Human Rights and Legal Studies in South Africa
An internship with a view
The professional experience you’re seeking to advance your career, plus global travel to give you a whole new perspective. Let WI work out the details for you and get you on your way with confidence.
| Type: | Internship |
| Location: | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Duration: | 4 -8 Weeks |
| Organization: | Social Service Organizations |
Role, Responsibilities and Experience
You’ll service disadvantaged South African communities as a Human Rights Intern in Cape Town. Supervised by a highly-important human rights lawyer on the African Police Civilian Oversight Forum, you’ll work with any number of shelters throughout the city and surrounding townships that provide services to victims of rights violations. By working directly with service providers and the people they are trying to assist, you will gain exposure to the challenges associated with protecting and exercising one’s human rights in South Africa. You can look forward to explore the fields of non-profit legal advising, social services, and community responses to human trafficking and domestic violence.
Under the mentorship of an experienced Human Rights Lawyer, you’ll participate in these Weekly Discussion and Reflection Themes:
Week 1: An introduction to human rights in South Africa
Week 2: Fundamental Rights and limitations of the law in South Africa
Week 3: Unpacking the complexity of gender-based violence and limitations of the law
Week 4: Criminal justice reforms: policing, prisons and the courts
Week 5: Socio-economic justice and collective rights: the challenges of achieving meaningful transformation
Week 6: Final reflection
Optional extra session: There will be a special advising session for all students preparing law school applications in the USA and/or preparing to find jobs in the field of human rights.
Program Highlights
Experience the famous Garden Route during a weekend safari and outdoor adventure tour through the 300-kilometer stretch of coastal road, known to be the most beautiful region of the country.
Spend Monday evenings further immersing yourself in South African Culture and experience local Xhosa-culture, language lessons, ‘Kaap’ slang’, and South African cuisine. Spend your Friday evenings with other international interns enjoying all that Cape Town has to offer in a range of activities including yoga, sailing, surfing lessons, cheetah conservation outreach, hiking, wine tasting and more!
Learn to work effectively in a cross-cultural setting by understanding your own work style. GlobeSmart -- an innovative online profile -- will help you make the most of your professional experience.
Enter the country with ease and come back home with a plan. We will provide you with the career guidance and recommendation you need to land your next job.
Find a job in your field or we’ll refund your program tuition! We believe in the value of our programs so much that we will refund you your program tuition if you are not able to land a job in the field of your program within one year of completing your program.
What You Can Expect From WI
We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach; we believe in you. We will find you the perfect internship based on your goals.
We provide you everything to thrive in an international setting. From online guides to resources that ensure you’re ready before you leave.
Before you travel, while you’re on-site, and when you return to your home country, the WI team will be there for you.
Resources to make your resume shine so you can really make an impression on your future employer, and get the most out of your internship.
Program Details & Pricing
You’ll opt out of our housing accommodation service and find your own -- a great option when you have friends or family in your host country!
Whether an apartment or dorm set up, you’ll share furnished spaces, kitchens and bathrooms. Private bedrooms may be available upon request on a first-come first-served basis.
Add an intensive Mentor Program to your apartment standard package to receive additional professional guidance from an expert in your field before, during and after your internship.
You’ll opt out of our housing accommodation service and find your own -- a great option when you have friends or family in your host country!
Whether an apartment or dorm set up, you’ll share furnished spaces, kitchens and bathrooms. Private bedrooms may be available upon request on a first-come first-served basis.
Add an intensive Mentor Program to your apartment standard package to receive additional professional guidance from an expert in your field before, during and after your internship.
What's Included |
Basic Program | Standard Program | Premium Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internship placement and professional supervision | |||
| Personal pre-departure orientation | |||
| On-site health, safety & cultural orientation | |||
| 24/7 On-site emergency support and services | |||
| Comprehensive medical and accident insurance | |||
| Re-entry Workshop with career coaching resources | |||
| LinkedIn endorsement and professional letter of recommendation | |||
| Loaded local SIM card | |||
| Weekend excursion through the Garden Route | |||
| Airport pick-up and transfer to accommodation | — | ||
| Arranged accommodation in local apartment | — | ||
| Nine one-on-one mentoring sessions (via Skype) with your industry mentor | — | — | |
| Nine professional development projects assigned for you by your mentor | — | — | |
| Access to exclusive backstage platform with additional career resources and community | — | — |
Ready To Go?
Whether you need more information or you’re ready to apply for a program, we’re here to help you get started. Our expedited selection process means that your internship is confirmed in as little as 10 days and your application fee is fully refundable if we can’t place you in your desired program. What are you waiting for?