a Entrepreneurship, Business, and Technology Internships in South Africa | IE3 Global
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Entrepreneurship, Business, and Technology Internships in South Africa | Cape Town, South Africa

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.

Duration of Internship:

  • 10 – 12 weeks

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.

Academic Background

  • Interns with a background and experience within their chosen industry are strongly preferred. The quantity and variety of possible placements corresponds with the applicant’s depth of knowledge and demonstrated willingness to practice and learn new skills. Additional requirements may apply and depend on your host site and preferred internship duties.

Skills

  • Interns are expected to demonstrate responsibility, professional motivation, flexibility, and effective communication skills. Interns should have relevant coursework or professional experience (paid, intern, or volunteer) in the chosen industry when possible.

Language Requirements 

  • For all internships, English is the language of communication. Interns must be capable of communication at a near-native level in professional settings.

Estimated One-Time Expenses

  • IE3 Program Fee: $3,450
  • Host Site Fees:  $2,475
  • Housing: $21/day plus one-time fees (ex. $1,970 for 10 weeks).
  • International Travel: $2,000
  • Recommended Immunizations: $400 (dependent on immunization history)

Estimated Monthly Expenses

  • Food: $520
  • Local Transportation: $315
  • Utilities, Phone, Internet: $75

The Host Site Fee Includes:

  • Personalized placement
  • Airport pick-up/drop off
  • In-country orientation and tour of Cape Town
  • 24/7 Emergency Support
  • Weekly organized social and cultural activities

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

Terms

Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer

Application Deadline

Fall: April 15
Winter: September 15
Spring: November 15
Summer:

  • Priority Deadline - January 15
  • Standard Deadline - February 15
  • Basic Requirements

    - Open to all majors; relevant experience in chosen industry preferred (coursework, volunteer work, and professional work experience)
    - Sense of professionalism and strong work ethic