Development Internships in South Africa

As a participant of our program in Cape Town, South Africa, you tell us what type of internship experience you are looking for, and we will create a tailored placement based on your specific interests. We’ll place you within an environment where you will make a positive contribution to your host organization while gaining invaluable and distinctive international work experience. We find placements for any type of participant, regardless of the area of study or professional focus. We only offer internships in Cape Town because, quite simply, this is the most beautiful and dynamic city in the world. Visit our program testimonials to learn more about why our participants regularly have life-changing experiences in our program.

South Africa is a rainbow nation that features diverse people, unique languages, and distinct history. The country's medical industry is extremely well planned out, while its other industries offer an interesting platform – such as business development, finance, and marketing – for students to kick-start their careers. Through AIP’s award-winning international internship program, you are guaranteed a customized placement based on your career goals and aspirations. Interning abroad in South Africa exposes you to international work environments while developing your professional network of business contacts and relationships. Partnering with an extensive number of companies including multinational corporations, rapidly growing startups, and charitable NGOs allows us to provide students with a wide range of placement opportunities. Apply today and take advantage of this incredible internship opportunity in South Africa!

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? At Intern Abroad HQ, we help students and young professionals turn career aspirations into reality. We organize affordable internships in 20 destinations across 24 career fields that are tailored to meet each individual’s academic, professional, or personal requirements. With over 200 internship programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America and South America to choose from, and options to intern from 2 weeks to 6 months either full-time or part-time, in-country or virtually, we facilitate career-enhancing experiences that work for you, not just the host organization. Intern Abroad HQ is proudly brought to you by the team behind International Volunteer HQ. We have collectively supported over 120,000 program participants since 2007 and are the only B Corp certified provider in our field.

At Roots, we believe valuable learning and making an impact can go hand-in-hand. That's why we offer academic internships with grassroots organizations around the world. As an intern, you'll have a unique work experience that will inspire you, enhance your career, and allow you to gain insight into grassroots development work. At the same time, you'll contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Join an internship that truly matters for you and the world! The focus areas of our internships are wide-ranging: from female empowerment and early childhood development to wildlife conservation and food security. No matter your degree or career focus, we'll be able to find you an internship that matches your interests and requirements. Our internships are based across Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia with year-round remote, in-person, and hybrid placements. What we'll offer you: - Careful matchmaking - Assistance with traveling (visas, flights, accommodation, etc.) - Supervision during your placement - Regular check-ins and troubleshooting - Career-driven opportunity Get in touch for a free internship consultation!

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

Meet the amazing people who call the settlements surrounding Cape Town home. By joining this project, you will get to make a real difference in the community and in the lives of the children, adults and families living in the area through a variety of ways. The residents of the community are looking to improve their lives and that is exactly the aim of this project. Plus, the project is flexible enough that if you have a special skill you want to teach (art, music, dance, etc.), you can arrange your own class or workshop and share your knowledge.

CIEE offers the most extensive network of internship programs. Are you a U.S. college student looking to study and intern abroad? We have full-time and part-time placements across 40+ locations worldwide and in diverse fields, from AI and engineering to public policy and business administration. Find the right fit for you! Live, learn, and work abroad on an internship program with CIEE! CIEE Summer Internships CIEE Summer Global Internships are 6-credit, 8-week programs with full-time working hours (approximately 30 hours weekly) and a seminar. CIEE Summer Intern and Study Abroad are 6 to 7-credit, 6-week programs with a part-time internship (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and a 3-credit academic course. CIEE Semester Internships CIEE Semester Global Internships are 9 to 13-credit, 12-week programs that feature a full-time internship (approximately 30 hours weekly), a seminar, and an optional 3 to 4-credit academic course online. CIEE Semester Intern and Study Abroad Programs are 12 to 14-credit, 12-week programs that feature a part-time internship​ (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and two academic courses.

Volunteering in Africa takes you one step further than the average tourist into the true character of this unique continent. To us, volunteering is a two-way thing. It’s not only about the hands-on help and skills that volunteers bring, but also about what this magnificent continent, its warm people, and fantastic wildlife can give volunteers in return. African Impact is a multi-award-winning volunteer travel organization that runs and manages meaningful and responsible volunteer experiences and internship programs throughout Africa. Founded in 2004 in Zimbabwe, African Impact has grown into a leader in African volunteer tourism, having facilitated over 12,000 volunteers and interns in countries across the African continent. Our internship division is of great importance to us. We firmly believe that ethical internships can play a significant role in helping us achieve our mission of providing exceptional experiences that contribute to worthy causes in a meaningful way. With the nurturing of close partnerships across the continent, we have access to over 120 internship placements—all individually managed to match the applicant.

