Ashleigh M. • Sewanee: The University of the South
Ashleigh M. • Sewanee: The University of the South
Tom C. • University of Redlands
Tom C. • University of Redlands
Sarina L. • Grinnell College
Sarina L. • Grinnell College
Emily S. • University of Illinois at Chicago
Emily S. • University of Illinois at Chicago
At a Glance
Housing:
Residence Hall
Credits:
3 or 6 per Summer
Primary Spoken Language(s):
English
Language Prerequisites:
None
Visa Required:
Maybe
Your Internship
An IES internship in Cape Town develops your professional skills, your ability to communicate across cultures, and provides substantive work experience to jump-start your career in today’s competitive job market. You’ll be guaranteed an unpaid summer internship in Cape Town, where you’ll work up to 32 hours a week at a local business or organization.
Personalized Placements
We help you find a placement matching your professional and personal goals.
Academic Seminar
Enroll in a required internship seminar with other IES interns.
Cultural Events and Activities
Join IES Abroad-led trips to Langa Township and the Winelands.
Outdoor Adventures at Your Finger-Tips
Take advantage of South Africa’s beautiful climate and geography.
Summer 2025
Program Dates:
June 02 - August 02
Application Deadline:
Estimated Cost:
$
6,541
Internship Program Advisor
Erin Duffy
Once you’ve applied for an internship, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From field placements to housing and everything in between, I’m here to help you preparefor your internship. Once you’re accepted to your internship, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
Home to 3.7 million residents in its metropolitan area, Cape Town is a fusion of languages, cultures and religions and the economic hub of the Western Cape. Take in the scenic views of mountains and coastline and enjoy the sheer beauty of the city's surroundings. Start your day with coffee and a koeksister (South African pastry) and share a large Gatsby sandwich with a colleague for lunch. An IES internship in Cape Town develops your professional skills, your ability to communicate across cultures, and provides substantive work experience to jump-start your career in today’s competitive job market.
Live in a private residence hall with IES Abroad, South African, and other international students. Students live in a furnished single room with a kitchenette, private bathroom, and a digital safe is provided. Living spaces are shared, and there is a gym on site. Internet access is available. Meals are not included.
An IES Abroad Resident Assistant lives in or by your residence and can serve as a great resource for tips on integrating into the local culture.
Academics
While your priority may be gaining professional experience, we also know how important it is to build community where you can reflect and learn about the work world with other students. That's why--during your semester--we offer placements in a wide range of disciplines, and a supplemental required 3-credit seminar.
Before you go, we work with you to fine-tune your résumé, perfect your cover letter, and hone your communication and interview skills as we prepare you for working in a new cultural environment. You’ll be guaranteed a placement at a local business or organization that fits your professional interests.
To supplement the real-life work experience you'll receive during your internship, you will also participate in a required 3-credit internship seminar. You should work with your current college or university to learn about how this credit will transfer back to your school.
Placement Examples
Charities & Nonprofits
Protect and fight for the rights of asylum-seekers, refugees and immigrants in South Africa.
Marketing
Deliver insights and actionable growth strategies at a full-service market research agency.
Media & Communication
Local TV station using media to promote human rights, social justice, and community development.
Education
Provide safe after-school spaces to youth to support learning and success.
Business
Provide South African tax, company registration, and accounting expertise to companies.
Public Health
Work to stop the spread of disease by feeding, nursing, and providing cleaning services to the community.
Courses
While working in Cape Town, you will enroll in a required 3- or 6-credit academic internship seminar with other IES interns.
Topics include understanding business culture, improving communication, strengthening work attitude and aptitude, resolving conflicts, and navigating issues, challenges, and opportunities so you can succeed on the job in Cape Town and when you return home.
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Even though your adventure starts in Cape Town, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Garden Route
3 Days ($)
Summer
This optional, partially subsidized trip takes place shortly after orientation. Travel along the southern coastline of South Africa, better known as the Garden Route. Explore the Cango Cave system and visit an ostrich farm and an animal sanctuary. Experience...
