Opportunities for international students at SANBI

SANBI welcomes interaction with international horticulturists and horticulture students, however opportunities to work at Kirstenbosch and in the other seven National Botanical Gardens are limited. Volunteers will benefit from diverse experiences during their stay with us, including exploring their field of interest beyond our gardens.

• No remuneration is offered.
• At Kirstenbosch self-catering accommodation at a reasonable rate is available.
• The period of work is limited to four months, with between two and three months being preferable.
• Most opportunities are available at Kirstenbosch, but placement in other gardens is possible.
• Opportunities are limited to senior students or qualified horticulturists.

More about International Students at Kirstenbosch

We have a minimum time period of two months (less than this does not provide much benefit) and a maximum of four months for volunteering. We are only able to take two international volunteers at a time.

We offer opportunities for international horticultural students and qualified horticulturists to work at Kirstenbosch together with our local students and garden-based horticulturists. The work revolves around the garden`s normal programme, and as such there could be a number of projects to work on, or alternatively you would assist with general maintenance, propagation, or general nursery work. You would thus be exposed to our natural flora, and the care and growth of it. Where possible, visitors are given the opportunity to go on field trips. We do not have a set programme for international students, but you would fit in with the normal work programme of the garden.

The types of plant groups a volunteer might have the opportunity to work with are:
Protea, Erica, Restio, Buchu, Bulbs, Water Plants, Streptocarpus, Disas, Ferns, Cycads, Pelargoniums, Succulents, Tress and Herbaceous Perennials.

Importantly, we do not remunerate international visitors (no Pay), as they are regarded as volunteers.

When available, we offer accommodation in student cottages at a minimal monthly rate. The accommodation is basic, shared (3 x single bedrooms- bedding is provided, 1 x toilet, 1 x bathroom) and self-catering (you are responsible for your own food, ) with a fully equipped communal kitchen. lounge toilet and bathroom
or
There is other accommodation available at the Fynbos Lodge at a minimal cost per day, which is shared (7 x single bedrooms, 5 x toilet, 2 x bathroom) and self-catering (you are responsible for your own food, bedding is provided). Fully equipped communal kitchen, microwave, and communal dining room, lounge with television.
Living costs in Cape Town are quite affordable, especially with the favorable exchange rate, but students must budget for transport costs as Kirstenbosch is not close to amenities and there is minimal public transport.

Please contact
Cherise Viljoen, Student Supervisor and Nursery Manager viljoen@sanbi.org
or Kirstenbosch's HR manager, Felicity Poole poolef@sanbi.org
for further information or to apply for a study visit to Kirstenbosch.

Please include a CV and motivational letter.