Even if you have read everything you might still have further questions. A few of them will be answered in the FAQs, but if you still have questions do not hesitate to contact us via email.
Will my internship be recognized? We will move heaven and earth to have your internship accepted. However, we are dependent on your cooperation. You will have to tell us what your university, your work place, yourself or your further career demands.
What kind of Organization are you? Leka Gape is registered as a Non-Profit Organization (NPO), which falls under the South African NPO act. This means that we are reinvesting all our profits into our projects and are not making money like a company.
At which time can I do an internship at your organization? Basically ou can start your internship whenever you like, depending on your personal planning. What about working hours? Depending on your working field you have to stick to distinct working hours: Office service has to be done by everyone. The morning shift is from 7.30 AM to 12.00 AM, afternoon shift from 12.00 AM to 4.30 PM.
The Education Program for the Day Care kids is from 10.00 AM to 12.00 and the Homework Supervision from 3.00 PM to 4.00 PM.
If you work at the dayshift in the Shelter, this is from 4.00 PM to 6.00 PM and the Youth Centre is open between 2.00 PM and 6.00 PM. Besides that you can work freely whenever you have time and a computer is free (if you need one).
Which vaccinations do I need? In general, there are no obligatory vaccinations for South Africa, except if you come from a country that is endangered of yellow fever. However, it is recommended that you have vaccinations for Typhus, and Hepatitis A and B. Please also consult your doctor on this. You can ask your health insurance company whether they bear the expenses for it. Normally they do not. However, you could have success if you can certify that this practical course takes place in order for your studies or explain at least that it is beneficial for them.
Do I have to take malaria prophylaxis? Please also consult your doctor on this. The area we are situated is malaria-endangered. In the winter months (from March till October) there are fewer problems with Malaria. Should you decide to take prophylaxis, you should consider sharing it with friends in the beginning, and then buying the rest here as it usually is a lot cheaper here, but maybe a plagiarism. It would be also necessary to take an anti mosquito lotion along with you. Maybe you ask in a backpacker store.
The active substance DEET was developed for the combat in Vietnam and is in twenty-percent dosage under the chemicals still regarded as the best against mosquitoes at the moment. However it has conceivably also side effects for skin. Bayer has slightly changed the formula and sells the active substance as Bayrepell in Autan.
You have to apply it on your whole endangered parts, but for that it is more sympathetic to the skin. On the spot, there are the best resources and long light clothing for the evenings, a net, in summer at least and maybe oil against mosquitoes would fit however.
Do I need a visa? For all official intern applications, you need a visitor's visa with permission for honorary work that is also your visa simultaneously, if you stay longer than three months. This visa is approximately 50 € at the moment. For that, please contact your local South African Embassy. Take care to order the right documents as a regular work permit costs 205 €!
Which insurances do I need? You should have a travel health insurance for foreign countries in any case. The organization does not have insurance covering interns and volunteers.
How safe is a stay in the township? The people in Lulekani are usually very helpful and friendly. Concerning the security, Lulekani is rather rural and cannot be compared with big cities at all. As long as you adhere to certain rules, it is absolutely safe to live here. "Rules" means: no hitch-hiking, especially not as a woman.
Not walking around alone in darkness. Especially not after 9 p.m. As women it is advisable to be accompanied by a man and simply avoid certain areas at night. At this time no laundry needs to hang outdoor as well.
Do I need an international driver's license? It is not absolutely necessary. Till now we did not have any problems with our European one. But unfortunately we do not have any experiences with driver's licenses of other nationalities.
Do I need a student identity card? It is useful to have an international student ID to get several discounts e.g. on flights.
What should I take with me? Besides a mosquito net and a sleeping bag, you should not forget to take a sun hat, glasses and milk, your favorite music (CDs, mp3 player) and sweets, which remind you of home. Furthermore a good pocketknife with tin opener and an recent newspapers and magazines for the interns who are already here.
It would be nice if you could ask shortly before the flight, whether there is anything needed. You should also bring good shoes and sandals, a swimming suit, long cloths for the evenings (as a protection against mosquitoes), warm clothes for the cold evenings and nights during wintertime and maybe a good raincoat. Don't forget to check if your passport is still valid. At least till 3 months after your return. Besides that, the provisional is accepted as well.
What's the weather like? Usually, it is just comfortable in winter (June to September), nights can get pretty cool however; in summer (November to March) it can get very hot. And you mustn't think that it never rains. In Africa it can rain very heavily especially in summer during the rain season. Then it is quite cold too. But it cannot be compared to the rainfall of subtropical jungle. We have bush land here!
How much is the flight? Please consult the next travel agency on this or investigate in the Internet. A flight from Germany to Johannesburg will be about 550 € and 700 €. The closest airport from here is Phalaborwa. Connecting flights to Phalaborwa are usually cheaper if booked from here.
A single flight will be about 130 €. Besides that it is also possible to take a bus to Phalaborwa. If you want to go by bus, we recommend you, to go by bus only for the way back and choose at your arrival the comfortable version to travel by airplane. We will pick you up from Phalaborwa in any case.
Take care to book in time. Seasons are different than in the northen hemisphere. If requested we can also book flight or bus to Phalaborwa for you.
Can I do an internship if I am not a student at university or do not have a university degree? Sure, in general we need all kind of help! Especially experienced people (e.g. carpenter, baker, teacher, social worker) are always needed!
Where exactly are you located in South Africa? We work in Lulekani, a suburb and former township of Phalaborwa, close to the Kruger National Park in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. (Limpopo Provinz, Google Maps)
What about daily supply? The water is drinkable, and you can also eat vegetable. You can shop for groceries in Lulekani as well as in Phalaborwa, about 15 km from Lulekani. In Phalaborwa you can buy actually everything. In Lulekani you get the most important things. Electricity also exists, however with another plug. Adapters are available in Phalaborwa.
What about accommodation? All Leka Gape interns and volunteers are accommodated at Basambilu Backpacker in Lulekani. To ensure the interns' security, we do not allow our interns and volunteers to stay at a place not protected by security agents.
How much money do I need per week? This depends on whether you book half-board or not. If you do so, you should be able to get along with 10 EUR for drinks and snacks. Otherwise, it depends on how well you can adapt to the circumstances here. The interns with self-catering say they get along with about 400-500 Rand (40-50 EUR) per week.
You can withdraw money with your EC or credit card here. This is easier and faster than changing money or using traveler cheques. To check present rates of exchange, have a look at www.xe.com
Can I go on holiday? Yes, of course! But you should tell us early enough (if possible before your arrival) when and for how long you will not be around. Usually many interns go together on weekend-trips, for example to the Kruger National Park or Swaziland.
How do I apply? Please apply via email by using our application form.
Further questions? In case you still have further questions feel free to ask us anything you would like to know.