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Occupational Therapy in South Africa

by: Kaya Responsible Travel

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Gain an insight into the healthcare system and limitations in Africa on this Occupational Therapy Internship in South Africa. While working alongside professional South African therapists, you will become exposed to health issues affecting local children and adults. You will also have a look into the HIV/AIDS problem in the country. This internship takes place in diverse settings—community centers, daycare centers, and schools—and caters to different age groups. You will mostly observe how qualified therapists and teachers perform their duties. At the same time, you will help with patient assessment and improvement of their daily lives. You may also be requested to run training and workshops for the community members. To join this internship, you need a good command of English and a working knowledge of computers, including some experience with Microsoft packages like Word and Excel. You must also possess soft skills like the willingness to learn as well as patience and passion to help children and the elderly. While experience in healthcare is an advantage to take on a more active role, this isn’t essential.

Program Highlights

Gain practical experience and insight that can support your future career in healthcare.

Learn about therapy and healthcare in South Africa while working alongside a full team, including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists.

Be exposed to the healthcare system of South Africa and the African continent in general.

Have a positive effect on the health and wellbeing of local people during your time with them.

Spend your weekends relaxing and enjoying a range of activities, including heading down to the beach near your accommodation.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Cape Town, South Africa
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundIntern Duration:
  • 1-3 Months
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Fields:
  • Health Administration
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh
See all program details
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

Awards

Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad Finalist 2022

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Cape Town, South Africa

Types and Subjects

  • Fields
  • Health Administration

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Intern Duration:
  • 1-3 Months

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh

This Program is also open to Solo

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Cultural Training / Program / Orientation

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Guest House

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose Occupational Therapy Internship in Cape Town?

You will get the chance to work with professionals and obtain actual experiences and insights to help your future career and make a significant impact on the health and well-being of South Africans.

How do I apply for Occupational Therapy internship in South Africa?

Determine if the program meets your choices and skills. Check the requirements and deadlines, and click the "Apply Now" button if you believe this program is right for you.

Where will I be assigned during my internship?

The project runs in hospitals, schools, NGOs, rehabilitation, and geriatric centers. Depending on your skills, you can choose from rehabilitative, pediatric, mental health, or geriatric therapy.

How much does this internship cost, and what are the inclusions?

The four-week program costs $4883 and covers lodging, airport pickup, dropoff, WiFi, 24-hour onsite support, a certificate of completion, and more. Extra weekly costs apply if you plan to stay longer.

Where will interns stay?

Interns will stay in the suburb known as the Observatory, just 6 kilometers outside of Cape Town's city center. They will be accommodated in a single room, sharing communal areas with other interns.

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Ready to Learn More?

Gain an insight into the healthcare system and limitations in Africa on this Occupational Therapy Internship in South Africa. While working alongside professional South African therapists, you will become exposed to health issues affecting local children and adults. You will also have a look into the HIV/AIDS problem in the country. This internship takes place in diverse settings—community centers, daycare centers, and schools—and caters to different age groups. You will mostly observe how qualified therapists and teachers perform their duties. At the same time, you will help with patient assessment and improvement of their daily lives. You may also be requested to run training and workshops for the community members. To join this internship, you need a good command of English and a ...

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