About EMI South Africa Internships
We aim to partner with young design professionals studying or working in the built environment to equip and empower them with skills and confidence needed to succeed after graduation. Focusing on professional development, spiritual mentorship and cultural growth we hope to have a positive influence on the next generation of African design professionals.
—Lelani Oosthuizen, 2022 Engineering Intern
South Africa represents a unique context for developing technical skills. As a South African intern with EMI, you can expect to engage your community in new ways through project work, volunteer activities, and daily interaction with people from all walks of life. You will have the opportunity to participate in restoration rather than continue the cycle of social injustice that has left this nation deeply divided.
Our local projects assist clients whose programs aim to restore dignity and hope to many who lack resources and opportunities to reach their full potential. These projects serve a wide range of ministries including job readiness training, orphan care, early childhood development, housing, prison ministry, health initiatives and much more! In addition, our work often extends outside the borders of South Africa to other southern African countries. Your internship will involve working alongside both local and international professionals to design facilities for our clients. In addition, you’ll be given time to enjoy the beautiful landscape, to participate in local culture and history, and make new friends. Won’t you consider investing your skills to make a difference in your country?
South Africa represents a unique context for EMI work and for developing technical skills through an internship. In many respects, the country is highly developed; boasting clean water, effective transportation and advanced medical care (the world’s first heart transplant took place in Cape Town). However, decades of social injustice have left the nation deeply divided, struggling to restore dignity and hope to many who lack resources and opportunities to reach their full potential.
As an intern with EMI South Africa, you will have opportunities to bridge this divide through project work, volunteer activities, and daily interaction with people from all walks of life. Our local projects assist clients whose programs include job readiness training, orphan care, early childhood development, housing, prison ministry, health initiatives and much more!
In addition, our work often extends outside the borders of South Africa to other southern African countries. Your internship will involve working alongside African interns and a team of multi-national professionals to design facilities for our clients. In addition, you’ll be given time to enjoy the beautiful landscape, to learn about South Africa’s culture and history, and engage with local people. Come, explore a beautiful part of the world, and invest your skills in a region desperate for hope!
Q: How do I apply for an EMI internship?
A: Pre-Apply for an EMI Internship online. You will need to create or log-in to your EMI account to pre-apply for an EMI Internship.
Q: Where will I be living?
A: Housing for interns is facilitated by EMI with consideration for the intern’s preferences. Interns will be hosted by staff/friends of EMI or housed in a community housing unit with other (non-EMI) students. If possible, you’ll be provided with your own room, but in some instances a same-gender room share may be required. Housing will be located in one of the near-city suburbs within walking distance or bus ride from the office. Public transport is readily accessible for getting to and from the office and for sightseeing around the city.
Q: What is the office routine like?
A: We start each day with devotions at 8:30 am, and then disperse to tackle the day’s work. Our office is set up in an open-plan style, which facilitates collaboration. We typically break for lunch from 12:30 – 1:30, eating together in the conference room or nearby eateries. The workday typically ends at 5:00 but work hours are flexible, so those who prefer to start their day before 8:30, also leave a bit earlier in the afternoon.
Q: What about after office hours?
A: There are endless opportunities for activities on the evenings and weekends! Restaurants, museums, hiking trails, beaches and volunteer opportunities are all within an easy bus ride from the City Center. Many of the local churches host life groups and young adult gatherings. Movie theatres, performing arts, shopping and exploring the city are all great options.
Q: Will I get paid?
A: EMI Internships are unpaid. Interns typically raise support to cover living expenses, project trip expenses, and an office administrative fee.
Q: Is there a scholarship available?
A: Occasionally scholarships are available to cover some or all of the internship costs. These are generally reserved for students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. The scholarship application is available upon request after an intern has been accepted to the program.
Q: Do I need to speak South African languages, like isiXhosa or Afrikaans?
A: Speaking South African languages is an asset, not a requirement. Our office operates in English, but speaking one of the local languages is helpful when engaging with society when working with local ministries. Both isiXhosa and Afrikaans are commonly spoken in the Cape Town region.
Q: Can I have visitors?
A: You are welcome to have friends and family visit while you are here. Please keep in mind that your housing situation will likely not accommodate extra guests, so visitors will need to book their own accommodations. You will be allocated a personal day for each month of your internship and receive all South African national holidays as paid days off.