Join Intern Abroad HQ, the world’s most affordable international internship organization, and invest in your future with a GIS Specialization for Environmental Conservation Internship in South Africa.

Based at the Gondwana Game Reserve, a leading conservation reserve in central South Africa, on this program interns will learn how to use GIS software, collect GIS data on the ground, and apply data and skills to solve real-world African conservation issues. Develop essential transferable skills with leading open-source software QGIS.

Accommodation is provided on-site at Gondwana Game Reserve, which is an established research camp. Interns are accommodated in shared safari tents (two people per tent) on raised platforms. Each tent is equipped with beds, an overhead light, bedside tables and lamps, cupboards and USB charging stations. Bathroom tents, each equipped with a gas hot-water shower, toilet and basin are located on site. Each bathroom unit will be shared by between two to four people.

Eligibility requirement

Intermediate level of English, experience with computers, standard software and common functionalities. High School graduates aged 18+ are welcome to apply, provided that you have a genuine desire to learn and grow within this field.

Language requirements

This internship is conducted in English.

What's Included

This program ranges from 4-12 weeks. Your fully-hosted experience includes sourcing of your internship placement, personalization of your project plan, airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 support. For a full list of our transparent fees, check out our website.
 
Once you have arrived at the Gondwana Game Reserve, you will assist with field studies to gain data collection experience. Data collection activities may be related to biodiversity surveys, game transects, vegetation surveys, bird-point counts, camera trap servicing, and various other common conservation issues in Africa.

Your primary focus as an intern will be on completing the first ten modules of the official QGIS training manual (provided to you, once you have confirmed your participation). This is done at your own pace, in between optional field session activities. The modules within the QGIS training manual are accompanied by follow-along lessons using tutorial data.

Your supervisor during the internship in South Africa will provide support, but the onus is on you as an intern to find your own solutions, as this really is the best way to learn GIS! In addition to regular field work activities, interns are also required to collect your own spatial attribute data on surveys.

You’ll combine your own field data with spatial data held at the reserve to answer important conservation questions and complete a project. This provides useful data for the conservation program, while also providing you with real-world fieldwork research experience.

Interns submit solutions to their supervisor at the conclusion of their internship, for review and feedback. This activity also earns you a relevant certificate of completion, outlining the skills you’ve learned, the types of data you’ve manipulated, and the experience you’ve gained.
 
Intern Abroad HQ's South Africa programs are available year-round, with the Monday start date of your choice.

Intern Abroad HQ provides the most affordable and top-rated programs. Detailed pricing available for your duration on our website.

We match you with innovative and entrepreneurial host organizations around the world that give you the opportunity to make a real contribution on high-impact projects with the support of travel experts with an outstanding safety system and track record.

Gain valuable international career experience that will boost your employability in a volatile job market.

Our experiential learning approach provides a structured and guided platform for you to think critically about your experiences on your internship. It accelerates and deepens your learning by asking self-reflective questions around the contexts, actions, and outcomes of your placement.

Academic credit available for all experiences with 45 hours or more through our School of Record with University of Montana that you can apply towards your degree at your home institution.

Flexible booking and free changes so you can register with confidence.

• Select your start date & duration: All Intern Abroad HQ programs are available year-round and you can choose to intern for durations on this program ranging from 4 to 12 weeks.
• Complete your registration: After you have been accepted on your chosen program, you can secure your place by paying the Deposit.
• Pay your Balance: This is only due 60 days before your program starts.

Need to make changes to your booking? You can make free unlimited changes to your destination, project and dates up until 60 days before you start.