More photos from this internship can be found here.
Engage with real-world human rights challenges in Cape Town, a city shaped by history, resilience, and ongoing social change. South Africa is home to one of the world’s most progressive constitutions, with the defence of every individual’s basic rights at its core. Yet the legacy of apartheid has left deep cultural scars, and the nation continues to confront prejudice, xenophobia, gender inequality, poverty, and racism.
This internship offers the opportunity to work alongside NGOs and government organisations based in and around Cape Town, home to the South African Parliament, that are dedicated to advancing social justice, equality, and human rights. Interns gain hands-on experience while contributing to initiatives addressing inequality, migration, gender-based violence, and community development. Each placement is individualised, matched to your academic background, professional interests, and experience.
The following organisations are examples of where you may be placed. A clearly written, detailed cover letter and Individualised Placement Statement will enable the team to find a suitable match. Placement with a specific organisation cannot be guaranteed.
Noluthando Sheltered Employment Trust
Provides sheltered employment and skills training for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. Interns engage with human rights in action by supporting programmes that promote dignity, inclusion, and economic empowerment for marginalised groups.
https://www.noluthandoset.org/
Africa Unite
A human rights and youth empowerment NGO based in Cape Town, focused on promoting social cohesion, human rights education, and youth leadership — particularly among marginalised communities and migrants.
Callas Foundation
Uplifts disadvantaged communities through education, health, and social development initiatives, empowering women, children, and families.
https://callasfoundation.org.za/
Just Grace
A non-profit based in Langa Township tackling social justice through education, skills development, and community empowerment, with a focus on poverty, inequality, and youth unemployment.
Mosaic
Focused on preventing and reducing domestic violence and gender-based violence, particularly for women and youth in disadvantaged communities. Mosaic emphasises the links between gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health, including HIV/AIDS.
Job responsibilities will vary depending on placement and may include direct client service provision, research, advocacy, grant-writing, teaching, etc. Please describe in your "Individualized Placement Statement" any specific skills that you would like to learn or apply in your internship.
Students interested in issues of social sustainability may find this internship of interest.
Academic Background
Skills / Experience
Language Requirements
Estimated One-Time Expenses
* Check with your university's Global Opportunities Office for their specific fee.
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.
Blog Posts
Quotes
"Through my work I visited several different townships multiple times — each time learning something new. One experience that stood out took place on Mandela Day, when my department visited two townships to attend community events, including a clean-up of the local town hall that had been badly vandalised. The people cleaning were not the ones who had caused the damage. To me, that said a great deal about the community — their willingness to rebuild what others had broken. I loved seeing the community come together. After my internship, I remain committed to pursuing law school. Learning about South Africa's legal system deepened my interest in how laws shape societies."
—Rose Garber, IE3 intern from University of Oregon
"I have become increasingly flexible in my plans, and this open-mindedness is allowing me to consider career paths and travel opportunities I hadn't considered before. Being around so many people from different backgrounds has made me extremely aware of my own biases as an American — and it is deeply motivating."
—Madison Rasmussen, IE3 intern from University of Oregon
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:
- Psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, social services, business and non-profit administration, accounting, finance, education
- All interns are expected to have an open mind and willingness to work and interact with marginalized populations