Your mere presence in our city will change your world, our world and the world of our partner projects. Come lose your heart in Africa, find your soul & make friends for a life time!

  • Our projects NEED your time,
  • Come share & exchange skills.
  • Our people will embrace you…
  • Be challenged by the contrasts and awestruck by its natural beauty
  • You will fall in love with our city and its people

We plan enjoyable experiences through meaningful connections with local people and a greater understanding of local, cultural, social and environmental issues. You will encounter inspiring examples of impoverished communities doing amazing things i.e. growing veggies, turning waste and recyclable materials into recyclable art. Cape Town is truly a tale of two cities…shacks and chic; stunning locations ranging from beaches, mountain tops, mountains and game farms, enjoy the multicultural cuisine of the Cape and it’s …great weather which extends to 39 weekends as opposed to the UK 13.

 

Why are volunteers, interns needed?

Boasting abundant natural resources and excellent infrastructure, South Africa bears all the hallmarks of a highly developed country. However, considerable economic and social problems remain from the apartheid era and unemployment figures are high.

Extreme poverty in rural areas drives people to the cities in search of employment. Fifty seven percent of the population now lives in overcrowded urban areas and one third lives on less than US$2 a day. Despite proactive government policies, almost 10 million South Africans live in poverty housing in vast informal settlements known as townships. Occupants of townships often live without adequate services in overcrowded shacks pieced together with cardboard, corrugated iron and scrap wood. 

Twenty percent of South Africa’s population is infected with HIV/AIDS. South Africa has many AIDS orphans and vulnerable children, many of whom are living in appalling conditions. So many challenges, despite all the good policies, we can’t do this on our own…we could do with more helping hearts, hands, wallets. Please come help us build a better world for all.

 

Who can volunteer?

Any individual who agrees with the UN declaration that “We the people” have the power to change the world:

  • Gap “lifers” - any age
  • Families - age appropriate projects found for young children
  • Small groups
  • Corporate

 

Projects

Projects carefully matched to your skills, interests and local non profits projects needs.

The range of options include:

  • Community projects: e.g. Working with Youth clubs, women’s groups, building homes, orphans
  • Health sector: HIV related projects a range of skills needed
  • School based projects: primary & high schools – viz. as teacher aids, remedial classes for reading, extra maths, extra English, science lessons etc.
  • Extra mural clubs: arts & sports, leadership and life skills related activities
  • Animals: animal welfare organizations serving impoverished communities
  • Guide Dog: administration, office based work, fundraising, dog training etc
  • African penguins: cleaning and feeding oil covered penguin- due to sea pollution
  • Rural: farming community projects , agricultural skills, also urban agriculture as poverty alleviation and job creation
  • Media: community TV, journalism, marketing
  • Conservation projects: vegetation and endangered animals e.g. African penguins – due to oil spills
  • Landscaping: horticultural, architectural
  • Craft sector: skills, product development, marketing capacity building

 

Internships

Put your theoretical knowledge into practice. You can either help a small budding African entrepreneur to make his business work and profitable, thus creating more jobs and alleviating poverty. Or having studied you can get practical skills in your chosen profession. Most internships in Africa are un-paid (in this way you are not taking a job from a local), but the work is rewarding, challenging and empowering locals.

Some of the above options as well as:

  • Legal: community based law clinics, advocacy etc
  • Coaching / Mentors to: small, medium and micro enterprises: business skills, enterprise development

 

FAQ

How long are Intern Abroad programs?
We can arrange internships of any duration and the length of your stay is entirely up to you. Most internships range from two months to six months with an average duration of three months. Please discuss your needs we will be willing to find an appropriate project for the outcomes you intend.

Can I get paid for my internship?
We arrange unpaid experiential learning opportunities for students and professionals looking to gain valuable work experience in Cape Town. Unfortunately, the laws in South Africa prohibit non-residents from receiving any income during their stay without a valid work permit.

Can I earn academic credit for the Intern Abroad program?
Absolutely. If your university or college offers an independent study or internship course, then you can often earn up to 4 credits for your international internship experience. Please let us know your requirements.