Application

Why do I need an 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 the types of projects you’re interested in and issues 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 of your programme deposit. We 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 are printed in the application pack.

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 work 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 may require will vary depending on your destination 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.

Do I need to apply for a visa?

If you are staying in South Africa for under 90 days (5 - 9 week programme) you will not need to apply for a visa as you will be issued with a 90 day tourist visa on arrival. If your initial stay is longer however, a Volunteer Visa will be required. BUNAC will be able to assist you with the application and provide necessary supporting documents. Please note that a medical and radiological report would be needed for the visa application.

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

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 countries.

What is the arrival orientation?

The arrival orientation is an opportunity for you to meet with our in-country partner and discuss your programme. They will give you a presentation covering important information relating to your stay including travel, volunteer project, host families, health and safety. It’s also a great chance to meet other international volunteers participating on the programme at the same time as you.

When will my place on a project be confirmed?

We believe that it’s important to consider the needs of the community and the preferences of the volunteer equally. Our partner works closely with all of the projects, monitoring their activities and placing volunteers where they feel they’ll be able to make the most worthwhile contribution.

On the application form we ask you to indicate your preferred region and your preferred areas of project work. We'll discuss your choices in detail during the orientation interview, where we can provide more information about what to expect and jointly agree on the most suitable type of placement for you. Your application information is sent to South Africa so that an appropriate placement can be found and you’ll be sent confirmation and details of your work and accommodation arrangements approximately 2 - 4 weeks before your trip.

How many hours will I work for?

Hours vary from placement to placement. Generally you can expect to be at your project Monday-Friday for about 4-6 hours a day but start times vary. There will be opportunities for you to be proactive and look at other areas in the community where you may be able to lend a hand.

Will I be placed with other volunteers?

It is possible that you may share accommodation or be working at the same project as another volunteer but we cannot guarantee this as it is based on individual placement preferences and availability. Ultimately BUNAC's volunteer programmes offer a lot of support, but they are intended to be independent experiences where the individual can gain through working amongst the local people.

Can I go for less than 4 weeks?

Volunteer South Africa is a flexible programme with placements running for a period of between 4 - 24 weeks. We believe that a volunteer would not be able to accomplish much or feel satisfied with their participation on a project if they were there for a period shorter than the required minimum. In fact, feedback from previous volunteers suggests that many people don’t want to leave after 4 weeks and wish they’d committed to longer!

If your time is limited you may be better suited to one of our intensive Wildlife Conservation projects which are available for 18 or 32 days.

Will there be opportunities to travel during my stay?

Definitely! During your placement you will generally have weekends free to travel. South Africa is a relatively easy country to travel around and our local partners will be able to give you advice on where to go and what to see. We also encourage volunteers to take time out either before or at the end of their placement to explore more of the country. Whether you go Big Five spotting in Kruger National park, surfing in Jeffery’s Bay, or are brave enough to attempt the world’s highest bungee jump, South Africa is a great country to combine a volunteering placement with backpacking.

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 £200 per month whilst you are volunteering to cover your daily needs. However, if you intend to travel at weekends or have plans for post programme travels we recommend that you take extra.

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 and projects.

How can I find out more?

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