Insider Insights: Everything you need to know about interning in Cape Town

What makes Cape Town a great internship destination?

Cape Town is an awesome place for so many reasons! The locals are friendly, helpful and warm. They are very welcoming and it won’t take long to make you feel like you’re home. The pace of life is relaxed yet there is so much to do and explore. You can’t beat living between two oceans, surrounded by mountains.

There is a vibrant internship community in Cape Town which helps interns to live like locals and really feel welcome here. Our local coordinators in Cape Town understand that the greatest take-away interns can receive from their chosen internship program is the transformative experience itself. Our top priority being the exchange of ideas, culture and knowledge, in a secured and safe environment, which allows people to excel in their personal and professional growth - before, during, and after their time in Cape Town.

What kind of internships are available in Cape Town?

Cape Town has something for everyone! Generally, the internships are suitable for interns who are independent, have initiative, are proactive, have a great sense of adventure, and enjoy new challenges. The internship experiences are designed for students and young professionals, or recent graduates. Most participants choose an internship career field that aligns with their goals and interests. The intention of these intern abroad opportunities is to help people gain relevant experience and build crucial soft skills for personal development and enhanced employability. Of course, many of our international interns also benefit from combining their internship with academic requirements or course credit.

Choose from internship opportunities like:

• Event Planning
• Human Rights & NGO Support
• Journalism & Public Relations
• Legal Practice
• Marketing
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Real Estate & Property Management
• Social Work
• Start Up Entrepreneurship
• Tourism & Hospitality
• Youth Development & Education

How does the internship placement process work?

Applicants who are interested in a Cape Town internship need to apply online via Intern Abroad HQ. It’s free to submit an application, as this is considered to be the first formal expression of interest. The application helps us to provide guidance and answer any questions.

Once accepted, applicants will have the choice to confirm their participation and book their much coveted spot to proceed to the next stage, and this will allow us to support the intern with their pre-departure steps.

Our local coordinators in Cape Town might also arrange an online call with the intern in order to gain a better understanding of what their specific requirements are for the internship, as well as to assist with any questions and to gain a better understanding of the intern’s expectations, as well as their professional and personal characteristics.

We take a customized approach to ensure that we can match the intern to a placement (within the internship field that they have already chosen) that best provides an environment relevant to their goals and capabilities. (Preferences are always subject to availability, so some flexibility may be required).

Once the local coordinators have secured a placement for the intern, they will liaise with the intern and their placement to ensure clear communication and expectations. Together with our local coordinators, we work cohesively to provide pre-departure support and prepare thoroughly for the arrival of a new intern to Cape Town.

How are interns in Cape Town supported?

There are three layers of support for you as an intern in Cape Town:

1. The first, is the Program Manager at Intern Abroad HQ. Our Program Managers assist with pre-departure steps, such as ensuring that you have a resume (CV) and cover letter, a valid passport that is not expiring in the next 6 months, mandatory travel insurance, and a criminal background check. You will be provided a Program Guide once you confirm your participation as well and this important document will provide you with all of the necessary information that you will need for your pre-departure Checklist.

2. The local coordinators in Cape Town are your second layer of support and they are responsible for sourcing your placement, accommodation, airport pickup and in-country orientation.

3. Finally, you have your internship supervisor who will be working alongside you in your host organization and this person will be there to guide, support and mentor you in your daily tasks during your internship.

When is the best time to intern in Cape Town?

Internships in Cape Town are available year-round and you can choose your dates! Over the course of the year in Cape Town, the temperature typically varies from 48°F (9°C) to 76°F (24°C). It is rarely colder than 41°F (5°C) or hotter than 84°F (28°C).

The summers (December through February) are warm, dry and very pleasant and it’s a great time to grab a cup of coffee with friends al fresco, enjoy a relaxing stroll and take long walks at the beach.

The winters in Cape Town are from June through August, so do pack extra warm clothing if you’re doing an internship during this period.

The ocean temperature around Cape Town is pretty cool year-round. In the peak of summer, the temperature is not usually any warmer than 66°F (19°C).

What is the accommodation like for interns in Cape Town?

