Internships

Champion justice and dignity in Cape Town

Human rights internships in Cape Town

Since apartheid’s fall, South Africa’s been lauded as a beacon of freedom. We have one of the most liberal constitutions in the world, one that enshrines respect for human rights. Yet inequality persists, depriving many of basic rights and calling us to take a stand.

Protecting human rights cannot be left to individuals or the government alone; independent institutions must ensure that human rights are protected in a country that seeks to chart a path to a better future. As a VACorps intern, you will gain direct access to this nation’s progressive human rights culture through your daily internship work.

Human rights internships through VACorps

Centers for women and children

Provide administrative aid to facilities offering safe shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, skills training and rehabilitation programming.

Refugee and migration services

Support nonprofit legal clinics, aid organizations and policy groups assisting asylum seekers.

Community rehabilitation

Work with groups providing skills training, accessible initiatives, adaptive technologies, awareness campaigns, and policy changes.

Champion justice and dignity

Through a combination of active mentorship, discussion, reflection, and relevant hands-on practical experience, the program delivers an immersive Human Rights internship in South Africa. You will develop practical skills while deeply understanding the human impact of rights violations and challenges in South Africa.

South Africa is an enriching environment in which to gain firsthand experience of the challenges that arise in a transitional democracy— specifically, those that relate to protecting and promoting an individual’s basic human rights.

Assist passionate local human rights organizations

During the internship component of this program, you will be placed with local organizations that provide services to victims of human rights violations.

By working directly with service providers and the people they are trying to assist, you will gain exposure to the challenges associated with protecting and exercising one’s human rights in South Africa.

Benefits of a human rights internship in Cape Town

Gain irreplaceable justice system experience
Work alongside dedicated local teams
Tackle pressing human rights issues
Help empower overlooked groups

The time is now to explore, connect, and invest in yourself in Cape Town. Let us match you with an experience that counts.

Explore other internships

Biotechnology

Advance global health through research placements at renowned labs pioneering new medical technologies.

Learn more

Business and Finance

Gain emerging market finance experience at funds and startups leading Africa’s investment frontier.

Learn more

Clean Energy

Champion climate justice contributing skills to expand clean energy access for underserved communities.

Learn more

Conservation

Safeguard Cape Town’s treasured yet threatened ecosystems, working alongside frontline conservationists.

Learn more

Counseling & Psychology

Address mental health needs with trauma specialists bringing care to overlooked communities.

Learn more

Education

Teach and inspire students gaining classroom skills at under-resourced schools, uplifting disadvantaged youth.

Learn more

Engineering

Innovate solutions by collaborating with firms tackling urgent infrastructure and development challenges.

Learn more

Gap Year

Preview future careers interning in your field of choice while enjoying life-expanding adventures.

Learn more

Journalism

Develop multimedia skills reporting on Cape Town’s dynamic political, social and cultural happenings.

Learn more

Law

Champion justice by researching landmark cases and conducting outreach alongside leading human rights firms.

Learn more

Marketing

Shape brands for good by managing campaigns empowering social enterprises and community programs.

Learn more

Media, Film & Photography

Launch your creative career on sets and in studios alongside Cape Town’s top film, TV and photography talent.

Learn more

Medical

Boost your clinical skills by shadowing doctors on the frontlines of South Africa’s pressing healthcare battles.

Learn more

Occupational Therapy

Master your occupational therapy craft with specialized mentors guiding pediatric, mental health and elder care.

Learn more

Physical Therapy

Gain hands-on experience working alongside leading physical therapy practitioners.

Learn more

Political Science

Inform policy researching legislation within parliamentary offices and progressive think tanks.

Learn more

Public Health

Protect the vulnerable by collecting data, assisting workshops and expanding community health access.

Learn more

Refugee Work

Empower asylum seekers to help refugees access housing, employment, healthcare, and legal aid.

Learn more

Social Work

Uplift the overlooked co-facilitating therapy and evaluating interventions for at-risk youth and families.

Learn more

Speech Pathology & Audiology

Help people find their voice by practising techniques guided by specialized clinical mentors.

Learn more

Sports Management

Gain industry expertise assisting in operations, marketing and events for national federations and clubs.

Learn more

Sustainability

Catalyze solutions directly supporting projects increasing environmental protections and food security.

Learn more

Technology

Build skills collaborating with pioneering startups leveraging innovations to drive financial inclusion.

Learn more