More photos from this internship can be found here.
Experience the art of winemaking in Cape Town, a region celebrated for its world-class vineyards and breathtaking landscapes. This internship offers hands-on exposure to the wine industry, where tradition meets innovation.
Interns are placed at a growing winery outside of Cape Town, with opportunities tailored to their interests and experience. Roles may focus on business and marketing or on winery operations and production. Each placement provides valuable professional experience at a reputable organisation in one of South Africa’s most iconic industries.
The Cape’s wine-growing areas enjoy a Mediterranean climate, with long, sun-drenched summers and mild, wet winters, ideal conditions for viticulture. The South African wine industry has grown significantly since the end of apartheid, with exports growing by 335% between 1995 and 2007.
Marketing & Business Administration
As a marketing and business administration intern, you will be involved in marketing the wine label and participating in the behind-the-scenes administrative processes that keep a wine estate operational. Wineries occasionally host special events, and interns are expected to participate. This internship offers a thorough understanding of the workings of a South African wine estate and the art of marketing a wine label. Applicants should enjoy working as part of a team, not hesitate to get their hands dirty, and have an appreciation for wine.
Viticulture
The viticulture placement is for applicants interested in winemaking. As a viticulture intern, you will participate in the grape harvest and experience the winemaking process from vine to bottle. Because the harvest season runs from January to April, this is a seasonal placement.
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.
"Outside the work culture, the biggest benefit of my internship at Constantia Uitsig was the people. My project was mine and mine alone — I was expected to figure it out independently, which was at times difficult but ultimately rewarding. The final product is shaped by my own intellect and creativity, and something I will be able to proudly bring with me into the working world."
"I would recommend to future students: go in with an open mind and an open heart. Let the culture and people challenge your assumptions and build a true understanding. Accept who you are, and use your skills and talents to shape the experience."
—Kelsey Ivey, IE3 intern from University of Oregon
"I'm in the back of a pickup, driving at breakneck speeds around winding country roads. What did I get myself into? This was my first trip to Constantia Glen. But finally we made it, and there it was — this winery I had been imagining, but the pictures didn't even come close to capturing how perfect it was. Before I knew it, I was seating guests, opening bottles, and — most importantly — tasting wine. It was the kind of craziness I needed to jumpstart my passion."
"To anyone looking to experience the world outside of the States: I would suggest Cape Town, or South Africa in general. It is and always will be one of the most amazing things I chose to do with my life."
—Jessica Atherton, IE3 intern from University of Oregon
"At Constantia Glen I wear many different hats every day — marketing intern, tasting room host, and the CEO's trusted assistant. I learned more about myself in three months than I had imagined possible. It gave me a fresh perspective on what really appeals to me career-wise. Professionally, I learned a great deal about the wine industry and domestic sales, and I gained experience working closely with senior management."
—Emily Fullmer, IE3 intern from University of Washington
"I gained a lot of lifelong skills during my ten-week internship at Constantia Glen — wine knowledge, marketing and advertising skills, cross-cultural competence, and improved communication. All of these helped me grow in confidence when engaging with customers. My co-workers were knowledgeable and came from all over the world. I also helped with some accounting work, keeping track of sales and ensuring balance sheets were accurate."
—Tyler Moffett, IE3 intern from University of Oregon
This internship is offered in conjunction with Volunteer Adventure Corps of Cape Town, South Africa.
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:
- Agricultural sciences, business, marketing, food sciences, viticulture
- An ability to improvise and get your hands dirty
- Previous experience with marketing and/or wine making, preferred