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

Gain practical insights and experience in social work within townships around Cape Town. Intern with well-established and high profile non-profit organizations in various sectors, assisting with the challenging and demanding role of helping the most disadvantaged members of the South African community with a range of social issues.

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

Participants must have a minimum of one year in further education (college/university) in a relevant field, such as education, health sciences, psychology, social work, 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.
 
For those wanting to gain experience and insight into helping underprivileged communities, completing a Social Work internship in Cape Town is a hugely valuable learning experience. You’ll be assisting people who live with very little, gaining an understanding of how their situations affect their daily lives and how best to help them.

Social Work interns are placed with non-profits that work within disadvantaged communities focusing on issues such as childcare, at risk youth, poverty, conflict resolution, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, refugees, and gender issues. You’ll be assisting local professionals on a wide range of tasks, including delivering individual and group assistance, providing food, water and health products, organizing fundraisers and awareness campaigns and assisting people with disputes.

Due to the broad scope of the program, interns are matched to an appropriate placement according to an analysis of your skills, experience, educational background, and duration of stay. Interns wanting to gain experience in a particular field should include details in your application. Requests are accommodated wherever possible, though are subject to availability.

Interns should come prepared to encounter the reality of what it means to be disadvantaged in South Africa. Many communities live in poverty, and this can be confronting for interns. You should be open-minded and willing to help, with the understanding that your role can make a huge difference to the lives of locals, and that the lessons you’ll learn will help to set you up for a rewarding career in social work.
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.