WHO:

• Young adult, English-speaking men and women (Ages 18+)

• Participants under age 18 considered on a case by case basis

• Seeking an opportunity to gain perspectives on themselves and the world

• Who have recently graduated from high school, recently completed a gap program/wilderness program, or are completing their first year or two of college 

• Who are looking for a productive, life-changing summer gap experience. 

WHEN: June 15 - August 3, 2020

The Sibanye Summer Program is a combination of fun and intentional experiences focused on relationship building, cross cultural interactions, professional development and personal growth. By the end of the program, participants will have experienced a once in a lifetime journey in which their perspectives will be widened and challenged as what it means to be a global citizen in today's multicultural world.

The program is divided into 3 phases that complement and build on each other until the final week of the program - Exhibit Week . Phase 1 (June 15 - June 27) is about developing an understanding of the South African context and building meaningful friendships and relationships with our South African peers. Phase 2 (June 28 - July 5) is a one week adventure trip through the Garden Route of South Africa that gives participants a chance to have fun and deepen their relationships with each other. Finally, Phase 3 (July 5 - August 2) is about engaging in professional development and global citizenship activities and workshops.

The ultimate goal of these experiences are to help equip participants with the skills and confidence to produce a meaningful capstone project that contributes to the upliftment of our local host community. Participants will work on these capstone projects with Sibanye mentors and staff throughout the program and will present their project to local and international guests during the final week of the program, Exhibit Week.

Download the full program and contact Sibanye to plan your Sibanye Summer Program Experience.

Program Summary

The Sibanye Summer Program is an integrate program which supports participants through a blend of different experiences including: true immersion, internships, academics and recreation. See below for some of the highlights and descriptions!

True Immersion Experiences

• Participate in Community Collaborative Empowerment Projects - past projects have ranged from installing rain water collection tanks at local preschools to designing and building a hydroponics systems for Usiko Stellenbosch, a local youth development organization.

• Opportunity for cultural immersion and the option to spend time with a homestay family for a true South African cultural experience.​

• Develop meaningful and authentic friendship with local South African Participants

• Opportunity to embark on a traditional "Rite of Passage" experience.

Internships and Volunteer Opportunities

• Volunteer or Intern with a local business or organization in an area of your interest or in a career field of your choice.

• Develop relationships with professional mentors

• Internships take place twice a week throughout your time in South Africa

• See the sample weekly schedule below

Academics & Vocational Training

• Every participant has the opportunity to take part Sibanye Global Citizenship Course that guides participants through the process of developing a meaningful capstone project (see video).

• Prepare for the academic rigor of college by learning tangible study skills and life skills

• Attend a local vocational training program in an area of your interest

• Connect with local educational institutions and attend seminars and workshops at local universities.