Social Work 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.

Contribute to social development programs in Cape Town, South Africa, while getting valuable work experience in project and event management. It's a brilliant opportunity to be part of a grassroots organization and take on various tasks. You'll be part of a social impact organization in Masiphumelele, a township just outside Cape Town. The organization runs a large community center for disadvantaged children, provides educational workshops, and supports women's empowerment projects. It's a multi-layered program that runs multiple projects and events, and intern tasks are hugely varied. Your tasks will include the following: - Coordinating educational workshops at a community level to raise awareness around health, hygiene, and human values - Creating and assisting with fundraising events - Assisting with planning for seasonal events, like Women's Month, Mandela Day, etc - Assisting with weekly or monthly events at Yoga Shala, the volunteer house you'll be based at - Coordinating volunteer activities If you're interested in project management, event coordination, and social development, this is an opportunity to get hands-on experience!

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.

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.

Dedicate your time and skills in a local community township facing numerous challenges, including food scarcity, poverty and high rate of unemployment. As a social work intern, you’ll be placed in varied settings—homes for chronically ill children, health clinics for women victims of abuse, NGOs, and children’s homes. You will support projects catering to kids and individuals suffering from their past, with the aim of nursing them back to good physical and mental health. For 4–12 weeks, you will observe and learn from a professional team as they perform patient assessments, home evaluations, group therapy, and support services. You will also have the chance to observe meetings among caregivers, doctors, and family members. Much of the work will be determined by the project’s current needs and key activities. You may also be asked to present your research, findings, suggestions, and ideas to the team. To be eligible for this Social Work Internship in South Africa, you will go through an interview process. Experience in social sciences is an advantage, as it allows you to take on a more active role, but it isn’t essential.

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.

Specializing in early childhood education? Apply your knowledge and skills in a real work setting anywhere in the world. Institute for Global Studies offers internship placements in various destinations—choose where you want to travel! Past interns have worked in traditional daycare settings, working with children ages three to six and facilitating all aspects of their day. Other interns have created reading programs and tailored these to current needs. They have also helped plan field trips and supervised excursions. IGS encourages host organizations to give the option to create and share any area of expertise, challenging interns to come up with original ideas on how to best help the children. Skills and attributes that may prove useful in this internship include the willingness to accept and implement the philosophy of giving, the ability and skill to communicate with people of different cultures, the ability to write and speak clearly, and the ability to work under conditions of stress and change.

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.

Trusted by 120,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's most popular volunteer programs in South Africa and 50+ other destinations around the world. If you thrive on authentic experiences and exciting adventures, then volunteering in South Africa is for you. Choose from ten meaningful projects including Teaching, Sports Development and a unique Wildlife Conservation program based in Kruger National Park. Our South Africa programs span 1 to 24 weeks, based in and around Cape Town. When you’re not giving back to the local community, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and join exhilarating tours. Your fully-hosted experience includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support. You’ll be accommodated in a volunteer house with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world. IVHQ offers a multi-layered support network, so even before you depart, you’ll receive outstanding service from your IVHQ Program Manager and gain exclusive access to volunteer training and preparation tools. Are you ready to immerse yourself in a new culture while making a difference?

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!

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

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.

This youth development project was started to provide young people living on the streets with a safe daily drop-off center and to mediate between the youth, families, and schools. Today, it has expanded and caters to at-risk youth in the town of Knysna. It is the perfect project for those interested in social work, sports, art and music, teaching, and counseling. As a volunteer, you'll assist a team of loving childcare workers and social workers. This is a fantastic project for educators, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and individuals with an interest in these fields. The main goal is to assist in and support the daily program organized for the youth attending the center voluntarily. If you wish to join this project as part of a social work internship, we can arrange this. The center is set in one of the poorer areas of Knysna. Their daily program includes modules in life skills, art therapy, sports, numbers, literacy, reading, music, personal development, and other topics. It takes place during the South African school term and isn't available from 15th December to 15th January. A fun-based program is also available and revolves around soccer or talent shows.

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.