Question 1

intro

Accepted Answer

It’s hard to think of a country more diverse than South Africa—in every sense of the word. With 11 official languages, this multiethnic society is a unique blend of African cultures with European and Asian influences. Walk along the bustling streets of Johannesburg, experience traditions in a tribal village, or view the wildlife up close in Kruger National Park. From finance to fashion to forestry, internship opportunities in South Africa are as plentiful and varied as the cuisines. Intern abroad in South Africa to build global work experience and get to know this wonderfully unique country!

Question 2

Best Cities

Accepted Answer

South Africa is one of the top megadiverse countries in the world, and you’ll find the majority of internships available in urban areas. Interning in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban will expand your network and build your skills.

Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, has a distinct African buzz. As a cultural hub of South Africa, visit a museum, watch a ballet, or enjoy the local art scene. Since it’s the financial capital of the country, interns in “Jozi” will find that internship opportunities abound in the finance, business, and entertainment sectors.

Cape Town is a more laid-back city with a cosmopolitan vibe. One of the world’s most beautiful cities, the nation’s “Mother City” is known for having an entrepreneurial spirit, so many interns will gain firsthand experience with start-up or social enterprise companies. Cape Town was named the World Design Capital for 2014, so design internship opportunities are plentiful as well.

Durban is famous for its uninterrupted white sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean water, making it an especially great choice for interns interested in tourism. With plenty of sports events, nature reserves, and street markets, you’ll always find something interesting to do in South Africa’s third-most populous city.

Question 3

Popular Fields/Sectors

Accepted Answer

Internship opportunities in South Africa are as diverse as the Rainbow Nation itself. Many internships in South Africa are at least two months to ensure interns gain experience and make an impact.

Business, Marketing, and Finance. Interns in South Africa can experience the exciting world of entrepreneurship in a developing market! The emerging field of social entrepreneurship is becoming quite popular, as is tackling important social issues.

Healthcare. South Africa internships in healthcare are plentiful, and because of the high incidence of infectious diseases, both pre-med and medical school students can often observe conditions that are not common in their home countries, including HIV/AIDS, parasitic infections, and tuberculosis, as well as more common diseases.

Human Rights and Political Science. Opportunities in these fields are especially poignant in the land where Nelson Mandela famously fought for social justice. Despite years of progress, massive inequalities continue to be seen all around the country—in terms of basic human rights, including literacy and education, healthcare, and safety.

Socially-minded interns in South Africa can make important contributions to organizations looking to redress said imbalances in human rights, especially through internships in education, social work, and youth development.

Question 4

Anticipated Costs

Accepted Answer

As with many international destinations, most internships in South Africa are unpaid. Most participants who intern in South Africa have found that the non-financial rewards, in terms of career-related experience, meaningful travel opportunities, and personal growth, can be substantial. While flights to South Africa can be more expensive than to other destinations, on-the-ground costs, such as housing, food, and local transport, are relatively inexpensive. Consider reaching out to your family and friends via crowdsourcing on FundMyTravel to help minimize some of the costs. Scholarships are also available for interns in South Africa on GoAbroad’s Scholarship Directory.

Question 5

Accommodations & Visas

Accepted Answer

Housing is available in most locations in apartments, dormitories, group housing, and homestays. Program fees for international internships in South Africa usually cover accommodation costs or housing placement assistance. Monthly rent for apartments can be between $300 to $1,000 depending on the size and location, with additional costs for the Internet and utilities, so sharing with another intern in South Africa might be wise. Given safety concerns, it’s recommended to check neighborhood and building security when making housing arrangements for your internship. It might be worth budgeting slightly more to ensure that housing is safe and secure.

According to local visa advisors, all visitors to South Africa for activities not related to tourism require a visa, for any trip duration. The most common types of visas for South Africa internships are the volunteer visa and the exchange permit. Applying for either type of visa will require a passport, medical information, banking information, application fees, and other documents, but program advisors can usually help with the process. That being said, interpretation of visa regulations varies from consulate to consulate and it’s therefore best to contact a South African consulate directly for the latest information.

Question 6

GoAbroad's Inside Scoop

Accepted Answer

As an intern in South Africa, you’ll experience its natural beauty, but you’ll also learn to adjust to a different pace and learn the nuances of English among the locals. You’ll expand your global perspectives and see how South Africa implements creative solutions to disadvantaged populations, poverty, and healthcare provisions. The home of Nelson Mandela will open your eyes to how they encourage entrepreneurship in an emerging marketing with a history of social dilemmas. Interning in South Africa will show you how to get things done in a foreign culture while immersing yourself in a changing country.

“Work hard, play hard” you say? South Africa boasts two oceans, 20 diverse national parks, and numerous coastal reserves, so there are ample opportunities for internships in South Africa to be just as life-changing as they are professionally beneficial. Interns interested in marine science, wildlife conservation, or the wine industry will find a natural fit here. In your downtime, visit the Moses Mabhida Stadium for a Skycar ride or an Adventure Walk to the top of the arch for views of Durban. Jo’burg also boasts itself as one of the greenest cities in the world, so mosey through its Botanical Gardens to relax after work.