Come to South Africa

Calvin Thomas South Africa wants to share our country’s huge diversity of people, nature, and languages (the main being English), with all who come and experience attending a local school and living with a caring South African family. Make unforgettable friends while seeing all that Cape Town has to offer with options to experience a 6-day tour to the beautiful Kruger National Park or Garden Route for safaris and other sights.

This is the best way to grow as a person, improve your English and become more confident, in the safety of a family environment! All with the backing of Calvin Thomas South Africa for guidance and emotional support from an Area Representative.

Host Families

South Africans are very warm, down to earth, and love to meet new people. As in any country, there is no typical host family, and families come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes there are children in the home, sometimes there are not.

Parents often both work and weekends are for outdoor activities/shopping/church activities and family time. South Africans enjoy the outdoors and love to ‘braai’ (barbeque) and entertain friends in their homes.

Most students are hosted by families who fall into the lower to middle-income group however South Africa has a huge socio-economic range and placements can occur in all income brackets.

Many families have hosted students over and over and have built relationships that even years later are still in contact.

Schools

There are public, model C (semi-private) and private schools in South Africa. Most public schools are state-assisted to some extent: the government provides the minimum, and parents contribute to basics and extras in the form of school fees. Fees vary considerably, depending on factors such as class size, facilities, curriculum, and the quality of teaching offered.

Foreign exchange students are placed mainly in public and few semi-private schools. If parents are willing to pay extra for private school, this is possible.

Site-seeing Opportunities

Calvin Thomas South Africa will try and ensure that all our students get to visit Table Mountain, Cape Point and The V&A Waterfront. We also offer an optional 6-day Tour to the Kruger National Park and surrounds for 10-month students and a 3-day tour through the Garden Route for the short term students. All tours are accompanied by a Calvin Thomas representative.

Volunteer Programs

Experience glorious Cape Town and volunteer to help in a disadvantaged community. Live with a local host family and experience South African culture and hospitality at its best while improving your English at the same time.

Work in local communities

• • LOCAL CRÈCHE – Work with children from disadvantaged backgrounds by assisting in a township crèche, helping at a local aftercare centre, or volunteering at a local junior school
  • ARTS & CULTURE – Get involved with South Africa’s arts and culture by helping with a local music or art project for disadvantaged children.
  • SPORTS – Coach children of either primary or high school ages in sports
  • ANIMALS – Care for animals and help to save and care for our birds.

Includes

• • Arrival Orientation and First Aid course ( If working with Children) before volunteering begins
  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • Support from a Calvin-Thomas Representative during your stay
  • Advice on where to go, what to do and see in the beautiful city of Cape Town
  • Placement with a host family, including breakfast and dinner

English Classes

English Tuition up to 50 hours of individual classes depending on the program including grammar, reading, conversation and local cultural activities such as visiting museums or hikes.

Requirements

• • Age 18+
  • Police Clearance Certificate
  • Conversational English skills
  • Lots of enthusiasm
  • Open and Positive attitude

For more information, click here to contact us.

Outbound Program

Calvin Thomas South Africa is part of a Global organization and we have partners in various countries offering non-reciprocal exchange programs for High School. All while staying with a host family and having the support of an Area Councillor, experiencing a new culture, and making life long friends!

Programs vary 1 month-5 months or 10 months school year

Price varies according to destination and program length

Requirements

• Age 15 – 18 years
• Open-minded
• Healthy (+ non Smoker)
• A motivated student with good grades

For more information, click here to contact us.

Hosting a Student

For more info about hosting a student, contact us on the form below.