Internships in Johannesburg, South Africa

32 Internships in Johannesburg, South Africa
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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The animals at this wildlife sanctuary have been injured or orphaned, leaving them in need of some assistance if they have any hope for survival. The animals become tame during their rehabilitation so they cannot be reintroduced to the wild, but this does allow for an unforgettable experience since
See All 2 ProgramsInstitute for Global Studies
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Join interns from all over the world on an IGS internship in various locations abroad, from Sydney to Dublin! We have a long history of collaborating with radio stations to offer students the chance to be on air or deal with hands-on tasks. Our Radio Broadcasting internships are a great way to im
See All 30 ProgramsA Guide to Interning Abroad in Johannesburg
Fields
Known as the “City of Gold,” Johannesburg has grown into a thriving metropolis since its founding in 1886. JoBurg, the largest city by population in South Africa, is also known for many “big” ideas, including being home to the largest (and busiest) airport in Africa and the world’s largest man-made forest! Add to that a strong economic climate and it’s easy to see why Johannesburg is a top place for those looking to explore (and intern) in a world-class city abroad.
JoBurg has a number of internships available, particularly for those looking to work in development or with wildlife through local nonprofits. It can also be a hotspot for finding paid internships in Africa.
If you’re the kind of person who prefers hanging out with animals to spending time with people, consider animal sciences internships around Johannesburg. Through some of these programs, interns rehabilitate animals in order to re-release them into the wild; in other programs, interns work with injured or orphaned populations to protect them from predators. Be sure to check out each program’s individual website to learn more about the types of animals you’d have the opportunity to work with.
If you’re looking for ways to connect with and support people within the local community, consider an internship in sustainable development. Depending on the program, you could find yourself writing grants, connecting local youth with college-educated role models, or facilitating adult education classes.
Internship opportunities in JoBurg vary in length anywhere from one week to one year, depending on the kind of experience you’re seeking. Most participants must to be over 16 years old, and many don’t require additional experience to participate (but double check the program listing to be sure!). You can even find jobs in Johannesburg with no experience needed if you’re lucky.
Travel Tips
If you’re looking for a city that truly has a little taste of everything, look no further than Johannesburg. With its fast-paced city living, incredible shopping, proximity to national parks and safari offerings, as well as cultural opportunities like the Apartheid Museum and the Nelson Mandela Bridge, it truly checks off pretty much all the right boxes.
If you’re into sports you’ll find good company. Both soccer and rugby are considered must-do’s in this town, with several stadiums located in and around the city.
Prefer shopping rather than a visit to “the pitch”? Be sure to find your way to the local weekend markets at Maboneng where you can sample some of the best cuisines in the area and then window shop through an assortment of eclectic boutiques.
Braiis, sundowners, biscuits — yebo! Internships available in South Africa won’t save you from all the fun of the local slang. Life outside the office will be lekker!
If your internship runs through the fall, consider hitting up some of the local festivals such as Arts Alive, which takes place for several weeks throughout Autumn, or the Pride Parade, which takes places every October. This is also when the Jacarandas are in full violet bloom– absolutely stunning!
Cost
If you’re looking to make a little extra cash while enjoying some time abroad, Johannesburg might not actually be the place for you. However, the once-in-a-lifetime real world experiences you gain will more than make up for it. After all, who else can say they helped to rehabilitate baby elephants during their summer vacation? Now that’s the kind of resume booster that potential employers will certainly want to know more about!
So, most internships in Johannesburg are unpaid and actually cost money to participate in. Despite the fact that many require payment, the program price often includes shared accommodations as well as meals.
Programs’ upfront costs may include a majority of your living expenses as well as extra perks, such as airport transfers or even excursions around town or the countryside. Additionally, you may be able to get university credit for your internship participation. Be sure to check in with your specific desired program to ensure you know exactly what your program costs cover, as well as with your home university regarding your ability to receive credits.
