Our Programmes
Volunteering, Internships, Sabbaticals, Travel and Language Courses in South Africa
Are you looking for a personal challenge and an opportunity for a social outreach? Would you like to expand your professional profile or would you like to collect professional experience in the field of international development and cooperation?
Are you looking for a meaningful occupation for your sabbatical abroad?
Are you interested in the African continent and do you dream of spending time in a fascinating Africa country beyond the beaten track?
Then live&learn is your perfect partner to organise your experience abroad!
Come with us to South Africa, volunteer in one of our non-profit projects and experience one of the most beautiful and fascinating countries around the world!
Travel |
Language Course |
10 reasons, why you should decide on South Africa
01 Fascinating cultural diversity
The very fact that South Africa has 11 official languages gives an idea of how this country got its nickname ``Rainbow Nation``. Life is not only shaped by African, Asian, Arab and European cultures: in South Africa the 1st and 3rd world as well as tradition and modernity meet again and again in astonishing ways. The cultural diversity makes life particularly exciting and allows diverse opportunities for intercultural learning.
02 A country on the move
It wasn't until 1994 that South Africa abolished apartheid, and thus social and political discrimination against the majority of the population. In the first democratic elections, Nelson Mandela was elected South Africa's first black president. Since then, the African National Congress (ANC) has ruled the country with a large majority. The transition to a democratic country was relatively peaceful and received great international recognition. South Africa's young democracy has to face many political, social and economic challenges today. By participating in one of our projects, you are making an important contribution to strengthening civil society and thus further transforming and democratizing the country.
03 A place for global learning
The period of state-dominated racism and the economic isolation during the sanction years have left deep traces in South African economy and society.
The country's main challenges continue to be social inequality, unemployment and social problems such as substance abuse, crime, violence, HIV and mental health problems. By volunteering or doing an internship in one of our partner projects, you can contribute to realizing human rights in South Africa and thereby gain an understanding of global economic and political contexts and tasks of international development work in an emerging country.
04 Africa Light
South Africa is suitable in many ways as an entry-level country for all those who are visiting the African continent for the first time or are planning a stay abroad outside Europe. In no other African country is the influence of Europeans more noticeable than in South Africa. South Africa's metropolis such as Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban in particular are modern cities with modern infrastructure. Here tradition and modernity meet again and again in an astonishing way. Apart from a few regions, South Africa is also free of malaria. All locations for live&learn volunteer and internship placements belong to malaria-free regions.
05 Popular Travel Destination
Since the end of Apartheid, South Africa has become one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Cape Town is a modern, cosmopolitan city. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the world. Here European metropolitan comfort and western culture meet traditional African lifestyle and result in a uniquely dynamic mix. The lively city, embraced by the sea and several mountains, including the city's unmistakable landmark - Table Mountain, inspires people from all over the world. Cape Town is the most popular place in South Africa among tourists. In January 2014, the New York Times chose Cape Town as the number one place to visit.
06 Fascinating nature and wildlife
Due to its two climate and vegetation zones, South Africa also impresses with overwhelming natural spectacles, a diverse animal kingdom and many endemic animal and plant species - some of them are threatened with extinction. The Cape region is one of six botanical zones in the world, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique biodiversity. The Big 5 - lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo have their home in South Africa and can be admired in over 200 national parks and private game parks in natural surroundings.
07 Hospitality and way of life
South Africans are extremely hospitable. International volunteers, interns and visitors are welcomed with open arms everywhere. The relaxed friendliness and way of life that one encounters in South Africa is a reason for many visitors to return to this special country again and again.
08 All year pleasant travel season
South Africa has a year-round mild climate and sunshine all year round. Since the country is located in the southern hemisphere, its seasons are exactly the opposite of those in Europe and North-America. Actually there is no time when South Africa is not worth a visit. Every season has its own charm. Winter and spring are the best times for Safaris in the North of the country, as well as for watching whales along the Garden Route and Cape Peninsula and for experiencing the wild flower season around Cape Town and up the West Coast. Winter also offers excellent conditions for surfing. For those who love sun and heat, the months of November to March are the best time to travel.
09 Reasonable living costs
The cost of living in South Africa is slightly lower than in Germany and significantly lower than in other English-speaking countries such as the USA or Great Britain. This makes it easier to finance an internship or voluntary service in South Africa, especially for a longer stay. Students also have very good options for financing their stay with a scholarship.
10 Versatility of leisure activities
South Africa is particularly attractive for all nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts - hiking, climbing, kiting, surfing or mountain biking are part of the daily activities of many who live here, including in Cape Town. In addition, South Africa has the highest bungy jump in the world, and a variety of offers for other adventure sports activities and of course nature experiences such as safaris on land and sea. The many art galleries, museums, theaters, comedy events, restaurants, bars, cafés, markets, concerts and festivals in Cape Town and surroundings, leave nothing to be desired for by all culture enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
My Experience in South Africa
"I felt very well looked after by live&learn. You always had a contact person. The advantage was, of course, that I was in Muizenberg and thus very close to the live&learn office. In addition, the relationship is so warm. You feel welcome and comfortable right away when you arrive. The metings on the Bluebird Market is also a really good idea and should definitely be maintained. It always made me really look forward to Friday and it was a nice start to the weekend. I also got to know most of the other volunteers. It was also helpful that the live&learn team is from Germany and can provide good advice and a lot of understanding in case of cultural differences. If I had any problems, I was always helped immediately. My expectations were exceeded by far. I have been looking for a small organization, which advises and supports you individually, for a long time. This has been definitely fulfilled by live&learn. I would definitely recommend live&learn to others."
"Through live&earn I volunteered for 3 months at the soccer club HBUFC in Cape Town. To be honest it was one of the best times I had in my life. Despite the Corona pandemic almost everything went smoothly and if there were any problems, I could always rely on live&learn. What struck me as particularly positive was the personal connection with teh live&learn team. You can tell that it is a small company. You as a participant are not one of countless others, but the live&learn team take care of you conscientiously and very personally in case of problems."
"I enjoyed my volunteer service in South Africa very much. I helped the teacher with the lessons - for example, I drew pictures on the blackboard and helped the children to draw them. Sometimes I told them stories or fairy tales in English. In the mornings I practiced English with them, we practiced the days of the week, months, numbers, food, animals, etc.. When the children played outside, I supervised them and made sure nothing happened."
Contact us for a personal consultation and cost calculation.
