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1-2 Years Volunteer Programs in South Africa

24 1-2 Years Volunteer Programs in South Africa

Impact Gap Year

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3

South Africa, France and Thailand Gap Year Exploration

Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thailand on a comprehensive 6-month journey. Experience an exceptional blend of cultural immersion, wildlife conservation, and community involvement. You'll start your journey by contributing to wildlife conservation in South Africa amidst the Big 5 conservation area. Next, you'll hop on to France where you will immerse yourself in French culture and language during an unforgettable summer in Loire Valley, studying at one of the country's oldest universities. Finally, venture to your third country - Thailand - where you will volunteer as an English teacher in the scenic Hua Hin island. The entire experience offers invaluable cultural insights, skill development, and lifelong memories; igniting passions for social and environmental causes as you embark on a journey toward becoming a dedicated global citizen effecting positive change.

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Projects Abroad

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296

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

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Love Volunteers

9.58

201

Volunteer Abroad & Make a REAL Difference - From US$175!

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Connect-123 Internship Programs

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101

Global Internship & Volunteer Programs with Connect-123!

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

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Volunteer World

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16

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Involvement Volunteers International

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0

Kindergarten Teaching in Cape Town, South Africa

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children in Mitchell’s Plain by joining our Early Childhood Development program in Cape Town. As a Kindergarten Teaching volunteer, you’ll help nurture the growth and creativity of children aged 2–4, providing them with the foundations for a brighter future. Working closely with local educators, you’ll support play-based learning and offer personalized care that encourages emotional, social, and intellectual development. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact while immersing yourself in Cape Town’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local communities. Help empower the next generation and be part of lasting change. - Work with local teachers to create and lead engaging, age-appropriate activities. - Support children needing extra encouragement and guidance. - Assist in teaching basic English, math, or life skills through fun and hands-on learning. - Lead group activities and help create a stimulating classroom environment. - Observe progress and offer feedback to enhance the learning experience.

Magister South Africa Programs for Students and Volunteers

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4

International Internship/Volunteer Positions in Cape Town

Magister South Africa offers a broad range of internship and volunteering placements in Cape Town. As one of the most established and well-known internship and volunteer organizations in South Africa's capital, our main goal is geared toward matching and placing qualified international students, interns, and volunteers with dynamic companies and organizations based in Cape Town. With our wide network of contacts and range of skills, we strive to ensure that the participants' experiences abroad remain unforgettable one. Magister offers great value to students and volunteers and invests in their personal development and education as well as their careers. We match placements according to qualifications, interests, and university requirements to ensure a unique internship or volunteer experience that best fits individual needs.

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Tshega

9

2

Assist Kindergarten Teachers is South Africa

Since 2018, we've provided a safe, nurturing environment for children aged 3 months to grade school, focusing on their emotional, spiritual, social, physical, and cognitive development. Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Volunteering at Lamb’s Haven in Fobeni, South Africa, is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children. As a volunteer, you’ll support local teachers through engaging activities such as storytelling and singing, arts and crafts, sports and physical play, educational games, and classroom decorating. It’s a hands-on, heartwarming experience where your time and creativity can truly make a difference. We're seeking warm, caring individuals who enjoy working with children and are passionate about inspiring young minds. At Lamb’s Haven, every day is filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable moments! Ready to make a difference and have fun doing it? Join us today!

Nourish

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1

Volunteer in South Africa & Support Sustainable Development!

Join Nourish Eco Village and make a real impact by supporting agricultural entrepreneurship in rural communities. Help develop sustainable farming businesses, tackle food security, and empower local entrepreneurs through training in agro-ecology, agri-processing, and product development. Get hands-on at our training farm, assisting with daily tasks, managing chicken coops, and creating products like pickled beetroots, hot sauce, and gluten-free flour. Stay at our on-site backpackers, work alongside a passionate team, and gain valuable skills in sustainable farming, education, and conservation. You can also engage in our other impactful programs: Green Kidz – Teach environmental education in local schools Rise Creches – Support early childhood development for vulnerable children Social Enterprise – Help small businesses grow through our incubator Eco Village – Promote recycling, sustainability, and community outreach During weekends, explore Kruger National Park, immerse yourself in South African culture, and experience an adventure of a lifetime! Join us now and be part of real change!

African Biodiversity Research Expeditions

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Volunteer: Crocodile and Terrestrial Herpetofaunal Surveys

The Pongola Game Reserve is a private wildlife reserve situated along the Pongolapoort Dam in northern KwaZulu-Natal province. This program encompasses monthly Nile crocodile daytime and spotlight counts, as well as terrestrial herpetofaunal surveys, which are conducted for a week each month during low moonlight conditions. The terrestrial habitat consists of thornveld savanna. Crocodile counts are conducted from a boat. Herpetological assessments rely on pitfall and funnel trap arrays, which are checked twice a day. Volunteers are transported across the protected area in an open-backed vehicle. The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including hippos, ostriches, and several game species, which are frequently sighted during field activities. Elephants and leopards are occasionally observed. The program runs from November 16 to 23, 2025; December 14 to 21, 2025; January 18 to 25, 2026; and February 15 to 22, 2026. Accommodation, food, and transportation from the Richards Bay airport are included in the participation price.

Hope Warriors Children's Charity

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After-school Academic & Learner Welfare Support

Over 80% of South African 10-year-olds struggle to read for meaning, indicating a serious literacy crisis. After-school academic support programs have proven effective in improving educational outcomes, especially in under-resourced communities. These programs help reduce educational inequality by offering academic and psychosocial support, and by creating safe, nurturing spaces for vulnerable children and youth. Hope Warriors Children’s Charity provides an inspirational learning environment in Soshanguve, where children receive free homework help and academic enrichment. Activities include reading aloud, mental math, and Spelling Bee competitions to build confidence and skills. We encourage children to stay focused on their studies, living out Nelson Mandela’s belief that "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." To support learning, we also provide meals and proper clothing, helping children who face hunger and poor nutrition to concentrate better and engage more actively in school life.

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Latest Program Reviews

Mrs

October 23, 2025by: Dignae Peter - TanzaniaProgram: Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide
10

New culture, new people, New Life. When we exchange our perspectives, ideas and plans to make a world better place for everyone. It's good to go different places it helps me view life in many directions

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