Clean Energy & Sustainability Internships in Cape Town

I chose Cape Town because I wanted an internship abroad that felt both meaningful and challenging, somewhere I could learn in a new environment while working on real-world issues. I opted for an internship instead of just traveling because I wanted structure, professional experience, and a clearer sense of what I’m interested in long term. Cape Town offered the perfect mix of global relevance, culture, and everyday adventure, and it truly delivered. What I appreciated most was how quickly the work became real and impactful rather than just busywork. Through my internship with a sustainability-focused consulting organization, I gained valuable insight into the professional world while also learning more about myself, especially that I thrive when given responsibility and ownership over my work. A highlight for me was researching and writing my own article on developments in the energy sector, as well as contributing to written content and helping develop a workflow to identify new opportunities more efficiently. I stayed for two months, which felt like a great amount of time, though I would recommend at least 8–10 weeks to fully settle in and build momentum. My biggest advice would be to come with an open mind and say yes to activities early on, it’s the best way to meet people and make the most of the experience. The VACorps staff were supportive and responsive throughout, and the weekly activities were a great way to explore the city and build a sense of community.

I loved exploring the city and finding fun things to do with friends on the weekends. During my internship with a sustainability-focused organization, I learned how to use Canva and helped create a pitch deck. I also spent time in the lab gaining insight into the process behind the work and seeing firsthand how challenging it can be to get a business off the ground. It was inspiring to be part of an initiative focused on reducing plastic use and making a positive impact on both the local community and the environment.

I came to Cape Town with sky-high expectations, somehow this city blew them away. Every day, I found myself asking, "What should I try today?" there was never a shortage of answers. I know that very few places in the world contain the amount of opportunities that Cape Town does. Whether it's natural, cultural, or social this city has something for everyone. Looking back on the program, I've made friends to last a lifetime and picked up essential life skills. From personal connections to unforgettable experiences, Cape Town and VACorps have given me everything I asked for and more.

I came to Cape Town for two and a half months to intern at an environmental organization. During my time there, I spent two days a week in the office supporting a sustainability education program, and two days in the field at various conservation sites. I really enjoyed having this balance between outdoor, active time and time at a computer. Everyone at my internship was so welcoming and made me feel safe to ask questions and be myself! The highlight of my internship was getting to spend a few days in Simon’s Town helping out the penguin rangers. I did nest counts, helped rescue abandoned eggs, and even did some house calls to remove penguins from people’s gardens! Outside of my internship, I really got to explore and fall in love with the city of Cape Town. From the beaches to Table Mountain, there is so much to offer. Even after being here for over two months, I feel like I have just scratched the surface. I can’t wait to come back and visit again!

Cape Town is one of the most interesting cities in the world. I never expected it to be the way it is. It is very multicultural and you will meet so many different and interesting people both within VACorps and outside. The city is incredibly alive and vibrant and there is always something to do and new places to try. The best part of my time in Cape Town was getting to know the other people in my program that I lived with. We became a family and shared many experiences that I will never forget. I loved getting to explore the area surrounding Cape Town, the Western Cape is such a beautiful place and is worth getting to know. There are great beaches everywhere and the natural scenery is unmatched. I did my internship at with a clean energy consultant, and I learned a lot. I did a lot of broad research on the energy context in South Africa but also in other African countries. My boss gave me assignments that were interesting and allowed me to learn more about how the work being done to transition the country to clean energy. This experience taught me that the world is a much bigger place than I thought. Cape Town is so multicultural that you cannot help but learn things about the rest of the world and the history that shaped this beautiful country.