International Internships (i-Intern)

International Internship in Cape Town, South Africa with Connect 123

What is this programme about?

Connect-123 facilitates internship, study and service learning opportunities for international undergraduate and graduate students and it has partnerships with over 300 local organizations in Cape Town in a wide range of fields including education, human rights, public policy, business, communications, entrepreneurship, healthcare, journalism, social work and sustainable development. With an individualized approach, students are facilitated programs in these fields, relative to students’ interests and skills.

When does the programme take place?

Internships can last between 2 to 6 months at anytime throughout the year. May to August is the most popular period for internships. Students choose their own start date and duration. 

Where does the programme take place?

Cape Town, South Africa

What is the academic/intern content?

Multi-disciplinary across all faculties
Full-time internship
Academic credit MAY be available. Credit for the internship is strictly at the student’s discretion. Students interested in obtaining credit must work with their faculty for credit mapping. IRO does not apply for credit transfer on the students’ behalf. 

This internship programme will be of interest to students from the following disciplines:

	Animal Science Architecture Business Communications & New Media Engineering Law Medicine Political Science Social Work

Examples of Cape Town internships include working at local hospitals, helping micro-finance organizations support local entrepreneurs, helping case workers at refugee camps, tutoring and designing education and sports programs for children, and working as a “journalist-in-residence” at local human rights organizations. Examples of past projects include:

Developing feasibility studies and financial modeling for new businesses Evaluating the impact of geospatial planning on economic growth for local government Running human rights peer education training and workshops Researching educational policy in South Africa and internationally Carrying out research into alternative energy solutions Tracking policies in Parliament and presenting them to communities at grassroots level

 

What does the programme fee include?

Included in the programme fee:

Comprehensive South Africa information to students prior to arrival Airport pick-up in Cape Town and transport to accommodation Local cell phone rental On-site orientation Tour of Cape Town Support, assistance and guidance to students before, during and after participation on the program Facilitate communication between internship supervisors and NUS as required Regular social programs (every other Thursday social event and every other Saturday excursion) Emergency Contact Card 24/7 emergency contact for NUS and its students Event calendar for each month Workshop on 'Communicating the Value of your Cape Town Experience' with networking, interview and resume advice Exit interviews

What is the student accommodation?

Connect-123 arranges most student accommodation at a large centrally located residential building with 24 hour security, roof-top pool and small gym, pay-as-you-go wireless internet access and twice per month maid service. For a virtual tour see Connect-123’s Cape Town housing video. Generally the students will stay in shared flats with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens and comfortable living rooms. Room options are double and single. The Connect-123 office is located in the building where most students reside.

How much does the programme cost?

Programme Fee	USD$1,695
Local Transporation	USD$50 public transport, USD$400 - USD$700 car rental per month
Accommodation	USD$525 - USD$750 per month
Meals and Personal	USD$250 -USD$600 per month
Airfare	USD$1,500
Insurance	USD$30 per month
VIsa	USD$60 if required (usually only for stays of over 90 days)
Cell Phone Rental	USD$25
Personal Spending	USD$250 - USD$500 per month

Please note, these are estimated expenses and actual expenses may differ based on price shifts and personal spending habits!

Is financial assistance available?

Yes. Students can apply for study travel grant from International Relations Office.
Connect-123 also runs an annual International Scholarship contest.

Number of placements available?

Unlimited

What are the eligibility requirements?

	Any Faculty Full-time student status CAP 3.0 or above Students must have completed at least one year of study by start of internship

Is a visa required?

Depending on your country of citizenship, no visa is required for stays less than 90 days.  Students are not provided stipends due to visa issues.

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have proper entry documents for all countries they plan to visit as part of this programme!

Application Procedures

Applications and Required Documents:
Students complete and submit GO Programme application to go-iro@nus.edu.sg.
Students complete and submit Connect 123 Programme Information form
2 Letters of recommendation

Placement Process:
A Connect-123 Programme Coordinator will schedule a telephone conversation with you prior to completing the application process. Once the application documents have been submitted, and the programme fee deposit paid, the coordinator will begin exploring suitable opportunities for you. You will be sent information and a website for each opportunity presented; your feedback helps Connect-123 identify the best match for you. Once you have accepted an internship offer from your chosen host organisation the remainder of the programme fee is payable, and Connect-123 will share relevant pre-trip information with you to help with your preparations.

Deposits and Payment:
Total program fee: $1695, of which $300 is paid as a deposit upon application. The $300 deposit is refundable if Connect-123 does not facilitate an internship offer that you accept.

Timeline:
Connect-123 recommends starting the application process 4-8 months prior to your intended start date in Cape Town. Internships can be arranged at shorter notice, but opportunities and housing availability may be more limited.

 
Who to contact for more information?

For additional information or related queries, please click here.