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What is the Sustainability Internship in South Africa all about?
The Sustainability Internship in South Africa provides a unique opportunity to those wanting to get involved in grassroots projects, fieldwork projects as well as research projects. This internship will give you the opportunity to directly engage with local community stakeholders. Depending on your personal interest and career focus, you will be involved with local NGOs or government agencies in and around Cape Town. The entities we work with promote sustainable social, economic, cultural and environmental development for the local community. Indeed, they might be involved in the green economy sector, local conservation efforts, educational programs, working with communities on food security, climate change and other important sustainable issues.
Cape Town has a unique environment worth preserving but also has many challenges. For instance, the city still has significant poverty that needs eradication. Also, the current context can be predominantly unsupportive for girls.
The Sustainability Internship in South Africa will provide you with a meaningful placement with organizations driving positive changes locally around the Cape Town community.
Why choose this Sustainability Internship placement?
- Gain practical insights into your area of study and work alongside professionals with your particular field of interest.
- Receive in-depth training and insights into local South African sustainability issues, whether environmental, cultural or economical.
- Make an impact while connecting with local friends.
Role of the Sustainability Intern
This Sustainability Internship gives interns a chance to make an impact in South Africa by working with a local organization promoting local sustainable issues. Your role and tasks will depend on your areas of studies and interests, but you can be assured you will contribute to the overall mission of your host organization. Each host organization provide interns the opportunity to learn about sustainable development and contribute to making a difference in the environment and economic structure of South Africa.
What skills do I need to be a Sustainability Intern in South Africa?
In order to be accepted as an intern, you will be asked to go through an interview process to determine your eligibility. Flexibility, willingness to learn, dedication, patience and passion for the matter are essential. Interns should more specifically be interested in issues around sociology, conservation, environment, anthropology, community and urban studies, ecology and education.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
Gain practical experience and insights on the South Africa sustainability challenges
Work side-by-side with local NGOs or governmental agencies on development
Create an impact and learn about another culture
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS
Where will I work in South Africa?
About the Location
Cape Town, well known for its many iconic attractions, will provide you with plenty to do during your downtime, including climbing up Table Mountain or visiting the Cape of Good Hope. Between many vibey restaurants and cafés, the many water sports, and local museums and galleries, you’re sure to find something to do.
Accommodation
Interns’ accommodation consists of a single room sharing communal areas with other interns. You will be in a very popular neighborhood just 6 kilometers out of Cape Town City Center. The neighborhood, referred as “Obz” by the locals, is mainly known to be the home of many locals and foreign nationals, many of which attend the University of Cape Town. The area offers many cafés, restaurants, galleries and trendy thrift shops.
During your time off, you may want to enjoy some scenic drives around the city, go spot some marine life or do the famous Garden Route!
Details & Costs
- Duration: 4-12 weeks
- Cost: £3139 / $4900 for 4 weeks
See drop-down menu for additional weekly pricing - Requirements: Age 18+
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Working hours: Mondays through Fridays, 30 hours per week
- Project availability: Weekly year-round
- Arrival day: Sunday
What is included
- Accommodation: single room in a house with communal space
- Airport: pick-up and drop-off from/to Cape Town International Airport
- Access to personal online Kaya Community account including:
- Pre-departure information pack for “country”
- Fundraising Guide
- How to Manage your Money Abroad Guide
- Learning Reflection Guide
- Healthcare Ethics and Culture Documents
- On the ground training:
- Cultural and safety orientation and project induction
- Weekly culture series
- Weekly social gatherings
- Support: 24-hour support including emergency contact numbers from local team
- Excursion Planning assistance from local staff (activity prices may be extra)
- Certificate on completion of your internship placement diary and presentation to the local team
- Supervision from qualified professional
- Wi-Fi in accommodation
- Laundry in accommodation
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Transport to/from project
- Food: meals are not included
- Police/Government Background Check: US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies); all other nationalities must provide local police check.
- Routine vaccinations
- Refundable accommodation damages deposit of $250
- Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Apply for a Kaya program and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.
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