In the past few years South Africa has become a popular destination for all travellers and in particular for the adventurous youth and student traveller.
In order to protect its own people from foreign competition, South Africa does not allow any foreign students to do paid work in South Africa. The only exception is a cultural exchange programme, which we offer in association with our partner organisations SASTS Working Adventures, and Work Experience International (Pty) Limited (WEI).
The International House (IH) ‘Study & Work SA’ programmes provide young people with the opportunity to stay in Cape Town at the start of their visit in a supportive and friendly environment to become comfortable with the language and culture before transferring to a project or workplace. There are several types of work for which our students with a cultural exchange visa would be eligible. Each programme includes the attendance on an initial (minimum) 4-week Standard English study course, including accommodation in a superior twin room.
Eligibility for a Cultural Exchange Visa
• Open to full-time tertiary level students, or recent (6 months) graduates.
• Age range restricted to 18-25 years old.
• Must have sufficient funds for 2 months living expenses (post study).
• Applicants must accept the conditions of the non placed and placed work programmes.
Cultural Exchange Visa Requirements
The length of the Visa is 12 months and would be issued in accordance with flight details i.e. from date of arrival in South Africa. However, issuances can differ from Country to Country, and sending organisations may need to contact their Consulates for further information on visa restrictions. It must be applied for at least 3 months prior to the intended dates of travel and applicants will have to provide the following as a minimum:
• Proof of student status
• Copy of CV/resume
• Copy of valid travel insurance
• Validated copy of passport (valid for 13 months after arrival date)
• Police clearance
• Copy of medical certificate
There is no better way to study, travel and work around South Africa than on the IH ‘Study & Work SA’ programme. One can sample the real everyday South Africa whilst meeting the locals and, in some cases, earning money to cover personal expenses at the same time. It’s a great opportunity for young people to add a line to their resumes, to be totally independent, make new friends and visit some incredible places.
Non-placed Paid work
Hospitality / Tourism / Call Centre Industry / Advertising & Marketing / General Business
Nature of the Work Applicant’s Responsibility
Programme Includes Cultural Exchange Visa- Valid for 1 year
4 weeks Standard English course
Start off your travels by joining us at IH Cape Town for 4 weeks of Standard English [or longer], while seeking for paid employment opportunities in South Africa. You can extend your stay should you wish, although these 4 weeks will provide you with the perfect opportunity to interact with other students, explore the city of Cape Town and its surrounds while actively looking for employment. Accommodation is only provided to each student for the duration of their language course. The type of work and the choice of your work location are totally up to the applicant, yet with the 2010 FIFA World Cup starting in June 2010 there are numerous employment opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors. While IH Cape Town will assist wherever possible to ensure the successful employment of each applicant, the responsibility resides with each applicant to secure favourable employment.
Placed Paid work
Hospitality / Tourism / Call Centre Industry / Advertising & Marketing / General Business
Nature of the Work Subject to Availability* Responsibility
Programme Includes Cultural Exchange Visa- Valid for 1 year
4 weeks Standard English course
*The nature of work placements depend on the English language ability, qualifications, experience of each applicant and are subject to availability.
Upon arrival in South Africa you will join IH Cape Town for 4 weeks of Standard English [or longer] before you commence your employment. You can extend your stay should you wish, although these 4 weeks will provide you with the perfect opportunity to interact with other students, explore the city of Cape Town and its surrounds before you start your employment. Accommodation is only provided to each student for the duration of their language course. The nature of employment varies from working in the Call Centre Industry, Hospitality, Advertising & Marketing and other tourism related businesses. IH Cape Town assumes no responsibility for the nature of the employer / employee relationship nor the duration of the employment. Every endeavour will be made to assist applicants where possible for the duration of their employment. However, each applicant is solely responsible for their own behaviour and working relationship with their employer at all times.
Internship:
Hospitality & Tourism
Nature of the Work Tourism Services* Responsibility
Programme Includes Cultural Exchange Visa- Valid for 1 year
12 weeks Standard English course
*certain restrictions apply – please request more detailed information
Internship programmes provide an invaluable opportunity to gain work experience. Upon arrival in South Africa, you will join IH Cape Town for 4 weeks of Standard English before you commence your 8 week internship. Should you wish to extend the duration of either your language course or internship period, this is possible although at an additional cost. The initial 4-week language course at IH Cape Town allows you the perfect opportunity to interact with other students and to explore the city of Cape Town and its surrounds. A wide range of positions are available in private game reserves, safari lodges, coastal resorts and boutique hotels. Most tourism establishments are in scenic locations and will provide the intern with a firsthand experience of the natural beauty of South Africa.
Interns receive live-in accommodation, all meals, and a monthly living allowance, in addition to a certificate of completion. Applicants do not need to be students in the hospitality and tourism industry as placements are matched according to qualifications and their level of experience.
Cape Town Carnival [
