South Africa

Variety. That’s what you’ll find if you visit South Africa. By exploring a diverse environment rich in cultures rooted around the world, you’ll gain a unique perspective that you’ll savor for the rest of your life!

One way you will experience South Africa’s diversity is by living with your host family. South African families are generally large, so you may have the opportunity to meet many different types of people; extended families may live in one home or in close proximity to each other. You may also get an opportunity to attend family gatherings, since family celebrations and braai, the social gathering of barbeque, play a key role in the lives of South Africans.

Nature is another layer of South Africa’s rich culture. You may enjoy caving at a number of sites across the country or observe wildlife at places like Kruger National Park (an acclaimed safari tour destination) or Timbavati (considered classic safari territory). In order to learn about the country’s history and its dynamic journey towards freedom, there are numerous sites that will allow you to view cultural documents and photographs of artifacts from the Stone Age to present day.

With cuisine, music and festivities as diverse as the ethnic groups that comprise this country, you are bound to experience many new things!

Language

English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu and Sothos. These are only 5 of the 11 official languages.

Host Family

In Gauteng, Western Cape, Bloemfontein, and Port Elizabeth, without discriminating between culture groups. Students should be willing to learn the language of their host family, as there is no guarantee they will be placed in an English-speaking family or school.

School

Mid-January to early December, with a month-long summer break.

Trips

Orientations are included in tuition. The December Tour, a coastal experience of Western Cape, is optional for an additional cost. A two-week South Africa Cultural Exchange in February is also optional for an additional cost.

Pastimes

Rugby, cricket, soccer, water sports.

Program	Departure	Cost (CAD)
Year Semester 6-Week Safari	Early July Early July July/August	$10,995 $10,500 $8,995