Leave Your Legacy in South Africa
Step into the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant and resilient community. Working side-by-side with local mentors at a sport for development NGO, you’ll gain hands-on experience in healthcare, non-profit management, and youth development—contributing directly to community programs where your impact matters. Build genuine confidence, sharpen your cross-cultural communication, and bring home a resume that proves you can thrive in the real world.
Duration
Tuition
3 Weeks
$4,795
Session Dates
May 21 - June 11, 2027
Internship Placements
• Sport for Development
• Community Leadership
Occupational Therapy
• Creative Media
Priority App Deadline
December 15, 2026
Quick Navigation (Click to Jump):
Internship Placements
Every placement is tailored to align with your career goals. Programs average a minimum of 40 accrued internship hours with on-site staff support.
About Our Partners
We partner with local Sport for Development non-profits that use sport as a vehicle for youth empowerment, leadership, and social change. Interns will jump right into supporting the daily operations of their youth programs through hands-on coaching and mentor roles. In addition students can take on a more specific role within a particular initiative to gain a broader understanding of how their work is practically implemented. Previous partners include:
Project Playground
Project Playground (PPG) is a non-profit organization focused on bringing structured recreational programs to youth in neighborhoods that are systematically, socially, and economically deprived. Project Playground reaches local youth through free after-school activities, sports programs, and support programs five days a week and currently serves over 750 children in three townships outside of Cape Town. One standout community health initiative is their occupational therapy program "Play on Wheels," which focuses on physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
Great Commission United
Great Commission United (GCU) was founded by a reformed gang member from the Cape Flats neighborhood of Heideveld to keep local youth away from crime and gangs in the area. GCU provides the supportive family environment that youth often lack at home and are attracted to in gangs. Soccer, basketball, and other sports play an integral role in attracting students ages 5-20 to after school programs with life skills training, tutoring, and physical exercise.
You may choose to take on one of these additional intern roles:
Community Leadership
Interns gain direct exposure to non-profit management, partnership development, program evaluation, and community outreach strategy through self-directed projects. Ideal for Sports Management, Non-Profit Leadership, Business Administration, Sociology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Public Policy majors.
Occupational Therapy
Interns assist licensed healthcare professionals with a variety of therapeutic programs and environmental learning activities for children and youth with disabilities who may not have access to mainstream schooling. Ideal for Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Exercise Science, Nursing, and Pre-Physician Assistant majors.
Creative Media
Curate your creative portfolio by taking on a variety of independent projects such as photography, digital content or editorial creation, or website design that can be used to attract donors, volunteers, and participants. Ideal for Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Graphic Design, and Media Studies majors.
Independent Study
Interested in studying abroad but don't see your major? Ask our team about custom placements! We are also able to support you in setting up interviews, site visits, and local connections for independent research projects needed to meet graduation requirements—whether that’s collecting data for your senior thesis, fulfilling capstone hours, or satisfying degree-specific practicums. Ideal for any major.
Sample Daily Schedule
8:00 AM | Shared Breakfast
Mornings in Cape Town start with a delicious breakfast at your guest house! Fuel up with fresh food, coffee, and tea while connecting with your cohort before your day begins.
9:00 AM | Morning Workouts, Prep & Cultural Activities
Take advantage of flexible morning time tailored to your goals. Use this window to complete your workout session, prep for your internship projects, or join group cultural activities like guided tours, museum visits, or hiking iconic trails. All students receive full gym access throughout the program to maintain their fitness routines. (Interested in training with a local team? Let us know during your interview—depending on your sport, practice sessions can be arranged 2 to 3 times per week.)
12:00 PM | Lunch Break
Enjoy mid-day free time to recharge! Step out with fellow interns to explore local cafes and eateries for an independent lunch before heading to your placement.
2:00 PM | Commute & On-Site Internship Work
Head to your NGO placement via private program transportation. Once on-site, jump directly into your afternoon responsibilities! Your placement blends direct community work, hands-on project management, and innovative independent projects where you and your supervisor see fit.
6:00 PM | Group Dinner
Gather around the table with your cohort for dinner served at the guest house. This is a relaxed, wonderful opportunity to unwind, share stories about your day's work, and bond with your fellow interns.
7:00 PM | Evening Free Time & Social Activities
Wind down your evening with free time to relax or explore! Spend your night relaxing around the guest house with fellow interns, exploring the vibrant local neighborhoods, or catching sunset views together. Your on-site Beyond Sports staff will be accessible to help you connect to different activities in Cape Town.
All daily internship schedules vary by placement. This daily itinerary is crafted to give you a sample day as a Beyond Sports intern.
Life in Cape Town
Lodging & Meals
Students will reside in a shared guest house with fellow interns. Each guest house includes:
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Breakfast & dinner, daily (dietary restrictions accommodated)
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Private or shared twin bedroom with essential furnishings & linens
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Private or shared bathroom
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Laundry, available on site
After enrollment, students will complete a housing questionnaire to help our local team match them with the most suitable roommate.
Fitness Abroad
Our team is committed to supporting your athletic goals. All students are given access to a centrally located gym, allowing you to maintain individual fitness routines with 4-5 workouts per week.