Requirements
Once you’ve set up your dream South Africa internships, it’s time to get real about what you’re going to do once you arrive in country.
Living arrangements usually consist of group living with soon-to-be friends, placed in the same location with shared living space. Whether it’s dormitory style or more akin to a multi-bedroom home will depend upon your specific program. These joint living arrangements allow you to connect with individuals from all over the world as you share your internship experiences and learn and grow together.
Visitors from many countries around the world are not required to obtain a tourist visa for visits to South Africa of 90 days or less. However, if you intend to work/intern in Johannesburg, you may need to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit. Whether or not you need this will vary depending on your program’s classification, so be sure to check in with them if you have additional questions.
For those individuals who are required to obtain a visa, including those planning on staying in-country for longer than 90 days, you will most likely receive your visa at the airport upon arrival in South Africa. Contact your local South African Embassy via GoAbroad’s South African Embassy Directory.
Benefits
Johannesburg as a city has so much to offer interns and visitors alike, including incredible diversity. JoBurg is a melting pot of expats, not just from nearby African countries, but from all around the world. Not only are the people diverse, but so are the city’s offerings. While you might think that Johannesburg is just another big city, its close proximity to natural wonders and national parks means that, in just 90 minutes, you could be scoping out lions and giraffes on safari.
While the friendly neighbors–both human and animal–may make you want to walk everywhere, due to its sprawling nature, Johannesburg is much more navigable by car than by foot or public transport. As a result, interns may find getting around the city a bit of a daily challenge.
One final aspect of life in the city to be aware of is the crime rate. Johannesburg has one of the highest crime rates in the world. When possible, plan your route in advance, travel in groups (and not at night when you can help it), and keep your belongings safely stored and locked at all times.
In response to the high crime rates, South Africa has fairly robust security systems in place, including a quick and responsive police force and security cameras in public areas; yet, it’s still important to remain aware. As with international travel anywhere, staying alert and aware of your surroundings will help maintain your safety, while also easing your mind so that you can take in all the beauty and incredible adventures that await you in South Africa.
If your idea of a good time involves working closely with animals, connecting with the local community to improve the world around you, and surrounding yourself with natural beauty, Johannesburg might be just the place for you. If you’re looking for an opportunity that will propel you to participate in new experiences unlike any other, consider internships around Johannesburg, South Africa today!
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Latest Program Reviews
Working for an art gallery is my dream!
February 16, 2021by: Jeraldine Ong - ChinaWorking for an art gallery is my dream! And to do it in Paris is way beyond my expectations. Everyday, there are prepared different units of the gallery. And everyday there are some seemingly daunting tasks. But I am glad that my supervisors are mentoring me all throughout the process. I also did some research, printed some captions, worked with the marketing and creatives team. This internship gave me my dream and I would always cherish it. <3 I would like to give my sincerest thanks to the IGS group for this amazing adventure. Your programme opened doors for me to meet a lot of people and travelled different places.
Different gallery set ups everyday
February 16, 2021by: Dana Farhad - IranIGS gave me a position in a medium-sized museum and I loved everything about it. I super like that it's not too big to be filled with so much people, as it trigers my social anxiety. I love also that it isn't too small to not do anything. i was trained in how to communicate with visitors, and was oriented on the history of the majestic pieces of art. Thankj you very much, IGS!