Internship Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Cape Town Summer - Internship (3 or 6 Credits) Fees
Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
3 Credits
6 Credits
Tuition
$4,341
$4,959
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
$2,065
$2,065
Base (no additional cost)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Health Insurance
$135
$135
Total IES Abroad Program Fee
$6,541
$7,159
+
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,200-1,500
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$50
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$1,250
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$200
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$325
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$1,000
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad. The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Cape Town Center is conveniently located near the University of Cape Town on the slope of the well-hiked Devil’s Peak. Whether you’re attending a guest lecture or studying in the student lounge, the Center is your study abroad hub.
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
At least sophomore standing prior to application; rising junior status at time of program departure. (Students who have completed one year of undergraduate study may apply and will be considered on a case-by-base basis.)
Students must be enrolled in a full-time degree program, or a graduate intending to begin their internship no more than 12 months after their graduation date (solid academic credentials related to studies or experience in desired field of placement required); graduate students enrolled in a full-time degree program may apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Non-U.S. citizens must refer to their local consulate to learn about visa requirements and determine eligibility; IES Internships cannot advise on visa regulations for non-U.S. citizens.
Non-U.S. citizens attending U.S. schools: Native English fluency or test scores demonstrating English proficiency, including IELTS scores of 6.0 or above or TOEFL certificate with a score of 500 or above for paper or 60 or above for internet.
Non-U.S. citizens attending school outside the U.S.: Native English fluency or IELTS score of 6.0 or above, taken within the last two years.
Visit the IELTS website to find a test location near you. IES Abroad reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept students who it believes do not have the necessary English language competency to succeed in an Internship Program, irrespective of the applicant's score on a language proficiency exam.
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
Submit the following in your MyIESabroad account after your Online Application is processed:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad or academic advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization. If you will not be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or will graduate prior to the IES Summer Internship start date, this form is not required.
Academic Credit Acknowledgement Form —This form allows you to select whether you plan to enroll in the internship program for credit. Consult with your advisor on campus to understand your school's requirements for earning credit for your internship.
Cover Letter — This letter should not be addressed to IES Internships. Instead, it should be targeted toward prospective internship hosts in the field in which you would like to work. Your letter will allow potential host organizations to better understand your interest, skills, and background experience.
Placement Interest Form — This form will ask you about your goals and objectives for the internship placement, as well as information about how to best contact you throughout the placement process. Our internship staff will use this as a starting point for matching you with a host employer.
Transcript(s) — Include a transcript for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Curriculum Vitae (Résumé) — This should detail relevant work or volunteer experience. IES Internships will provide assistance, suggestions and advice for your CV if it is submitted by the deadline. Your application is not considered complete until a correctly formatted CV is submitted.
Professional Letter of Reference (Optional) — Submit a letter of reference from a previous employer or supervisor.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
If your cumulative GPA is below 2.5, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Professor Recommendation Letter — Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Internships gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Internships program, and how it fits into your academic career.
Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:
You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends
Visit travel.state.gov to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.
Visa Requirements
On your summer internship program you will not need a visa or permit before you arrive. You will need to bring a few documents to show when you arrive and receive a tourist stamp.
IES Internships guarantees you a placement in your field of choice, as indicated on your internship application. If we are unable to offer you an internship placement in the expressed field of choice at least two weeks before the program start date, despite your participation in the process and satisfaction of all program requirements, then you have the option to receive a refund of the full amount that you paid IES Internships or the chance to transfer to an IES Abroad program of comparable length and value in the same location (subject to satisfying applicable visa requirements and IES Internships’ academic program requirements).
The IES International Internship Waiver will include:
More clear expectations around students’ required “active participation” and responsiveness during the pre-departure and placement process (rather than our previously stated “good faith participation”)
IES’ ability to rescind a student’s admission (no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of a program to avoid uncoverable costs) due to their inactivity/unresponsiveness that jeopardizes the student’s ability to secure a timely internship placement or required visa
And the student’s liability for any other associated costs/losses in the event that a student’s admission is rescinded (e.g. visa fees, airfare, home school fees, etc.
