Youth Development & Education Internships: Intern abroad in Cape Town, South Africa

Internship details

This is a fantastic teaching internship, where interns can work with students of all ages, in areas where they need the most support. Interns can be placed in primary or secondary schools, helping teachers in classes, or in community centers, organizing and delivering recreational activities.

This is an in-country internship, with accommodation provided. You can explore remote Education & Youth Development internships, if you are looking for an internship program that you can undertake from home.

Youth Development & Education internships in Cape Town are perfect for those looking to gain experience for a career in teaching or education support. You’ll gain skills by supporting experienced local educators and youth workers, and develop deeper understanding of how to manage students of all ages in classrooms and informal environments. There is a diverse range of placements available, which can include schools, as well as community youth centers. Interns are placed depending on their skills and preferences, but the time of year is also taken into consideration, to work around breaks within the academic calendar.

Interns who are placed in schools can expect to participate as teaching assistants. You’ll work closely with local teachers to support lessons, tutor students who need additional support, and help to ensure all students are being appropriately challenged. There is scope to connect with students of all ages and all subjects, including specialist topics such as drama, choir, art, design, history, civics, HIV/AIDS awareness, health, business education and sports.

Interns placed in community youth centers can support extracurricular activities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. These centers provide families and students with information and tools to help them avoid and remove themselves from common poverty traps and provide skills training to help them into employment. This can include carpentry, masonry, tailoring, farming, horticulture, and basic construction techniques that are appropriate to the region.

These rewarding internships provide the opportunity to assist in a wide range of activities, and interns are encouraged to be flexible, open minded, and willing to assist wherever help is needed. This will help you to get the most out of your internship and thrive in the ever-changing world of education.

Interns wanting to teach specific subjects, or students of a particular age, should include details in your application. In all cases, interns should expect that the first week of your experience will focus on settling in and gaining some introductory knowledge, as you will not “hit the ground running”. Rather, you should start with learning about the placement to gain an understanding of what you can build upon, develop, learn, and contribute. Ensure that you ask questions and provide feedback during the introductory period, so that your supervisor understands how you’re progressing. This will help them to better understand important details, such as how quickly you learn, what you find challenging, what you find interesting, etc.

Understand and expect that individual internship experiences vary, as the specific placement that you’re assigned will depend on review of your resume and your current level of studies and experience. Therefore, if you’re at a more introductory level, you should reasonably expect a more introductory internship. Likewise, if you’re interning for a shorter duration, you will have a different experience from someone who is interning for a longer duration. Placement preferences are considered but always subject to availability.

What are the career benefits of interning abroad as a Youth Development & Education Intern?