More photos from this internship can be found here.
Step into the world of craft brewing in Cape Town, a city at the heart of Africa’s rapidly growing beer industry. This unique internship offers hands-on experience in the brewing and beverage sector, where tradition meets innovation. Interns work alongside passionate professionals to gain insight into the production, branding, and business of craft beer in a dynamic, real-world environment.
South Africa produces approximately 35.1 million hectoliters of beer annually, accounting for around 30% of the continent’s overall market. While the industry was historically dominated by South African Breweries (SAB) and its commercial lagers, the past decade has seen a true craft revolution, with microbreweries emerging across the country. Because most of these breweries are still young and growing, interns have the rare opportunity to get involved across all aspects of the business, from brewing and operations to branding and community engagement.
The following organisations are examples of where you may be placed. The IE3 team will recommend a placement based on your skills and interests. A clearly written Individualised Placement Statement will help ensure the best possible match.
Shackleton Brewing Company
A Cape Town craft brewery inspired by exploration and innovation.
Woodstock Brewery
One of Cape Town's pioneering craft breweries, located in the vibrant Woodstock neighbourhood.
Marketing, Brand Ambassador & Sales
As a marketing intern, you will source avenues to publicise the beer label and participate in the behind-the-scenes administrative and day-to-day processes of the brewery. If you have a design background, you will work on marketing materials and online media. You will also work as a brand ambassador, activating the beer brand through events, tastings, and festivals, and gain exposure to the sales process by shadowing the brewery's permanent sales staff.
Brewing Assistant
If you want to take what you have learned through coursework in fermentation science into a practical setting, this is an ideal opportunity. You will brew beer on a production-scale brewery, delve into quality control, and test chemical levels throughout the fermentation process. You will also have the opportunity to develop recipes and have them tested at public festivals and events. This placement is ideal for anyone pursuing a career in brewing or production.
Estimated One-Time Expenses
*Check with your university's Global Opportunities Office for their pricing
Estimated Monthly Expenses
The Host Site Fee Includes:
Interns are accommodated in fully furnished, student-oriented housing located in Observatory, one of Cape Town's most vibrant and culturally diverse neighbourhoods. Known locally as "Obz," this area is popular among students and young professionals for its lively atmosphere, cafés, and creative energy. Each intern has a private, fully furnished room and shares common living spaces, including a kitchen, lounge, bathroom, and laundry facilities.
Housing includes 24-hour security and regular housekeeping, with a housekeeper visiting at least twice a week, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment. Interns pay a $100 cleaning fee and a $250 refundable housing deposit directly to the housing company (refunded if no damage occurs).
Wi-Fi is available at $20 per month for up to two devices, though speed and reliability may not match US standards. Other utility costs are split among housemates. The central location offers easy access to the city centre, beaches, and surrounding natural attractions, making it both convenient and culturally engaging.
Important note: Because this is an individualised placement, applicants must describe in their cover letters the specific type of work and organisation that interests them. While we cannot guarantee to meet all of an applicant's wishes, the more information we have, the better a fit we are able to find.
Interns will be living in Observatory and will be supported by local host organisation Volunteer Adventure Corps (VAC). Living in Obz and experiencing its cultural and political energy will help interns better understand the complexities of the "new" South Africa.
Observatory is popular among the international student and volunteer community because it is located halfway between the city centre and the False Bay coastline. Visitors have a wide selection of outdoor activities to choose from, including hiking, surfing, scuba diving, golfing, outdoor concerts, and wine tasting. Cape Town is surrounded by oceans and is home to many beautiful beaches. The city centre — known to Capetonians as the "bowl" — is the ideal place for cultural excursions. This programme offers a unique opportunity to gain professional experience while living and working in one of the world's most iconic cities.
Fall: April 15
Winter: September 15
Spring: November 15
Summer: