Writing and Communications Internship, Cape Town

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Be part of an innovative nonprofit program

Bring your communications skills to a unique internship with The Underdog Project in Cape Town, a nonprofit organization that pairs at-risk youth with rescue dogs in an inspiring effort to drastically improve the lives of both.

As an intern, you’ll join a small but dedicated team to assist them with all things communications; you’ll help manage social media channels, write articles, draft newsletters, and you might put funding proposals together. Since you’ll be a large part of a small team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a big impact with your work, and really help drive this nonprofit forward.

You can do this writing and communications internship on the ground, in Cape Town, or remotely, if that suits you better. To apply, you’ll need to be a strong and versatile writer, an independent worker, and someone who shares the passion for this cause.

Learning Outcomes;

  • Experience in managing a variety of communication channels
  • Sharpened writing skills
  • A strong grasp of the nonprofit sector in South Africa
  • Some insights into fundraising (if you have an interest in this)
  • International work experience – even if you’re working remotely

ORGANIZATION

You’ll be part The Underdog Project, a South African nonprofit that teaches youth from underprivileged backgrounds to train rescue dogs. It’s an inspiring workshop program that offers a wide range of benefits to both the kids and the dogs.

Based in Cape Town, the organization works with kids from communities where abuse and violence are widespread, and opportunities are limited. It’s also an area with a large street dog population. By pairing at-risk kids with rescued dogs, and teaching the youngsters how to train their dogs, The Underdog Project aims to inspire the kids and encourage them to develop empathy. It also fights a culture of animal cruelty, and it increases the chances of the dogs to get adopted and find loving homes.

Through their innovative program, The Underdog Project ultimately aims to uplift the lives of both underprivileged youth and dogs.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Responsibilities

As a writing and communications intern, you’ll enjoy a variety of tasks. Depending on your skills and experience, they can include;

  • Managing social media channels
  • Writing newsletters
  • Writing web content and blogs
  • Assisting with further development of communication strategies
  • Writing reports and/or proposals

Requirements

  • Strong writing skills
  • Good communication skills
  • Ideally some experience in communications
  • A willingness to working in a culturally different environment
  • An ability to work independently
  • A passion for the work The Underdog Project does

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

You’ll be staying at The Lenox, a comfortable guesthouse in the heart of Cape Town. Built in the old Cape Dutch style, The Lenox is characterful and historic. It has multiple balconies, a large dining room, and many other communal spaces. Shared bedrooms include 2 twin beds, and there are plenty of single rooms available as well (at an extra fee). You’ll be walking distance from many shops, cafes, restaurants, and some of the touristy highlights Cape Town has to offer as well.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Be sure to prioritize hydration in the summer to avoid heatstroke. South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware and use common sense to stay safe. Some safety guidelines are to always walk in groups, take a taxi/Uber in the evenings, know safe/dangerous areas, secure your belongings, don’t walk around with large sums of cash (you can pay everything with a card), minimize wearing flashy accessories, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers.

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, lunch 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

Internship positions for January -June have filled up, so only available for the second half of 2024.  Start and end dates of the internship are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.

What you’ll pay (2024 rates)

8 WEEKS USD 1,817

12 WEEKS USD 2,321

16 WEEKS USD 2,797

20 WEEKS USD 3,273

24 WEEKS USD 3,749


Remote internship: fixed fee USD 525

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 (2 pax). If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices
  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Meals from Monday to Friday
  • Wifi access
  • Housekeeping service
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Supervision and support during your stay
  • Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
  • Troubleshooting if needed
  • A reference letter at the end of your internship
  • A discount on weekend activities, exclusive to Roots Interns

Exclusions

  • Flights to Cape Town International Airport
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Transport to the office
  • Meals during weekends
  • Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

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!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
PROGRAM FOCUS: Animal & Youth NGO
TASK FOCUS: Content Creation, Creative writing, Communications
LENGTH: Min. 8 Weeks
COST: USD 1,814 (in-person) / USD 525 (remote)

REVIEWS

“The Underdog Project gave me the opportunity to work and become a part of a close-knit team, which meant my voice was heard and valued. This engagement was so beneficial to my time at this organization because it allowed me to work on projects that I was genuinely interested in and passionate about. I was able to learn about the day-to-day of the organization and also the big picture concepts that drive them. From working on social media campaigns to content planning to more, I was able to use my skill set to make a difference, while also improving on my expertise. An overall great thing to be a part of!”

Stephanie, United States, Writing & Communications Internship
READ MORE REVIEWS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gain a wealth of communications experience in a nonprofit setting
  • Be a large part of a small team doing impactful work
  • Live and work in Cape Town, arguably one of the greatest cities in the world
  • Have the flexibility of working remotely, if you prefer
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.

GET STARTED

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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