Welcome Session at University
A warm South African welcome at Stellenbosch University sets the tone for the programme, with introductions to the host social enterprises and small businesses. The practical experience is about to begin.
Transform university learning into on-the-ground action
About the programme
Academic insight meets real-world social impact
This prestigious programme blends academic insight with real-world social impact and local business experience in Cape Town, South Africa.
Students are placed as interns with local social businesses, where they gain practical experience. They become part of a social impact team, develop new skills and contribute directly to the communities their host organisations serve.
Programme highlights
Start with connection, then dig into impact
Measuring Social Impact Picnic
A fun, interactive session in a garden setting explores the impact strategies of the social enterprise hosts. Students gain an in-depth view of the root causes their host organisations address on the ground in Cape Town.
Social enterprise tour
Meet enterprises changing how business is done
I Love Coffee
Empowering deaf youth through hospitality training as chefs or baristas.
U-turn
Tackling homelessness through skills-based rehabilitation and work opportunities.
Taking Care of Business
Enabling families to escape poverty through two years of small-business support.
Programme outline
A toolkit for meaningful social impact
Shortly after arriving in South Africa, students visit a range of social enterprises. An “Introducing Social Enterprise” workshop explores social enterprise business models and core characteristics, as well as the dynamics of social entrepreneurship in the South African context.
The Impact Measurement Workshop toolkit includes:
- Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and Theory of Change framework
- Revenue model handouts
- Deep dives into social enterprise definitions, legal forms, sustainability and ethical values
- Characteristics of social entrepreneurship in South Africa
Key learning areas
- Understanding what defines a social enterprise
- Mapping mission-driven activities to long-term social impact
- Monitoring and evaluating success in community development
- Exploring sustainability models for social enterprise
- In-depth scoping of a social impact assignment conducted over three months
What our students say
“The three months I spent in South Africa were the best three months of my life. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”Frida Olsen, former internship studentEmail us
Find out more
Explore Cape Town and make a difference
If you are interested in the International Student Internship Programme—focused on social innovation—we invite you to contact us directly. We look forward to welcoming you into our community of social innovators and entrepreneurs.
Contact us
Programme enquiriesjamy@socialenterprise.academy