Environmental Science & Policy internship in South Africa
Work on conservation, research and environmental policy projects in South Africa.
What you'll do
Your day-to-day
As an Environmental Science & Policy intern in South Africa, you might:
- Help collect field data on plants, wildlife and environmental conditions.
- Research environmental policies on conservation and climate.
- Help run education and sustainability projects with local communities.
- Analyze data and help write reports.
- Join workshops on environmental law and conservation.
You'll build research, policy and community skills for environmental work.
Local know-how
What to know before you go
Environmental work in Cape Town
Cape Town sits inside the Cape Floral Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region has an unusually rich plant life, with thousands of species found nowhere else. Most of it is fynbos, a fire-prone shrubland, and researchers there deal with habitat loss and invasive alien plants.
Cape Town also shows why environmental policy matters in daily life. In early 2018, the dams that supply the city fell so low that officials planned for a "Day Zero", when taps could run dry, and water use was tightly restricted. Water, land use and biodiversity are live topics for local research and policy teams, not only textbook ones. Placements run in Cape Town or Johannesburg, and tasks vary by host, from field data to policy research and education.
Job roles
Research Assistant Intern
Support field and lab research and help analyze the data.
Policy Analysis Intern
Review environmental policies and their effect on people and nature.
Community Outreach Intern
Help run outreach programs on sustainable practices.
Conservation Project Intern
Work on habitat restoration or species protection.
Sustainability Intern
Help businesses and communities cut waste and use less energy.
Environmental Education Intern
Create and deliver lessons for schools and community centers.
Your exact tasks depend on your host company, and all our host companies in South Africa work in English.
The industry
The Environmental Science & Policy industry in South Africa
Economic impact
South Africa has some of the world's richest biodiversity, and conservation is closely linked to its tourism and farming.
Technology
Teams use drones, mapping tools and data for anti-poaching work, land management and monitoring.
Career opportunities
Research, policy, conservation and environmental assessment roles are all options, and your internship helps you see which path fits.
Prices
How much it costs
Asia Internship Program prices depend on your program and how long you stay. See the destination page for the full price table.
FAQ
Questions interns ask
Do I need a science degree for an environmental internship in South Africa?
No. Everyone 18 and over is welcome, with or without a degree. Policy, education and outreach roles suit many backgrounds, and fieldwork roles suit people who have studied a related subject.
Will I work outdoors or in an office on an environmental internship in South Africa?
It depends on the host. Some placements include field data, while others are research, policy or education work in the city. Tell your advisor which you prefer.
Applications open all year
Your field, somewhere new.
It's free to apply, and you only pay a deposit once you're accepted.