Good times
February 16, 2021by: Jomar Obien - IndonesiaHappy to have good times with my co-interns. happy to bond with them and visit tourist destinations on Saturdays and Sundays and on days when there are not much work in office. happy because this internship is really organized
PPC Advertising is cool too
November 05, 2020by: Paul Malfoy - CanadaProgram: Graphic Design (Information Technology) Internships
I have years of Graphic Design experience, but I never really paid much attention to Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, Search engine optimization (SEO), and Blog writing, which are kinda related to my field. In my internship in Spain, we are opened to these fields and are encouraged to try and see for ourselves our strengths on those areas. I would say that for PPC, I rate myself as 9/10; for SEO, 8/10; and blog, 7.5/10. Not bad. Thanks, IGS, for letting us explore the world of our chosen fields, and those connected thereto.
witty, but kindest persons
November 05, 2020by: Yveth Paulson - CanadaMy co-interns are the sweetest! This competitive field is filled with not just witty, but kindest persons! I wanna say hello to Gilda, Marielle, and Patrick – my co-interns, who are so funny and lovable. We bonded a lot during our beach trips. They even sent me flowers last week because it’s my birthday. Thank you very much to IGS for this life-long friendship!
Made me rediscover my passions :)
November 05, 2020by: Sandro G. - BahrainProgram: Radio Broadcasting (Communication/Media) Internships
Events planning and photography were two of the things I love to do in the world; but because of “matters of consequences”, I was not able to do them most of the time. I neglected these passions I had, because I was too busy on other things. Luckily, my internship in Spain made me fell in love with them again. I know only basic Spanish, so these tasks are the perfect ones assigned to me. Right now, I just bought a new camera to rekindle this fire inside me. Thank you, IGS. You made me rediscover myself.
To tell u honestly i would suggest this to everyone
November 05, 2020by: ellen meyers - BrazilProgram: Finance Internships (Business) | IGS
To tell u honestly i would suggest this to everyone My regular duties and responsibilities as a finance intern are generating and entering data, preparing statements, analyzing reports, and taking notes during meetings..... One of the meetings to which we are allowed to sit in include a Japanese government official and Japanese policies..... I am amazed how well-versed business people are....... They are not just good at numbers, they are also good in speaking Nihonggo!
Now, I have a great list of hostels which I could use when I bring my friends here next time
November 05, 2020by: Aleesa Montana Hugh - United StatesProgram: IGS Ecotourism (Tourism) Internships
am grateful for my IGS mentor for being the best mentor I could think of. He always checks up on me and explains me the tasks thoroughly before letting me dive into the action. was assigned to do social media strategies to reach out to possible clients. also connected with local hostels for possible partnerships. Now, I have a great list of hostels which I could use when I bring my friends here next time.
Cool!
November 05, 2020by: Amanda Montgomery - ArgentinaWell yeah.. I am an aspiring artist who wants to see as many inspirations as possible. I am still finding my style in doing art, but I sure as hell love writing. So while we are being taught on museum set ups and galleries, we are also given a chance to express our writing prowess by writing for the museum’s website. Also, our millennial skills are put to good use by focusing on their social media outreach. I love every bit of it.
YOU ROCK!
October 29, 2020by: DOMINIQUE CLAUDE - United StatesProgram: Graphic Design (Information Technology) Internships
We are asked about a specific cause or passion that we are interested on, and I chose environmental conservation. IGS then assigned us on the graphic design department of a company engaged on such field. My main duties include visual communication and problem-solving through typography and iconography. Sometimes, we do some analysis of client needs, and present them with the team. The only downside I can see is that the duration is short; it was so fulfilling, that I would have wanted it to extend to a few more months.
ありがとうございました! Arigatōgozaimashita!
October 29, 2020by: Carlo Montecillo - CambodiaProgram: Graphic Design (Information Technology) Internships
I was placed with a leading company in Japan, specializing in graphic design. My amazement with the Japanese culture and their graphic designs are heightened by this internship. I did not only taste the authentic ramens of Japan, but I also saw their latest technologies and softwares on graphic design. Usually, these softwares are expensive; but here, we are allowed to use them and are even trained for it. ありがとうございました! Arigatōgozaimashita!
grateful to my mentor, Mr. Johnson
October 29, 2020by: Deanne Spears - United KingdomIn the second track of the advertising program, we are placed in a particular field of interest. I signed up for social services, and I was deployed to a social service organization’s advertising and marketing department. It was ideal for me because I get to do what I like to do, and also gain enough advertising skills. I am grateful to my mentor, Mr. Johnson, for the guidance. It was an honor to be under your tutelage. You explain so calmly and effectively, and helped us develop relevant skills, helping us prepare for a job and career in this field.
