Internships Abroad in South Africa

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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.

Utilize your business skills and background studies by sharing your knowledge in this internship in Africa and develop the capacity of a social enterprise. A number of small businesses need support from interns or professionals who are willing to share their time, experience, and skills in a variety of fields – from HR to finance and from policy to marketing. Work with a social enterprise in Eswatini (formerly called as Swaziland) and develop your entrepreneurial skills, which will help you in the future as well as small businesses in Africa. As a student or someone with a business background, share your knowledge with local business owners and help develop their strategies, marketing materials, and procedures. Have the incredible opportunity to learn about the different elements of a small business, which will be an asset to your CV/résumé. Your ideas, a positive attitude, and willingness to work in a team are the keys to maximizing your internship. An ideal intern is studying business, finance, social entrepreneurship, HR, or marketing. Previous experience in these sectors is also useful.

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.

Experience Durban, the heart of Kwa-Zulu Natal province in South Africa. Child Family Health International is proud to have operated this excellent program in collaboration with many health care providers and public health projects in the Durban area since January of 2006. The Durban program highlights the challenges faced by the post-apartheid public health care system taking into consideration the threats of HIV/AIDS, environmental health issues, and other underlying causes of poor health in the region. The program will focus on health issues addressed through clinical interventions and community development projects in health. This program combines service-learning opportunities in public health and clinical settings. This site will focus on learning about public health issues in the region in a mostly observational manner and participating, in a limited way in the provision of health care at clinical facilities.

Choosing a veterinary internship with RealStep is more than just gaining experience; it's about making a real impact while advancing your career. We offer unique opportunities to work alongside professionals in some of the world's most biodiverse environments. Whether caring for orphaned wildlife in the Amazon, treating animals in the heart of Africa, or assisting in conservation efforts in South Africa's reserves, each internship is designed to deepen your expertise while contributing to vital conservation and animal welfare efforts. With RealStep, you don't just sharpen your veterinary skills but also immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences, collaborate with local communities, and play a key role in protecting endangered species and ecosystems. If you're driven by a passion for wildlife, hungry for adventure, and ready to transform your studies into meaningful action, take on this internship! RealStep is a perfect choice to elevate your veterinary career while making a lasting difference in the world.

Prepare for a career in diplomacy, conflict resolution, or global affairs while interning at a civil society NGO in South Africa. This program emphasizes non-Western perspectives on international relations, South-South cooperation, and multilateral diplomacy. Through internship engagements with NGOs, visits with ambassadors, expert lectures, and excursions, you will learn about South Africa’s successes and continued challenges as it transitions from apartheid to democracy. The core component is a five-week internship with a partner organization. MONEY MATTERS SIT has given an average of over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students in recent years and is committed to ensuring you have the information necessary to apply for such funding. Our program costs include academics, excursions, accommodations, airport transfers, and health insurance. Meal arrangements vary by program. Be sure to discuss how study abroad costs are handled at your school with your study abroad advisor and read the website for more specific information.

Dive into ethical, meaningful, and practical veterinary work tailored to your goals, interests, and abilities! This program meets the requirements for Extra Mural Studies (EMS) and Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (AHEMS). Depending on the skills you’d like to gain, get paired with either an individual or a team of qualified vets for the best possible exposure and experience. Work with some of Africa’s most respected vets in their everyday work wherein you don’t just treat injured and sick animals, but you also play a key role in conservation. You could be assisting with wildlife relocation, immobilizing and moving animals to help manage their population, testing for diseases, and even performing necropsies. From fieldwork to clinical work, become engaged in responsible veterinary activities across several diverse species and gain hands-on experience. Plus, develop a unique understanding of the biology, behavior, and conservation of Africa’s wildlife. Whether you are an undergraduate searching for a valuable internship, a seasoned veterinarian or nurse looking for a new challenge, or are simply interested in studying veterinary science, this is the experience for you.

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 155,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back; it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

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.