More photos from this internship can be found here.
Launch your creative career in Cape Town, one of the world’s most inspiring and dynamic cities, and South Africa’s recognised hub for advertising, marketing, and public relations. Cape Town is home to a diverse mix of international agencies, boutique firms, and rapidly growing digital companies, making it an ideal environment for marketing and communications professionals.
This internship offers the chance to gain hands-on, internationally recognised experience across a range of industries, including digital marketing, tourism, events, and branding — while working alongside innovative organisations in one of Africa’s most exciting cities.
Cape Town's unique blend of cultures, industries, and global influence creates an exceptional environment for anyone pursuing a career in marketing or communications. Interns are individually placed with a company that aligns with their specific area of interest, whether that's creative strategy, copywriting, social media, or graphic design.
The overall internship experience will provide direct access to the South African advertising industry, along with invaluable international experience that strengthens any professional portfolio.
As a marketing and advertising intern, you will gain hands-on experience contributing to real-world campaigns and projects. Your responsibilities will vary based on your placement but may include involvement in content creation, campaign development, branding, digital marketing, and client engagement.
During your internship, you will gain firsthand insight into how successful campaigns are conceived, executed, and managed in South Africa. Each project will be shaped by the needs of different clients, and you will be challenged to adapt your creative approach accordingly. While assignments will reflect your strengths, many host companies also encourage interns to explore different aspects of the process — from client prospecting and brainstorming to design implementation.
Beyond the creative side, you will gain exposure to the business realities of the industry, including client meetings and project development. This experience will sharpen your professional skills, expand your knowledge base, and connect you with a dynamic network of young professionals in South Africa.
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.
IE3 Alum Presents South Africa Photography Exhibit
Kayla — IE3 intern from Southern Oregon University alumna — interned with Big Issue Magazine in Cape Town (January 2010). View her work: https://ie3global.org/documents/internships/field-notes/photography-exhibit.pdf
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:
- Graphic design skills are preferred but not required
- Must demonstrate skills directly relating to the internship role desired.
- Candidates should be familiar with the latest graphic design software and should also have an understanding of traditional ad campaign structures.