Int’l Internship & Volunteer Network Discover Infinite Possibilities     Discover South Africa   South Africa is a vibrant country and ranks as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. In many ways, South Africa is a first world economy plagued by third world social and political problems, which makes it a superb learning opportunity for any aspiring student.  And let’s not forget the game drives, wine farms, splendid surf and sandy beaches! Your learning experience is our primary concern, which is why our South Africa program customizes internships to suit your needs. Unlike other placement programs, we can source internship opportunities in cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban as well as rural areas across the country.   Our international consultants have been placing interns in South Africa since 2000 and pay special attention to synergizing your educational and experiential needs with those of the internship organization.      ~ ~ ~     ~ ~ ~ Program & Placement Opportunities Applicant Requirements Start Dates & Program Duration Independent Program Fees & Inclusions Pre-Med Program Fees & Inclusions Accommodations, Meals & Transportation Application Process ~ Benefits of Participation Other Important Information

Program & Placement Opportunities     South Africa is one of the most beautiful places in the world and offers a vast array of opportunities for our participants. Following is an example of the many placement opportunities available:   Advertising Business Consulting & Entrepreneur Development Communications Education (Tertiary and Secondary Institutions) Engineering (all fields) Environmental Protection and Research Faith Based Organizations Fashion and Design Finance and Investment Human Rights Journalism Law (all fields) Marketing / Sales Medicine (Community Healthcare, Dietetics, Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics, Pre-Med, and Trauma) Non-profits (all fields) Political and Government postings Public Policy Radio and Television Social Work Trade Unions Tourism and Sport Do you have an interest not listed here? We love a challenge, so let us know what you want to do and we will work to make it happen for you!   We invite you visit South Africa and discover why a placement here is truly an experience of a lifetime! Pre-Med Programs  ~ ~ ~  Start Dates & Program Duration Placements are available Year-Round, however, annually from December 15th – January 15th, businesses in South Africa recognize summer vacation, and thus many are closed during this period. Just let us know your preferred start and end dates and we will customize a program that fits your needs! ~ ~ ~

Accommodations, Meals & Transportation     Accommodations:  Although housing is not included in our Independent Programs, we will be happy to provide you with resources and recommendations for options that are affordable, safe and in an area convenient to your placement location.  Accommodations range from $2000 per month in Cape Town to $2500 per month in Johannesburg.  Meals:  Independent program participants will be on their own for all meals.  Restaurants cover a wide variety of cuisines and visitors are normally very impressed with the food. The country’s many cultures makes for varied traditional fare, which is worth exploring. Transportation:  We are pleased to provide all participants with transportation to/from the airport of the host country to their housing location.   Participants going to South Africa should have a valid driver’s license, as they may want to rent or buy an inexpensive, second-hand car, as public transportation in Cape Town leaves a bit to be desired.  Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving license issued and valid in their own country, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is in English. If your driver’s license does not meet these requirements, an international driver’s license is required. Driving is on the left and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory. Many first-time visitors are amazed at the sophisticated infrastructure of the country’s major transport networks. Getting around is relatively easy whether it is by: • Air • Road • Rail   South Africa’s national road network covers more than 7200km. The roads include 1 400km of dual carriageway freeway, 440km of single carriageway freeway and 5 300km of single-carriage main road with unlimited access.   South Africans are essentially dependent on the road network, as currently, there is no major underground subway system. However, generally, the road networks are excellent and South Africa’s highways continue to be upgraded and maintained.   For information on South Africa’s road networks, maps and assistance regarding self-drive journeys, visit the Automobile Association of South Africa at: www.aasa.co.za. For information on SA’s national roads, visit: www.nra.co.za. Car hire - There are a number of reputable car hire companies offering a wide range of vehicles that vary according to the traveler’s needs. One can hire vehicles from the most basic (without air conditioning and radio) to the ultimate in luxury (a Mercedes-Benz with all the trimmings). Some car hire companies even rent out 4x4 vehicles for trips to the bush.   Companies with excellent international reputations operate in South Africa – so try out familiar car hire companies such as Avis, Europcar and Hertz. For Car Rental: visit the following: www.europcar.co.za www.avis.co.za  www.tempestcarhire.co.za or www.imperialcarrental.co.za Local Buses - One can catch a Metro public bus in the cities of South Africa. Our bus system is by no means as effective or comprehensive as the systems in Europe, but if you do your homework – you can use our public bus system to travel around locally at minimal cost.   