Projects Abroad Volunteer Programs in South Africa

I’ve took part to the Human Rights program (that can also count as a Internship!) for 2 amazing months.
I went to Cape Town with low expectation for this project not because I didn’t trust the company but because I didn’t expect to have so many responsibility as i did during the project. The PHARO office is amazing as also the work environment that they creat. During this journey i’ve met amazing people in and out of the office also because projects abroad encouraged us to explore the city and socialize with the others volunteers. The staff there is really good they understand the struggles that sometimes the volunteers feel once they arrived in SA and they really try their best to help you in every kind of situation.
At the start of the project I didn’t have any idea of what i was doing and if i was doing it wrong but the staff really followed us and thought us throw all the process and explain us everything step by step. At the end of the projects a felt confident with my work and even became a buddy for the new volunteers.

The houses that me and others fellow volunteers stayed in were overall good. What made the difference were the host family that opened up not only their houses but also their hearts to us making us feeling at home. Some houses were of course better than others for location or space but no volunteer during my stay did complain.

If you’re a Law student and you’re looking for a good project/internship in the human rights field or If you are a student passionate for social justice i strongly recommend this projects Abroad’s project

Taking part of this program has been one of the best decision of my life so far.

I had an amazing 3 weeks in Cape Town. I went for an internship working on the international development program. I was placed at a community outreach center, Where Rainbows Meet, in a local township called Vrygrond. It was enriching and the best possible way to spend a school break. I loved the opportunity to not be a tourist, but actually, immerse myself in a culture completely unlike mine.

At work, I had a lot of self-direction in what I did, but some of my larger tasks included; researching and drafting a grant proposal, writing a quarterly newsletter, overseeing fundraising, and editing an annual report. I also chose to work with the kids in the Early Childhood Development Center when I had some free time. I was always learning something new at work and felt completely welcomed by the entire staff at WRM. I was touched and left in happy tears on my last day of work as the staff gathered to say goodbye and gave me a lovely handwritten letter with notes from everyone at the staff.

In my free time I explored the area through a peninsula tour, I went paragliding, going to local markets, surfing. and seeing as many sunsets as possible. All the other volunteers were lovely, it was sad saying bye, but exciting having a network of friends all across the world. It is thanks to Projects Abroad that I had such a flawless tripped, with an exceptional host family, organized social events, great internship placement, and connecting me to other amazing volunteers.

I traveled to South Africa in May for the Nutrition Project. Living in Canada, it took me 3 flights, a 12 hour layover and 2 sleepless nights full of excitement before I finally landed in the beautiful Cape Town. Upon arrival, I was kindly greeted by one of the Project's Abroad staff who drove me to my host family's house. My host family was amazing, kind and generous, making my experience all the more comforting.

When I started my first day of placement, I was unsure of what to expect. Every day was different in regards to what we would do. One day would be based out of the baby clinic, another we would go teach at a small township just west of us, and on other days we would cook for the children of the Surfing Project. We worked with various age groups, ranging from infants to the elderly, however, every day was just as amazing.

I had the most humbling experience working on the Nutrition Project, and coming home to Canada, it made me realize just how much of a difference an organization can make. The people at Projects Abroad impacted my life greatly, as did all the wonderful locals, staff and other volunteers. I don't think I could have had a better experience. I can't wait to go back!

Overall, Great Experience!
This summer I took the Bar Exam to become a lawyer. After taking the exam, I wanted an opportunity to gain legal experience while going abroad. Projects Abroad was the perfect combination of that. On the project, I learned a lot which taught me how to manage a high case load of indigent clients who cannot normally afford paid legal advice. The supervisors on the project were great. They were easily approachable and always answered my questions. I worked mainly property, family, consumer, and employment types of cases. The Human Rights Office also handles claims from refugees who have settled in South Africa. On Mondays, I would go to the Townships which are low income communities and I would meet with clients and give advice to help achieve their objectives. I also continued to meet with the same clients as they would come to our office for appointments. I felt like a gained a great legal experience working abroad, and I would definitely love to do another project!

My host family was amazing. They truly cared about me and made me feel welcome. I enjoyed sitting at the dinner table with them each day and talking to each other the day went.

The other volunteers were great. I met new friends from various countries around the world. Outside of the project, I would go to dinners, do tours, hikes, and social events with the volunteers that I met.

Cape Town was amazing. So many activities to do there from several hikes on Table Mountain, walks on the beach, surfing, scuba diving, shark cage diving, whale watching, wine farm tours, peninsula tour, etc.

I had a truly memorable experience and really enjoyed my time in Cape Town!

