Application

Who goes on this programme?

Male or female, eighteen or eighty, serious athlete or casual sports person, it really doesn’t matter! Our local partner welcomes hundreds of people each year, all from different walks of life and from all over the world. This provides for an enriching exchange opportunity not only with the local communities, but also with volunteers from different international backgrounds. Some people travel as part of a long break, year out or career break, whereas other people book the trip as part of an activity holiday, working holiday or volunteer holiday. One thing is for sure, you will leave your trip with new found friends, locals and internationals.

Generally, most of the volunteers and activities are rather youth focused. The majority are aged 18-25 and doing a gap year or simply wish to enrich themselves with a genuine cultural and human experience in the field of youth and community development. More mature applicants are welcome and on average 20% of the volunteers are aged 25+.

Do I need any coaching qualifications?

You will not need any specific coaching qualifications. We are looking for enthusiastic amateur sports men and women who will be able to share their passion for sport with young and energetic South Africans.

What is the Orientation Interview?

At BUNAC we believe that each volunteer should be treated as an individual. All participants will attend a one-to-one orientation interview in our London office. It’s not a formal interview, but a chance for us to get to know more about you and your reasons for volunteering. We’ll discuss your involvement in the programme and also cover topics such as health and security to help prepare you for your time in South Africa. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask us any questions you might have. If you’d like to apply but can’t travel to London for an interview, please call us on 020 7251 3386 to discuss alternative arrangements.

If my application is unsuccessful will I get my deposit back?

If BUNAC rejects your application at any stage you’ll receive a full refund. We also have a 7 day cooling off period, so if you feel that you’re not suited to the programme and you contact us within 7 days of attending the orientation interview you can cancel and receive a full refund (less £35 administration fee). More information regarding cancellation refunds is included within the Terms and Conditions which form part of the online application.

What is a police check?

As part of our 'Responsible Approach', each participant must provide a police background check before they travel. For this programme the required check is called an ACPO Police Certificate. Information on how to apply for this can be found on the ACPO Police Certificates page. The check costs £35 for a 10 day process. Once received you should send the original document to BUNAC. If you already hold a CRB from an existing or recent employer issued within 3 months we can accept this as an alternative to the ACPO Certificate.

What medical advice does BUNAC offer?

BUNAC is pleased to have teamed up with Interhealth, a charity which specialises in providing health advice for overseas workers. Your programme cost includes membership to Interhealth and as part of your application process you will complete an on-line medical screening to ensure that you are suitable for the challenge of volunteering in a developing country. Following the screening you will receive comprehensive medical advice regarding inoculations specific to your destination along with some general travel health advice. Your programme cost also includes post-trip clean bill of health screening and on going remote health care advice through Interhealth.

The inoculations you will require may vary depending on the places you decide to visit within South Africa and also your personal medical history so it is very difficult to provide a guide to the typical cost. However, please be aware that whilst some injections are relatively cheap others (specifically anti malarials) can be very expensive. Interhealth will provide you with further information following your screening.

Flights, Visas & Insurance

Can I book my own flights?

BUNAC’s travel partner is STA Travel and they will help you to book your flights to and from your destination. We will discuss this during your interview. If you’d prefer to make alternative plans then you’re more than welcome to as long as you arrive in time for the start of the orientation. Please make sure you provide BUNAC with proof of your return trip so that we can arrange your airport pick up.

Alternatively, if you’d like to arrange completely independent travel then you’re more than welcome to as long as you arrive in Port Elizabeth for the start of the orientation.

Do I need to apply for a visa?

As a volunteer you'll be able to work under a tourist visa. A 90 day tourist visa will be issued on your arrival to South Africa. You can extend your stay beyond the 90 days whilst in South Africa, which currently costs approximately £35. Our local partner will be able to advise you on this.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. BUNAC’s fully comprehensive insurance policy has been arranged with Endsleigh, one of the UK’s leading insurance companies. The BUNAC policy is compulsory for this programme. You can find out more about the insurance here.

Volunteer Placement

Where will I be working?

Throughout term time, the project takes place at local schools. Typically volunteers visit several schools each day following a weekly time-table. During school holidays volunteers coach at activity camps where they have the freedom to use their creativity to come up with new acitvities and expand the scope of their coaching by running week-long tournaments. There are also opportunities to introduce non-sporting activities, such as arts and outings, that children simply wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to experience.

How many people take part in the programme?

Numbers vary but we would normally expect up to 10 BUNAC participants on each arrival date. Our South African partner will also receive volunteers from other international partners so you will be living and working with volunteers from all over the world. Volunteer groups can vary from 10 to 70 people depending on the time of year.

How many hours will I work for?

Generally you can expect to be working Monday-Friday for about 4-6 hours a day but hours and start times vary; there may also be occasional weekend work.

Can I go for less than the required programme minimum?

The programme is available for either 5 or 12 weeks. However, if you join the 5 week programme you may be able to transfer on to the longer programme while in South Africa (for an extra fee).

What travel opportunities are there?

Port Elizabeth is a hot-spot for travellers. You will be able to experience all the delights of the local area, including game reserves, scuba schools and friendly nightlife, as well as its 40km of golden beaches. It is also an ideal base for a whole assortment of sports and adventure activities including: mountain biking, camping, shark cage diving, bungee jumping, 4x4 safaris, golf, fishing, scuba diving, parachuting, horse riding, dune boarding, boogey boarding, deep sea cruises, microlight and helicopter flights, tennis, squash, kayaking, badminton, waterskiing, coastal hiking, power kiting and more!

You’ll be free to explore at the weekends but we recommend that you to allow time to travel further afield after your placement. Whether you decide to head west to Cape Town and its legendary Table Mountain or veer north to Namibia and its desert beauty, our partner will be able to advise on safe ways to travel and will be only too happy to suggest some of the best sights to see in South and Southern Africa.

How much spending money should I take?

It’s difficult to give an exact figure, as it depends on what you choose to do while you’re in South Africa. We recommend that you anticipate spending £50 per week whilst you are volunteering to cover your daily needs. However, we suggest that you take extra if you plan to go out a lot, or if you have plans to travel at weekends or post project.

Can I extend my stay?

In most cases it will be possible to extend your volunteer programme whilst you are away. Specific arrangements are made through our local partner and are subject to the availability of accommodation, projects and an additional fee.

Who is the local partner?

BUNAC is pleased to partner with Umzingisi (meaning ‘Perseverance of a goal against all odds’). They are responsible for all of the on-the-ground logistics and ensure that the volunteer’s experience is culturally immersive and beneficial to the local community. Umzingisi provide 24/7 support to our volunteers while they are on the programme.

How can I find out more?

If you have any further questions on Sports Coaching South Africa, please call the BUNAC Volunteer team on 020 7251 3386 or e-mail volunteer@bunac.org.uk