Summer Global Internship
Unique Experiences
TAKE A CABLE CAR
to the top of Table Mountain, a flat topped mountain offering gorgeous views of the city and the South Atlantic Ocean.
SPEND YOUR SUMMER INTERNING
in a location recently named the most entrepreneurial city in South Africa.
FOLLOW THE LEAD OF LOCALS
and take advantage of Cape Town’s lush outdoors: hike, mountain bike, surf and swim.
3,000
MARINE CREATURES AT THE TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM
29K
STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN
35K
CYCLISTS PARTICIPATE IN THE CAPE TOWN CYCLE TOUR
Your Destination
Against the backdrop of the towering Table Mountain, people from different backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities call Cape Town home. The city serves as a commercial and industrial entry point to Africa and houses regional headquarters for many companies, nonprofits, and NGOs. Cape Town is Africa’s most popular destination for many reasons, starting with its glorious climate and natural attractions – from Table Mountain to stunning beaches. Situated on the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town is a vibrant multicultural city with a rich selection of day and night activities. The city is also a microcosm of the challenges facing many African countries in transition – how to successfully operate within a global economy while grappling with the vast socioeconomic inequalities that are the legacy of the colonial and apartheid past.
Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate means the months from May to July bring cool days and some rain. Daily high temperatures are around 64° F, rarely falling below 57° F or exceeding 72° F. This program operates during the "secret season,” Cape Town’s winter.
Learn more about Cape Town and see past internship examples »
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Cape Town.
The Culture
FEATURED EXCURSION
GLINT students will visit an entrepreneurship hub in a local marginalized community to see how entrepreneurship has the potential to revitalize local spaces and bring employment and income to many in our highly unequal society.
OTHER EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Visit the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, built on top of the docks at the Port of Cape Town. It is the city's most visited tourist attraction, and a popular shopping venue.
- Walk through the beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, a famous botanical garden nestled at the eastern foot of Table Mountain.
- Join a local family for Sunday lunch. Understand more about South Africa’s past on a trip to Robben Island.
- Learn about the ‘Economics of wine’ while visiting South Africa’s oldest wine farm.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Learn resume writing best practices and gain interview skills based on local business culture
- Explore the professional world of Cape Town through site visits and guest lectures
- Participate in classes and workshops that will help you make the most of your internship
Program Blogs
The Cape Seal of Approval
Authored by Kai Edem (she/her) (Kai is a second-year undergraduate student at Agnes Scott College, majoring in Neuroscience. She is excited to discover more about research opportunities available during her... keep reading
Interning in a Township: Prepare to Be Unprepared
Authored by Destiny Daniel (she/her) (Destiny is a senior at Howard University studying Communications and Maternal & Child Health. She loves to watch reality TV and explore her creativity. She... keep reading
Deconstructing the Term "Township"
Authored by Jordyn Hoff (she/her) (Jordyn is a graduating junior at Arizona State University studying Nonprofit Leadership & Management. She is set to serve in the PeaceCorps after graduation as... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Cape Town offers comfortable apartments conveniently accessible to the study center, public transportation, shops, and other amenities. All rooms are fully furnished, offer a full kitchen, and feature complimentary Wi-Fi access. CIEE supplies cutlery, crockery, and bed linens, but students must bring their own towels. Students can enjoy social interaction with their peers and local South African students in a variety of communal areas. They may also appreciate the quiet spaces that allow them to study on their own or work on tasks in a group
Standard Housing: Includes a single or double room with another CIEE student. Each apartment has shared spaces, including a kitchen and bathroom. The accommodation is within a 20-minute walk to CIEE and the University of Cape Town’s main campus.
Meals
Students are responsible for all meals They can prepare their own meals at their apartment or eat at the many restaurants in the vicinity.
Transportation
Students usually make use of Uber or ride-share services rather than unreliable, infrequent public transport. Costs are approximately $0.60 USD per kilometer, which makes this an affordable option for many.
A note: Commute time from housing location to internship will vary depending on the location of the internship provider.
Academics
As a global intern in Cape Town, you’ll work full time in a non-paying position within a wide range of opportunities across a diverse set of innovative industries. Extra-curricular cultural activities in and around Cape Town complement your coursework and immerse you in the history and culture of the city.
This eight-week program includes a full-time internship and an integrated online academic course.
• All internship placements are offered in English.
• Students should expect to spend approximately 30 -37 hours per week engaged in internship work and an additional 5 - 6 hours per week on academic course work.
Course Information
Summer Session II 2025
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
The work culture in Cape Town is laid-back yet professional, emphasizing work-life balance, creativity, and innovation. Interns can expect to work with local NGOs, startups, or established businesses. There’s a strong sense of community, and colleagues often socialize after work in a friendly, multicultural environment.
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.
Health Science
Immerse yourself in global healthcare systems to study cross-border medical practices and address public health challenges.
Human Services
Deepen your knowledge of human services through social welfare work, community development, and international advocacy.
Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Experience international legal systems, global justice issues, and law enforcement challenges in courts, firms, and agencies.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- CIEE STEM Scholarship
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
---|---|---|---|---|
Program Summer 2025 8 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $7,450 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300
Educational Costs = $4,450
Housing = $2,500*
Insurance = $200
Total Fees = $7,450Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $520†
International Airfare = $1,450
Local Transportation = $500
Personal expenses = $155††
Other = $80
Total Costs = $2,705Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Nompilo Ndlovu
Center Director
Dr. Nompilo Ndlovu has over a decade of experience working within the academic, policy and non-profit sectors, focused on the African continent.
Caleb Kay
Student Life Coordinator
Caleb has a degree in Political Science, Governance, and Sociology from the University of Cape Town.
Get Started
1
Utilize the Internship Search Tool
Search our catalog of internship opportunities to view the placements that align best with your academic and professional goals.
2
Start a Program Application
You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!
3
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
4
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Email us if you have questions or need help applying to this program. Upon your acceptance, you'll speak with on-site CIEE staff about your internship goals. CIEE will reach out to companies that align with your goals, interests, and qualifications.