Combine practical experience and adventure in South Africa, an ideal setting for internships and study abroad. Like many IGS students, you could participate in shark research on the southern coast or take on a business placement in Cape Town. Or, you could work with animals in game parks or an aquarium. Other available fields are community development, communications and media, and education. In your free time, enjoy excursions to safari parks and game reserves. Check out natural attractions such as Cape of Good Hope, Kruger National Park, and Cango Caves. If you’re looking for nightlife, Johannesburg has numerous clubs and party places. Of course, immerse yourself in South Africa’s diverse cultures by visiting different communities.

IES Abroad offers 140+ programs in more than 35 locations worldwide for undergraduate students. We're a little obsessed with study abroad, and not at all ashamed to admit it. We are a highly-charged force of study abroad enthusiasts. Every day we have the privilege of witnessing how study abroad changes our students' lives. That's the reason we do what we do: to provide once-in-a-lifetime educational adventures. Everything we do is about the IES Abroad student. Our goal is to provide personal support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process. Whether it's housing or cultural events or field trips, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible. Study with us for a summer, semester, or year. No matter the term, our world-class faculty and courses will engage you as you discover new ways of learning both inside and outside the classroom. How will study abroad redefine you? We can't wait to find out.

Help Protect, Rescue, and Care for Animals Around the World If you’re passionate about animals and dream of making a real difference, our Animal Care & Wildlife Volunteering Abroad Programs offer unforgettable opportunities to work hands-on with animals in need. With Volunteering Journeys, you can join projects that protect wildlife and rescue domestic animals in Sri Lanka, Peru, and South Africa — three of the world’s most biodiverse and inspiring destinations. Whether you’re looking to care for stray dogs, assist with wildlife rehabilitation, or help protect endangered elephants and sea lions, these programs are perfect for animal lovers, veterinary students, and gap-year travelers who want to combine meaningful work with adventure.

Interested in pursuing an exciting career in wildlife conservation? Join a wildlife conservation internship in South Africa’s iconic bushveld to set you apart and provide you with invaluable work experience! Intern learn interesting conservation techniques, animal tracking and how to use telemetry equipment. You will be able to contribute towards predator monitoring, habitat restoration or community outreach while getting up close and personal with the famous Big Five. After completing the first 12 weeks on the internship interns will undertake their 12-week work placement. Our internships are guaranteed to help you gain and improve vital skill sets to improve your future job prospects.

You don’t have to break the bank to learn a new language, explore a new culture, or acquire compulsory work experience in another country. Whether you seek an internship or a volunteering opportunity, Magister will help you realize that dream trip to South Africa. At Magister South Africa, we have matched and placed participants in various programs – from internships in companies to volunteer projects with local communities – since 2000. Besides offering a wonderful experience, we guarantee safety and security as well as immersion through regular events and activities. If you are seeking a challenging internship or simply wishing to experience a cosmopolitan lifestyle while contributing to a good cause, we can definitely lead you in the right direction!

Visit South Africa and Namibia, two countries with unique and multifaceted histories not often explored in depth in U.S. curricula. Each of these nations has struggled against the lasting impacts of colonialization, apartheid, the fight for liberation, and ethnic and racial tensions. This program examines how people can organize themselves toward positive social change and the triumph of the human spirit. Students gain hands-on work experience with an (optional) internship with a local organization. Earn credit in Political Science, Religion, Interdisciplinary Studies, or History. Students meet with members of the African National Congress and opposition parties, church leaders, feminists, human rights activists, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) representatives, and students and professors from the University of Namibia. Built-in excursions around both South Africa and Namibia help round out your holistic education in the region.

International development is a notoriously difficult area to break into. Projects Abroad's International Development internship in Cape Town could give you experience to set your resume apart from the pack. Cape Town is one of the strongest and most developed cities in Africa, but outside of the major industrial centers, South Africa still suffers from a severe lack of development, with many people still living below the poverty line. Participating in an international development internship here is a great way to make an effort to help tip this balance. Interns work with a variety of NGOs situated in areas around Cape Town. The organizations are non-profit foundations that aim to empower, support, and enhance the surrounding communities. The foundations offer a variety of services and programs such as life and leadership skills, food campaigns, soup kitchens, sewing projects, sports programs linked to awareness education, and training support projects. Some of the foundations also focus on issues of unemployment, crime, domestic violence, drugs, alcohol abuse, prostitution, teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and general health.

As an intern from any academic background, you’ll take part in meaningful projects that blend strategic thinking with creative problem-solving. Working alongside energetic teams, you’ll help assess markets, design financial strategies, and contribute innovative ideas to support growth within our NGO, a partner NGO, or a nature resort. This opportunity lets you dive into the dynamic business environment while playing a key role in socially driven initiatives. You’ll connect technical, environmental, or social processes with effective business strategies. Your work may involve improving operations, streamlining systems, and applying practical solutions to boost organizational performance. From data analysis to supporting project coordination, your contribution will help drive sustainable and impactful practices across our international programs. Travel to Rwanda or South Africa and step into a completely new experience. If you’re passionate about societal or environmental development and come from a technical, social, environmental, hospitality, or tourism background—sign up for our unique internship program in Rwanda or South Africa.