Public Policy Internships in Cape Town

Yes, start dates are flexible, and internship durations typically range from 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on the project and host organization. Because our internship programs are customized around your academic calendar and availability, shorter or longer placements may also be possible. We work with you to find a schedule that fits your goals, timeline, and destination.

To find the best fit for you, we ask for our application form, your resume, a call with our team and, if relevant, writing samples.

You pay a $350 deposit when you apply (€350 for Barcelona and Dublin), fully refunded if you don’t receive an offer in your first- or second-choice field.

We recommend talking with us before you apply: get in touch!

We don’t have set deadlines. Instead, we offer rolling admissions so you can apply when it works best for you. Most applicants apply three to six months before their planned arrival date, which gives us plenty of time to find the right opportunity and allows you time to plan for your trip.

You can explore firsthand experiences from past participants by reading our student reviews and testimonials. To date, Connect-123 has worked with students from 600+ universities worldwide and maintains partnerships with a wide range of institutions, including Ball State University, Bucknell University, Drexel University, Michigan State University, Ohio University, Penn State, Rhodes College, University of California, Davis, University of California, Santa Cruz, University of Colorado Boulder, and University of Georgia. These long-standing relationships reflect our strong reputation for providing high-quality, academically aligned global internship programs.

The average age of our participants is around 21, though we work with a diverse range of students and professionals. Participants include undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates, gap year students, and early-career professionals, all united by a desire to gain global experience. The minimum age to participate is 18, and there is no upper age limit for our programs.

At Connect-123, we’re passionate about creating meaningful, life-changing global internship experiences, not only for our participants but also for the local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and communities we work with. While each student’s priorities are different, we believe the best way to compare internship placement providers is to ask the right questions.

Here are three key questions we encourage you to consider:

1) Can I speak with someone before applying?

A reputable internship placement organization should want to learn about you before you apply. If an organization offers a conversation upfront, it’s a strong sign they care about your goals, motivations, and fit. If you’re required to submit an application or pay a deposit before speaking with anyone, the focus may be more on making a sale than on ensuring the right match. At Connect-123, we always recommend starting with a conversation. You’ll speak directly with a program coordinator before deciding whether to apply. This ensures transparency, alignment, and realistic expectations from the start. You can schedule a call anytime by contacting us.

2) Is the deposit refundable?

Many internship placement providers require a non-refundable deposit, regardless of the outcome. Our policy is different. If you do not receive an offer in your first or second choice field, your deposit is fully refundable. We work closely with you to understand your interests and requirements and are confident in our ability to find a placement that aligns with your goals.

3) Does the organization have academic partnerships?

Universities carefully vet internship placement organizations through extensive due diligence processes. Choosing a provider with established academic partnerships adds an important layer of credibility and oversight. Since 2006, Connect-123 has worked with students from 600+ universities worldwide and maintains formal partnerships with numerous institutions. We also have long-standing relationships with career center advisors, study abroad directors, and faculty members.

Ultimately, the best internship placement organization is the one that prioritizes you, and that’s exactly what we strive to deliver!