You may also have opportunities to engage with local sports teams and athletes, where available. If interested in sport-specific practices or trainings, please inquire during your interview process. Our team will work closely with you to craft a personalized training plan. Depending on your sport, practice sessions can be arranged 2 to 3 times per week.
Safety
Our program is based in carefully selected, secure residential areas of Cape Town known for their strong community presence and active safety measures.
Students navigate the city with structured guidance from our experienced on-ground staff, allowing them to confidently experience Cape Town's incredible culture and landscape.
Beyond Sports staff host a welcome and safety orientation upon arrival and remain accessible to students 24/7 while on program.
Excursions
This program includes one overnight weekend excursion organized and led by Beyond Sports staff––lodging, transportation, and two daily meals are provided. Excursions for this program include:
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Safari 1-Night Overnight Excursion: Head out to a game reserve to observe some of Africa's most iconic animals up close in their natural habitat. Includes afternoon and morning safaris.
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Other Weekly Activities: Our experienced staff will organize other activities to help you explore Cape Town's historic sites, such as a Table Mountain hike, Robben Island's apartheid-era prison, Boulder Beach's African penguins, District 6 museum, Bo-Kaap, and Cape Point.
Program Details
Dates
Session #1: May 21 - June 11, 2027
Note: Plan to arrive at your destination on the official start date of your session. Your accommodations are fully included and available starting Day 1.
Program Tuition
$4,795
Scholarship and fundraising resources are available. Please contact our team for more details.
Included
Eligibility
All Beyond Sports Internship Programs are open to current college students and recent college graduates (1-2 years post-graduation). Student-athletes from any competition level (NCAA, NAIA, JC, club, intramural) and any major are welcome to apply.
Capacity
Capacity is limited to 5 interns per placement. Each South Africa Internship Program averages around 10 to 15 students per session. Once the session fills, waitlist spots are assigned in order of registration.
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Guesthouse accommodation
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Breakfast & dinner, daily
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In-country airport transfers (on arrival & departure days)
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Private transportation to internship sites
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Internship placement
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One weekend group excursion
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Gym membership
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Sport-specific training opportunities (varies by sport)
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International health insurance
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Program t-shirt
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Pre-departure support & orientation
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Post-program support & career guidance
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Local Support Staff 24/7
Not Included
Payment
If accepted, a $250 deposit is require to reserve your spot in the program. The remaining balance is paid in a series of two installments. Specific deadlines will be outlined during registration.
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Roundtrip airfare to Cape Town, South Africa (CPT)
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Passport/associated fees, if applicable
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Lunch, daily
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Snacks, souvenirs, & optional entertainment expenses
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Card fees associated with tuition payments (ranging from 3-5%, varies by card). Card fees can be avoided by paying with a US Checking Account.
Application Process
Priority Application Deadline: December 15, 2026
1.
Apply Online
Fill out our free online application. We look for driven students who are dedicated to their personal development and prepared to represent Beyond Sports with leadership and professionalism.
2.
Complete a Phone Interview
If selected, you will receive an email to schedule a 20-minute phone interview. This conversation is a great opportunity for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions about the program.
3.
Register & Deposit
If accepted into the program, you'll receive an email invitation with the link to register. A $250 deposit is required to reserve your internship spot. The remaining balance is paid in two installments.
Program FAQ
What is the placement process like?
Once you're enrolled in an internship program, you will be invited to schedule a Goal Setting call with your Site Director who will work with you to place you with a company that best fits your academic and career interests. Students typically learn the specific organization they are interning with around one month before the program starts.
Can I receive academic credit for this program?
Yes, you can receive credit for your internship with approval from your home university. We encourage all students to check with their university about how to receive academic credit for their internship. We will work with you every step of the way to make sure your internship meets their requirements. More information found here.
Are the internships paid opportunities?
All of our internships are are unpaid, educational opportunities focused on skill acquisition, mentorship, resume enhancement and career exploration.
Is there a language requirement?
No, there is generally no language requirement. However, some placements, primarily in Costa Rica or Spain, require local language proficiency. If moved onto the interview round, your Admissions Coordinator will discuss this with you.
Can I participate in more than one program?
Yes, certainly! Inquire about discount opportunities for participating in double-sessions in one country or dual-programs in multiple destinations. We have carefully aligned program dates to increase the possibility of further promoting your cultural immersion.
Do I have to be a current student-athlete to participate in an internship program?
No, you do not have to be a current student-athlete to participate in one of our programs. We design all of our programs with student-athletes in mind; however, our programs are a great fit for managers, former athletes, and non-student-athletes with sports-focussed interests!
Do I need a working visa?
No work visa is required. Our internships are structured as short-term educational placements rather than commercial work contracts, which means you can enter under standard visitor/tourist status. U.S. citizens currently do not require pre-arranged visas for most of our program destinations (excluding specific electronic travel authorizations like the UK ETA). Non-U.S. citizens and international students are responsible for reviewing their country’s specific entry guidelines.
Who will meet me at the airport upon my arrival?
Our Beyond Sports staff will be waiting for you at the airport in your host country destination. Once you connect with our team on the ground, our staff will be accessible for you through the duration of the program.
Contact Us
Our staff is readily available to answer your questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at your convenience.
