Internship Description

About the Organization:
Obzside Adventure Centre is a PADI scuba diving club and adventure booking centre based in Observatory, Cape Town. Obzside’s progressive marketing inclinations leave it with few peers in the diving industry. In one year’s time, Obzside has evolved from a tiny diving school operating out of a garage to one of the top certifying dive schools in Cape Town. This explosive organizational transformation is not without merit; Obzside management is not afraid to think big, to challenge the industry status quo, to take risks. In 2006 Obzside introduced surf kayaking, extreme tubing and shark cage diving to its adventure repertoire and also began providing marine coordination and logistics for the Cape Town film industry’s many ocean-based film shoots. In early 2007 Obzside is preparing to launch another progressive diving service—the wreck diving safari. Interns will play a major roll in unveiling this project to the public.


Local Activities:
Obzside interns will be living in Observatory, which is one of the most exciting student neighborhoods in all of Cape Town! Observatory, or “Obz” as locals call it, features an eclectic sundry of nightspots and restaurants, and an atmosphere that is surprisingly cosmopolitan given its intimate size. Much of this unique vibe is attributed to the presence of many international visitors. It is not uncommon to overhear conversations in several different languages while walking along the street. Yet, Obz is also intrinsically South African. Living in Obz and experiencing its cultural and political vibes will help interns better understand, on a greater scale, the complexities of the “new” South Africa.

Observatory is popular among the international student/ volunteer community because it is located halfway between the city center and the False Bay coastline. Visitors have an endless selection of outdoor activities to choose from, such as hiking, surfing, scuba diving, golfing, outdoor concerts and wine tasting. Cape Town is surrounded by oceans and is home to many beautiful beaches! The city centre, known to Capetonians as the “bowl”, is the ideal place to go on cultural excursions.


Job Description:
We are looking for fun loving motivated and independent interns to create a well thought-out and carefully executed marketing campaign for the centre.  Interns will be given the opportunity to use their creativity in creating this campaign with a focus on internet-based marketing. Interns will work on trip presentations, membership drives, our web presence and weekly email marketing.


Additional Information:
For more information about Obzside and its programs, visit its web site at: www.obzside.co.za
This internship is offered in conjunction with Volunteer Adventure Corps of Cape Town, South Africa.

Click here to view a report by Michael Calcagno of the Oregon Daily Emerald on IE3’s internships and partnership with Volunteer Adventure Corps of Cape Town. 

Click here for a YouTube film about the Cape Town internships.  

Start Date:
This internship is available each term.


Duration:
One or two terms


Number of Positions:
2 per term

Intern Qualifications

Academic Background:
Business, marketing, advertising


Skills/Experience:
Knowledge of Photoshop and graphic design a plus. Must appreciate outdoor adventure sports!


Language Requirement:
English

Other Requirements:

Internship Costs

Program Fees:
The program fee includes tuition, internship site development and placement, pre-departure orientation, international health insurance, internship monitoring and follow-up.
Click here for application information, including the program fee, for your school.
Note: The program fee does not include airfare, housing, living expenses or any other estimated costs noted below.
An additional local program fee of $1700 applies to this program, and covers accommodation, airport transfers, local orientation, internship management, 24-hour support, and placement.  

Note:
Any financial or in-kind support provided by the host organization is explicitly indicated.

Compensation:
None.


Accommodation:
Interns will be accommodated in private student-oriented housing in the Observatory neighborhood. Interns will have a fully-furnished private room, kitchen and laundry facilities, 24-hour security and wireless internet connection.  (Shared rooms are occasionally available at a lower cost.) Accomodation and local support is provided by Volunteer Adventure Corps. Interns will need to pay a $50 lease fee and a refundable $350 housing deposit upon arrival in South Africa.


International Travel:
$2,000 round trip from Oregon to Cape Town, South Africa


Cost of Living:

Interns should plan to spend $300-$350/month for food, entertainment and personal expenses.

Note: Students who have participated in Africa internships have suggested that interns may want to bring additional money so that they may participate more in uniquely African activities, such as visits to game parks, buying local clothing and crafts, contributing to local organizations, and bringing home gifts for friends and family. Therefore, depending on your interests, you may want to budget additional funds.

Budget Note:
Applicants should use these estimates for preliminary budgeting purposes.
IE3 will issue an official budget after acceptance by the host organization.

Application Information

Academic Credit:
Up to 12 credits available as per arrangement with supervising department.

Application Materials:
IE3 is a program of the Oregon University System.
Students from participating partner universities are also eligible to apply.
Click here for application information and select your school from the list.

Created/Revised:2/22/08