Teaching Jobs in Cape Town, South Africa


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2 Teaching Jobs in Cape Town
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
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At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservatio
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This project is an adventure club for 12-14 year old children focused primarily on extramural surfing and swimming lessons. The adventure club provides children with a valuable opportunity to take part in a range of outdoor activities from surfing and swimming to hiking and even sandboarding. An or
A Guide to Teaching Abroad in Cape Town
Teaching Jobs in Cape Town
While English is the most common language you will hear throughout the city, the fact remains that over 70% of Cape Town’s population are not first-language speakers (35% speak Afrikaans, 30% speak Xhosa, and 8% speak one of South Africa’s other 11 official languages). This means that there is a large market for ESL teachers to teach abroad in Cape Town, helping second language speakers learn English and gain the leg up they need to compete in an increasingly globalized city.
Throughout South Africa, most teaching positions you find will be on a volunteer basis, and this trend is no different in Cape Town. South Africa remains a developing country, and so while Cape Town is a relatively prosperous port city, most national educational resources are already allocated to local teachers. Your best luck will be looking for work at language schools or on volunteer projects, where international educators have the opportunity to teach at low income schools or across the city.
This is not to say, however, that finding a salaried job to teach abroad in South Africa is impossible. If you are a qualified, experienced international educator, then you can look into positions teaching at private academies or international schools across the city, of which there are plenty. This will also open the door to move beyond ESL to teach other subjects such as math, science, and history.
Life in Cape Town
Cape Town is a city of paradoxes. It’s tremendous scenic beauty and impressive infrastructure are countered by widespread urban poverty and inequality. It’s bright future as a leader in South African development is continuously checked by its dark past of apartheid and colonialism. Yet while you teach abroad in Cape Town and immerse yourself within these conflicting characteristics, you will discover something great; a city working hard within itself to forge a diverse, progressive identity to guide it smoothly into a 21st century leader.
There are nearly 4 million people living in Cape Town’s metropolitan area, making it officially South Africa’s second largest city after Johannesburg. Cape Town was first established in 1652 as the first European settlement in South Africa, and over the past few centuries has evolved through many dramatic transitions to become the multicultural, emerging global city it is today. Cape Town is the third most influential economic hub on the continent, and the most popularly visited among international travellers as well.
From the peaks of Table Mountain to sprawling beaches that expand around the city’s southern coastline, it’s impossible to complain about any shortage of natural beauty while you teach abroad in Cape Town. Within the city itself a wide diversity of museums, restaurants, and other such venues will further make for time well spent among coworkers and new friends. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
Salaries & Visas
As previously outlined, most teaching positions in Cape Town will be offered on a volunteer basis; though while you will not be making any money for your service, you will often be helped out in other ways, such as being provided meals and housing through the duration of your tenure. If you are earning a salary to teach abroad in Cape Town, it will usually be around $1,000 to $1,500 per month.
The good news is that Cape Town is a relatively affordable city to live in for many international educators coming from the industrialized world. While some costs of living can be high, such as rent, most other living essentials are on the cheaper end because South Africa’s economy is still developing. The local currency is the South African rand, which exchanges at roughly 15 ZAR to $1.
Accommodation & Visas
Depending on your employment situation while you teach abroad in South Africa, different types of accommodation might be offered you. For example if you are embarking on a volunteer teaching program which lasts for a few months, then you may be offered to live in a homestay or other such group housing situation with fellow international educators. If you are moving to Cape Town for a permanent teaching position, then you will likely be expected to secure your own apartment.
While visitors from some countries are allowed to enter the country for up to 90 days visa-free, you will usually need to apply for a visa in order to teach abroad in Cape Town for any longer than this period. Generally your host school or teach abroad program in Cape Town will endorse you through this process.
Benefits & Challenges
Impact. Especially because most teaching positions in Cape Town are offered on a volunteer basis, you can feel confident that your efforts will be making a positive impact on the lives of locals. Often you will be working with lower income residents, helping give them the tools they need to get ahead.
History. From ancient history to colonialism to apartheid to liberation, South Africa has a fascinating history to learn about. Cape Town has always been central to the country’s development, and is a great place to launch into this education for yourself.
Practice. Even if you have no intention of entering into a career in international education for the long haul, the communication skills you will develop by living in a foreign city and teaching in front of a classroom can take you far in any field you choose. Practice makes perfect!
