Summer Research Internship in South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA -Social Justice & Activism Internship

From the SIT South Africa program website - Understand the dynamics of human rights advocacy and the history of apartheid from your base in Cape Town, a hub for human rights organizations in a country emerging from legally enforced racial discrimination and economic and political exclusion. Stay with a local family; be welcomed into their lives and share experiences and learn from their views. Visit important sites of oppression and resistance illustrative of the country’s unique history, and gain a better understanding of social justice issues affecting South Africa today. You will also learn the ethics of human rights advocacy and research during a five-week internship that will give you professional experience in an international setting. SIT uses our extensive networks to facilitate the placement process. Organizations we have worked with deal with issues including gender, community mobilization, public health, migration, media and advocacy and environmental sustainability. Attend weekly assessment meetings with your academic director or internship coordinator, and keep a work journal to reflect on your experiences, challenges, and professional achievements.

Note: This program includes an internship. Please review the information on the program website to learn more about this aspect of the experience.

This is a 5-week program, which runs from June - August 2025

Eligibility

Student Applicants must:

• Be a currently enrolled, degree seeking undergraduate student in good academic and judicial standing at the time of application, and during the program.
• Have a graduation date of December 2025 or later.
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Successfully complete all application steps listed below.

Before You Apply

Visit the South Africa program website and download the syllabi. The application form includes two questions based on the program syllabus. Please be sure to review the syllabus document carefully before starting the application.

Application Materials

Save application materials (items 1 and 2 below) as either PDF or Microsoft Word files. You will submit your statement, CV or resume with the electronic application.

1. Statement of Interest. Submitted with the electronic application.

The statement must address the 4 items listed below.

• Background Information: Include your major, academic interests, extra/co-curricular activities, involvement in clubs and organizations, and any other non-academic information or accomplishments you wish to share.
• Why do you want to participate in this program, and how do you see your participation “fitting in” with current and future academic and professional goals?
• What can you contribute to this program? Describe your skills relevant to this experience. For example, you may address your time-management, communication, or organizational skills.
• Explain why you selected this program location, and topic area. Also address how you will prepare to study abroad in the selected location. What do you know about this location?

2. A copy of your CV or Resume. Submitted with the e-application form.

Application Process

1. Review and make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above. Review and make sure you can fulfill all the participant responsibilities listed below.
2. Submit the South Africa program electronic application.
3. Meet with Laura Livermore in UTC Study Abroad to discuss the program, application process, fees, and program responsibilities.  Once you submit the electronic application, you will be contacted to schedule a meeting.
4. Meet with Dr. Lisa Piazza in the Office for URaCE to discuss research responsibilities and expectations.
5. Submit the UTC Office of Study Abroad application. NOTE: Applicants will receive the study abroad application link via e-mail once steps 1-3 above have been completed.

The UTC application deadline for this program is 11pm on Friday, January 31, 2025.

Follow this LINK to apply.

Program Participant Responsibilities

• Students selected to participate in this program must complete Office for URaCE program activities (via Canvas) between May-August 2025.
• Program participants must also attend at least one in-person orientation meeting in late April or early May. Before you apply, make sure you are available to dedicate time to this program from May - August.

Prior to Departure (May, 2025)

• Attend program meetings and events on campus.
• Attend in-person program orientation.
• Complete pre-experience training via Canvas.
• Attend check-in meetings with Office for URaCE program coordinators.
• Attend Office of Study Abroad pre-departure orientation (Study Abroad 103).
• Other items as assigned.

During the Research Study Abroad Experience

• Follow UTC policies and code of conduct.
• Follow UTC Study Abroad policies and code of conduct.
• Successfully fulfill all responsibilities and requirements of the experience.
• Attend (virtually) check-in meetings with program coordinators.

At the Conclusion of the Research Study Abroad Experience

• Submit post-experience materials to the Office for URaCE via Canvas.
• Prepare a presentation about your experience for the virtual UTC Fall Research Conference (Fall, 2025).
• Present a poster or oral presentation, or group panel at the UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference (Spring, 2026).
• Complete Office of Study Abroad Post-Study Abroad Scholarship Requirements.

Questions? Contact Dr. Lisa Piazza ([email protected]) OR send a message to the urace mailbox ([email protected])