Learning Afrikaans can open doors to a rich cultural heritage and enhance your communication skills within South Africa and other Afrikaans-speaking communities. While online resources offer convenience, in-person learning provides immersive experiences that can significantly boost your language acquisition. In this article, we will explore the best Afrikaans learning options available in person, catering to various needs and preferences.

University Courses

One of the most structured ways to learn Afrikaans is through university courses. These programs often offer comprehensive curricula, experienced instructors, and a formal learning environment.

Stellenbosch University

Located in the Western Cape, Stellenbosch University is renowned for its Afrikaans courses. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Afrikaans and Dutch, providing an in-depth understanding of the language, literature, and culture.

University of Pretoria

The University of Pretoria offers a robust Afrikaans program, focusing on both the language and its cultural context. The courses are designed to cater to different proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced learners.

University of Cape Town

The University of Cape Town provides Afrikaans courses through its School of Languages and Literatures. The program emphasizes practical language skills, literary analysis, and cultural studies, making it a well-rounded option for serious learners.

Language Schools

Language schools offer specialized Afrikaans courses that can be more flexible and tailored to individual needs compared to university programs.

Good Hope Studies

Good Hope Studies, located in Cape Town, offers Afrikaans courses for all levels. The school provides small class sizes, experienced teachers, and a focus on practical language skills. They also offer cultural activities to enhance the learning experience.

Interlink School of Languages

Based in Cape Town, Interlink School of Languages offers Afrikaans courses that cater to both beginners and advanced learners. The school emphasizes interactive learning, with plenty of opportunities for speaking practice and cultural immersion.

UCT English Language Centre

Although primarily an English language school, the UCT English Language Centre in Cape Town also offers Afrikaans courses. These courses are designed to help learners improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Afrikaans.

Community Centers

Community centers can be an excellent resource for learning Afrikaans, especially for those who prefer a more relaxed and informal learning environment.

Community House

Located in Cape Town, Community House offers Afrikaans classes for different proficiency levels. The courses are taught by experienced instructors and focus on practical language skills and cultural understanding.

Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study

The Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study offers Afrikaans language courses that cater to the needs of the local community. The classes are interactive and emphasize real-world language use.

Pretoria Community Learning Center

The Pretoria Community Learning Center provides Afrikaans courses for adults. The classes are designed to be flexible, accommodating the schedules of working professionals and busy parents.

Cultural Institutions

Cultural institutions often offer Afrikaans courses that provide a deeper understanding of the language’s cultural context.

Voortrekker Monument

The Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria offers Afrikaans language courses that are enriched with cultural and historical context. The courses are suitable for all levels and include guided tours and cultural activities.

Iziko Museums of South Africa

Iziko Museums in Cape Town offer Afrikaans language courses that are integrated with cultural and historical education. These courses are ideal for learners who want to deepen their understanding of Afrikaans culture alongside their language studies.

South African National Museum of Military History

Located in Johannesburg, the South African National Museum of Military History offers Afrikaans courses that focus on the language’s historical and cultural significance. The courses include guided tours and interactive learning activities.

Private Tutors

For personalized attention and customized learning plans, private tutors can be an excellent option for learning Afrikaans.

Superprof

Superprof is a platform that connects learners with private tutors in their area. You can find experienced Afrikaans tutors who offer one-on-one lessons tailored to your specific needs and goals.

First Tutors South Africa

First Tutors South Africa is another platform where you can find qualified Afrikaans tutors. The platform allows you to choose tutors based on their experience, teaching style, and student reviews.

Private Language Tutors

Many private language tutors offer Afrikaans lessons in major cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. These tutors often advertise their services through local classifieds, community boards, or language school networks.

Language Exchange Programs

Language exchange programs provide a unique opportunity to practice Afrikaans with native speakers while teaching them your native language.

Tandem

Tandem is a language exchange app that connects you with native Afrikaans speakers who want to learn your language. You can arrange in-person meetings to practice Afrikaans and help your partner with their language learning goals.

ConversationExchange

ConversationExchange is a platform that connects language learners for in-person or online exchanges. You can find native Afrikaans speakers in your area and arrange regular meetups to practice speaking and listening skills.

Meetup Groups

Meetup is a platform that hosts local language exchange groups. You can join Afrikaans language meetups in major cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria to practice your language skills with native speakers.

Workshops and Intensive Courses

For those looking to make rapid progress, workshops and intensive courses offer concentrated learning experiences.

Language Immersion Workshops

Language immersion workshops provide an intensive learning environment where you can practice Afrikaans all day. These workshops often include cultural activities, excursions, and social events to enhance the learning experience.

Intensive Courses at Language Schools

Many language schools, such as Good Hope Studies and Interlink School of Languages, offer intensive Afrikaans courses. These programs are designed to help you make significant progress in a short period, with daily lessons and plenty of practice opportunities.

Corporate Language Training

Some companies offer Afrikaans language training for their employees. These courses are tailored to the needs of the business and can include industry-specific vocabulary and scenarios.

Cultural Events and Festivals

Participating in cultural events and festivals can provide immersive experiences that enhance your Afrikaans learning.

Woordfees

Woordfees is an annual Afrikaans language and arts festival held in Stellenbosch. The festival features a variety of performances, workshops, and literary events, providing an excellent opportunity to practice Afrikaans in a vibrant cultural setting.

KKNK (Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees)

KKNK is another major Afrikaans arts festival held in Oudtshoorn. The festival includes theater performances, music concerts, and art exhibitions, offering a rich cultural experience for Afrikaans learners.

Aardklop National Arts Festival

Aardklop is an annual arts festival in Potchefstroom that celebrates Afrikaans culture. The festival features a wide range of performances and events, providing a fun and engaging way to practice Afrikaans.

Language Learning Apps with In-Person Features

While primarily online, some language learning apps offer features that facilitate in-person learning.

Duolingo Events

Duolingo offers in-person language events in various cities. These events provide an opportunity to practice Afrikaans with other learners and native speakers in a social setting.

italki Language Partners

italki is a platform that connects language learners with tutors and language partners. You can arrange in-person meetups with Afrikaans language partners in your area to practice speaking and listening skills.

Memrise Meetups

Memrise occasionally organizes in-person meetups for its users. These events are a great way to practice Afrikaans with other learners and native speakers while participating in fun language activities.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering in Afrikaans-speaking communities can provide practical language practice and cultural immersion.

Volunteer in South Africa

Many organizations offer volunteer opportunities in Afrikaans-speaking regions of South Africa. Volunteering in schools, community centers, or environmental projects can help you practice Afrikaans in real-life situations.

WWOOF South Africa

WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) connects volunteers with organic farms in South Africa. Volunteering on a farm in an Afrikaans-speaking area can provide immersive language practice and a unique cultural experience.

Local NGOs

Local NGOs often have volunteer programs that require Afrikaans language skills. Volunteering with these organizations can help you improve your language proficiency while contributing to meaningful community projects.

Conclusion

Learning Afrikaans in person offers a range of benefits, from structured university courses and specialized language schools to informal community centers and cultural institutions. Whether you prefer private tutoring, language exchange programs, or immersive workshops, there are numerous options to suit your learning style and goals. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can enhance your Afrikaans language skills and gain a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage associated with the language.