High School in South Africa

High School in

South Africa

Do you feel ready for something different?

Travel to the iconic city of Cape Town or one of the hotspots along the world famous Garden Route in South Africa. Take the chance to experience life as a local high school student for any period from 3 months to a year!

GROW Abroad offers programs run by a passionate and experienced team, giving foreign students an exciting yet safe opportunity to immerse themselves into the vibrant life we have in South Africa.

Teenagers from 14 to 18 are welcomed into a warm South African family, attend a local school, and improve their English, while making lifelong friends along the way.

Aside from the adventures and good times students will find within the greater Cape Town and Garden Route, we also offer opportunities to tour further afield in our spectacular province.

Pillars of the Program

What could be more life changing than being able to perfect English language skills and make friends from other cultures whilst living in one of the most beautiful places in the world?

SCHOOLS

GROW Abroad schools are typically based in middle class areas where it is very common to have students from varying and diverse cultural backgrounds.

HOST FAMILIES

Students are placed with our carefully selected host families, who provide an instant local connection for warm support and friendship.

ACTIVITIES

There is so much to do in this incredible location, with gorgeous beaches, magnificent parks, colourful markets and historical landmarks.

CARE TO GROW

Open your door to the world! Join our host family community and allow a student from abroad to experience a unique way of life.

Location

From the famous Table Mountain to the ocean, with glorious forests in between, our programs stretch from Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay and it’s a cinch to take part in fantastic outdoor activities that students may not be able to do at home.

The region is desirable for its natural draw cards like penguins in Simon's Town, whales in Hermanus, the unique fynbos and access to the Atlantic and Indian oceans. The list of attractions goes on with Cape Point, the beautiful Knysna Lagoon and Heads, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the great surfing beaches all along the coast.

Not forgetting historical spots like the World Heritage Site of Robben Island (also known as Madiba Island), where Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists were jailed.

What will you gain from the program?

Our mission is to provide a safe and exciting way for you as a student to have fun and to grow exponentially through your experiences. You have the potential and opportunities to develop in the following areas:

Testimonials

Simola

"My dream was always to travel the world and I am so grateful that GROW Abroad has given me this AMAZING opportunity to go on an exchange year to Germany. GROW Abroad is not just working to make this journey of mine successful but they are also building a relationship with me that I will always treasure."

Thomas

“My exchange experience in Cape Town has been the most intriguing and eye opening experience of my life. I've learned so much, from the culture and way of living in south Africa to becoming more independent and confident in a new environment. I made amazing new friends hopefully for life.”

Levi

“One of the previous students my family hosted, knew my passion and encouraged me to pursue venturing overseas. I thought to myself, why not, I am ready for this, my family believes in me and the students that came through our home unknowingly played a part in me venturing overseas. What a dream!”

Matilda

“Being an exchange student is a unique experience. The way I lived with my host family was completely different then at home in Italy. But I had to adapt and I grew up on a personal level. I had the possibility to live for 6 moths in a new style of live that I’ve brought in my house once I got back.”

Liam

“The Netherlands has a very different, but beautiful, landscape than South Africa and it is extremely safe. You will recognise Afrikaans in the Dutch language and the friendly people will welcome you with open arms.”

Carolina

“Coming to South Africa as an exchange student has changed my life in many ways. I learned about the culture and traditions of this beautiful country, as well as its history. I had the opportunity to visit a lot of amazing places, and enjoy many of the best views I’ve ever seen."

Jessica

“Going on an exchange year was one of the best things I’ve ever experienced. I completely had to immerse myself into a different culture and see what everyday life was like for people of my age in Germany. I would not have changed my experience in any way!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be Fluent in English?

You need to be able to speak and understand English, as there may not be someone who understands your language in your host family or school. But you do not need to be fluent – one of the reasons you are coming is to improve your English and that’s what you will do while you are here!

Can I choose a location?

Our programs are located in the Greater Cape Town, Hermanus and the Garden Route area. For certain programs only you can choose your specific area.