For information about bus travel in South Africa, visit; www.intercape.co.za  www.greyhound.co.za or www.translux.co.za.   Long Haul Buses - There are a number of excellent bus companies offering cost-effective deals for people to travel around the country.  Look out for the Greyhound and Trans-Lux buses, amongst others. These luxury buses will transport you from one major city centre to another at a very reasonable cost.   There is an excellent backpacker’s bus option for those who fall into the rough-and-ready category. Known as the Baz Bus you can get from point A to B with a number of stopovers along the way – which makes for great flexibility.   Metered Taxis - South Africa does not generally have metered taxis cruising the streets looking for customers as in cities like New York and London. These metered taxis generally need to be ‘ordered’ by telephone. Often the hotel you are staying at will organize a taxi through a reputable company. These taxis are dependable, but can be rather costly especially if you are covering large distances.   The AA (Automobile Associations) has recently launched a taxi service and is probably your best bet in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.   Rail - Trains are also a popular way of moving around South Africa. The standard long-haul passenger trains operated by the state-owned Spoornet, called Shosholoza Meyl, are inexpensive, clean and safe, but not particularly luxurious. There are three “classes” of travel: four-sleeper, six-sleeper and sitter class.  There are a number of opportunities for travelers who want a little more luxury, including Spoornet’s Premier Classe (from Pretoria via Johannesburg to Cape Town) and the two luxury trains that are the pride of the country – Rovos Rail and The Blue Train.   For information on train services in South Africa, visit: www.rovos.co.za   www.bluetrain.co.za or www.spoornet.co.za     ~ ~ ~

Other Important Information     Airport/Arrival:  International access to South Africa is via air travel. These days getting to South Africa is pretty simple when one considers the vast quantity of international daily flights and direct connections to Johannesburg and Cape Town.   Our World Class International Airports include: • O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) • Cape Town International Airport (CIA) • Durban International Airport (DIA   Upon receipt of your flight itinerary, we are happy to book transportation for you with the airport link service. The cost is ZA R300.00, which is roughly $40 US.  Be sure to save your receipt and forward it to us upon return so that we may reimburse you for it, as your airport transfers are included in your program fee.   Should you prefer to utilize a taxi, The Airports Company has approved taxi and shuttle service operators that cover all major areas. It is a good idea to make use of the ACSA approved transport operators – they will be displaying the ACSA permit and logo. If you are still unsure then contact the ACSA helpdesk for further assistance.  We invite you to visit the Airports Company South Africa website www.acsa.co.za for further information and details on getting in and around our airports.   South Africa has three major international airports and six national airports. Smaller and private airports handle regional, unscheduled and domestic flights.   Through the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA), passenger-handling facilities are continually being upgraded, offering excellent facilities for any traveler.   O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) Situated 24km east of the Johannesburg city centre.  Regular shuttles run between the airport and the city centre and the northern suburbs of Johannesburg as well as Pretoria.   Cape Town International Airport (CIA) Situated 22km from Cape Town’s city centre. There are regular shuttles between airport and city and taxis are on standby at the airport.   Durban International Airport (DIA) Situated 14km from the centre of Durban. There are regular shuttles to the city and taxis are on standby at the airport. National Airports - Apart from the three major international airports that all have domestic departure lounges, the other national airports in South Africa include: • Bloemfontein • East London • George • Kimberley • Port Elizabeth • Upington   Arrival tips: There are just a few basics to bear in mind, as you land in South Africa. Information Kiosks/Help Desks: These can be found in International Arrivals, International Departures as well at in the Domestic Arrivals sections of the airport. Choosing a Porter: Ensure that you use only approved airport porters – they will be wearing the approved bright orange uniforms and will carry ACSA permits. The porters will gladly assist you with your luggage. These porters work exclusively for tips and a guideline tip to give your porter is R5 (South African Rand). Do not leave your luggage unattended at any time. Europe A large number of the flights on offer from Europe to South Africa are night flights – which ups the convenience factor considerably. Night flights mean that you awake in Johannesburg rested and ready to take in the sights and sounds of your new destination. Many European destinations offer daily flights between Johannesburg and their European capitals and some offer two flights per day (and sometimes even three flights per day). Generally, it takes one between eight and ten hours to get to South Africa. Major airlines include: • Air Austral • Air France • Air Portugal • British Airways • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines • Lufthansa • Olympic Airways • South African Airways • Swissair • Virgin Atlantic Airways   Africa A wide range of African airlines fly in and out of South Africa on a regular basis, these airlines include: • Air Botswana • Air Gabon • Air Kenya • Air Madagascar • Air Malawi • Air Seychelles • Air Tanzania • Air Zimbabwe • Egypt Air • Ghana Airways • Virgin • Zimbabwe Express airlines   Australia There is a code-share agreement between SAA and Qantas to service flights from Perth and Sydney to Johannesburg. SAA flies from Perth to Johannesburg from Wednesday to Sunday and from Sydney everyday except for Tuesdays and Saturdays. Flying time from Sydney to Johannesburg is 16 hours and Perth to Johannesburg in 13 hours and 45 minutes.   