Cultural Embrace offers life-changing volunteer and travel opportunities in Kenya and South Africa. Imagine rescuing and hand feeding wounded animals in the wild such as baby cheetahs and lions.  Or building a school to improve the education of village children. Do more than imagine...go and experience it!  Amazing volunteer opportunities, breathtaking African wildlife, and the stunning scenery of Africa will create memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

Cultural Embrace pre-arranges volunteer and travel opportunities in Kenya and South Africa.  Among the vast majority of people there is a strong desire and will to build and strengthen their communities and nations. Each country is full of energy and optimism, adding to the charm of these countries. You will fall in love with the people, the communities, the wildlife, and the dazzlingly diverse African culture.

So stop dreaming about it and begin your search for a wonderful volunteer project today! For a first-hand experience of being abroad in Africa, read the blogs of our current and past participants and staff. Projects include working at animal rehabilitation centers, mentoring at women's and youth centers, teaching computer literacy at public schools, training to be a game ranger, and many more. Minimum volunteer duration of two weeks is required for most projects.

For Kenya Program details, dowload them here.

For South Africa Program details, download them here.

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

Kenya
Work at a local home for abandoned or orphaned children that doubles as a sustainable farm. Most of these children have come from poor families or parents affected by HIV/AIDS. Assist the limited staff to care for these children. As a volunteer you can try out field work, social work, tutoring children, or farm work. You can organize recreational activities, educational activities, sports, arts, crafts, and be the nurturing heart and helping hand that can encourage the children and local staff.

Download more info about our Volunteer in Kenya projects.

South Africa – East Chintsa Volunteer Projects
Wildlife Project
Work on over 10,000 ectares of conservation area, and explore diverse wildlife and plantlife in the inland, coastal, and marine environments. Volunteers will work with local and expert conservationists to tag, do further research, and preserve the wildlife of the area. Work includes tracking and researching the wildlife; and feeding, cleaning, grooming any injured or orphaned animals. Beach and optional recreational activities entertain the volunteers during the weekend.

Volunteers live in spacious permanent tents that sleep up to five and have private decks. There is also a stone and canvas communal entertainment and lounge tent. Three meals a day are provided, with occasional packed lunches for fieldwork. Volunteers must be between the ages of 18 and 40, as the work is often physical and can involve long days. Minimum 1 week ($1480) + extra week ($475); Maximum: 3 months.

Teach/Tutor/Mentorship Project

Support children and their families with physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and mental needs. Volunteer activities include working with local crèches (community centers for poor and disadvantaged children aged 2-6 years old) or at six local public schools teaching computer literacy and sports, improving environmental and aesthetic conditions, gardening and environmental education.

The main objective of the computer literacy program is to equalize education standards in rural and urban schools by improving computer literacy and preparing students to enter a demanding technological world. Through sports education, our volunteers also have an opportunity to guide students in developing discipline, teamwork, healthy lifestyle, and sports etiquette. The project’s environmental service includes marine and coastal education, water sanitation, and playground development. Volunteers may also choose to focus more on English teaching and work exclusively with preschool children.

Volunteers live in shared accommodation (two or three to a room), with meals included, in beautiful volunteer houses overlooking a beach and lagoon. Canoes and boogie boards are available, and the monkeys tend to visit daily. Breakfasts consist of buffet-wtyle fresh fruit, cereals, tea and coffee. Lunch is usually a self-made sandwich and fruit. Dinners are home-cooked, sit-down meals. Minimum 2 weeks ($1580) + extra week ($405); Maximum: 3 month

Social Service/Angels’ Creche Project
Take the opportunity to work within a local crèche (equivalent to our daycare system) and help support children “the Angels” between the ages of 2-6 years old. Provide support at the playschool. Minimum 2 weeks ($1680) + extra week ($505); Maximum: 3 months.

Volunteers' housing is similar to the Teaching/Tutoring Project, with meals include

South Africa – Cape Town Volunteer Projects

Wildlife Conservation
Participate in wildlife conservation projects to help preserve natural habitats of the local area. Projects include Great White Shark research. Get hands-on experience supporting staff and researchers trying to preserve the Great White Shark population. Includes airport pickup and transfer to Gansbaai with daily breakfasts & lunches. Accommodation and Minimum 1 week ($1500) + extra week ($795); Maximum: 3 weeks

Teaching/Social Welfare Development
Work in facilities that help the poor communities of an area. Provide support to orphans and/or at-risk children to learn values and life skills to become self-sufficient and obtain a higher level of education. Sample project: coaching soccer for high-risk youth; tutoring children and serving as mentors at the centers. Includes airport pickup on Thursday and 3 day orientation. Orientation consists of daily breakfasts & lunches, Cape Peninsula tour; volunteer social events. Service projects start on Monday. Minimum 1 week ($1250) + extra week ($445); Maximum: 3 months

