South Africa Internships
An international experience can have a massive impact on your academic, professional and personal growth. More than 40% of Newhouse students study abroad and have seen the many benefits of cultural immersion, professional internships and on-site learning opportunities.
South Africa
Calling all Syracuse University interns in public communications!
Embark on a transformative journey in Cape Town, South Africa, and collaborate with local communication professionals across the African continent’s established communication and start-up communities!
Why South Africa?
Studying abroad in South Africa opens doors to a rich tapestry of cultures, languages and landscapes, offering a unique and immersive experience. Dive deep, exploring beyond traditional study abroad programs and actively contributing to thriving African communities.
About
Working alongside Newhouse professor Ken Harper and South African partner Dee Moskoff, founder of ikapaimpact.com, you’ll gain hands-on professional experience that sets you apart in today’s global job market. This tailored internship program matches your skills and career goals with meaningful projects across over 100 nonprofits, businesses and academic institutions in South Africa. Through structured, high-impact placements with 24/7 local support, you’ll develop cross-cultural communication skills, project management experience and the global perspective that employers increasingly value. This isn’t just about adding international experience to your resume—it’s also about building a deeper understanding of the world through collaborative working relationships that enhance your ability to thrive in an interconnected world.
Read all about Newhouse alumna Julia Provvisionato’s ’25 transformative internship in Cape Town with The Loudhailer.
What You’ll Experience:
- Build lasting relationships with local professionals and community members.
- Work on projects aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.
- Contribute to the growth of startups and startup nations in Africa.
- Network within the global communication innovation ecosystem.
Internship Channels
As an intern, engage in research, reporting and creative work on your individual skill sets. This may include:
1. Multimedia Content: Audit and develop engaging multimedia content showcasing the impact and stories of African startups.
2. Data Visualization and Design: Create visual representations of startup data for effective communication.
3. Journalism and Online Content: Craft compelling narratives and online content highlighting startup achievements and challenges.
4. Audio Content: Produce podcasts or audio content to share startup success stories and insights.
5. Feature Writing: Develop in-depth feature articles highlighting noteworthy startups and their contributions.
6. Data Analysis and Report Writing: Analyze startup ecosystem data and present findings through comprehensive reports.
7. Advertising and Strategic Communications: Compile and recommend communication strategies tailored to startup maturity levels.
8. Communications Research: Develop preliminary research questions and data gathering on issues around communication on the African continent.
Limited Spots Available
Seize this opportunity to be part of the New Africa Story and make a lasting impact on the future of innovation in Africa.
Deadline: Feb. 13, 2026
Costs:
| Item | USD | Notes |
| Registration fee | $400.00 | Once-off. Secures internship and activates matching process. |
| Internship fee, 10 weeks | $2125.00 | Includes project management, supervision, monitoring, support. |
| Accommodation (paid to host per month) | ~$1950 | Price will depend on type of preferred accommodation. |
| Local transport (car hire company per month) | ~$1275 | For car hire and local travel |
| Total | $7000~$10,775 | Depending on accommodation and length of stay |
Note: these costs exclude air travel to SA, meals, local tourism, and after-hours socializing
Funding
Syracuse University SOURCE Research Grants
Includes a faculty-mentored independent project aspect to your internship and become eligible for up to $5,000.
- Apply for faculty-mentored independent project funding: SOURCE Summer Grants, SOURCE Fall + Spring Grants, and Honors Program Awards.*
- Timeline and budget may include:
- Summer only (up to $3,000)
- Academic Year (up to $5,000)
- Summer and Academic Year (up to $4,500 for Academic Year and up to $3,000 for Summer)
*Graduating seniors are not eligible to apply for funding in the spring cycle.
Click here to learn more about specifics including deadlines
Syracuse University Internship Funding Award
Increasing professional development opportunities, Syracuse University established this funding award to provide financial support in the form of meeting cost of credit for students when required by a company, and/or to provide support for living expenses associated with summer internships.
- Sophomore and junior students of all majors
Click here to learn more about specifics including deadlines.
Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Award
The Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Awards are intended to enable Syracuse University students to undertake unique summer internships that they have developed on their own initiative and that would not be possible to undertake without financial help. The objective is that students create their own internship, working under the guidance and supervision of an experienced professional who can help them explore opportunities that link theory with practice in their fields of career interest.
Eligibility
- Juniors, seniors and master’s degree students of all majors are eligible to apply.
- Students returning for summer or graduate studies at Syracuse University are eligible to apply.
- Academic credit may be earned for participation in these internships but is not required.
Click here to learn more about specifics including deadlines.
Read all about Newhouse alumna Shannon Kirkpatrick’s summer 2023 internship with the Kolisi Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa!
