Intrax Deadlines

South Africa - Academic Year/Semester

Program Details
Full Brochure

Students who choose a semester or an academic year program in South Africa will live with a host family and attend a local high school.

Learn

The educational system in South Africa is modeled on the British school system and is very regimented. Students generally wear a uniform and start school around 7:30 am every morning and end school at 2:30pm. Typical coursework is focused on six subjects that may include: language, literature, history, mathematics, science and art. The choice of subjects is dependent on location and the student's prior academic performance. Students will learn Afrikaans in addition to a local dialect and gain an increased understanding of African language and history. All class instruction will be taught in English.

Experience

South Africa is truly a unique destination and should be a top pick for students that seek new adventures. You will enjoy the hospitality of the South Africans, who are eager to meet new people and in turn learn about new and different lifestyles. Soccer, rugby and cricket are the favorite sports in South Africa. Many people also play tennis or swim. South Africans enjoy the many beaches along their nearly 2,000 miles of coastline. Dancing, playing music, attending festivals, and participating in cultural events are common activities throughout the year.

South Africa is home to many musical styles. South Africans also enjoy the fine arts and major cities host symphony, ballet and opera performances. Gumboot dancing, created by African gold miners, is a popular performance art. Each ethnic group creates its own distinct style of folk art including basketry, beadwork and soapstone carvings.

Program Details

Intrax Study Abroad students are placed with carefully selected host families in and around Capetown, Durban, Johannesburg, Petersburg, Pretoria, Rustenburg and other communities throughout the country. Adjustment to host family life and South African culture will be assisted by a local representative.  During the program optional tours and excursions are available. These tours will be offered for an additional cost and tour details will be provided to students once they are on program.

Factors to Consider

South Africans tend to eat a lot of meat, and it is difficult to place students who are vegetarians. Please take this into consideration before applying. If you are vegetarian and plan to apply to the program in South Africa, keep in mind that you will be responsible for your own food preparation.

Extra costs may include school registration fees, laboratory fees, activity fees, graduation and transfer credit expenses, and school supplies (textbooks, yearbook). Intrax will offer assistance during the application process by providing some of the documentation required by the South African consulate.. The visa process can take up to 3 months so students are therefore encouraged to apply early.

As the South African postal system is not the most reliable, we recommend staying in contact with family and friends via email. Internet connections can be found in most public libraries and internet cafés.

Requirements

• Must be 15 - 18 years old
• 2.5 GPA or higher (4.0 scale)
• Flexible and mature personality, desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences
• Willing to accept placement anywhere in South Africa
• Non-vegetarian diet or willingness to purchase and prepare own food

Program Information

*All dates are approximations and vary from year to year.

Program Includes:

• Round-trip airfare from a major international airport near your home (in the continental U.S.) including domestic and international flights
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Homestay accommodation including meals with your host family
• Placement in a local high school
• Student health and accident insurance
• 24-hour emergency assistance
• Pre-departure and in-country orientations
• Supervision, guidance, and support during the application process and throughout the program
• Intrax T-Shirt ( girls | boys )
• Intrax Student Handbook

Program does not include:

• Passport and visa application fees as applicable
• Personal expenses (e.g., toiletries, clothing, internet, calling card, activities)
• School expenses (e.g., uniform/lunches, if required, supplies, bus pass)
• Any other item not specified

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