessons. Furthermore, help with issues such as lesson planning, discipline and cultural courtesies will be available from a number of sources, including the teachers, our in-country staff and the other volunteers. You will quickly grow in confidence as you learn how to engage your students. Before long, you will develop your own teaching style that inspires and excites the class.

Although you will have support from our staff and the local teachers, you should remember that your role is intended to be as independent and self-supported as possible. You will also be encouraged to introduce your own ideas and get involved with extra-curricular activities such as art and design, drama, music, sport or the production of a school newspaper. Above all, we want to give you the flexibility to decide how you can best contribute to the school environment and education in South Africa .

Our teaching placement is extremely rewarding, not only because of the close friendships you will form with your pupils and local teachers, but from seeing how eager the children are to learn from you. Not only is this a humbling experience, it will undoubtedly change your perspective on the educational privileges we have in the ‘west’. It will help you to value the standard of education back home and, more importantly, understand the positive impact this can have on the lives of others who simply do not get the same opportunities.

Criminal Records Check
We require you to complete a criminal records check in order to take part in this experience. We can accept those that have been done in the last two years if you have the certificate. In the UK it can be done through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), in the USA further details can be found on Travel.State.Gov, otherwise please search for your local service provider. We may also request a reference from a reliable source. You must supply these to us before departure and also take a copy with you to present to the in-country team.

Why do we require a criminal background check?
1) Ensuring a safe environment is conducive to learning, productivity and overall positive experiences for everyone involved.

2) We implement thorough screening processes and we are committed to safety and integrity, fostering trust among participants and the local community.

3) Conducting background checks serves as a preventive measure, deterring individuals with questionable backgrounds from attempting to participate in our programme.

4) Safeguards vulnerable people from potential harm within the programme.

Gap Year and Career Break Teaching in South Africa
A gap year teaching project in South Africa during your gap year is the perfect way to enjoy gap year travel while giving something back through a gap year volunteer project. Our teaching project will provide fantastic gap year opportunities, unforgettable gap year memories, close friendships, and the gap year experience of your life.

2025
11th Jan – 4 to 12 weeks
08th Feb – 4 to 8 weeks
08th Mar – 4 weeks
12th Apr – 4 to 12 weeks
10th May – 4 to 8 weeks
07th Jun – 4 weeks
26th Jul – 4 weeks
30th Aug – 4 to 12 weeks
27th Sep – 4 to 8 weeks
25th Oct – 4 weeks

2026
10th Jan – 4 to 12 weeks
07th Feb – 4 to 8 weeks
07th Mar – 4 weeks
11th Apr – 4 to 12 weeks
09th May – 4 to 8 weeks
06th Jun – 4 weeks
18th Jul – 4 weeks
22nd Aug – 4 to 12 weeks
19th Sep – 4 to 8 weeks
17th Oct – 4 weeks

Note 1: 4 weeks = 28 nights, 5 weeks = 35 nights, 6 weeks = 42 nights, 7 weeks = 49 nights, 8 weeks = 56 nights, 9 weeks = 63 nights, 10 weeks = 70 nights, 11 weeks = 77 nights, 12 weeks = 84 nights

Note 2: dates are based on school holidays and are subject to change.

Note 3: All programmes run from Saturday to Saturday.

Note 4: These participant dates are based on the current published school terms in South Africa. However, based on future developments they may change at short notice. We will update you as soon as any changes take place.

Road Trip to Cape Town – GBP £430
We also run a 7 night road trip from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, which may reduce your community activity by one week, so check the session you are booking. On the final day, you can either part ways from Cape Town or head back on our minibus arriving in Port Elizabeth approx. 15:00. You can stay at our accommodation that night if required.

Road Trip Dates 2025
28th Mar – 04th Apr
27th Jun – 04th Jul
22nd – 29th Aug
14th – 21st Nov

Road Trip Dates 2026
28th Mar – 03rd Apr
26th Jun – 03rd Jul
14th – 21st Aug
6th – 13th Nov

Visa
British Nationals only require a visa to enter South Africa if they intend on staying over 90 days but this can be extended once in-country. We recommend you research this yourself depending on what Nationality you are.

Holiday Camps
Although the majority of your placement will coincide with the school term, there may be times when there is a week or two of school holidays. However, there is no less need for your placement during the holidays and you will still be able to get involved in your activity (and others if you would like to!) for around 3-4 hours a day. Typically there will be arts and crafts, music and drama sessions, as well as the opportunity to organise fun and educational activities at the local orphanage.