Leaving home to teach abroad in Cape Town is an intimidating move for any aspiring educator, especially if you have not yet taught abroad elsewhere. The only way to learn is to sink or swim however, and through immersion in Cape Town you’ll undoubtedly thrive.
Latest Program Reviews
HIGHLY recommend volunteering with IVHQ
August 09, 2026by: Raquel Paz Bergia - SpainProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
It was very easy to go through the application process, complete all the steps, and be ready to volunteer in Costa Rica. All the support we received throughout the process made sure that we felt safe, prepared, and were making an impact on the local community. I would highly recommend IVHQ, and hope to do future volunteer missions with them.
An unforgettable experience in Ecuador
August 08, 2026by: Marie-Hélène Lessard - CanadaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
I had an amazing experience with International Volunteer HQ in Ecuador. Everything was well organized from the beginning, and I felt supported throughout the entire program. The local team was welcoming, helpful, and always available when needed. I especially appreciated the opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture, meet wonderful people, and contribute through volunteering. It was an unforgettable experience, and I would definitely recommend IVHQ to anyone looking for a meaningful experience abroad.
Teaching in Hua Hin
May 16, 2026by: Marcos Mendez - SpainProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
My experience in Hua Hin teaching children was truly amazing. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported by a wonderful team. Special thanks to Hannah Yule, Tukkie Khudseesai, and Noah, the coordinator of my teaching team, who made the experience even more enjoyable and well organized. Teaching the children was incredibly rewarding, and the environment was positive, friendly, and motivating every day. The accommodation provided was very comfortable, and the food was also excellent throughout my stay. Overall, this was a memorable and enriching experience that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in volunteering and teaching in Hua Hin.
Three weeks volunteering in Siem Reap
August 11, 2025by: Olivia Aurora Lamassa - SwitzerlandProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
I spent three weeks volunteering at Salariin Kampuchea Learning Center in Siem Reap, where I helped teach English to younger students and supported the development of their social media presence. It was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve ever had. Some days were more challenging than others—adapting to a new environment and finding ways to communicate across cultures. But what I’ll carry with me, more than anything, is the deep sense of connection I felt with the people. I can confidently say I’ve grown and learned so much, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for. Living and working within the local community gave me a complete perspective shift. I was struck by their warmth and generosity, and the quiet strength with which they face life. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed. The children, the staff, and my host family made me feel included from the start, making it easy to feel at home throughout my time there
The most wholesome experience
March 26, 2025by: Ayshe Z Mercan - United KingdomProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
The programme insured that whilst getting my teaching experience, I learnt loads about the history of the children in this area. It has been the most eye opening experience and I am so grateful to have been part of it, I will be back!! The team were super supportive and ensured we were safe at all times. This was my first time solo travelling and I felt confident to flourish and be adventurous in the beautiful South Africa!

Teaching English in Cartagena Colombia
January 09, 2020by: Luke Psotka - CanadaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
I volunteered along with my girlfriend to teach English at Emerging Voices in Cartagena, Colombia from Nov-Dec of 2019. The experience overall was amazing. We got to work with lots of different groups of people, from young children living in a poor neighborhood to teenagers learning skills related to the hospitality industry, to adults whose English was very good, but they just lacked the confidence to use it. I also enjoyed the ability to visit other projects at Emerging Voices such as the project to feed and spend time with the homeless and the sports development project that worked with kids living in a Drug Rehabilitation Centre. One of the highlights was definitely meeting all of the other volunteers. Programs like these bring out great people and we had a ton of fun hanging out with people coming from all over North America. My other highlight was definitely the food! Sophie was our local Colombian chef and she made the most amazing meals every day. I was always excited for mealtime! She also kept the house impeccably clean and even made our beds every day; what an amazing lady! I also enjoyed working with Monica who is the program owner. She is a very inspiring woman and a kind soul. We happened to be there during a transitional time for Emerging Voice so that meant we had lots of different volunteers, but also lots of different coordinators. We had three different teaching coordinators during our 4-week stay. One consistent throughout though was Lao. He worked with the childcare program, but he was the only constant in the volunteer house for the entire time that we were there and he made our experience that much better with his kindness and light-hearted nature. The last thing that I really enjoyed was the location of the volunteer house. It was located in the safe neighborhood of Crespo; it was only a 5-minute walk to the beach and only a 10-minute cab to downtown so it was truly perfect! All in it was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to give back and also push themselves a little out of their comfort zone!


