Environmental Studies 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!

Our Environmental Studies & Conservation Internship places you in a national park in the heart of South Africa. This program has a minimum length of four weeks, but the ideal duration is eight to 12 weeks. We also welcome volunteers interested in sharing their time and skills. The placement will be in Cape Town, where you will gain practical and hands-on experience in environmental management and nature conservation, as well as in interpretation and education. You will have the chance to accompany the park’s visitors during trail treks and assist with other duties. This internship is the perfect solution to your search for adventure. You will immerse in a vibrant culture while enjoying awesome outdoor activities, such as hiking up Table Mountain and surfing. You will also get to explore a diverse landscape that features beaches to deserts.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Master the art of underwater photography whilst exploring the underwater worlds of tropical Mozambique or the world-renowned Aliwal Shoal of South Africa. This program introduces scuba divers (non-divers can arrive a week early to qualify) to the world of underwater photography by training participants with supplied professional-grade DSLR underwater photographic systems. Over 14 or 28 days, enjoy 20 reef dives, ocean safaris, estuary dives, and rock pool snorkels with other students. During this period, our instructors will offer practical advice on photographic technique and kit use, as well as help you locate and photograph the incredible underwater life of the Indo-Pacific along Southern Africa’s tropical eastern seaboard. Evenings are spent learning, participating in photographic crits, and enjoying the chilled beach life of coastal Africa. Throughout the program, you will enjoy wonderful experiences in some of the world’s top-rated dive sites. You will discover beautiful wildlife, including whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, ragged-tooth sharks, and black-tip sharks.

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.

The Marine Biology Internship is an intensive skills-development program designed for students and early-career ocean enthusiasts who want structured, professional training in marine fieldwork. Based at Sharklife’s established field station in Sodwana Bay, the internship combines full scuba-diver development with guided field exercises that build real competence in marine environments. Participants learn reef and species identification, snorkel and scuba-based survey fundamentals, ocean-safety skills, ecological interpretation, and practical methods used in modern marine field training. All activities are taught by experienced instructors and follow a clear progression from foundational skills to more advanced field confidence. The program is entirely training-focused and does not involve participation in permitted research. It is ideal for students preparing for marine-science degrees, gap-year learners seeking strong field exposure, or anyone wanting structured, hands-on experience in a world-class marine environment. No prior diving experience is required.

Join our Wildlife Conservation, Relocation, and Veterinary Program in South Africa—designed by an experienced Wildlife Veterinarian and Wildlife Capture operator—to gain hands-on experience in every phase of wildlife capture and care. This immersive program focuses on the real-world techniques used to manage and protect African wildlife, including specialized operations like rhino dehorning to combat poaching. Get involved in: ● Full-scale wildlife capture and relocation missions ● Setting up and managing a boma ● Assisting in helicopter-supported animal tracking and capture ● Safely loading and transporting animals to relocation sites ● Delivering essential veterinary care in the field ● Morning lectures and afternoon practical sessions You’ll play an active role in actual conservation operations, gaining a deep understanding of the logistics, planning, and veterinary support behind mass capture projects. This is your chance to work directly with experts and contribute to the future of African wildlife. Ready to be part of something impactful? Visit our website and get involved!

The Wildlife Field Research & Ecology Program at Baobab Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) is an immersive two-week experience designed for anyone looking to build real-world research skills and ecological insight in Africa’s bushveld. Whether you're preparing for an independent research project, considering a career in conservation, or simply eager to move beyond the classroom, this intensive program will train you in core field techniques, from ethical data collection and species tracking to interpreting ecological patterns in wild environments. Based on a 1,200-hectare private reserve in Limpopo, South Africa, the program blends guided fieldwork with practical workshops and daily mentorship. Participants leave with the confidence, skills, and context needed to pursue more advanced research or further study. We don’t just teach you about wildlife. We show you how to read the bush.

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

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.

Our after-school club welcomes 70 to 90 children (2025) daily from the local village, aiming to inspire a generation of passionate young leaders. Since 2015, our Environmental Education program has worked with primary school learners, teaching conservation and taking them on field trips to understand their role in protecting nature. Poaching—affecting rhinos, elephants, pangolins, and vultures—remains a serious threat, making our work even more critical. We believe conservation and community must work together. Our holistic programs focus on uplifting people while protecting nature. Volunteers stay at Shik Shack Backpackers, on-site, and will be fully immersed in hands-on work while having fun! Our core programs include: Green Kidz: Environmental education - supporting 11 schools Social Enterprise: Growing small businesses Agro-Ecology: Farming suited to African conditions Rise Crèches: Early Childhood Devlopment - Supporting 6 pre-schools Eco Village: Recycling & community outreach Join us for an immersive learning experience! You can explore our stunning region on weekends (extra cost—we’ll organize it!). We can't wait to welcome you!