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Yoga Internship in Cape Town
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Become a part of a grassroots organization that promotes wellness in an impoverished community
Bring your yoga skills to a nonprofit initiative in Cape Town, South Africa. You’ll join their mindfulness program that offers free yoga and meditation classes in a local township, in an effort to bring upliftment to both individuals and the larger community.
South Africa deals with many social ails, such as poverty, gender-based violence, alcoholism – and many issues were only escalated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the intention of equipping people with healthy ways of channeling their energy, and offering an alternative to gangsterism and drugs, the nonprofit has developed a wellness program in Masiphumelele, a township on the outskirts of Cape Town.
As a yoga intern, you’ll teach yoga classes (and meditation should you have the experience), and help with the overall management and development of this initiative. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gain teaching experience, use your skills to make an impact on people’s lives, and to live and work in a community-based environment.
ORGANIZATION
Project Ubuntu is a social development organization that works in Masiphumelele, a township on the outskirts of Cape Town that deals with a high level of social issues such as poverty, crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and HIV/AIDS.
They run a number of community programs, one of which is the Ubuntu Centre, a community center that directs resources to the community and cares for between 60 and 100 children every day. The children are from families that lack the resources to provide them with daycare, and the center offers a safe and educative space on a daily basis.
In addition, the organization supports a number of daycare centers in the township, female empowerment initiatives, and the development of food garden programs. A latest focus of the organization is the facilitation of yoga and meditation sessions to the township community, both to adults and children. The aim of this program is to teach people healthy ways of channeling their energy, and promoting physical and mental health practices.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
Projekt Ubuntu is an active community organization that runs various initiatives, so you may be asked to assist with tasks that are outside of your internship description (ex: helping chop vegetables for the weekly meal distribution). One of the reasons why their community work is sustainable is because everyone gets involved in all kinds of work. We encourage you to carry an open mind and keenness to get involved wherever needed; many hands make light work!
Responsibilities
As an intern, you’ll help develop this nonprofit yoga initiative, and you’ll teach yoga classes to the local community. Depending on your exact skills and interests, your tasks will include;
- Teaching yoga classes to both adults and children
- Teaching meditation, if you have the experience
- Helping organize classes and develop this nonprofit program
- Potentially assisting with communications; social media, content writing
- Potentially doing some fundraising for this initiative
Requirements
- Experience in teaching yoga (and/or meditation)
- A willingness to working in a culturally different environment
- A willingness to help with day-to-day operations tasks if needed
- An ability to work independently
- A passion for developing this initiative
- A self-starter attitude
One of the reasons why their community work is sustainable is because everyone gets involved in all kinds of work. We encourage you to carry an open mind and keenness to get involved wherever needed; many hands make light work!
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You’ll stay at a comfortable and welcoming volunteer house in a picturesque suburb of Cape Town, on the Southern Peninsula. It’s a great setting; you’ll be surrounded by beaches and mountains, and the penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach is only a 5-minute drive away. The house hosts people from around the world that are volunteering in the surrounding communities, which creates a wonderfully international vibe. The nearest shops and restaurants are a 5-minute drive away, and Cape Town’s city center is a 40-minute drive away. It’s easy to take Ubers and make your way around, or we can assist you with renting a car for more flexibility.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. While being based at Yoga Shala it’s recommended to rent a car for the duration of your stay to comfortably get around or be prepared to book Ubers as the accommodation is not within walking distances to any public commodities. When visiting the city center, 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. 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.
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.
Communication
Communication
The accommodation offers free Wi-Fi to keep family and friends up to date via WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. Cafes/restaurants also offer free Wi-Fi. You can also consider getting a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked, or setting your phone’s status to roaming, depending on your provider’s rates.
Meals
Meals
A simple breakfast and a delicious cooked dinner (vegetarian & vegan options available) from Monday to Friday are included in your fee. Indulge in local dishes, like bobotie and South African Braai! For desserts, don’t miss out on milk tarts and malva pudding. There is a diverse food scene in Cape Town, so no matter your cuisine preference or dietary restrictions you’ll have plenty of options. Let us know in advance if you have any allergies/dietary needs.
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
You can start your internship with this organization every Monday. Please keep in mind this organization is closed for one month at the end of the year.
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
8 weeks USD 2,995
12 weeks USD 4,109
16 weeks USD 4,805
20 weeks USD 5,811
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 shared room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Breakfast and dinner from Monday to Friday
- Wifi access
- Daily transport to the project
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- Onboarding with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
- A discount on weekend activities, exclusive to Roots Interns
Exclusions
- Flights to Cape Town (Cape Town International Airport)
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Meals over the weekend
- Lunch, 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!
REVIEWS
I had the opportunity to take on a variety of hands-on roles, from assisting in food distribution and supporting classroom activities at an early childhood development center, to helping children with their homework at the youth club and organizing fun activities & workshops. I also helped plan events and workshops in collaboration with other organizations. One of my proudest accomplishments was leading a recycling workshop where we repurposed plastic bottles into plant pots and planted spinach and cabbage, -- the best moment was watching the children’s excitement as their plants grew! I also organized a dance session, sharing Zumba, bachata, and salsa, creating a joyful cultural exchange that the kids loved. This experience taught me how meaningful presence, patience, and intentionality can be, and how small acts of care can make a lasting difference.
Mariana, Columbian – University of Alberta
Youth Social Work Internship, South Africa
The internship work truly was meaningful, and I learned a lot about community development and cultural exchange. I helped organize workshops, assisted with creating social media content, and supported community outreach activities. This internship helped me improve my communication and teamwork skills, which will be useful in any future job. It also gave me a clearer idea of the type of field that I want to work in: one that creates a positive impact on society. I really appreciate the opportunity and the support from the Roots team throughout the process.
Jiyao, Chinese
Youth Social Work Internship, South Africa
It was a life-changing experience! The community is so welcoming and eager to make change. Working with the youth and watching them grow and achieve their goals was the best part. I did event planning, fundraising, meetings, school workshops, meal prep, activities with children, and learning exercises. The main thing I learned was really to just be able to work with what's available to you and appreciate the little things. Being involved with the community and putting a smile on hundreds of faces makes all the hard work pay off. Roots was very supportive and I appreciated all their help. I will definitely be coming back!
Zakirah, American – Temple University
Youth Social Work Internship, South Africa
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Cape Town, South Africa
PROGRAM FOCUS: Community Development NGO
TASK FOCUS: Program Development, Yoga Teaching, Communications
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 2,995
FEATURED REVIEW
When I decided to travel to Cape Town, I didn't know what to expect - but I knew that a unique experience was waiting for me. I had the opportunity to get to know the culture, locals, nature, and daily life. After a short time, I knew that this place was my home because I felt so connected to nature and people. Every day brought magical moments of rainbows in the ocean waves, butterflies landing on me, waterfalls, nature sounds, powerful storms, laughing children, pure forests, breathtaking views, etc. Once I let myself accept that Cape Town is a place that is neither fast nor perfectly organized, I was able to surrender to the flow and let each day come to me full of curiosity. I made a new family, wonderful friends, and unique experiences, and was also able to learn a lot about myself, life here, and the different cultures that come together in this country. I am deeply grateful and already looking forward to my return.
Leonie, German – Hochschule Coburg
Yoga Internship, South Africa
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain a great deal of experience teaching yoga
- Use your skills to help develop a nonprofit initiative that uses yoga (and meditation) to support an impoverished community
- Gain work experience in fundraising and/or communications, if you’re interested in these areas
- Get a good understanding of the day to day running of nonprofit projects
- Live and work in Cape Town, arguably one of the greatest cities in the world
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
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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