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How to travel free in South Africa as a student


If you had all the money in the world, what would you do with it? 


I have asked this question enough times to conclude that for most of you the answer is ‘I would travel the world’.  So,  money is the issue here. Yes, traveling is expensive. You need enough money to cater for your comfort and great experiences during your travels. But who says it must be your money? People travel a lot these days without even paying a dime. How? They take advantage of the opportunities around them. I assure you, if you look, there is an opportunity for you too. 


If you are studying at university, today you are in luck. Below are amazing opportunities to help you travel free. Dare to take a chances, thank me later!


Habitable planet workshop (hpw)

hpw is a science awareness program aiming to introduce a new emerging science, earth system science, to undergraduate students. It looks at an African perspective of the science, hence why it is hosted all around southern Africa.


The application process is simple and straightforward. There are two workshops during the June winter recess. You pick which to attend. You must write two essays as part of the application process. It’s nothing too complicated. They can both be written in under  1500 words. I know you can do it. Besides, what are 1500 words compared to ten days fully funded, fun-filled workshop?


If you are selected, you get to go on a ten-day sustained workshop anywhere in southern Africa (most likely in South Africa). The host institutions change every year hence why I cannot tell you where your application will lend you.



If are unable to make it to any of the winter recess workshops for any reason, and I hope writing an essay is not one, you can still apply for their online course in September/ October annually. The online course is competitive. Only the top thirty students get funding to attend the workshop held in December.



The activities during the workshop include an intensive introduction to earth system science. This means you get to travel and learn at the same time. There are a few field trips to special places around the host province. For example, if your workshop is in cape town then one of your field trips might be Table Mountain. It’s a good opportunity to start ticking things off your bucket list. All for free! 



It’s free! It’s fun! … and there is food! What is your excuse?



What? You are not doing a science related degree, and/or you are no longer an undergrad? I have good news for you. You are eligible still. access hpw believes it takes the knowledge of people from all disciplines to take care of the environment. If you’re not doing science you are still perfectly eligible. This applies to postgraduates as well. You are welcomed to apply!


If you ask me, this is the best program you’ll ever attend!


Apply for summer or winter schools

summer and winter schools are always available throughout the year. Depending on your discipline, there is a variety to choose from. You can spend every recess traveling if you play your cards right. It’s only a matter of taking some time from your day and switching your normal social media scan-through to search for these kinds of opportunities. I assure you, there is something out there for you. 

Just remember that summer/winter schools can be a lot of work. But you still get time to move around!


Alternately, you can approach your school’s head of department or lecturer and ask them about possible programs you can apply for. There could be workshops, summer school, organization anniversaries and many such programs in your discipline that they know about. You could be eligible and all it could take is you approaching them. 


Let them know you are interested, and the next time an opportunity pops, you might be the person they tell.


Do vacation works

Vacation works are a good way to travel, make money and learn at the same time.  They are the whole package! You travel while making money to travel more. How awesome is that?


Most companies will pay for your travel and stay while also covering your stipend. Some will only pay you your stipend. Either way, there is no money coming out from an already dry bank account. Good enough right?


Just like summer/winter schools, vacation work opportunities are also available online. 


Of course, there are many more opportunities. These are just a few I dare you to try. Make it a challenge to try out all of these this year. What do you have to lose?

…and when you do try them, post about it and make sure you tag me. Just click on the social media icons below to find me

Any other opportunity that has worked for you, please tell us about it and help a fellow reader. Also, I’m always up for an adventure myself.

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Comments

  1. Great tips! Traveling as a student can be hard.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I wish I knew about this when I was in undergrad! What a great experience this must be.

    ReplyDelete

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