Cape Town, South Africa

Summer - Internship

Full-Time Internship
Length:
Summer

At a Glance

Program Dates:

  • Summer 2025: June 02 - August 02

Credits:

3 or 6 per Summer

Estimated Cost:

$6,541

Visa Required:

Maybe

Housing:

Residence Hall

Primary Spoken Language(s):

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

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. 

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Personalized Placements

We help you find a placement matching your professional and personal goals.

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Academic Seminar

Enroll in a required internship seminar with other IES interns.

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Cultural Events and Activities

Join IES Abroad-led trips to Langa Township and the Winelands.

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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 headshot

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 prepare for 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!

📱 800.995.2300  ✉️ internships@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

a nighttime aerial view of Cape Town and its mountains

Why Cape Town?

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.

Learn More About Cape Town

Get to Know Your New City

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Explore the Unique Cape Floral Kingdom

Cape Town is biodiverse hotspot made up of mountains, wilderness, and more.

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Enjoy a Mix of Cultures

Immerse yourself in a multicultural landscape with 11 official languages.

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Experience a Society in Transition

30 years past apartheid, South Africa is a developing nation in transition.

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Learn More About Sustainability

Cape Town is home to innovative approaches to sustainability.

The Student Experience

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Program Dates

Summer 2025

Program Dates:

June 02 - August 02

Application Deadline:

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

a student plays rock, paper, scissors with children in Cape Town

Charities & Nonprofits

Protect and fight for the rights of asylum-seekers, refugees and immigrants in South Africa.

Two students sit outside at a table on their college campus working from a laptop.

Marketing

Deliver insights and actionable growth strategies at a full-service market research agency.

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Media & Communication

Local TV station using media to promote human rights, social justice, and community development.

student teaching on a summer internship program

Education

Provide safe after-school spaces to youth to support learning and success.

a business student walking in Milan

Business

Provide South African tax, company registration, and accounting expertise to companies.

health students in santiago

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.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (1)

Internship Seminar (2)

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age
  • In good standing at your home school
  • 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.

About the IES Abroad Center

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.  

 

Housing

A clean bedroom featuring a twin-sized bed, a desk, and shelving with bright blue backings.
  • Residence Hall

Residence Hall

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. 

Field Trips

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. 

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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.

Summer 2025

Tuition
$
4,341
Housing
$
2,065
Insurance
$
135
Total
$
6,541

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

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.

Learn More
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Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Cape Town
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Cape Town. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Three-Day Trip
Orientation continues with an optional trip along the Garden Route, where you explore cave systems, visit beautiful beaches, and experience the South African landscape.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore Cape Town before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
On-Site Staff Support
Our experienced, trained, and dedicated local staff are on-site throughout your entire program to ensure you have the support you need during your abroad adventure.

Health & Safety

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

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

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.

Learn More
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Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

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.

Contact an Ambassador
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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

Apply Now
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