Join Intern Abroad HQ, the world’s most affordable international internship organization, and invest in your future with a Human Rights Law Internship in South Africa.

Gain valuable experience into human rights law and social advocacy in Cape Town, where unique social issues and discrimination affect a range of communities. Interns observe and assist lawyers and advocates in their day-to-day activities, including research, clerical and case management support, and meeting clients.

Internship placements are spread throughout Cape Town’s main city center and surrounding suburbs. Accommodation is based in the Observatory district (known affectionately as “Obs”). The area is best known as a student neighborhood (most of the students in the area attend the University of Cape Town) and there is great access to cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets that are within walking distance of the accommodation. Interns are accommodated in guest houses or at a hostel, all of which are close together, making it easy to connect with others and share social time.

Eligibility requirement

At least one year of relevant college/university study in a related field, such as law, political science, international development, sociology, African studies, etc.

Language requirements

This internship is conducted in English.

What's Included

This program ranges from 2-24 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.
 
The apartheid regime that ended in the 1990s created deep racial divisions within South Africa. The post-apartheid government is still working hard to protect and uphold universal human rights. Social issues such as xenophobia, racism, gender inequality, prejudice, and poverty are still highly prevalent.

On this Human Rights Law internship, you’ll experience how these issues are handled by the South Africa legal system and gain rare insights into how the legal system manages complaints and disputes.

Human Rights interns are placed with local lawyers in private or public practices, non-profit advocacy groups, refugee centers or government institutions. You’ll be interning alongside experienced local law professionals to understand how they go about their role. Within this context, interns have scope to assist with research, case preparation, client meetings, and the provision of legal advice.

As an intern, you’ll gain a realistic understanding of life as a human rights lawyer and advocate, and build your understanding of the complex applications of human rights law. While there can be days that are busy and challenging, there may also be days where the pace is a little slower and you’ll be able to appreciate the administrative tasks that underpin a successful legal practice. In all cases, interns are expected to maintain high standards and collaborate closely with the leadership team of your placement organization.
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 2 to 24 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.