2 weeks teaching in Cape Town
January 25, 2019by: Ralph Kamar - LebanonProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
I volunteered in the Teaching Program with IVHQ in Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa for 2 weeks with my girlfriend. For the accommodation, I was placed with 4 other boys in the room where I had my own bed and closet space. A girls room was next to us and each of the boys and girls had separate bathrooms. Also a kitchen and common living room were available. On the weekdays, we were given 3 meals per day from breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food was carbohydrate heavy and sufficient for the stay as enough food was available for everyone with specific diet requirements cooked accordingly upon request. The housekeeper was very polite as well. For a volunteering program, it was really more than you need and a great place to stay. For the volunteering program, we were placed in Steenberg Primary School assisting a teacher with 30 Grade R kids. The kids were very cute and super fun as they are hyper all the time. We would help them with the class assignment, play with them in the playground, and assess them basic color matching and mathematics numbering exercises. The classroom had the basic amenities needed for the school year. We even left our mark with a painting on the classroom wall! It was an amazing experience and one that we will definitely go through again. A driver from the program picked us up and dropped us off back to the accommodation every school day. He was usually always on time. For the city, there are abundant activities to choose from. We were lucky to have done shark cage diving, a safari, and skydiving as main attractions. Other activities were hiking Table Mountain through the Skeleton Gorge trail, visiting the beautiful city of Cape Town and exploring it, surfing, visiting Boulders Beach where penguins are found and the most South Western point of the African continent in Cape of Good Hope as well as many other activities. This experience is truly one that will be missed and I hope to have a similar one next time!
Hi Ralph, it is great to hear from you and that you really enjoyed your time in South Africa. It is always pleasing to hear that you got along with the children so well and took part on some awesome tourist activities! Thanks for volunteering with IVHQ! Acacia - IVHQ Program Manager.
Amazing time volunteering in Palawan
November 10, 2018by: Colin Jansen - NetherlandsProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
I've had an amazing time volunteering with IVHQ (and the green lion) for two weeks in the Philippines. The location is remote (2h from Puerto Princess City), but that adds to the experience of disconnecting completely and helping the local community of Tigman Village. There are a few different programs, and therefore quite some other volunteers - nice to meet people for sure. I've taught English, Maths and Science at the local school in Tigman Village, at grades between 2 - 6. The kids are great; they love your attention and are eager to learn.
Hey Colin, thanks for taking the time to provide your review of the Philippines program. It's awesome to hear you embraced the remoteness of the program and enjoyed disconnecting from the world. I hope you can volunteer with IVHQ again in the future. Sean - IVHQ Program Manager.
Fun & love in Antigua, Guatemala
June 07, 2018by: Shannon V - United StatesProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
I was super nervous before going on my solo adventure to Antigua, Guatemala. However, as soon as I arrived I felt anxiously excited and yet still very peaceful. Everyone involved in the program was nice and welcoming. They set me up in a great home with great people and I really enjoyed my project. I learned so much about myself and really grew as an independent person. I can't wait to go on another trip with IVHQ!



We very much appreciate you sharing this review about your time in Guatemala. It was nice to read that you felt so welcomed on your solo adventure and that you were set up in a great homestay with friendly people! Also, thank you for your suggestions on how we could improve the program, we certainly do our best but love volunteer's insights as this helps us make our programs even better! Once again thank you for the awesome review and just as you can't wait to go on another IVHQ volunteer trip, we can't wait to have you join us again! ^Aydan - IVHQ Guatemala Program Manager
Teaching English
April 04, 2018by: Karin Layton - CanadaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
I can not say enough about this experience. The Green Lion organization that I worked with through IVHQ were incredible. The placement was great, small village that was very accepting of foreigners, students that were hard to leave, and our residence was relaxing with incredible food. I would highly recommend both IVHQ and The Green Lion!
Hi Karin, it's great to hear you enjoyed your time in Laos and the true Laotian experience you receive there! We're looking forward to having you return to Laos or maybe one of our other destinations! ^Will - IVHQ Laos Program Manager
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