South Africa Internships

Through this internship experience, I discovered the value of adaptability and openness in building connections. By me stepping out of my comfort zone and actively participating in discussions, I was able to foster an inclusive environment. I learned to appreciate the nuances of people’s culture and share my own experiences, which led to more meaningful interactions. This approach transformed my internship into an opportunity for growth, allowing me to form friendships that transcended language barriers and deepened my understanding of global perspectives. This experience reinforced the importance of empathy and communication in overcoming challenges in diverse settings.

The Physical Therapy internship in Cape Town helped me gain experience for my career field which will help set me apart in applications. I got to build my resume while traveling. I met so many amazing people from all over the world. I not only improved my resume but I learned so much about myself individually on this internship.

My current internship role at my host organization played a crucial part in achieving my long-term career goals in international development and social change. As a student in International Studies, I aim to work in roles that address global challenges through effective, culturally sensitive strategies. This internship helped me build the foundation for this career path in several meaningful ways. One of the key skills I've developed is the ability to understand and implement local solutions for local problems. My tasks emphasized the importance of community-driven approaches rather than imposing external ideas. I’ve learned that real impact comes from supporting and enhancing local initiatives rather than directing from the outside. This perspective is essential for a career in international development, where successful projects often depend on adapting solutions to fit the specific needs and contexts of the communities being served. I also developed skills in cross-cultural communication, which are vital for any international development role. Interning in Cape Town showed me how to navigate diverse perspectives and collaborate with individuals from different backgrounds, enhancing my ability to work in global contexts. Finally, I also learned how to design and implement community outreach programs. By participating in and observing these initiatives, I’ve gained practical experience in creating effective awareness campaigns and measuring their impact—skills that are directly applicable to roles in international development.

My GIS & Reserve Management internship at the Gondwana Game Reserve was amazing! I got to see everything I wanted to, learned a great deal and was given all the support I needed. I saw a lot of animals and met many wonderful people. It was the best month of my life!

My time at the Gondwana Game Reserve went above and beyond any expectations I had. The past four weeks were of incredible growth, both professionally and personally. This internship was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I am beyond grateful for. It was hard to choose only one thing, but the internship provided me with immense personal and professional growth in ways I could have not imagined. I gained so much data-collection experience, from game transects, the bird point counts, helped with the Elephant Reintegration Trust program, learned about the incredible local flora and fauna, and forged lasting connections and friendships I intend to keep nurturing in the coming years. It was also incredibly rewarding at the end to be able to successfully complete my personal GIS research project on Cape Mountain Zebra. I enormously appreciated how all the lectures and teachable moments turned into new knowledge and perceptions of the incredible habitats in South Africa that I did not have before. All the staff and peers I met along the way made this beautiful experience one that I will always remember and that it was very hard to say goodbye to. I am beyond grateful for all the staff that supported us with such dedication along our journey.

The internship exceeded my expectations. Everyone at camp was so kind, friendly and made it a very easy transition. The diving was more incredible than I could have ever imagined and this was my favorite part of the program. I had never dove before and I was blown away by the reef and fish.