Health/Medicare
Work in a welfare hospital for children recovering from critical illness. Background in computers, healthcare, and physical motor coordination considered a plus. Includes airport pickup on Thursday and 3 day orientation. Orientation consists of daily breakfasts & lunches, Cape Peninsula tour; volunteer social events. Service projects start on Monday. Minimum 1 week ($1250) + extra week ($445); Maximum: 3 months

Eco/Environmental Conservation
Work on an organic farm to help support at-need communities sustain themselves agriculturally and economically. Includes airport pickup on Thursday and 3 day orientation. Orientation consists of daily breakfasts & lunches, Cape Peninsula tour; volunteer social events. Service projects start on Monday.  Minimum 1 week ($1250) + extra week ($445); Maximum: 3 months

Download more info about our Volunteer in South Africa projects.

Volunteering in Africa Offers:

• An unforgettable experience helping and improving at-need communities
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An opportunity to participate in and learn African cultural activities (e.g.: language, cooking, crafts, music, dancing)
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe
• A valuable work experience that strengthens your resume, exhibiting your diligence, independence, and intercultural experiences 
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills  

Cultural Embrace Offers:

• Guaranteed Volunteer Placement Prior to Departure
  Cultural Embrace pre-arranges your volunteer project before you leave home to ensure an easy and hassle-free transition to your new life abroad.   
• Housing
  Basic accommodation is included. Volunteer housing may include: lodges, thatched log cabins, bamboo huts, camp sites, or homes, depending on the volunteer project. All meals are included, except on the first night of arrival (project dependent). 
• Visa Assistance
  Cultural Embrace will assist you with information to obtain a visa, but we have no control nor the ability to guarantee government issuance and/or visa availability.
• Arrival Assistance
  We will arrange an airport pick-up and transfer for you, depending on the project. Most projects will have accommodations arranged for first night on arrival in to host country. 
• Travel Insurance:  International Medical Coverage and Traveler's Insurance
  Our program includes international medical coverage at your volunteer location.
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of living and working abroad.
• Full-time Representation
  Cultural Embrace provides representation in the United States and your host country prior to, during, and after your placement. 

Want to know other programs in Africa, or other places to Volunteer abroad? Click here to download our quickglance comparison charts.

• You must be at least 18 years of age.  Or, if younger than 18, you must have parental or guardian consent  
• Enjoy providing a service and working with others in a challenging environment 
• Open to foreign cultures and living abroad
• High level of responsibility
• Dedication to the full term of commitment 
• Criminal background check may be required by some projects and positions

Want a quick glance view of all our programs and destinations, as well as Volunteer in Africa's requirements? Click here for Kenya and S. Africa.

You can customize the length and activities of your volunteer project. Fees will vary based on each placement.  For exact prices and more information, please contact us.  Examples of popular volunteer programs include: 
 

      O-Orphanage/Streetchildren Assistance                          W-Wildlife Conservation

      T-Teaching/Tutoring                                                        E-Environment/Agriculture/Eco-Tourism

      S-Social Welfare                                                            C-Construction/Maintenance
 

 *Program available for all nationalities
*Please note-prices are subject to change according to world currency exch

Click here for quick tips on how to make a smooth and successful placement.

FAQ: Why PAY to volunteer?

1. Obtain the Volunteer Abroad Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Volunteer Application (pdf) and Volunteer in Kenya and South Africa Program Details and FAQ (pdf) .

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be e-mailed to you within 2-3 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089 or Skype: Cultural.Embrace to have the forms mailed to you in 3-5 days.

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes Road
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Volunteer Program Application
• Signed Volunteer Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• Copies of transcripts, diplomas, or certificates related to field of interest (if applicable)
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter explaining what you want to do and why you want to provide a service in Africa 
• Two References: preferably professional and/or character references
• Doctor’s Note verifying that you are in excellent mental and physical health
• Copy of Police Clearance (obtainable from your community's local police station) 
• Two 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• One smiling full-length photo of yourself
• US$250 non-refundable deposit (credited towards your program fee) 

Upon receipt of your application, a Cultural Embrace coordinator will contact you for a 20-30 minute phone interview. Once we accept you in to our program, you will receive an invoice for the remainder of your program fee. In order for us to contact our local partners to start your placement process, we require at least 50% of your program fee.

We recommend submitting your application and program fee at least 12-16 weeks prior to your desired start date in order for us to organize and arrange your internship.

*Cultural Embrace requires an expedited application fee for those applying 12 weeks or less before the desired date of departure. Applications received 8-12 weeks prior to desired departure date will be charged $150. Applications received less than 8 weeks before the desired departure date will be charged $250.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@culturalembrace.com or you can call us at 1-512-469-9089 or Skype: Cultural.Embrace. And join our social media community, and follow our blogs, twitter, YouTube and Facebook,