All interns in Cape Town are accommodated within shared lodging, making it easy to connect with fellow program participants. Interns can expect to share a room with another intern (of the same gender). Private rooms are available though, and these can be requested and booked, with advance notice. Bathrooms are also shared with a hot water shower and western toilets. WiFi is available and is also accessible at nearby cafes and restaurants. All accommodation provides cooking facilities.

How do interns get around Cape Town?

Transportation is not provided for in-country commutes between the accommodation and internship placements, so all interns must budget for this independently. The maximum travel time is typically no more than 60 minutes each way (depending on traffic congestion in the city). In all cases, internship placements will be assigned in consideration of commute logistics and opportunities to ride-share with other interns, where possible.

For convenience and safety, local coordinators can arrange a dedicated shuttle service for ongoing placement commutes (Monday through Friday). The cost for this service ranges from approx. US$200 - US$300 a month, per person (the cost can depend on the location of your placement). This is something that interns can always discuss and plan with us in advance - we’re happy to help!

Alternatively, interns can of course use other rideshare apps - use of these are popular during weekends and free time.

What is the food like?

The Program Fees for internships in Cape Town cover accommodation but not meals. However, it is extremely affordable to eat out or cook in the kitchen of your accommodation as there is a fridge, hob and a microwave available for your use. Interns who prefer to cook can buy groceries from the supermarket and cook them at the accommodation kitchen.

If you prefer dining out, there are a wide variety of options available, catering to different budgets and tastes. From delicious cafe fare to fast food joints, casual local restaurants to mid-range dining options, and even high-end luxury restaurants - there is something to suit every palate and budget.

The cost of food and dining in Cape Town can vary widely depending on where you choose to dine. You should aim to budget approximately US$100 per week for food. If you like to go out frequently (rather than going to the supermarket to prepare some of your own meals), then you need to budget up to US$150 per week, at least (this budget can vary depending on personal spending habits so please take this into consideration and plan accordingly). Note that, when you go to a restaurant, there is a cultural expectation to tip at least 10-15%. You will notice that the tip is included in the total at some restaurants.

How much money do I need to budget for an internship in Cape Town?

The cost of your internship Program Fee varies, depending on how long you want to do the internship program for (this is because it includes your accommodation). It also covers your airport pick-up, orientation, internship placement, and other support services. You will need to budget for other costs such as meals, public transportation, weekend travel, shopping, personal expenses, travel insurance, and return transportation to the airport.

Depending on your spending habits and lifestyle choices, personal budgets can vary enormously. The city is very active and there is a lot to see and do. Depending on what part of the city you are in, the cost of goods is very comparable to what you might pay in other countries. There are lots of markets though, where you can sometimes do quite affordable shopping (food, arts, crafts, fresh produce, home-made goods, clothes, etc).

An approximate budget of US$400- $500 per month could suffice for meals, cell-phone data top ups, and public transportation. However, if you choose to do tourist activities along the way - depending on what kind of activities you choose to do - then your budget could easily go up. If you want to do more expensive activities, such as cage diving with sharks, or take a safari tour (that’s further afield), then you will need to budget more money. It’s wise to research tourism activities in advance to get an idea of what you’d like to do and how much you need to earmark for this.

How can I spend my weekends and free time in Cape Town?

There is so much to see and do! For examples, see Free-Time Experiences & Tours In South Africa

Nature lovers can do hikes at Table Mountain, explore beaches, see the cute African penguins in Boulders Beach at Simons Town, enjoy a scenic drive to watch the stunning sunset at Chapman’s Peak or visit the Cape of Good Hope at Table Mountain National Park. The Cape of Good Hope is where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, so it’s worth taking a trip to this significant geographical spot. If you love long leisurely walks or jogging along the beach, check out Sea Point Promenade too.

A simple Saturday can start with a sunrise hike on Lion’s Head mountain. After that, you could head to Muizenberg for an afternoon surf, and then wind down the day by visiting a vineyard on the slopes of the Durbanville hills.

History lovers must visit Robben Island (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to learn more about its history - this was where Nelson Mandela served 18 of his 27 years behind bars, before becoming the President of South Africa. Don’t forget to also visit the District Six Museum and the colorful houses at the Bo Kaap District (a National Heritage site). You can also take a free tour of parliament to learn about South Africa’s recent political history and how the country’s parliamentary system operates.