My trip to South Africa was phenomenal! I am blown away by the beauty of the country and the people! I volunteered for the child care program in Cape town for two weeks. I worked directly with the children and assisted the staff with creating programs that will enhance their social-emotional development and academic abilities. The other volunteers and I taught the children basic hygiene practices through songs and visual prompts. Seeing the children learn while having fun was very rewarding! The principle was constantly expressing her gratitude and pointed out how happy the children were having us around to play and learn with. I will never forget all the moments of playing, singing, eating, having small talks, doing arts and crafts and reading! They will forever stay in my heart and memory.
I am impressed by the professionalism and support Projects Abroad staff members offer. Being that it was my first time traveling alone overseas, I was nervous and skeptical about booking my flight. The travel team was patient with me and helped me book my flight. This gave me a sense of peace and security. I appreciate the attentiveness staff members provided during my stay in South Africa. They made sure I was safe and satisfied at all times.
My host family were sweet and welcoming. The meals were delicious and there were always snacks and fruits available (which helped for long days at work). It was interesting living with five roommates from all around the world. I was able to learn about different cultures and upbringings. From talking about our day at work to going on unforgettable adventures together, everyday was filled with excitement! I will forever be grateful to Projects Abroad for creating such amazing opportunities for people to give to those in need in exchange for a life changing experience. I went on this trip with an open heart to help children and came back filled with compassion and hope!

I spent an incredible eight weeks in Cape Town with the Projects Abroad Human Rights Office (PAHRO). Most of my time was spent travelling to townships to meet with clients and researching and drafting legal documents alongside PAHRO’s staff. On Wednesday afternoons, I helped run educational workshops at the Bonnytoun youth juvenile detention centre. While much of what I worked on was challenging, I always had a strong support system in place. PAHRO’s staff were open to any questions and checked up consistently to make sure I was comfortable with my role. As well, I became close with several other law students from around the world who were volunteering within the same placement.
Cape Town is an amazing city, and Projects Abroad encouraged me to take advantage of all it had to offer. During nights and weekends I took part in a number of activities with other volunteers. My favourite memories include surfing at Muizenberg together every Friday, Braais at Mzoli’s, climbing Table Mountain, and Saturday mornings at the Old Biscuit Mill. I also enjoyed spending three days on the Garden Route along the African coast. Undertaking meaningful volunteer activities while experiencing Cape Town’s culture made for a trip that I’ll never forget.

I spent three weeks of my summer break volunteering with Projects Abroad on the Physical Therapy project in Cape Town, South Africa. I worked at a day centre for individuals with disabilities. Projects Abroad provided me with the unique chance to work in the field of Physical Therapy while exploring a new country and culture. I worked 8:30-2:00 Monday to Friday in the day centre and then the rest of the time was to do mine as i pleased. After work or on the weekend you could find me on various adventures with my several housemates (i lived with a host family). We went on the garden route, hikes and wine tours. My host family was so welcoming. They did everything possible to make sure I was comfortable! The Projects Abroad Staff took me around Cape Town on my first day to make sure I knew how to get around and help me purchase anything i may have forgotten or needed. They were so supportive in the days leading up to my trip and while I was there.

This summer, I went to South Africa as an intern, not knowing exactly what to expect. The staff had already told me what I would be doing in my unconventional situation, but that didn't stop it from being unconventional. As a 17 year old boy from Indiana, I entered a Projects Abroad program in Cape Town normally reserved for law students, working at the Projects Abroad Human Rights office. The experience blew me away.

For two weeks, I performed Human Rights work in the field of social justice that involved travelling across Cape Town to different schools, townships, and juvenile detention centers to perform recreational and educational activities with the kids. Projects Abroad also granted me the opportunity to design and present my own educational presentations on a variety of topics to help troubled youths between the ages of 5 and 17 dealing with very difficult situations. I was made to feel welcome by not only the staff, but the other interns in the office as well, despite my unusual situation.

The staff were fantastic, beginning to end. The coordinators helped in showing me around Cape Town, telling me about everything beforehand, and guiding me through the process of social justice work with the most gracious and accommodating manner. Projects Abroad has my undying gratitude for their hospitality in a place so foreign to me.

I also couldn't forget about my host family. My host mother, Faye, is probably the most kind-hearted person I've met. She was incredibly flexible in case of any complaint or issue and cooked two amazing (often-local) meals for us each day. There was no turning down a second serving with her, as there was always more than enough to go around. Our wonderful host father became our guide and driver, helping us to travel around, and my host siblings were all very welcoming. Faye and the others made South Africa feel like a home away from home.

I'll remember the beauty of stunning Cape Town for as long as I live. My time there has changed and shaped who I am. I would recommend ProjectsAbroad to anyone looking for a valuable intern experience and the chance to see beautiful places, help underprivileged people, meeting great friends, and take memories with them that will last a lifetime, especially if you are a college student preparing to study law, or already studying law.