Social Sciences 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!

Gain a global perspective on legal practice, justice, advocacy, and social equity with Intern Abroad HQ, the world’s most affordable and top-rated provider of Law & Human Rights Support internships. Our programs offer aspiring legal and human rights professionals meaningful, real-world experience in diverse cultural and legal contexts. Choose from impactful placements in Argentina, Belize, Greece, Ireland, Jordan, Morocco, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Tanzania, and the USA. Whether you're studying law, international relations, political science, or social justice, our internships are designed to match your academic and career goals. Programs range from 2 to 24 weeks and include guaranteed placements with vetted organizations, quality housing, airport pickup, orientation, and 24/7 in-country support. You also have the possibility of earning up to 16 US academic credits through our School of Record or receive guidance to gain credit through your home university. Start building a career that creates positive change. Apply today to begin your transformative legal or human rights internship abroad with Intern Abroad HQ.

Empower kids to dance their hearts away down in Cape Town with a Youth Development Internship! Join an organization making a difference for South African children by helping them express themselves freely through dance, and helping them enter an amazing world of self-discovery. This organization’s goal is to guide children to develop confidence and important life skills using the power of dance and educational workshops. You’ll contribute to their work by researching the specific needs of children in the area and later tailoring educational content to address these needs effectively. You’ll be involved with developing and executing a varied curriculum that discusses topics such as: sex education, abuse, personal hygiene, health and nutrition, and empowerment. Overall you can expect to gain practical work experience in youth development, education, and curriculum design.

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.

Intern in Cape Town, South Africa and enjoy a truly unique experience. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, urban adventurer, or fascinated by history and culture, you are sure to find it all here. World Endeavors offers a diverse selection of intern fields including Fashion, Hospitality, Media Studies, and Wine. On the weekends, relax at the many golden beaches, check out the view from Table Mountain, or explore the many wineries in and around the city. Rest assured, there will be entertainment around every corner in Cape Town. Interns must be 18 years of age or older and have completed high school (or equivalent). World Endeavors’ International Internship program is open to current students, graduates, and mid-career professionals. Internship placement opportunities increase with experience or relevant coursework. Please contact World Endeavors for more information.

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.

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.

Understand the dynamics of human rights advocacy and the history of apartheid from your base in Cape Town, a hub for human rights organizations in a country emerging from legally enforced racial discrimination and economic and political exclusion. Stay with a local family, where you are welcomed into their lives, share experiences, and learn from their views. Visit important sites of oppression and resistance illustrative of the country’s unique history, and gain a better understanding of social justice issues affecting South Africa today. You also learn the ethics of human rights advocacy and research during a five-week internship that gives professional experience in an international setting.

Join our international team in the spectacular city of Cape Town and work with children from the local townships while developing teaching experience and qualifications on this long term internship. The internship begins with a 12-week volunteer project, wherein you will learn how to plan and deliver a range of educational programs in deprived township schools and edu-care centers, gaining experience in teamwork and leadership. After successfully completing this phase, you will then undertake a 12-week work placement where you will further develop your teaching skills and assist with the running of educational programs (including childcare, sports, and creative play) for young children. You don't need specific qualifications or experience to join. GVI's comprehensive training program will provide all the necessary skills, including practical communication and classroom management. However, you must be enthusiastic, adventurous, have a good sense of humor and be respectful of the host country and its culture.

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!

Immerse yourself in nature as you combine your passion for wildlife and photography in one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Our photography internship offers a unique opportunity to embark on a life-changing adventure—where you’ll not only capture unforgettable moments through your lens but also contribute to meaningful conservation efforts. Whether you’re tracking animals in the wilderness, assisting researchers in the field, or documenting diverse ecosystems, your work will help protect precious wildlife for future generations. Join us to create lasting memories while making a real impact.

Looking to gain hands-on conservation experience? Join our student internship program! Whether you're studying in a conservation-related field or have recently graduated, our placements immerse you in the field and engage you in our projects. We offer personalized, practical experiences for each participant. Our program is ideal for undergraduate or recently graduated biologists seeking career-related work experience abroad. Please note that this is not a leisurely holiday experience. Join our dynamic team and work across our core programs, including Applied Research (social and ecological) in forests, fynbos, rivers, estuaries, coastal, and marine environments, as well as our Behavioral Change program (community engagement & education). Gain a comprehensive understanding of conservation practices firsthand while doing so.

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.