Can I choose my own school?

You may only choose a specific area with certain programs, for example if applying for a private school. GROW Abroad does take into account your preferences while looking for the best suitable host family and school for you.

How long will I stay on the program?

You can choose to stay for one, two, three or four school terms. One term is approximately three months, so you can stay up till a full academic year in South Africa.

Can I choose my arrival and departure dates?

No. Each of our arrival and departure dates are fixed as they have been aligned to the start of the school terms, our orientation days and the date that the school terms end.

Can I go home early?

Yes you can go home early if you are really struggling and unhappy. However, we would like you to carefully consider such a decision as you may regret it if you make this decision too soon. Remember, it can take a few weeks to settle and adjust to your new environment. In addition, the GROW Abroad team will do everything they can to assist you in making your time in South Africa a success.

Can parents visit?

No they can’t visit while you are on the program. We allow parents and friends to visit you in the last month of your stay but we recommend these visits only take place after the end of your last school term, if your visa allows.

Can I attend the program with a friend?

Yes you may certainly apply with a friend to join the same program. However, you will not be placed with the same host family.

Can I travel on my own?

GROW Abroad does not allow students to travel independently while on the program. You will be able to travel with the organized tours that we offer, or with your school or host family.

What activities can I do on the program?

You will have access to explore sites in South Africa via the organized tours on offer via our tour operator. Surf and formal golf courses are also on offer via our accredited coaches. Our schools offer a range of sporting and cultural activities for you to get involved in. Most homestays are located in areas where a gym, volunteer group, and sports clubs are in close proximity. You will be provided with a list of activities that are considered too dangerous due to risk of injury and these activities are generally not covered by your insurance which therefore will restrict you from participating.

How is my safety ensured?

Host families and GROW Abroad coordinators work within strict safety procedures that ensure your safety at home, while being transported to and from school, during your tours and other activities.

What happens if there is an emergency?

Your host family is equipped to deal with most situations. You will be given a contact number to call which is available 24/7 should you need assistance. This will be provided after your arrival in South Africa.

How do I apply to the GROW Abroad Program?

You can contact us at hello@growabroad.co.za and we will put you in touch with the agency in your country. They will take you through a screening and application process and inform you of costs and insurance. They will also inform you of the personal and academic requirements you need to meet in order to be eligible for the program.

Is there support with my application & preparation?

Yes. Your agency will help you throughout your application process and will be available to support you until you complete your experience.

What kind of host family can I expect?

Host families come from all kinds of backgrounds. They may be a nuclear family with a mom, dad and children, they could be single parents, same sex parents or people without their own children who enjoy having children in their home. They are all carefully screened, interviewed and approved by GROW Abroad. You may be required to share a room with a host sibling or other exchange student who will be of a different nationality to you.

What will my host family provide?

Your family will give you a warm, welcoming environment, a comfortable bed and a place to store your clothes and other belongings. They will provide three meals a day including a packed lunch for school. Your hosts will also provide transport to and from school. Many families have an internet connection or can help you get Wifi on your phone or laptop. Unless you have made your own plans, your family will include you in their weekend activities.

Can I stay with a host family that I already know?

Yes - provided that the family lives close to one of our partner schools, have undergone our screening process and are prepared to subscribe to our program regulations. We do discourage students from being hosted by their relatives.

What kind of activities does GROW Abroad arrange?

We offer a (optional) surf and golf program at an additional cost, exclusive to GROW Abroad students and their host siblings. We have partnered with a local tour operator which offers tours exclusive to GROW Abroad exchange students and their host siblings. These tours are a fantastic way to see more of South Africa, do fun activities and have a great time together with other students. Each quarter, we also host a get-together where you will have time to mingle with your fellow exchange students and GROW Abroad coordinators while doing a fun activity. Participating in our Care to GROW program is a wonderful way to gain exchange experiences, learn about South Africa and our culture(s) and meet locals too. It provides you the opportunity to get involved in volunteering projects – from assisting at animal shelters, child centers to local feeding schemes.