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Location
  • South Africa
Program Categories
Cultural Immersion Study Abroad

Program Details

Timeframe
Summer
Language
English
Jun 02, 2020
Oct 03, 2014
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About Program

Participants develop a deeper understanding of and appreciation for South African people, history, and culture that is deeply enriching.

We delve into the history of apartheid, examining both the international actions against the policies as well as how the system created economic imbalances within modern South Africa. Through our partnership with the Calabash Trust, we partner with school and community groups in Port Elizabeth to make lasting connections and ensure a mutually beneficial exchange.

This program is currently not being promoted on Go Overseas by its provider. Check with Envoys for the most up-to-date information regarding the status of this program.

Video and Photos

Volunteers walking into the distance during sunset

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  • Fun 3
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  • Safety 5
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Maya
27
Female
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

South Africa Trip

Oct 3, 2014

Our day to day life in South Africa was pretty busy! We spent the mornings having discussions, cooking breakfast, and preparing for the day ahead. In the afternoon, we often went on trips to different areas in Port Elizabeth, taught at a local school in a township, or both! The evenings were my favorite part because we had deep discussions, ate together, and watched TV shows or movies. It was a great boding experience and if I had the opportunity to do it again, I would without a second thought.

What would you improve about this program?
I would make sure that no bullying happens on the trip, because when you're living with people for 3 weeks, that can cause a lot of unnecessary drama and hurt feelings on a trip where one can't leave.
48 people found this review helpful.
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Questions & Answers

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Seth Leighton

Program
Education Challenges in South Africa
Job Title
CEO
Thumbnail

What position do you hold at Envoys? What has been your career path so far?

I am the CEO of Envoys, responsible for ensuring the quality of our educational programs and the overall direction of the company. My international career began as a schoolteacher in rural Thailand. I lived with a Thai host family who owned a sizeable furniture factory, giving me first-hand insight into the complexities surrounding both education and trade in the globalized world.

My career path since has taken me to over forty countries on six continents, including stints with the US State Department, UNESCO, and the Korean Development Institute. I have advanced degrees from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Envoys has allowed me to combine both my international experiences and academic training in a meaningful and innovative way, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this organization.

Did YOU study abroad? If so, where did you go and what inspired you to go?!

While I had a semester in Australia as a junior, my first truly meaningful experience abroad came immediately after I graduated. My college roommate was a King’s Scholar from Thailand, and he convinced me to come to teach in a rural area. It was very important for me to see my friend on his ‘home turf’, and feel the difference that comes with being a foreigner.

What does the future hold for Envoys - any new programs to share?

Envoys is redefining the standard for global citizenship programs. We combine online courses with international travel to focus on developing the skillset necessary for students to tackle issues of global significance. With over 6,000 students traveling on our programs each year, there’s lots to be excited about!

One initiative that is making a real difference for our students is our Microfinance-in-Malawi program. Students learn about the history of development aid as well as theory behind microfinance, then visit the projects on-the-ground to see the actual difference being made through each loan. It’s a great way to learn about what real development work entails, and something that we’re proud to be a part of!

What about the future of the industry? How do you think study abroad and international education will change over the next 10 years?

We see three main areas of change:

1. The learning that has occurred in the development aid industry will soon translate to the volunteer service opportunities for high school students, shifting the focus from what the students do to the impact on the communities they serve.

2. With families and schools placing higher expectations on travel programs, the need for assessments and evaluations that go beyond the anecdotal will be huge.

3. Study abroad programs will become as increasingly internationalized, with students from around the world participating. It’s a wonderful thing to see!

Location

Location:
South Africa
Currency:
South African Rand
Weather:
Jan-Mar
81 F / 57 F
Apr-Jun
68 F / 46 F
Jul-Sep
66 F / 45 F
Oct-Dec
77 F / 52 F
Airports:
O. R. Tambo International Airport
( JNB )
Cape Town International Airport
( CPT )
King Shaka International Airport
( DUR )

South Africa is often thought of as resoundingly unstable and poor; however, this is far from the case. The duality in South Africa encompasses big cities with a well-developed infrastructure, as well as rural areas that are underdeveloped and impoverished. South Africa is well known for having 11 recognized languages, beautiful landscapes, world-class universities, and an abundance of animals.

About Envoys

Envoys offers a comprehensive set of online courses and international travel programs to build the skill sets associated with global competency. Our summer programs for middle and high school students journey to South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. We begin teaching months before our trips begin, with a series of online courses providing...

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