Internships in Cape Town, South Africa

Boost your résumé and gain a competitive edge with an internship in Cape Town, South Africa! Connect-123 helps students and recent graduates build meaningful international work experience by matching them with tailored placements in this incredible city. Opportunities span business, entrepreneurship, human rights, economic development, health care, public health, education, and more. Thanks to our on-the-ground advisors and extensive network of local organizations, we’ll help you find a placement that aligns with your goals. Regularly ranked among the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town offers white sandy beaches, dramatic mountain trails, and breathtaking ocean views. Whether you’re an adventurer, a culture seeker, or someone who loves vibrant city life, Cape Town has something unforgettable to offer alongside your professional experience.

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.

Gain practical social work experience during this exciting internship program in Cape Town, South Africa. You'll be part of a community center in Masiphumelele, a township on the outskirts of the city that provides a safe and stimulating space for up to a hundred children every afternoon. Many of these children have experienced different levels of trauma, and as an intern, you'll assist the program in providing stimulating activities and counseling sessions for groups of children when needed. This internship is a great opportunity for getting practical experience in social work while supporting an important social development program. Your tasks will include offering individual or group counseling sessions to children with troubled backgrounds; helping create stimulating, educative, and fun activities for the children in the aftercare program; and helping cook for and feed the children at the center, among others. Preferably you'll have an academic background or experience in sociology, social work, community development, education, pedagogy, or something similar.

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainforest or at a shelter for sea turtles in one of our internships abroad. At the Institute for Global Studies, we help students gain invaluable work experience in their field from an international context. Wildlife shelter work can bring out the best of human nature. Connecting with abandoned animals instills a sense of accomplishment that few tasks provide. Apart from bonding with animals, gain insight into local communities and their interactions with wildlife in their area. Meet with students, residents, and the general public to learn about their customs. Common duties include food preparation, checking in animals, interpretation to the public, medical assistance, and community outreach.

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.

This project is an adventure club for 12-14 year old children focused primarily on extramural surfing and swimming lessons. The adventure club provides children with a valuable opportunity to take part in a range of outdoor activities from surfing and swimming to hiking and even sandboarding. An orientation in Cape Town is provided before the start of the project. There are anywhere from 5 to 20 children participating in the club every week. Volunteers are able to take free surf lessons during the school day and then help teach and lead groups of children after school. There are also opportunities to assist in community development or to help teach computer skills in schools during the day. Activities include teaching kids to swim, skate and surf, helping on hikes and running fun days and sports programs. so far over 300 children have learned to swim and over 80 have learned to surf!

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.

Gain practical experience in the sustainable energy sector of a developing country through this Clean Energy Internship. Assist with the research and work of an organization that addresses energy challenges in Southern Africa, with the ultimate goal of changing both private and public sectors and accelerating the transition to clean energy. Clean energy sustainability is vital for combating climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Solar energy is renewable, has less impact on the environment, and is abundant in Africa, making it a promising source of clean energy. Your specific role and tasks will align with your areas of study and interests, allowing you to contribute significantly to your host organization's mission. This internship offers a unique opportunity to learn about clean energy development while impacting South Africa's environment and economy. Ideal interns must have a strong interest in renewable energy, energy consulting, energy strategies, and analysis. Flexibility, a desire to learn, dedication, patience, and a passion for the environment are essential qualities for this internship.

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.

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!

Recently named as the most entrepreneurial city in South Africa, Cape Town is the perfect place for a summer internship! With IES Internships, you will be provided an unpaid placement with up to 40 hours of work per week in a business or organization that suits your career goals. This allows you to build a global network of professional contacts and gain real-world experience all while exploring everything that Cape Town has to offer. Before the program starts, we will work closely with you to fine-tune your cover letter and résumé. We will also help improve your interview and communication skills, allowing you to prepare completely for our practical program in a new cultural environment. You won’t just work in Cape Town. You will also have time to explore the city’s gems like the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens (a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site), Old Biscuit Mill, and Greenmarket Square. Bask in the temperate climate and diverse geography of South Africa through various outdoor activities, such as a visit Lion’s Head, hike to Table Mountain, and a walk along the picturesque shores of Camps Bay.

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 147,000 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.

Experience firsthand the healthcare challenges facing South Africa where, under the Apartheid regime, the vast majority of people had limited or non-existent healthcare until the 1990s. Since then, South Africa's healthcare system has made great strides under majority rule, especially in efforts to reach underserved communities. Today, the country is emerging as a critical battleground for the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Child Friendly Health International's program in Cape Town offers students the unique opportunity to observe alongside healthcare professionals in an idyllic setting surrounded by Table Mountain in one of South Africa's most beautiful cities. Participants will get the opportunity to understand how the healthcare system has dealt with a public health crisis that has fundamentally altered the state's social and economic fabric. This program will allow senior level clinical students to rotate alongside physicians at a hospital, located in the southern suburbs of Cape Town in Wynberg. Pre-medical students will be able to rotate in a variety of community clinics associated with a hospital in the Cape Flats.

Psychology internships abroad are the perfect opportunity for psychology students to gain some work experience while traveling abroad. Mental health is a topic that is often overlooked, especially in developing countries, so the help of skilled and dedicated volunteers is very much needed. Whatever your skills are, plenty of psychology internships are available for graduates and undergraduates. Join a clinical psychology program and shadow doctors in their daily work. If you prefer working with children, join a mental health initiative in schools and daycare centers.

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.

The organization offers an internship involving all areas of their work, particularly PR, marketing, and communications to promote and raise awareness through campaigns and fundraising. They also welcome the input of video producers or editors to share the stories of families on the program. They also welcome interested volunteers willing to tutor, support projects, help with exam preparation, teach Mathematics and English, and assist in other activities. Through private funding, the NGO supports disadvantaged children in and out of school to ensure they are given every opportunity to reach their best potential. Their successful partnership with 11 schools means proper education for each child, helping pave the way for further education and a brighter future career. Their program also changes the lives of entire families and effects change in the wider community. Their young beneficiaries from nearby townships value education and the opportunity for change. The NGO's commitment and investment in the program are integral to each child's success.

Seize this exceptional opportunity to contribute to seabird conservation while gaining invaluable experience and skills with SANCCOB in Cape Town! This program, lasting either 3 or 6 months, provides an immersive experience in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of critically endangered African penguin. Interns will acquire practical skills while making significant contributions to SANCCOB’s mission of reversing the decline in seabird populations. Responsibilities Catching, handling, feeding, hydrating, and administering medication to various seabird species Maintaining high standards of cleanliness within the rehabilitation center Overseeing the intensive care unit, bird pens, and collaborating with other volunteers Keeping accurate records for each individual bird Skills Developed: Practical techniques for seabird rehabilitation Knowledge of hygiene protocols and their implementation Skills in administering medication and providing nutritional support Assessing seabird health and determining readiness for release Teamwork and leadership abilities through volunteer supervision