Are you a graduate in Therapy looking for internship programme that will provide you with work experience and a chance of permanent employment? Apply for the Occupational Therapy internship today.
Internship details
Learn practical occupational therapy skills and gain real life experience assisting qualified therapists in clinics, care facilities, hospitals and schools as an Occupational Therapy intern. Help to provide treatment and diagnosis, learning from experienced professionals and assisting individuals with a range of specific care needs.
This is an in-country internship, with accommodation provided.
Interns on this Occupational Therapy internship in Cape Town build upon your theoretical knowledge foundations by experiencing practical applications alongside local professionals. Gain insight into a wide range of treatments as you help those that are struggling to improve or regain skills and mobility. You’ll gain insight into the stigmas and obstacles faced by individuals within marginalized communities, help to increase independence and self-esteem, while contributing to reversing negative societal attitudes about disability.
Typical placements for Occupational Therapy interns include children’s hospitals, special education schools, or care facilities for those with disabilities. You can also hone your skills at occupational therapy centers, which provide specialist care for those with issues such as traumatic brain injuries, trauma, oncology, burns, feeding disorders, autism, facial palsy, Down syndrome, and lymphedema.
Although daily tasks will vary widely and are influenced by your own skills and experience, interns generally assist with the day-to-day care and rehabilitation of patients. This can include physical therapy or treatment, educational and vocational training, and counseling. Interns are matched to a suitable placement that matches your skills, experience, educational background, and duration of your stay.
In all cases, interns should expect that the first week of your experience will focus on settling in and gaining some introductory knowledge, as you will not “hit the ground running”. Rather, you should start with learning about the placement to gain an understanding of what you can build upon, develop, learn, and contribute. Ensure that you ask questions and provide feedback during the introductory period, so that your supervisor understands how you’re progressing. This will help them to better understand important details, such as how quickly you learn, what you find challenging, what you find interesting, etc.
Understand and expect that individual internship experiences vary, as the specific placement that you’re assigned will depend on review of your resume and your current level of studies and experience. Therefore, if you’re at a more introductory level, you should reasonably expect a more introductory internship. Likewise, if you’re interning for a shorter duration, you will have a different experience from someone who is interning for a longer duration. Placement preferences are considered but always subject to availability.
What are the career benefits of interning abroad as a Occupational Therapy Intern?
Occupational Therapy interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
- Shadowing and assisting in therapy sessions
- Educational and workplace training
- Counseling in assistance with professional staff
- Assisting with general clerical support
Professional development opportunities:
- Learn how experienced therapists conduct therapy sessions
- Gain specialized knowledge in the treatment of specific conditions
- Understand how patient relationships are built and managed
- Gain understanding of the day-to-day life of an occupational therapist
- Build communication skills
- Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum to support your learning and cultural intelligence.
Eligibility requirement
Applicants must be studying or having some experience of speech, occupational and physical therapy or nursing. Empathy and patience are essential characteristics in this field.
Language requirements for this internship
This internship is conducted in English.
Associated career paths
Occupational Therapist (OT), Rehabilitation Supervisor, Assistive Technology Trainer, Industrial Rehabilitation Consultant, Occupational Rehabilitation / Therapist Aide, Therapy Assistant, Athletic Trainer, Speech Language Pathologist, Geriatric Fitness Specialist, Chiropractor, Osteopath, Nurse
Learn practical occupational therapy skills and life experience assisting qualified therapists in clinics, care facilities, hospitals and schools. Help to provide treatment and diagnosis, learning from experienced professionals and assisting individuals with a range of specific care needs.
What to expect from your Occupational Therapy internship:
- Gain experience applying your theoretical knowledge in real life therapy sessions
- Contribute to rehabilitation and treatment for people with a range of conditions
- Enjoy spare time exploring the unique and eclectic city of Cape Town, and wider South Africa
Your internship abroad host organization:
- Healthcare clinics
- Care facilities
- Hospitals
- Schools
Apply here
All young South African graduates are encouraged to visit this site regularly for new opportunities available in their provinces.