The program fee covers: your tuition, housing, and health insurance, in addition to access to an incomparable amount of predeparture support and resources, direct on-site guidance and assistance while you’re abroad, and networking opportunities and reunions with other alumni once they return from abroad. You can find a breakdown of costs by clicking on the program page they are interested in, clicking on the “cost” tab at the top of the page, and then clicking on the total price.
Full-Time Summer Internship Program students can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline – even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies. Please note, Full-Time Fall and Spring Semester Internship students are not eligible for IES financial aid.
Yes, all of our internship placements are unpaid. In many countries, it is illegal to pay interns without obtaining the proper visa/work authorization. All of our internship students will be enrolled in an internship seminar while abroad, which you can earn credit for based on your home universities polices. We at IES believe our internships help give students the opportunity to build their resumes, earn a higher salary, gain cross cultural skills and intercultural confidence, secure a job faster, get into their grad school of choice, and become a global leader.
We have numerous types of internships in a variety of fields and disciplines. For a list of placement examples, check out our internships by field page. Please keep in mind that while these are past placements, they are not necessarily available every year. Our team works to find students customized internships based on interests, qualifications, and the needs of the internship hosts.
For a step-by-step description of how our internship process works, visit the full-time semester internships page. As soon as you are accepted and confirm your spot on the program, you can begin your placement process! Our internship coordinators will then work with you to secure an internship at least two weeks before the start of your program.
IES Internships guarantees you a placement in your field of choice, as indicated on your internship application. If we are unable to offer you an internship placement in the expressed field of choice at least two weeks before the program start date, despite your participation in the process and satisfaction of all program requirements, then you have the option to receive a refund of the full amount that you paid IES Internships or the chance to transfer to an IES Abroad program of comparable length and value in the same location (subject to satisfying applicable visa requirements and IES Internships’ academic program requirements).
The IES International Internship Waiver will include:
More clear expectations around students’ required “active participation” and responsiveness during the pre-departure and placement process (rather than our previously stated “good faith participation”)
IES’ ability to rescind a student’s admission (no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of a program to avoid uncoverable costs) due to their inactivity/unresponsiveness that jeopardizes the student’s ability to secure a timely internship placement or required visa
And the student’s liability for any other associated costs/losses in the event that a student’s admission is rescinded (e.g. visa fees, airfare, home school fees, etc.
Yes, all of our internship placements are unpaid. In many countries, it is illegal to pay interns without obtaining the proper visa/work authorization. All of our internship students will be enrolled in an internship seminar while abroad, which you can earn credit for based on your home universities polices. We at IES believe our internships help give students the opportunity to build their resumes, earn a higher salary, gain cross cultural skills and intercultural confidence, secure a job faster, get into their grad school of choice, and become a global leader.
The program fee covers: your tuition, housing, and health insurance, in addition to access to an incomparable amount of predeparture support and resources, direct on-site guidance and assistance while you’re abroad, and networking opportunities and reunions with other alumni once they return from abroad. You can find a breakdown of costs by clicking on the program page they are interested in, clicking on the “cost” tab at the top of the page, and then clicking on the total price.
We have numerous types of internships in a variety of fields and disciplines. For a list of placement examples, check out our internships by field page. Please keep in mind that while these are past placements, they are not necessarily available every year. Our team works to find students customized internships based on interests, qualifications, and the needs of the internship hosts.
Full-Time Summer Internship Program students can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline – even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies. Please note, Full-Time Fall and Spring Semester Internship students are not eligible for IES financial aid.
For a step-by-step description of how our internship process works, visit the full-time semester internships page. As soon as you are accepted and confirm your spot on the program, you can begin your placement process! Our internship coordinators will then work with you to secure an internship at least two weeks before the start of your program.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
Here I talk about my experience studying abroad in Ireland and taking advantage of the opportunity to travel to various European countries during reading week...
