High School Exchange in South Africa (15-18 years old)
South Africa welcomes you to a world within one country—a land unlike any other. Known for its breathtaking scenery, incredible wildlife, and rich cultural diversity, South Africa offers an unforgettable study abroad experience. The peaceful transition to democracy paved the way for a vibrant society blending sophisticated cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg—also called Egoli, the “Place of Gold”—with charming rural villages.
Language – While English is one of the official languages, you’ll also have the chance to learn other official African languages such as Afrikaans, Zulu, and more.
A high school exchange in South Africa is more than just travel, it’s a chance to live the culture, build lasting friendships, and grow in ways that go far beyond the classroom.
11 Official Languages South Africa speaks 11 official languages! That means when you visit, you might hear people chatting in Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English, and many more. It’s like a language party every day!
The Rainbow Nation South Africa is called the Rainbow Nation because it’s made up of lots of different cultures, races, and traditions all living together. It’s like one big colorful family where everyone’s unique.
Home of the Big Five If you love animals, South Africa is the place to be! You can see the Big Five — lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos — on safaris. It’s like going on a real-life wildlife adventure.
World’s Largest Bird Egg Ostriches, the giant flightless birds, lay the biggest eggs in the world! You can visit farms to see ostriches and maybe even try ostrich eggs for breakfast (they’re huge!).
Ancient Table Mountain Table Mountain in Cape Town is super old, over 600 million years! It looks like a flat table on top, and you can hike or take a cable car up to see amazing views.
South African BBQs South Africans love their “braais”, which are barbecues where friends and family gather to grill food and hang out. It’s a big part of social life and always a good time.
With magnificent waterfalls, lush forests, and over 20 national parks—including the world-renowned Kruger National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park—South Africa is a top destination for wildlife lovers and eco-tourists alike. This diverse landscape ensures every moment is filled with adventure and natural beauty. Situated in the Southern Hemisphere, South Africa’s seasons are opposite those in the Northern Hemisphere, with the school year running from February to December. As an ASSE exchange student, you’ll live with a warm, welcoming host family accustomed to South Africa’s diversity and attend a local high school where multiple languages are spoken, reflecting the country’s 11 official languages.
Regardless of ethnic background, South Africans share a passion for sports and pride themselves on being open-minded, honest, and friendly. This vibrant cultural mosaic is what makes South Africa the “Rainbow Nation”, a place where you can always expect the unexpected!
