Duration: 4–24 weeks (flexible)
Start Dates: Every Monday throughout the year (subject to availability)
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Accommodation: Included (shared lodging with Wi-Fi and cooking facilities)
Meals: Not included; interns handle their own meals
Support: Full hosting with airport pickup, orientation, and in-country assistance
Ideal For: Psychology undergraduates or recent graduates (within 24 months)
Apply Here: Free application; placement assigned based on your profile
What You’ll Do
- Shadow and assist local therapists in multidisciplinary settings including clinics, schools, and community services
- Observe therapy sessions, involvement in diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient assessments
- Learn about diverse fields such as adult inpatient care, community mental health, child/adolescent services, addiction support, neuropsychology, and program evaluation
- First week includes settling in and orientation, not immediate hands-on work
- Placements are matched to your skills, education level, experience, and preferred duration
Cultural & Professional Growth
- Gain insight into mental health challenges rooted in South Africa’s unique social and historical context
- Work under experienced supervisors—not independently—ensuring safe, guided learning
- Build practical skills: observation, patient interaction, research, assessment, professional communication
- Earn academic or course credit through Intern Abroad HQ’s experiential learning curriculum
Costs & Inclusions
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| Airport pick-up | Meals |
| Shared accommodation (Wi-Fi, kitchen) | Local transport to placement |
| Orientation & local support | Visa, flights, insurance, travel expenses |
Program Fee: Starts at US $2,292 for 4 weeks, scaling up for longer durations
Deposit: US $499 to secure placement (deducted from total fee)
Balance: Due approximately 70 days before start date
Extras: 5% transaction fee applies for international payments
Arrival & Orientation
- Arrive on Saturday before your semester starts to settle in
- Sunday orientation includes cultural briefings, safety guidelines, and program expectations
- Weekdays typically run Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm
What to Pack & Prepare
- Bring season-appropriate clothing, notebook, laptop, and essential documents
- Budget for meals and local transportation (public transit or Uber)
- Accommodation is shared (same-gender rooms; mixed common areas)—inform in advance of any special requirements
Final Thoughts
This internship offers a valuable combination of professional shadowing, cultural immersion, and practical learning in Cape Town’s dynamic mental health sector. Ideal for aspiring psychologists seeking real-world exposure and skill-building opportunities in service-oriented settings.