Teach in South Africa.
Make a Difference.
Experience the Adventure.

Complete your 120-Hour Online TEFL training, then travel to Port Elizabeth for a 4-week volunteer teaching experience in local township schools.

Impact Focused
Ocean View Housing
Accredited
No Degree Required Non-Natives Welcome Ages 18+
Volunteers walking near the coast in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Location Port Elizabeth Eastern Cape, South Africa
Program Type Volunteer Service Housing & Meals Included
Duration 4 Weeks + Extensions Available
Requirements No Degree Required Fluent English / Open Mind

Teach in South Africa: Volunteer Overview

Combine your 120-hour online TEFL training with a life-changing 4-week volunteer experience in Port Elizabeth. Live in a volunteer house with ocean views, teach in disadvantaged township schools, and experience the warmth of the Rainbow Nation.

01

Start with Online Training

Complete your accredited 120-Hour TEFL Course online before you depart. This ensures you arrive in South Africa with the skills and confidence to make a real impact in the classroom from day one.

02

4-Week Volunteer Placement

Join a cohort of international volunteers in Port Elizabeth. You will spend your days teaching in local schools and assisting with after-school sports, dance, or homework programs.

03

Housing & Meals Included

Forget about rent or bills. You will stay in a comfortable volunteer house with ocean views. Meals are provided, and you'll live like a family with your fellow volunteers, sharing stories and culture.

04

Eligibility Requirements

Degree: No degree required.
Experience: No prior teaching experience needed.
Age: 18+ (Gap year & career breakers welcome).

View The Volunteer Experience
Volunteer teacher helping students in a South African township classroom
Program at a Glance
  • Location: Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
  • Training: 120-Hr Online TEFL
  • Type: Volunteer Service
  • Included: Housing, Meals, Transport
  • Degree: Not Required
  • Duration: 4 Weeks (Extendable)
Volunteers cooking and socializing in the shared volunteer house in Port Elizabeth Elephant seen on a weekend safari trip in South Africa

Live Together. Volunteer Together. Make an Impact.

You aren't just a tourist. You live in a shared volunteer house with ocean views in Port Elizabeth, forming deep bonds with a global team of changemakers who become your family.

A Home Away From Home

Live in a comfortable, secure volunteer house. Share meals, trade stories, and build lifelong friendships with people from around the world.

Impact-Driven Orientation

Learn about the local community history, Xhosa cultural norms, and your specific teaching project before you step into the classroom.

Weekends on the Coast

From spotting the Big 5 at Addo Elephant Park to surfing in Jeffrey's Bay, the Eastern Cape is your playground for adventure.

Daily Support & Transport

We provide airport pickup in Port Elizabeth and daily private transport to and from your project sites, ensuring your safety and convenience.

See How the Program Works

Your Impact in Port Elizabeth.

Your base is always Port Elizabeth, but your daily impact varies. You can rotate between different community projects to find where you help best.

Volunteer teaching English in a primary school in Port Elizabeth

Primary School Teaching

Assist local teachers in overcrowded classrooms. Help with English literacy, math basics, and managing class activities.

Grades 1-7
Volunteer helping toddlers in a South African preschool

Early Childhood Care

Support understaffed preschools. Engage toddlers with educational games, storytelling, and basic social skills.

Ages 3-6
Volunteer coaching soccer in a South African township

Sports Coaching

Run after-school sports clinics. Soccer (football) is huge here, but netball, rugby, and cricket are also popular.

Outdoor Activities
Volunteer assisting with homework and arts in Port Elizabeth

Arts & Homework Club

Provide a safe space after school. Help students finish homework or express themselves through dance and theater.

Creative Support

How the South Africa Program Works

From your online training at home to your arrival in the Eastern Cape, we handle the logistics so you can focus on making a difference.

STEP 01

Apply & Confirm

Book your spot with a $390 deposit. No degree is required—just fluent English and a positive attitude.

STEP 02

Online Training

Complete your 120-Hour TEFL course from home. You'll arrive in Africa certified and ready to lead a classroom.

STEP 03

Touchdown in PE

Fly to Port Elizabeth. We pick you up from the airport and settle you into the ocean-view volunteer house.

