Child Life Pre-Internship / Practicum in Cape Town

Applications are now open for our award-winning Child Life Pre-Internship / Practicum in Cape Town!

The 4-week practicum experience is open to Child Life students as well as to those interested in the field and is led by experienced Certified Child Life Specialists.

Upcoming Cape Town program dates:

2025:
Session 5: Aug 17 to Sep 13, 2025

2026:
Session 1: Jan 11 to Feb 7, 2026
Session 2: May 24 to June 20, 2026
Session 3: June 21 to Jul 18, 2026
Session 4: Jul 19 to Aug 15, 2026
Session 5: Aug 16 to Sep 12, 2026

The Cape Town practicum is designed to meet the Association of Child Life Professionals’ standards.  While practicums are not required for becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist, the ACLP encourages students to pursue pre-internship experiences in order to be better prepared and more competitive when applying for Child Life internships.

Connect-123 Child Life Pre-Internship / Practicum Experience Summary:

• Award-winning 4-week Child Life Pre-Internship / Practicum Experience in Cape Town, South Africa
• Program aligns with the ACLP’s recommendations for pre-internship experiences
• Supervision provided by experienced Certified Child Life Specialists
• Onsite workshops focusing on clinical application of developmental theory, cultural humility, and internship preparation, including review of the new ACLP common application process and KSA’s
• Multiple start dates to fit students’ schedules
• Pre-trip planning and orientation, on-site training, secure housing, 24/7 on-the-ground support
• Local events, including tours to Cape Point, wine tasting at local vineyards, and an optional overnight safari!
• 15+ years experience with international Child Life programs

During the program, through experiential learning and observation, students will increase their knowledge of basic child life skills related to play, developmental assessment, and integration of child life theory into interventions with children and families.

The $4,490 program fee covers training, secure housing, 24/7 on-the-ground support, and some local events with the Connect-123 Cape Town team.  We also offer an optional overnight safari experience, where you can see Africa’s big five!

To learn more, check out our brief child life practicum video here.

For more information or to apply, please contact us today!

Based on your interest in Child Life Pre-Internship / Practicum in Cape Town, you might like these related internships:
Read Cape Town Child Life Pre-Internship / Practicum Reviews | View all reviews

Kiah G

Child Life Practicum | Cape Town
Eastern Washington University

I learned and practiced communicating with children and families from diverse backgrounds, which led me to examine my biases, identify areas for growth, and establish personal and professional boundaries.

Read more

Alex H

Child Life Practicum | Cape Town
Lynchburg College

I gained important knowledge related to cultural humility, the scope of practice, applying theory during play, and overcoming communication barriers or difficulties in the hospital environment.

Read more

Lillian D

Child Life Practicum | Cape Town
Tarleton State University

It is an experience that will stay with me for so long and taught me so many valuable things pertaining to child life.

Read more

Daniel M

Child Life Practicum | Cape Town
University of Scranton

This pre-internship was like no other and I would definitely recommend this experience for anyone in the Child Life field. I had a great time learning under the supervision of my preceptor at two different hospitals in the Western Cape.

Read more

Abby F

Child Life Practicum | Cape Town
Harding University

This child life practicum experience was such an amazing opportunity. I was able to see the world while also learning about child life and how to be a better professional.

Read more

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99.137.214.192
United States
US
Baton Rouge
Louisiana
LA
North America
NA

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