| Overview |
South Africa: Global Internships & Investing in Africa
*Applicants to this program are eligible to apply for the Rusty Johnson Scholarship for Study and Internships in Africa which provides full funding*
This 8-week program offers a unique summer experience for students seeking to gain practical skills in a rapidly growing economic region. The program is split between two of South Africa's most influential cities: a 5-week internship in Cape Town, the multicultural "Mother City", followed by a 3-week externship in Johannesburg - the vibrant heart of South African business. Students will gain valuable professional experience through a guaranteed unpaid internship at a local business or organization in a variety of fields. The hands-on experience is complemented by a required academic seminar that delves into the unique dynamics of global workplace cultures and investing and accessing capital in Africa. This blended approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape, fostering professional growth and cross-cultural competence. |
| Location |
Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Program |
Part 1: Internship in Cape Town (5 Weeks)
Spend the first five weeks of your summer in Cape Town, a multicultural metropolis with 11 official languages and the economic engine of the Western Cape. As a developing nation in transition, South Africa offers a rich environment for learning about international business and social development firsthand. Immerse yourself in the local professional culture with a guaranteed unpaid internship for up to 32 hours per week at a local business or organization. Placements are available in a diverse range of fields, including:
- Business
- Finance
- Marketing
- Media & Communication
- Charities & Nonprofits
- Education
-
Public Health
Part 2: Externship in Johannesburg (3 Weeks)
Following your internship, your journey extends with a three-week externship in Johannesburg. This part of the program is designed to give you direct exposure to the broader South African business and cultural landscape. You’ll participate in five business visits in sectors like fintech, agrotech, and consulting, and attend an Internship Networking Event to hone your intercultural communication skills. You will also complete your academic course, gaining valuable knowledge that complements your hands-on experience.
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| Course Information |
Students will receive academic credit for BEM 391. Global Business Studies (3h). The course will focus on global workplace cultures and investing in Africa. Global workplace cultures topics include understanding business culture, improving communication, strengthening work attitude and aptitude, resolving conflicts, and navigating issues, challenges, and opportunities so you can succeed on the job in South Africa and when you return home. Investing in Africa topics include the continent’s capital markets, financial ecosystems, economic history, the role of microfinance, and the impact of foreign direct aid and ethical investing. Networking opportunities and guest speakers, including African entrepreneurs and professionals, will complement coursework.
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| Accommodation |
While in Cape Town, students will live in a student residences near the University of Cape Town. Residences offer single, private rooms with en suite bathrooms and kitchenettes. Rooms are fully furnished and come with all bedding, towels, pots, pans, cutlery, etc. On-site facilities include a gym, cooking facilities, and outdoor areas. Meals are not included. While in Johannesburg, students will live in shared, private hotel accommodations which include daily breakfast.
NOTE: All students participating in the WFU/South Africa: Internships & Investing in Africa program are required to live in program-provided housing. Housing accommodations students may have on campus do not automatically transfer to abroad and certain housing accommodations (e.g., single rooms and private bathrooms, for example) may not be available. |
| Excursions |
Excursions and cultural activities include: Cape Town: City walking tour and District 6 Museum, Robben Island, Cape Penninsula, Winelands region, and Bo-Kaap Cooking experience; Johannesburg: Guided tours of Constitution Hill, Cradle of Humankind, and Apartheid Museum. Visits to Soweto Township including Vilikazi Street, Mandela House, and Hector Pietersen Museum; Alexandra Township Arts Experience Tour and Victoria Yards. |
| Selection |
- 2.5 minimum GPA
- Good Academic Standing
- Open to all majors/minors
- Background and experience for internship
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| Costs |
The total cost of summer study abroad can be broken down into four categories:
- Program Fee – Usually covers room, in-country travel, excursions, some meals and other costs associated with the program.
- Tuition – Students on WFU summer programs pay WFU summer school tuition per credit hour. The summer rate for 2025 was $950/per credit hour. You could expect a slight increase for 2026.
- Airfare (estimated) – Varies per location. Students are responsible for their own airfare unless otherwise noted.
- Personal Expenses (estimated) – These will vary depending on the students' spending habits, cost of living in the destination country, and the number of meals included in the program fee. This may also include visa fees, vaccinations, academic supplies/books and other miscellaneous daily expenses.
Program Fee - $8,715
Tuition (3 hrs) - $2,850
Airfare (estimated) - $2,200
Personal Expenses (estimated) - $2,670
Estimated total cost - $16,435 |
| Scholarships |
Applicants to this program are also eligible to apply for the Rusty Johnson Scholarship for Study and Internships in Africa which provides full funding. Additional scholarships are available through the Center for Global Programs and Studies. |
| Visa & Passport |
Passport Information
Students need to check their passport's expiration date and ensure that it will be valid for at least 6 months after the program's end date.
Students going on a summer program need to make sure their passport is valid through at least mid-February of the following year.
US passport holders who need to renew their passport should visit the U.S. Department of State's passport website for information on this process.
Non-US passport holders who need to renew their passport should refer to their home country's passport office.
Visa Information
Non-U.S. citizens should refer to their local consulate to learn about visa requirements and determine eligibility
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| Contact |
Janice Claybrook
Director of Short-Term/Summer Programs & Scholarships
336.758.2561
claybrjw@wfu.edu
David F. Taylor
Assistant Dean of Global Study Away
(336) 758-4884
taylordf@wfu.edu |
| Testimonials |
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