STEP 04

Volunteer & Impact

Start your 4-week service in township schools, helping with classes, sports, and after-school care.

This is a fully supported program — we handle the logistics, you handle the adventure.

Real Volunteers. Real Impact.

South Africa can feel like a big step. Here is what past volunteers honestly said about safety, the schools, and life in the volunteer house.

Emily from the UK relaxing in the volunteer house in Port Elizabeth

Emily R.

United Kingdom

“I was honestly quite nervous about safety before coming, but the volunteer house is really secure and the coordinators support us every step of the way. It genuinely feels like a little family here. We cook together, go to the beach, and always look out for one another..”

David from USA volunteering in a South African township school

David M.

USA

"I took a break from my corporate job to do something meaningful. The township schools are under-resourced, but the kids have so much heart. You aren't just teaching; you're giving them attention and confidence. It’s exhausting but totally worth it."

Sofia from Spain exploring the coast during her volunteer trip

Sofia L.

Spain

"The program has a great rhythm. We work with the schools and really feel useful, and in our free time we enjoy the outdoors. I’ve seen animals, beaches, and landscapes I only knew from photos. It’s an experience I will always carry with me.."

Start Your Journey

South Africa Start Dates & Fees

Secure your spot in the volunteer house with a refundable deposit.

Upcoming Start Dates

Program intake begins on these Mondays in Port Elizabeth.

  • 9 February
    2026
  • 9 March
    2026
  • 6 April
    2026
  • 11 May
    2026
  • 15 June
    2026
  • 20 July
    2026
  • 24 August
    2026
  • 28 September
    2026
  • 2 November
    2026
  • 7 December
    2026

What's Included

Everything you need to arrive safely and start making an impact.

  • 120-Hour TEFL: Online course included
  • Airport Pickup: Transfer from Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
  • Housing: Volunteer house with ocean views
  • Meals: 3 meals per day included
  • Transport: Daily private transport to schools
  • Donation: $150 program donation included
Refundable Deposit
$390 USD
Total Program: $1,550 USD Remaining $1,160 due before departure
Apply Now

Fully refunded if you are not accepted.

South Africa Volunteer FAQs

Common questions about safety, the volunteer house, and preparing for the Eastern Cape.

Will I earn money?
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No. This is a volunteer service program, not a paid teaching job. You are donating your time and skills to support disadvantaged communities. In return, your accommodation, meals, and transport are covered by the program fee.
Which nationalities are eligible?
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Almost everyone! We welcome volunteers from all over the world. Non-native English speakers are very welcome, provided you are fluent enough to communicate effectively in the classroom.
Is accommodation included?
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Yes! You will stay in our volunteer house in Port Elizabeth, often with ocean views. It is a shared living environment (dorm-style), which makes it easy to make friends. 3 meals a day are also included.
Do I need a criminal background check?
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Yes. Since you will be working with children in schools and preschools, a clean criminal background check from your home country is mandatory for the safety of the students.
How much money should I bring?
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Since housing and meals are included, you only need spending money for snacks, drinks, and weekend trips. We recommend budgeting around $150 - $200 USD per week for leisure activities.
Do I need a medical check?
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No formal medical exam is required for the visa, but you must have comprehensive travel medical insurance to join the program. We also recommend consulting your doctor about standard vaccinations.
Do I need a university degree?
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No. You do not need a degree to volunteer in South Africa. We look for enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and a willingness to help.
What kind of visa will I get?
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Most volunteers enter on a standard Tourist Visa (usually valid for 90 days), which is sufficient for unpaid volunteer work. Citizens of many countries (USA, UK, Canada, EU) receive this on arrival, but we will advise you based on your passport.
Can I be placed with a friend?
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Yes. If you book with a friend or partner, let us know! We can ensure you are housed together in the volunteer house and placed at the same (or nearby) school projects.
Can I bring my pet?
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No. Pets are not allowed in the volunteer house due to the shared living arrangements and logistics.
How long is the program?
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The standard duration is 4 weeks. However, many volunteers choose to extend their stay once they fall in love with the work and the country!
Is it safe?
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Safety is our priority. You are picked up from the airport, live in a secure house, and are transported privately to schools every day. Our local coordinators are available 24/7 to support you.