After a month of English lessons in Cape Town, you go to the project and join the team there to work with the foundation and thus do your gap year in English. Located around Cape Town, on the shores of Table Bay, the center relies on the arrival of international participants to carry out its objectives and missions. The latter are an integral part of the team on site, and participate in the operation of the various sites. They participate both in practical work directly with endangered species, and in various tasks at the center such as marketing, fundraising or even supply.

Like all of our programs for a gap year in English with animals , this project in South Africa allows you to benefit from a professionalizing experience while having a positive and lasting impact on the region’s ecosystems.

English courses for a gap year in English:

Before starting the project with the foundation, you participate in English lessons in the heart of Cape Town for a month. You will stay at the volunteer house with the other course participants, before joining your project in Table Bay to put your language skills to good use!

Orientation :

The project with the foundation begins with two orientation days.

The local team picks you up at the airport, and introduces you to the surroundings by accompanying you to the volunteer house. It’s up to you to organize this day as you wish, before returning to the hotel for a welcome meal.

The next day, the team will tell you how the bus networks and local transport work, before taking a walking tour of Cape Town. You then explore various historical sites, such as the Grand Parade, and other markets such as Greenmarket Square.

You organize the end of the day as you wish. You can stroll through the markets and the streets of the city, sit down at a local café or taste the specialties of the region.

In the evening, you join the team at Table View by bus.

Volunteer duties:

• Keep the rehabilitation center clean to achieve a high level of hygiene
• Clean enclosures, crates, mats and pools for seabirds
• Clean equipment used to feed animals and prepare their meals
• Wash and dry clothes.
• Help maintain the permanent bird exhibit (raking sand, preparing food, cleaning stones, etc.)
• Defrosting and preparing fish for the birds
• Seize and examine the different species of seabirds
• Feeding and hydrating these species
• Assist in the preparation and release of these animals
• Assist in the smooth running of the center

Example timetable for a gap year in English:

The coordinator organizes each month, providing for each volunteer a maximum of 5 working days per week (holidays and weekends included).

A typical working day starts at 8 a.m. and ends around 5:30 p.m., with a 1-hour lunch break scheduled between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Short breaks are also present in the morning and afternoon. Some days may end at 6:30 p.m., depending on the center’s needs. During peak periods, extra effort is required from participants.

Different missions that can be assigned to you:

• Preparing food in the kitchen
• laundry
• Cleaning station
• Aviary
• intensive care unit
• Rehabilitation pen
• Original enclosure
• Various works on the center

Be aware that taking a gap year in English on this project is not for the faint-hearted. The birds in our care are wild and bite at the slightest opportunity. Learning to work with birds is a bit like riding a bike… The more you train, the better you get. Volunteers should know that commitment is essential to learn how to handle and feed the birds.