Why is Cape Town Great for Internships?
American intern Regina Muller explains why Cape Town is a great place to do an internship. When she traveled to Cape Town for an internship in content writing, she immediately felt at home. Her best advice is that the question should no longer be, “Should I intern?” but rather, “Where should I intern?”.
So, why go to Cape Town? Because, this energised city provides a great opportunity for interns to gain valuable work experience and explore a new country. It is also a safe and welcoming place, with a vibrant culture. Regina recommends that anyone looking for an internship abroad, should consider Cape Town as one of their top options.
Here Are the Top Reasons You Should Intern in Cape Town
It is old news to college students that internships are imperative to making your resume stand out to future employers. All in all, Cape Town provides an ideal environment for interns to gain valuable experience and network. Here are some examples of that.
1. The Insanely Cool Restaurant & Bar Scene
South African food is on another level. This is one of the reasons why Cape Town is a place I’ll miss so much once I’m back in the States. The city streets are lined with bustling restaurants, each exuding their own style, vibe, and decoration to locals and tourists alike. Whether it is a small corner brunch stop or a classy Italian restaurant, the food is fresh, local, artisanal, and 5-star quality. The owners and chefs are personable and inspiring, and certain to give you a warm welcome whenever you come by to eat.
During my Cape Town internship, my tastes have expanded by miles, simply because I have the opportunity to try new and delicious foods every day! At night, the streets come alive with a bar scene perfect for everyone. There are lively clubs, hipster holes-in-the-wall, famous hotels to stop by for drinks, and hundreds of uniquely vibing bars. Even if you aren’t about the nightlife, you won’t be able to resist stopping at some of these memorable locations.
2. Coffee!
Okay, I lied. What I’ll miss most is the coffee. I, like most collegiate Americans, am completely addicted to caffeine. Before Cape Town, my normal order was a medium iced caramel swirl from Dunkin Donuts. I honestly don’t know if I will ever be able to go back to that now. The reason why Cape Town is so good at getting it right is because Cape Townians truly appreciate only the highest quality in coffee. Even convenience stores have fancy cappuccino machines that brew a delightful cup right before your eyes. The first time you order coffee in South Africa, be sure to ask for a flat white. It will be the best decision you’ve ever made. Oh, and a quick tip – South Africans rarely take sugar in their coffee; it’s so good, you’ll find you might not need it!
3. The Incredible Landscape
No matter where you are in the city, the stunning Table Mountain is within view. Table Mountain, one of the seven new natural wonders of the world, embodies the dreams of adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. There are hundreds of hiking trails, each presenting different challenges, views, and landscapes. Lion’s Head Peak is also a gorgeous mountain in Cape Town.
The first time I climbed it, I felt like Samwise carrying Frodo and the Ring up Mount Doom. It was such a rewarding experience once I finally made it up, however, and the view is unlike anything I’ve seen before. Lion’s Head is very popular for sunrise and sunset hikes, and that’s why Cape Town has so many tourists coming back for more. It has an amazing view of the ocean as well as the city; the photographic opportunities up there are limitless. And the beaches! Where do I even begin? From a distance, while you’re high up in the mountains, you can admire the crystal-clear blues and turquoise waters. It’s ice-cold but refreshing and satisfying. The beaches stretch for miles with pristine white sand. My favorite part of the weekend is kicking off my shoes, strolling along the beach, and soaking up the sun for hours.
4. Affordability
If you are coming from Europe or North America, your country’s currency is much stronger than the South African Rand. You’ll find that almost everything in Cape Town, particularly food and drink, are so affordable they border on unbelievably cheap, while still maintaining high-end quality.
5. The Bustling City Life And Active Community
Cape Town is a hub for small businesses, unique start-ups, and entrepreneurs with incredibly inspiring life stories. Most stores and restaurants in Cape Town are independently owned and operated by individuals who are always thinking up new ideas, which is precisely why Cape Town is such a delight to explore. It is impossible to run out of fun and interesting activities to take part in during your internship in Cape Town – Capetonians love their social lives! Wine tasting, art galleries, film screenings, food and craft markets, surfing, shopping- the list of both leisurely and adventurous activities goes on and on.
6. The Wildlife
The other day, I took an Uber through Cape Town. While driving on the busiest city street, which winds along the mountains, we passed by seven wild zebras, relaxing and grazing by the road. This is a great reason why Cape Town is the perfect place to start your wildlife stopping adventure.
Besides just this city and it’s surrounding areas, the whole of South Africa is known for its incredible safari and game viewing opportunities. If you have dreams of seeing any of Africa’s Big Five (elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, or buffalo), you must visit. My internship gave me the opportunity to travel across the country, where I contributed to wildlife conservation photography in the Greater Kruger Area. I went camping in the wild, and saw all types of wildlife, like hyenas, lions, and leopards. It was the most amazing adventure of my life. If you are an animal lover, you must experience a game drive in a wildlife reserve.
7. Shatter Your Comfort Zone As You Know It
I’ve lived in America my whole life, and have been fortunate enough to travel to Europe, Central America, Australia, and Canada. Though, out of all those experiences, South Africa has changed me for the better. My outlook on life, as well as my dreams, goals, and confidence are transformed. I cannot imagine a life where I did not come to Africa. The culture and experiences you will share in South Africa will take you out of your comfort zone and expand your horizons. At the same time, it is the most westernized country in Africa, making it sort of a stepping stone before exploring the rest of the continent. Go on and do that internship in Cape Town. I can promise you, you won’t regret it!
Take the Next Step to Intern in Cape Town
For four months, Regina was a content writing intern at Penda Photo Tours & Penda Trust. She’s shown us all the great reasons why go to Cape Town and what she personally enjoyed most about her trip. If you also want to intern in Cape Town, then reach out to us, we’d love to hear from you!