Amazing addition to my portfolio
October 29, 2020by: Wilson Strauss - Canadaour sponsors in the advertising agency are actually big businesses wishing to promote their products and services,, what I learned and what they consistently reminded us is “You have to trust your brand, for you to effectively market it.” i assisted in making a total of five ads, for this short stint, and these are amazing additions to my portfolio. i am sure if my employers would see my resume, my internship in IGS would play a big role in my signing of employment contract.
My LinkedIn is so much credible now
October 29, 2020by: Frank Gallman - United StatesProgram: Radio Broadcasting (Communication/Media) Internships
As a Mass Communication Student, this internship was the perfect fit for me. I volunteered to calling businesses for potential partnerships, conducting interviews to some artists and callers, and some marketing on their social media platform. My LinkedIn account looks so much better now; thanks to the skillset I acquired and the jobs they let me experience. My friends are quite jealous of what I accomplished this summer.
Meaningful internship :)
October 29, 2020by: Lesley Williams - United KingdomProgram: Radio Broadcasting (Communication/Media) Internships
Per my preference, I was designated to help a non-traditional station, an independent station featuring local artists and under-represented communities. In their interviews, the artists made their political stands through lyrics of their songs; and some of the composers even explain the struggles they face that they want the listeners to understand and take action on. My internship was meaningful. It is as if I could cry any moment.
Weekend trips!!!
October 29, 2020by: Allan Schwimmer - United StatesProgram: Finance Internships (Business) | IGS
Aside from the hands-on experience we are acquiring, I treasure the friendships I gained along the way. We did a lot of weekend trips and excursions, and discovered the cultures and traditions of Auckland. Two important components of this internship are being open to experiences and being positive all the time. Our IGS mentors always encouraged us to enjoy the learning process of life and finance. Some of them even gave love advices! It was fun looking back what we did on our days off.
New tips and tricks on Microsoft Excel
October 29, 2020by: Narendra Chandra Som - IndiaProgram: Finance Internships (Business) | IGS
During my intern-ing, we are given assemblies on how to run a small to mid-sized business. We are also trained to analyze financial data, create reports, and manage the database. I learned a lot of new tips and tricks on Microsoft Excel!
Exploring my passion while learning the business side of things
October 29, 2020by: Ally Jimenez - CanadaProgram: IGS Ecotourism (Tourism) Internships
This internship is a great way to explore my passion while learning the business side of things. I have always identified myself as a “wanderlust”. Here, we are reminded to do responsible travelling to natural areas, in an effort to conserve the environment and sustain the well-being of the local people. We did a lot of marketing trips and seminars. It would be particularly helpful since I plan to take up Marketing in college.
Lovely Cancun
October 29, 2020by: Gayle ross - American SamoaProgram: IGS Ecotourism (Tourism) Internships
I was assigned in Cancun, Mexico, and promoted whale shark tours and accompanied clients. I learned the importance of building environmental and cultural awareness and respect; and providing positive experiences for visitors. I will never forget them. Not to mention that my fellow interns are just so wonderful! One of them was training for the beauty pageant Miss Earth, which is an international environmental-themed competition. She said that is a great way to know more about environmental conservation. Well, I am sure it is. Good luck to her..
Yahooooooo
October 29, 2020by: Donald Anthony Meyer - United StatesThis internship is so cool! This is not about the boring stuff in museums. We got to see real-life relicts and actual people who have own testimonies on them. This is cooler than National Geographic, TBH.. My co-interns are also too amazing. We spent our free time exploring our host city and nearby destinations. I am in love with Buenos Aires. If I had known it earlier, I would have taken this internship years ago.
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