How to Find the Best NGO Internships for Law Students
If you’re wondering what are the best internships for law students at NGOs, then we’re here to help you find a law internship that’s best suited for your goals.
LAW & ADVOCACY INTERNSHIP IN SOUTH AFRICA
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
HELP ADVANCE WOMEN’S RIGHTS THROUGH A HANDS-ON LAW INTERNSHIP IN CAPE TOWN
If you’re a law student or graduate and you have a passion for women’s rights, here’s an excellent opportunity to gain meaningful and valuable work experience. This Law Internship in Cape Town will allow you to assist with litigation, research, and advocacy campaigns designed to advance the rights of women in South Africa.
You’ll join the Women’s Legal Centre, a female-owned and run nonprofit organization on a mission to highlight the vulnerability and discrimination many women in South Africa face and provide vital legal support. They do this through litigation of cases for marginalized women, advocacy campaigns, research, and training.
As an intern, you’ll work closely with the legal practitioners on the team to prepare cases for litigation, develop advocacy and educational strategies, and engage with stakeholders. You’ll also have a chance to assist on a communications level by designing and managing social media campaigns or writing analytical content for blogs or newsletters.
This Law Internship in South Africa is an excellent opportunity to gain practical work experience on an international level, while helping advance women’s rights in South Africa.
Learning Outcomes:
- A wealth of practical experience in doing legal research, preparing cases, and running advocacy campaigns
- An understanding of the ways in which the law can be applied to advance the rights and opportunities for women
- Insights into of the day-to-day running of a nonprofit legal center
- International work experience
ORGANIZATION
You’ll be part of the Women’s Legal Centre (WLC), a nonprofit organization that works to protect and advance the rights of women in South Africa. Their mission is to assist women who deal with domestic abuse, discrimination in the workplace, and other issues that are prevalent South Africa and that keep women from progressing in society.
Their WLC’s aim is to develop feminist jurisprudence that recognises and advances women’s rights. They achieve their mission through litigation in areas such as equal access to resources, safety from violence, recognition of women’s right to work, and the right to own land and housing. The organization is committed to providing free legal advice and support to women who would ordinarily have no access to legal services.
Besides assisting with individual cases through litigation, the WLC also uses research, advocacy, and education as tools to drive their mission home, and to advocate for the state and the private sector to uphold their responsibilities in terms of women’s rights.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
Responsibilities
As a law intern in Cape Town, your tasks will be customized to your skills and experience, but they are likely to include the following:
- Do legal research for specific cases
- Help prepare cases for litigation
- Do research into and analysis of the legal challenges for women in South Africa
- Assist with developing advocacy strategies
- Engage with stakeholders
- Write website or newsletter content
- Help design and run social media advocacy campaigns
- Assist with administrative tasks
Requirements
- You’ll need to be a law student or graduate (or a student / graduate of a related field)
- Strong research skills and well-developed communication skills
- A passion for the work the Women’s Legal Centre does
- An ability to work quite independently and take initiative
- Some practical experience with similar work would be a bonus
- Bring your own laptop
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
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.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
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.
Communication
Communication
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
Meals
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.
Location details
Location details
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.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed during the selection process.
Application deadlines:
1 July 2024 for Sept-Nov 2024 internships
1 November 2024 for Jan-May 2025 internships
1 April 2025 for June-Aug 2025 internships
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
8 WEEKS USD 1,873
12 WEEKS USD 2,391
16 WEEKS USD 2,910
20 WEEKS USD 3,428
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation in a mixed-gender dorm room (up to 6 pax). If you prefer a smaller dorm size, female-only dorm, or single room – please contact us for availability and prices.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Wifi access
- Housekeeping service
- Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- An orientation program with your supervisor
- Supervision and support during your stay
- Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
- Troubleshooting if needed
- A reference letter at the end of your internship
- A discount on weekend activities, exclusive to Roots Interns
Exclusions
- Flights to Cape Town International Airport
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Meals
- Transport to the office
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in South Africa.
What can I expect from a NGO internship 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.
Will I have time to explore South Africa during my internship?
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.
Am I able to do an internship while on a study program in Cape Town?
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.
Will I receive a stipend of any kind during my internship with Roots?
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!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Cape Town, South Africa
PROJECT FOCUS: Gender Equality
TASK FOCUS: Research, Litigation, Advocacy, Campaigns
LENGTH: 4-12 weeks
COST: From USD 1,247
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
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.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
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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