Conservation Internship Highlights

The highlights

• Work alongside expert Marine Biologists in the setting up and running of a wide variety of marine research experiments.
• An opportunity to get your research work published and become a published scientist.
• Make a difference in combating illegal poaching and the education of community fisherman in sustainable fishing practices.
• Work in the outdoors in a varied number of activities in the protection of the precious marine environment of Cape Town’s coastline.
• An opportunity to live and work in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Optional activities and excursions

Your weekends are your free time to explore Cape Town and the surrounding areas. These are not included, but here is a taster of what Cape Town and the wider areas have to offer…

• Aquila Private game reserve – a Big 5 reserve 2hrs out of Cape Town
• Robben Island - see where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years of his prison sentence
• Whale watching or Great White Shark cage diving
• Visit the Garden Route by hire car
• Surfing the many surf spots along the peninsula
• Kite Boarding – Cape Town is one of the best spots in the world for this sport

FRIDAY ACTIVITIES

During the course of your internship placement we schedule regular Friday afternoon group excursions to different locations in Cape Town. Excursions are an optional, yet highly recommended, way to see a new part of the city every week and socialise with your fellow interns. Some examples include:

• Wine Cellar tour at Groot Constantia
• Afternoon braai in Nyanga township
• Hike to Crystal Pools in Gordon’s Bay
• Hike Table Mountain
• Hike to Lions Head
• Participate in an African Drum circle
• Visit the District 6 Museum
• Volunteering in the Ubuntu peace community garden project

Where will I sleep?

We offer our interns affordable housing and meals at an extra cost, should they not prefer to source their own accommodation or self cater for their meals.

Interns can stay in a private, lockable and furnished room in a comfortable house exclusive for the use of internship participants. You will be sharing shower/toilet facilities and the use of a lounge area with DSTV for relaxation. The house is centrally located to the shops, restaurants and public transport.

You can further be provided with 3 meals a day during weekdays which include breakfast, packed lunch and a cooked evening dinner. At weekends you have access to the fully furnished kitchen (food at your own expense). The house is secure and is serviced twice a week by cleaning staff. It also has laundry facilities, alternatively there are several Laundromats in the town.

The house is located in the popular area of Cape Town called Observatory (known as ‘Obs’ by the locals), approximately 7km from the centre of the city. This suburb town boasts a surprisingly cosmopolitan vibe despite its deceptively intimate size. Much of its unique bohemian atmosphere is attributed to the many international visitors that stay in this area. Observatory has a fascinating local culture, which offers an interesting collection of cafes, boutique stores, book shops and art galleries by day, while evenings awaken trendy restaurants, lively bars and live music performances.

When does it start and how long can I go for?

You can join our Internship programmes for between 4 and 12 weeks, with longer placements available depending on the circumstances.

There are no specific start dates and Internship placements will commence around your travel dates, adding great flexibility for you and your studies.

What does the cost include?

• All transfers to and from Cape Town International Airport upon arrival and departure
• Internship placement
• Comprehensive orientation programme
• Weekly Xhosa language lessons
• Weekly activities and excursions
• Weekly football matches
• CV Building workshops
• 24 hour emergency support

Project Cost Excludes

• All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, snacks, drinks and clothing (work and other)
• Return flights to Cape Town International Airport
• Transport to and from your internship placement
• Email and telephone calls made during your placement (charged out at cost).
• Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary
• Personal insurance cover for the duration of your placement, which is expected to include cover for repatriation.
• A ZAR2000 refundable deposit for accommodation damages, payable on arrival for your internship, should you select our program housing option
• Electricity of approximately ZAR150 per month, should you select our housing option

Do I need experience, is there orientation?

Previous experience in either conservation or environmental work. Alternatively you should already be studying or intending to study in a related field.

Orientation Upon your arrival into Cape Town you will be collected at the airport by one of our project facilitators and transferred to your accommodation. You will then take part in a two-day extensive orientation programme. During these 2 days you will be familiarised with the requirements of your internship site and learn how to maximise your time during your stay. During orientation you will also have discussions on history, local politics and geography. The facilitators will give you lots of practical information on living in Cape Town, including a review on emergency procedures, and detailed information on health, well-being and safety issues. You will then have a tour of the city and the public transportation methods to help you familiarise yourself with your surroundings.

Support Throughout your placement you will have the support and guidance of our experienced internship coordinators. They are part of our greater African Impact support team, which will provide you with competent 24-hour field support and assistance.