Brazil South African Airways code-share with Varig Brazilian Airlines and have flights from Sao Paolo to Johannesburg every day. The regular departure times are in the early evening which means one arrives in Johannesburg the next day at around 7am. It takes eight and a half hours from Guaralhos International Airport in Sao Paulo to Johannesburg International Airport.   China China is serviced by both Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines with their hubs in Hong Kong and Singapore respectively. The Cathay Pacific flight departs Beijing at lunchtime and arrives in Hong Kong in the early evening before one takes the connection to Johannesburg at around midnight. Singapore Airlines flies from Beijing, Shanghai, Narita every day as this airline services the major routes in the Far East. The flights from Singapore to Johannesburg depart at 2am and arrive in Johannesburg on the same day at 7am. The flight duration from Singapore is just 10 hours.   India SAA flies directly from Mumbai to Johannesburg four times a week. Your flight departs Mumbai in the early hours of the morning, arriving before eight in Johannesburg on the same day. The flight from Chattrapathi Shivaji International Airport to Johannesburg International Airport takes roughly nine hours.   Japan & Korea In order to fly from Tokyo (Narita) to Johannesburg with Cathay Pacific - one needs to fly via Hong Kong. There are numerous stopovers en route from Narita to Hong Kong. A general example: your flight departs Tokyo (Narita) at 10h00 and arrives in Hong Kong at 13h25 with a number of stopovers along the way. One then spends a good few hours at Hong Kong Airport before departing on Cathay Pacific close to midnight and arriving in Johannesburg around 7am. From Tokyo to Hong Kong it is 3 hours. From Hong Kong to South Africa it is 13 hours. Cathay Pacific departs mid afternoon from Seoul, Korea, and arrives in Hong Kong at around 6pm.  From then it’s a wait for the midnight flight to Johannesburg.   United States of America There are daily flights to Johannesburg from both Washington and New York on South African Airways. The New York flight departs at around six in the evening and arrives at Johannesburg roughly the same time the following day. The same goes for Washington, with departures at midday – arriving in Johannesburg at noon. The flights from the US to South Africa are estimated at around 17 hours. Links: • Airports Company of South Africa: www.acsa.co.za • Air France www.airfrance.co.za or www.airfrance.com • British Airways: www.ba.com • Cathay Pacific: www.cathaypacific.com • Kenya Airways: www.kenya-airways.com • KLM – Royal Dutch Airlines: www.klm.co.za • Lufthansa: www.lufthansa.com • Qantas: www.qantas.com.au • South African Airways: www.flysaa.com • Swiss Air: www.swiss.com • Varig Brazilian Airlines: www.varig.com     Climate: Known to some as sunny South Africa, the country has a warm to hot climate, making it one of the best year-round destinations in the world. Most provinces enjoy a summer rainfall with occasional afternoon thunderstorms, which are spectacular to see. Snow sometimes occurs, especially on the mountain peaks. Some areas have such mild winters, that visitors will never guess its winter at all.   Currency Exchange/Bank Machines/ATM’s: The local currency is the South African Rand (R) or (ZAR) (R1=100 cents), which exchanges favorably with the major international currencies. This makes South Africa an affordable destination, where five-star luxury, and many items such as food, wine and lager, can be purchased at a much lesser cost than in many global cities. Most international traveler’s cheques are accepted, however, it is advised that you bring them in a hard currency, such as US dollars or British Pounds. Currency can be exchanged at banks, forex bureaus and sometimes at hotels. Foreign tourists can have their VAT (value-added tax at 14%) refunded at the point of departure, provided they present their original tax invoices. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Be sure to let your bank know you will be traveling to SA so they know to expect charges on your credit card.   ATM’s are readily available and are open 24h. Banks operate Monday-Friday 09h00-15h30 and Saturday 08h30-11h00.   Electricity:  The electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ, with the exception of Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V). Most plugs have 3-pin or 2-pin. Adaptors can be purchased, but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer. Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and appliances.   Housing Resources:  We are pleased to provide our participants with guidance and resources in securing accommodation that is convenient to your placement site and in a safe area.             Leisure City Information:  Modern shopping malls, arts & crafts routes and markets, flea markets and informal vendors provide a wide variety of goods, curios, and shopping experiences. South Africa’s fashion, gold and diamond jewellery, and art are sought-after. As are the traditional handcrafted items such as Zulu beadwork; carved chessboards; painted ostrich eggs; colorful woven baskets, handbags and soft furnishings; mohair or sisal rugs; traditional wooden masks and carvings; pottery and leather items. And don’t forget the world-renowned Cape wines, exotic fruit liqueurs, brandy, rooibos tea, dried fruit, biltong (dried meat snacks) and chutney.    