Types of Placements

Africa Sabbatical currently offers exciting projects to students and individuals taking a career break (sabbaticals) in teaching, care (orphanage) and in the medical fields in Umtata, Nelson Mandela’s hometown (Eastern Cape) and Lydenburg, which is in the beautifully picturesque Mpumalanga province.

Our policy, is to tell us of a project you want to do, and we'll try and find it for you. We have a number of projects available - click on the projects below for full details.

Medical

Africa Sabbatical offers a placement in general hospitals in Umtata and Lydenburg, where volunteers will indulge in the day to day activities, such general hospital work, administration and caring for patients. Depending on your experience, you may be involved in a more hands on role, as expertise in all aspects of medicine are duly required to augment the critical shortage of skilled people.

Teaching

Teaching English in South Africa is an important area for people going on a gap year or sabbatical. This is an area that we have an overwhelming requirement, as schools in Africa, like the idea of people from the Western world teaching their children English. We operate in some of the poorest areas in South Africa, where many of the children have a limited vocabulary. Some schools both in Umtata and Lydenburg are very keen requesters for volunteers who can assist in extra curricular activities like Rugby and playing of musical instruments.

Orphanage and Special Schools

Africa Sabbatical is associated with orphanages and special schools for the physically disabled from infancy to 18 years olds in Umtata. At some of these institutions the students live on campus during term time and then back home for the holidays. The work can be physically and emotional challenging due the mental and physical conditions of some of the occupants.