Info

Learn about the business of Graphic Design in a small friendly South African firm based right on the water's edge of the Lagoon in one of South Africa’s most beautiful and popular tourist locations.

You'll learn the basics of the business of graphics design. You'll work alongside the staff in your area of expertise. If you have more than one skill/interest area then you will most likely get the chance to be involved in several areas of the company. Whatever your area of expertise, you'll have a hands-on role, this may be as part of a group or you may be given some tasks to work on by yourself.

You don't need any specific experience or qualifications, but you must have an enthusiastic interest in graphics design.

From £895 for 2 weeks, ranging to £2,595 for 12 weeks

INCLUDED: ►Accommodation ►Food ►Meeting you at the Airport ►Transfer to your accommodation ►Full pre-departure support ►Local in-country team support and backup ►24-hr emergency support

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

-> Excellent hands on work experience at a top professional firm.
-> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa
-> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
-> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
-> And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

WHY GET WORK EXPERIENCE?

In a world of competition where an army of graduates are lining up for the top jobs, what would set you apart from the crowd and make employees look twice? Education establishments and employees are looking for that little bit extra today.

Opening your mind and your horizons by living and working abroad is a huge personal and professional achievement that you will always be proud of. Nothing shows as much motivation, initiative and passion as arranging your own cultural experience abroad and gaining real life work experience.

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

The graphic design company that you will be working with is based in a small town called Knysna, situated in the famous Garden Route area of the Western Cape region. The company is located right down by the waterfront in a beautiful location, just outside of town. It’s a small and friendly firm. They also have an art gallery and picture framing business which will be opening at their premises very soon.

The company is involved in designing many different products such as; business cards, menus, flyers, posters, laminations, invitations, catalogues, postcards, stickers, perforated tickets, greeting cards… and much more.

WORK CONTENT:

You will learn the basics of the business of graphics design. You'll work alongside the staff in your area of expertise. If you have more than one skill/interest area then you will most likely get the chance to be involved in several areas of the company. Whatever your area of expertise, you'll have a hands-on role, this may be as part of a group or you may be given some tasks to work on by yourself.

You will be involved in projects that the company is currently working on and will usually work on several different projects during your time on the placement. You’ll usually assist a member of staff at first with more basic tasks and proceed to working alone on tasks once your confidence grows and the staff feels you are ready.

Your working hours may vary depending on the volume of work that is available at the time however your weekends will usually be free for relaxing and sightseeing with the other volunteers! If there is an approaching deadline, you may be asked to work some irregular hours. The staff at the firm are South African and their first language is English.
You do not need any specific qualifications to take part in this project, but an interest or experience in graphic design is essential. You must also be energetic, self motivated, confident working both alone and in a team and have a friendly disposition. You should also have an open mind and a flexible attitude. You may find that your assigned tasks differ depending on your skills and experience, so if you’re not confident in every area, don’t worry!

“… I was taught how to use Corel Draw program which is like Photoshop so then I was allowed to play around with some of the designs and edit a few things giving my interpretation towards them, which lead to one of my designs being used in the final piece of work for a customer.

I also helped by making lampshades for a new business and went to the opening of the Art Gallery which was very interesting. For the last couple of weeks I have been given more designs to do and actually designed a logo the other day for a new business and the man was really happy with it and definitely wants to use it for his flyers and in the future. I am quite happy … that I am getting really involved and that the work I am doing is being noticed.” Carolyne Linsley

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:

-> 5-DAY OR 7-DAY SAFARI from Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route: taking in Dolphin and Whale Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world), and a guided tour of the Cango Caves.
-> 1 WEEK WHALES, SHARKS AND DOLPHINS Project: This is an extraordinary and exciting project in a beautiful location, surrounded by white beaches and blue ocean. And two hours from the world's third favourite city - Cape Town. What more could anyone want?
-> SURFING COURSES: In the buzz city of Durban.
-> PARAGLIDING COURSE: Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you to do solo paragliding around the world.

ACCOMMODATION:

Knysna: You will more than likely live in one of our volunteer houses with other Travellers volunteers. You will either have your own room or will share a room with one or more other Travellers volunteers. It will depend on how many people are there at the same time that you are. These are comfortable houses with good facilities and most have a beautiful view of Knysna Lagoon. You will be provided with a food budget to cook and prepare our own meals

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It’s as easy as that.

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £895 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.

Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and an interest in Graphic Design!

Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.