Social Work Internship in South Africa

What is the Social Work Internship in South Africa all about?

The Social Work Internship in South Africa takes place in different social work settings in a local community township. The underdeveloped township faces many challenges such as extreme rates of unemployment, poverty and food scarcity. Some of the work settings include children’s home, clinics, NGOs, Women’s health clinics for victims of abuse, homes for chronically ill children and welfare projects.

All projects are dealing with individuals that are suffering from their past, and all aim to nurse the patients back to good mental and physical health.

As a social worker intern, you will shadow and learn from the professional social work team. Much of the work will be determined by the needs of the project at the time of your placement, as well as measuring and identifying key activities that contribute to the patients’ development needs.

Why choose this Social Work Internship placement?

• Work alongside South African professional social workers and gain practical experience and insight that can support your future career.
• Be exposed to social issues that affect patients’ welfare in an African context, including drugs, alcohol abuse, health issue of HIV and TB, as well as teenage pregnancy
• Understand the process of psychological healing and the support required behind the scenes to ensure the individuals’ safety and development.

Role of the Social Worker Intern

During your social work internship in South Africa, you will get the chance to assist South African social professionals with patients assessments, group therapy, home evaluations, support service for those with HIV/AIDS and victims of abuse, charting patient write-ups, amongst other things. You will observe the setup of individuals’ development plans in the care of the current staff and social workers. Also, as a social worker intern, you will be able to observe during meetings with the caregivers, doctors and possible family members. Finally, you may also be asked to present your findings, ideas, suggestions and research to the local team. Overall, you will provide an extra pair of hands for the social workers, reducing their workload and making their jobs more effective.

What skills do I need to be a Social Worker Intern in South Africa?

In order to participate in the social work internship in South Africa, you will be asked to go through an interview process to determine your eligibility. Experience in social sciences is a plus, since it would allow you to take a more active role, but it is not essential. Willingness to learn, empathy, humility, dedication, patience and passion to help others is a must.

Travel during COVID times

The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate. We encourage you to inquire to your placement advisor to learn more about your specific project as you plan for your responsible return to travel!

Read all about our project reopening response to COVID-19

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