There are many interesting and unique shops at the Victoria & Albert Waterfront with cafes, bars, restaurants and retail shops in fashion, arts & crafts, beauty, handicrafts, souvenirs and more! The Old Biscuit Mill is a must-go destination for night-markets, festivals, food and shopping.

Is it safe to intern abroad in Cape Town?

Yes, just like any city in the world, it’s possible to have a safe and enjoyable experience. I was in Cape Town and wider South Africa on my own and I never felt unsafe, as I followed the safety tips and guidance closely offered by the local coordinators.

The Program Fees include airport pick-up, so you can be assured that you won’t have to hop into a strange taxi on your own after a long flight. Orientation is also included in the Program Fees and the local coordinators in Cape Town will conduct an orientation when you are in-country: there will be an orientation at your accommodation on Day One and at your placement host organization. This time provides a great opportunity to settle in, ask questions, and meet other interns. The focus on your first day is to settle in and receive general safety and accommodation details.

On Day Two,the orientation will focus on a safety recap, introduction to your internship, and a city tour. It is important that your coordinator shows you your travel route into the internship placement initially, so that you can familiarize yourself with the route to take (so you can organize yourself, gain your independence and submerge into the local culture).

Cape Town is an exciting city to be in as it has a lot to offer but very much like home, so long as you practice common sense (like not leaving your belongings on the table when you order your food at a fast food restaurant, being mindful of your surroundings, not walking alone at night, not withdrawing money from a deserted ATM, not wearing flashy jewellery or branded goods, not being intoxicated around strangers, etc), you will minimise any probability of an occurrence of crime.

Of course, there is nowhere on earth when it is 100% crime-free and this also applies to Cape Town, as it has the dynamics of any major city. However, with some common sense, personal responsibility and mindfulness, many negative experiences can easily be mitigated.

Finally, what are your top tips and recommendations?

We encourage people to intern abroad with an open mind and willingness to try. Do some prior research to understand the local cultural norms and communication styles. Immerse yourself in the local culture to get the best out of it.

South Africans place a strong emphasis on relationships and family, so they value humility, loyalty, civic mindedness, respect and relationship building. They also place high emphasis on hard work, punctuality and appreciate a good sense of humor.

Starting an internship in a culturally diverse setting can sometimes be overwhelming and a bit stressful but it can also be transformative and enriching. Approach every interaction with an open mind and respect with a non-judgmental attitude.

Before you leave your home country, take some time to research and understand the local cultural norms, communication styles, and professional conduct in a work environment. When you start your internship, be adaptable and flexible, and get ready to adjust your behavior and expectations.

Invest in building strong relationships by showing genuine interest in your colleagues and supervisor, so do take some time to socialize with your fellow interns and colleagues.

It’s normal to find things stressful at the beginning as you’re still adapting to a new lifestyle, so please don’t hesitate to ask your supervisor for feedback, communicate with them and also reach out to the Cape Town coordinators as they are also there to support you. Show plenty of enthusiasm and maintain a high level of professionalism - if you follow these tips, you will find your internship experience in Cape Town will be an enriching one where you will get to develop and grow your personal and professional skills.

13. When should I start planning an internship in Cape Town?

Intern Abroad HQ offers internships in Cape Town year-round and start dates are available every Monday. Like any good adventure, proper planning is needed and Intern Abroad HQ, alongside myself, are here to help with that. We think that it’s wise to give yourself a window of about 3 months. While it’s possible to plan an internship program within a shorter period of time, the more time you give yourself, the more time you allow for everything to be arranged as smoothly as possible. Plus, booking flights in advance can work out to be cheaper as well.

1. Apply online first. The application process is non-obligatory and free.

2. After applying, you’ll receive more details on how to confirm your internship placement.

3. To confirm, you’ll register online after your application has been accepted. This means taking care of the US$499 deposit, which enables us to provide services and pre-departure support. Affordable internship fees can be reviewed online.

4. Once you’re registered, the adventure begins!