Most major shopping centers and malls operate 7 days a week, but small town shops are often closed on Sunday.  For further information on things to do and see during your trip, you can check out http://capetown.cityguidesa.com/?sid=GAcape&gclid=CKmvrI3axpECFQJ-lgodF21i4Q.   Try to make time to see: 1.       Robben Island; 2.      Go to the top of Table Mountain; 3.      Go to Cape Point (which is where the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans meet); 4.      Experience the wine route that runs from Cape Town to Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Paarl; and, 5.      If you have the time take a trip up the Garden Route (3 days) where you can see elephants in the coastal Knysna forest

People & Language:  Diverse people and cultures combine to make the Rainbow Nation colorful. Population groups include the majority Nguni (incl. Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi); Sotho-Tswana; Tsonga; Venda; Afrikaners; English; Coloureds; Indians; Khoi and San; and immigrants from Africa, Europe and Asia. The majority religion is Christian, but freedom of worship is guaranteed by the Constitution. There are 11 official languages, including English. Most South Africans are multi-lingual and English is fairly widely spoken, notably in urban centers.   Safety:  Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists, provided they take basic common-sense precautions e.g. not walking alone in deserted areas at night, not flashing photographic equipment or jewellery and, in traffic, maintaining a safe following distance.   Most major cities run organized crime prevention programmes and Basic Safety Tip guidelines are available at hotels and tourism information offices. If you are in doubt as to the safety of a particular area or attraction, contact the National Tourism Information and Safety Line on 083 123 2345. This number may also be used for assistance in replacing lost documents or reporting incidents. When traveling, South Africa is like any other country in the world. You need to use your common sense and bear these basic rules in mind. Never leave luggage unattended. Leave valuables at home. Keep the door of your accommodation locked at all times – no matter how peaceful or rural the region appears to be. Always avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewellery, cameras and other valuables. Do not walk around carrying large sums of money at any time. At night, steer clear of dark and isolated areas. It is always better to stick to well-lit, busy streets. Find out about trouble spots at a destination – talk to your Int’l Program Director, the locals, etc. Plan your self-drive routes beforehand. Always take a map with you in case you get lost. When driving, keep car doors locked and wind the windows up. Lock valuables in the boot of the car. Never give strangers a lift or pick up hitchhikers. If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone or visit the local police station or your Int’l Program Director for advice. Watch out for wild animals when driving in rural areas. Vaccinations Required: You will need to have Polo, Hepatitis, and Tetanus vaccinations. A yellow fever inoculation and certificate from travelers over 1 year of age coming from an infected area, is an official requirement.   We recommend you personally contact your primary care physician to determine exact vaccinations that are required for your trip.    Do not worry about Malaria treatments, unless you plan to visit the Kruger National Park. Cape Town is not in the Malaria zone.  Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga (incl. the Kruger National Park) and Limpopo (north-eastern areas and near the Zimbabwean and Mozambican borders) and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal (north-east as far south as the Tugela River). Malaria risk is highest October-May. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas. In addition to malaria prophylaxis, insect repellants and mosquito nets can be effective. Medical facilities equal the best in the world and in many medical disciplines, South Africa is a global leader. A large network of hospitals offer excellent service, but make sure you have adequate health insurance.

Visa & Other “Legal Document” Requirements: For the majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa for vacation, entry is straightforward and hassle-free. All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport, but for many countries, visas are not required up to a maximum number of days. US citizens do not need a visa for South Africa IF they intend staying less than 90 days in the country.  For the latest visa requirements, click on the links below. A yellow fever inoculation and certificate from travelers over 1 year of age coming from an infected area, is an official requirement. For general visa information go to: http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/visas.asp For visa types go to: www.home-affairs.gov.za/services_foreigners.asp?asptopic=visas For consular information go to: www.dfa.gov.za Water:  South Africa’s tap water is potable and of the safest and cleanest in the world. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation is generally top-notch. It is safe to eat fresh fruit and salads and to put as much ice as you like in your drinks - a good thing, too, after a day on the beach or in the bush. Restaurants cover a wide variety of cuisines and visitors are normally very impressed with the food. The country’s many cultures makes for varied traditional fare, which is worth exploring.    ~ ~ ~   Apply for a Program Return to Home Page