Travel and contribute to meaningful work in the public healthcare system in South Africa.
Head to Cape Town and make an impact in the public healthcare system, where many citizens frequently face health challenges and the government struggles to meet healthcare needs. Join an organization in working towards ensuring that the healthcare system develops and addresses the needs of the South African population.
Get the chance to work alongside an organization adamant in providing access to healthcare services for marginalized populations who struggle to get care for their needs. Your participation will lend a helping hand in relieving some of the burdens that many doctors and nurses face on a daily basis. Your role is essential due to the overcapacity currently being experienced in many hospitals and you’ll play a vital part in driving this developmental process to provide a more efficient healthcare system. Participate in lifting weight off medical professionals’ shoulders and enable them to attend to more patients and reduce waiting times, expanding the scope for overall healthcare accessibility. In this mission, you’ll gain the opportunity to learn by observation and take a glimpse into the impactful work of medical professionals.
This organization partners with local centers and hospitals on the ground in Cape Town. Their ethos addresses the continuous fight South Africans endure due to the underfunded and unequal structure surrounding the healthcare system. As prices are skyrocketing in the private healthcare sector and staff in the public sector are overburdened daily, a majority of South African citizens are unable to access their basic rights to health facilities and treatments. This organization is adamant on providing support and assistance to healthcare facilities in underserved provinces to ensure these rights are upheld.
Due to the increased overcapacity in the healthcare system, your tasks will vary significantly and be based on the needs of healthcare professionals in the day-to-day. Overall, you will assist in observational work, administrative work, and ensuring that patients have support throughout their health journey. This will take place at multiple locations throughout the week so you’ll get to work with a variety of community members in a variety of settings.
Please note: regardless of healthcare experience or qualifications, interns/volunteers that are not licensed to practice in South Africa, are not permitted to diagnose or treat patients, perform procedures (except wound dressings) or administer injections. The discretion of how a qualified volunteer doctor, nurse, or social worker assists depends on the host organization granting that permission.
As an intern in Cape Town, you’ll have the choice between three different accommodations. With dorm and single room options, you can opt for the lodging option that meets your needs and budget. All locations include Wifi, linens & towels, communal areas, shared facilities, 24/7 security, laundry services, and housekeeping. Each option is conveniently located to be walking distance from various shops, cafes, restaurants, and some of the touristy highlights Cape Town has to offer as well. You’ll have the opportunity to meet a variety of travelers, including students & backpackers, and explore the wonders of the city – while being based in the heart of it all.
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, along with your internship supervisor on the ground.
South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Safety recommendations include: do not walk anywhere alone and do not walk anywhere at night – it’s better to Uber, no matter the distance, even if you are in a group. Upon arrival, ask your accommodation about the safe/dangerous areas & streets that are nearby. Keep your belongings close to you (avoid using handbags), always keep an eye on your drinks when out socializing, don’t walk around with large sums of cash (you can pay for everything with a card), minimize wearing flashy accessories, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers. Take extra precautions at night by staying in a group and always taking an Uber once the sun goes down.
Your accommodation will include free Wifi to keep family and friends up to date via WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. Most cafes/restaurants also offer free Wifi for remote work days and staying online. You can also consider getting a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked for international carrier, or setting your phone’s status to roaming (be aware of high charges for this option).
Meals are NOT included at the accommodation options in Cape Town. The kitchen facilities vary at each location and details will be provided during the application process. With a variety of international cuisine options available in the area and throughout Cape Town, there is no shortage of restaurants, bars, and cafes to try out.
Discover Cape Town’s attractions: Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, city tours, historical sites, and the Cape Point Peninsula. There are also opportunities to surf, kayak, paraglide, cage dive with sharks, and more! Cape Town has a mediterranean climate with cool winters and hot summers so be sure to check what the temperature will be like during your stay.
Start Dates
2024: 30 Sept – 28 Oct – 25 Nov
2025: 12/26 May – 9/23 Jun – 7/14/21/28 Jul – 4/11/18/25 Aug – 1/15/29 Sept
Please note this project closes on 18 December 2024 so if you prefer to start in October or November, your placement will finish by 18 December.
What you’ll pay (2024 rates)
3 weeks USD 2,050
4 weeks USD 2,300
6 weeks USD 2,800
8 weeks USD 3,300
10 weeks USD 3,800
12 weeks USD 4,300
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in South Africa.
During your internship in South Africa you can expect to meet people from around the world, as well as indulging yourself into the culture of this beautiful country! If you want to know more about what to expect, make sure to check out our top 7 reasons for an internship in Cape Town.
Yes! We partner with various activity organizers that can offer discounts exclusive to Roots Interns, for example, a road trip through the Garden Route and bungee jumping off the world’s largest natural bungee. You may also explore the country on your own and we are happy to give recommendations.
Yes! You are able to do a part-time internship with certain organizations so that you can continue your studies, while also gaining valuable work experience.
Unfortunately, no. When working with a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but there are many ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth that are invaluable!
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.TEST
CONTACT
SOCIAL
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
