IE3 Global collaborates with VACorps to provide high-quality, personalized internship opportunities for students in a range of professional disciplines in Cape Town, South Africa. Options may be available in private enterprise, public organizations, and not-for-profits. Through personal contact and hands-on student engagement, VACorps matches students with an organization where they can learn and make a valuable contribution.
VACorps matches students with internships based on industry interest, professional and academic experience, and regional preference. VACorps has professional opportunities business and technology in South Africa.
The following organizations are examples of the organizations you may be placed with through this internship, however, there are many other options as well. All internship sites offer good learning opportunities. If a particular organization interests you, feel free to mention this in your application, but please note that placement with a certain company cannot be guaranteed. Placement decisions are based on the skills and interest of the intern, the needs of the worksite, and position availability.
Cape Town has a rich tech-start-up culture, and boasts a large number of start-ups in e-commerce, insure-tech, retail-tech, digital connectivity, enabling technologies, capital markets, data and behavioral analytics, blockchain and many more. We typically facilitate placements with companies that aim to leverage technology as a means of alleviating poverty, empowering young entrepreneurs, and paving the way to a new generation of previously disadvantaged, middle-class South Africans.
These include, but are not limited to:
Fin-Tech Internships in Cape Town
Many people living in Africa do not have access to traditional banks and bank accounts, which makes the Fin-Tech industry on the continent particularly relevant and important. Many South African Fin-Tech companies are expanding into the rest of Africa and are revolutionizing the financial services landscape. These companies increase financial inclusivity by helping the unbanked gain access to financial services at much lower rates than traditional brick and mortar institutions. Whether you are a finance/business major or are studying computer science, a Fin-Tech internship in Cape Town will give you relevant hands-on experience in a culturally different market space that is rapidly changing and expanding.
Software Development Internships in Cape Town
VACorps works with many non-profit, start-ups and more established tech companies within the civic-tech, fin-tech, insure-tech, retail-tech, and social-tech industries. You will gain the opportunity to build upon your existing software development skills in a culturally unique business environment. Having a firm grasp of Python, C, C++, JavaScript and Java will really make your application standout.
Tech Start-Up Internships in Cape Town
Cape Town has a rich tech-start-up culture, and boasts a large number of start-ups in e-commerce, insure-tech, retail-tech, digital connectivity, enabling technologies, capital markets, data and behavioral analytics, blockchain and many more.
Estimated One-Time Expenses
Estimated Monthly Expenses
The Host Site Fee Includes:
Interns will be accommodated in private student-oriented housing in the Observatory neighborhood. Interns will have a fully-furnished private room, and shared common areas: living room, bathroom, kitchen and laundry facilities. Houses have 24-hour security. A housekeeper comes at least 2 times a week.
Interns pay a $100 cleaning fee and a $250 refundable housing deposit, directly to the housing company. The $250 deposit will be refunded, if no damage is done to the house.
House Wifi: Interns pay $20.00 per month for wireless internet connection on 2 devices. Internet may not be as reliable or fast as in the U.S.
Other Costs: Other utilities costs are split amongst the housemates.
I gained a great deal of meaningful professional experience, but the most important thing that I took away from my trip was the relationships that I formed while I was there. I loved the food, the mountains, the beaches, the animals, and the forests, but the people are what I loved the most. It is great to know that I can go half way across the world to a country where I don’t know anyone and end up making so many great friendships.”
-Ross Druckrey, University of Oregon
My personal growth, while harder to quantify, has been just as astonishing. I always wondered if I could manage in a different culture and I know now that I can. I've also gained a wealth of experiences I can look back on when life gets boring and say, "Wow, I did those things." …the number one thing I've achieved personally is confidence. Confidence in both my work and myself, which will prove priceless in the years following my graduation in the real world trying, when trying to land a job and forge a life for myself.”
-Alex Hoelscher, University of Montana
Summer: January 25
Fall: April 15
Winter: September 1
Spring: November 15
- Open to all majors; relevant experience in chosen industry preferred (coursework, volunteer work, and professional work experience)
- Sense of professionalism and strong work ethic