The beauty about the holidays camps is that you will be able to go to different locations, giving other children the opportunity to join in the activities. The holiday camps really are something that the children have come to depend on and really enjoy.

Equipment Donation for South Africa
We are dedicated to sustainable development. This is why part of the fee you pay goes towards buying decent equipment for beneficiary organisations in South Africa. You will often use this equipment during your project and it is always left with the community when you leave. In some cases, an equipment donation may not be appropriate so a financial contribution is made instead.

Social Life in South Africa
We believe it is important to give our volunteers the chance to unwind and have fun while they are away. Our in-country team therefore organises a variety of social activities to bring volunteers together, to share their experiences and, above all, have a good time. The social life in South Africa really is second to none and you will return home with some truly unforgettable memories and friends for life. With so many sporty people living together, social sports teams are pretty much unavoidable and there are plenty of local teams to play for. For the less competitive, why not head to the beach for some casual volleyball and football matches in the African sunshine?

And, if animals are your thing, volunteering in South Africa is an ideal choice. With trips to Kragga Kama Game Park, the Lion Park, the Addo Elephant Park and the Oceanarium, you will certainly experience your fair share of big game and African wildlife. You’ll also get the chance to experience a Boma (an authentic South African meal under the stars). What more could you want from a social life abroad?

Travel and Adventure in South Africa
Port Elizabeth is a hot-spot for travellers worldwide and with its abundance and variety of exciting activities there is no wonder why. You will be able to experience all the delights of the local area, including the game reserves, its renowned scuba schools and friendly nightlife, as well as its 40km of golden beaches which include Nelson Mandela Bay. We also provide access to a whole assortment of extreme sports and adventurous activities for you to try out – if you can muster up the courage!

These include: mountain biking, camping, shark diving, bungee jumping, 4×4 safaris, golf, fishing, scuba diving, parachuting, horse riding, dune boarding, boogey boards, deep sea cruises, tennis, squash, kayaking, badminton, water skiing, coastal hiking, power kiting and more!

Time will also be available for you to travel around Southern Africa, and beyond. Head west to Cape Town and the legendary Table Mountain, or veer north to Namibia, and the deadly skeleton coast. Our in-country staff will be able to advise on safe ways to travel and will be only too happy to suggest some of the best sights to see in Southern Africa.

Accommodation
Your accommodation is basic but comfortable and you will stay in a dormitory style room. The accommodation has a very sociable atmosphere and you will find it a great place to relax and unwind in the evenings. The accommodation is also centrally located to your volunteer project with shops and other useful amenities either a short walk or taxi ride away. With so many volunteers living together, you will soon find our communal house your new home, away from home.

Accommodation
A lodge with shared rooms (4-10 people per room); Basic but comfortable; Shared toilet and shower facilities; Communal areas for socialising and relaxation including pool, TV and games room and bar; Single and double rooms may also be available if requested and booked pre-departure.

View our accommodation photo album.

Food
3 meals a day Mon to Fri and 2 meals (breakfast and lunch) a day at weekends.

Arrival Pick-Up & Transfers
Included on arrival and departure date. Early arrival will be subject to an additional charge.

Training
Full project induction and local orientation given on arrival.

Support
Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.

Donation
Part of your fee may be used to buy decent equipment for the project and community you work with. We also encourage you to bring any extra equipment that you are happy to give away but this will need to fall within your personal weight allowance with the airline you travel with. It’s important you discuss the distribution of these items with our in-country team.

Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In country travel; Laundry service; Extra activities not on itinerary.

Preferred Duration
We would like volunteers to come for as long as possible. This ensures better management of the project and also helps you get the most from the social activities and group travel opportunities on offer. Any duration in between 5 and 12 weeks can still be arranged.

Typical Hours
Monday-Friday; 4-6 hours a day; Occasional work at weekends but usually free for personal time and travel. Please be aware that some public holidays may cause disruption to times / days during your volunteer project.

Pre-requisites
No prior teaching experience is required, although some knowledge in the subject is helpful for teaching older students. Completing a TEFL course may also be useful.

Ideal For
Volunteer Teaching Holidays and Placements in Africa; Volunteering and Activity Breaks in South Africa; Volunteer Teaching Gap Years and Career Breaks.

Suitable for ages 18 to 80

Most participants are between 18 and 25, so please be aware of this. We do welcome older people because of the value and experience they bring to the community. We have even had people in their late 70s join us so don't be put off!