Any Questions?
Email Us
Help / Questions

Looking for something? If you can’t find answers here or elsewhere on the site, you can always email us and we’ll get back to you in a day or two.

Who can participate in your internships?
For our 1-Year Internship, the age limit is 17 to 28 years of age (you need to be out of high school). For our 2-Month Internship, you have to be between 16 and 28. We offer two different 2-Week Mission Trips. Team members for the Student Trip must be between 15 and 23. The Adult Trip is for anyone age 20 and older.

Do I need a passport?
Yes. You will need a valid passport, with at least one empty page, to enter South Africa. Interns in our 1-Year Internship will need to apply for a Volunteer Visa; you’ll be given all the information you need for this in your acceptance packet.

How do I book my airline ticket?
We work closely with a travel agent who guarantees the best possible fare on South African Airways for anyone coming to serve with us. We book the airline tickets for those participating in one of our 2-Week Mission Trips and Outreach Staff program (Summer Internship). We will also book airline tickets for those in our Twenty4Seven program (1-Year Internship) that are traveling from North America.

For interns in our Twenty4Seven program (1-Year Internship) coming from other countries, those coming to volunteer short-term, or team leaders bringing a mission team to serve with us, we will connect you with our travel agent and help you book your tickets.

How many bags can I bring?
Most airlines allow you to travel with two checked bags and two carry-ons. The bags can be duffel bags, suitcases, or even plastic Rubbermaid containers. The weight and size of the each bag that is allowed will vary depending on the airline you’re flying. We recommend that you check with the airline before traveling.

Will I like the food?
We do our best to prepare meals that we believe you will like. While you will get the opportunity to try some new things (like mealie pap or wildebeest stew), you’ll also have plenty of things you are familiar with (pasta, salad, chicken, etc.).

What if I’m a vegetarian?
Just let us know in advance of any dietary needs or requirements you have, and we’ll be happy to accommodate you.

Is the water safe to drink?
Yes. The water on base and out on ministry is completely safe to drink. If you’re offered water in the villages, it is ok. The government has provided wells and purification systems for the area.

What’s the weather like?
Since we’re in the Southern Hemisphere, our seasons are opposite. The summer months (October to March) are warm and rainy, with temperatures averaging between 70-90 degrees. It can get extremely cold in the winter months (April to September). Temperatures often drop below freezing and we even get snow! As central heating doesn’t exist in South Africa, you’re going to want to bring long johns and a warm winter coat if you’re coming during our winter months. It’s important to layer because the strong African sun can still warm things up during the day.

See the current forecast.

Is there electricity on the base?
Yes. All the housing on our base has electricity (and hot water). Outlets are available for anything you may want to plug in. You will need to bring a converter if you don’t see “110/220V” on your appliance. If you have dual voltage appliances (110/220 volts), like a laptop or a cell phone, then you’ll need to simply buy an adapter plug. If you visit a travel store, you’re looking for “E”. It’s three-pronged and typically black. We’d recommend you get those before you come here, as they’re sometimes difficult to come by once you’re in-country. Hair dryers are provided in each cabin.

Can my spouse and I come to be interns in this program?
While we are excited that you and your spouse are looking at full time missions, our internship is structured for young singles. Why not look at our Staff Needs or our Two Week Mission Trips? Whether it is for 2 weeks or 3 years, we would love to see you on the field!

Can I climb the mountains on base?
Sure. There will be times where you can walk or hike around the property. We’d ask that you’d exercise caution, as always. Hiking up a mountain is a fantastic, breath-taking experience.

Can I access the internet?
Yes. Interns in our internship programs will have regular access to wireless internet (if you have a laptop, you’ll want to bring it!). Internet is also available for mission team members at minimal cost.

What if I don’t know the language?
We don’t imagine you will. We have interpreters who accompany teams when they go out into the villages for ministries. Our interpreters are part of our joyful Basotho staff. They’ve each gone through our discipleship courses as well as extensive leadership training. You will fall in love with them.

Can interns return home during the year?
Because of the high cost of airline tickets and the purpose of our internship programs, trips home are discouraged. Interns in Twent4Seven may return home for certain special occasions like the wedding of an immediate family member, when arranged in advance. In an emergency situation, such as the death of a loved one, our staff will work with the intern and their family to get them home as soon as possible. Unfortunately, these are the only reasons interns will be permitted to visit home during their internship.

What immunizations will I need to get?
The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires anyone traveling outside the United States to have up-to-date childhood immunizations—MMR (Mumps/Measles/Rubella), DPT (Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus), Polio, and Tetanus (within past 10 years). If you’re unsure, contact your family physician to double check your records. The CDC also recommends the following immunizations for travel to South Africa: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Booster doses of Tetanus, DPT and MMR, and Typhoid. It is unnecessary to take malaria pills as you will be in a non-malaria zone. Contact your physical, local hospital, or the health department to find out where you can obtain the immunizations you need.