Most popular internship destinations for SA students (Dubai, Bali, Bangkok) are warm year-round. You will feel right at home climatically. London and European destinations require some adjustment — layering is your friend.
Documents — Absolute Essentials
Physical Documents
- Passport (valid 6+ months beyond return)
- Visa (printed copy)
- Internship contract / offer letter
- International travel insurance card/policy
- Yellow fever card (if required for entry)
- Emergency contact card
Digital Backups
- All documents scanned to Google Drive
- Insurance policy number noted in phone
- SA Embassy in destination — contact saved
- Emergency numbers for destination
- Internship host company contacts
Clothing by Climate
Hot and Humid (Bali, Bangkok, Singapore)
- Breathable, light-coloured tops (5–7)
- 1–2 smart-casual outfits for the office
- Sandals and comfortable walking shoes
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (buy extra there — cheap)
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Light rain jacket for monsoon season
Hot and Dry (Dubai)
- Business-smart clothing for office (AC is aggressive — bring a layer)
- Modest dress for public spaces (shoulders and knees covered)
- Sunglasses — UV is intense
- Comfortable closed shoes for office, sandals for evenings
- Swimwear for hotel pools and beach clubs
Mediterranean (Barcelona, Lisbon)
- 5–7 smart-casual outfits (Europeans dress well)
- Light jacket for evenings and AC
- Comfortable walking shoes — you will walk everywhere
- 1 slightly formal outfit for events or networking
- Sunscreen — Mediterranean sun is strong
Temperate (London, Amsterdam)
- Layering system: base layer + mid layer + jacket
- Waterproof jacket — London is unpredictable
- Smart business-casual (London offices are formal)
- Warm scarf and gloves if going in autumn/winter
- Comfortable waterproof walking shoes
Tech and Essentials
Bring yours. Check if host company provides one. Keep it in hand luggage.
SA Type M plugs are not common abroad. Buy a universal adapter before you leave.
20,000 mAh. Essential for navigating new cities all day on your phone.
For flights and open-plan offices. Game changer for long commutes.
Plasters, ibuprofen, antihistamines, rehydration sachets, diarrhoea tablets (crucial in Asia).
For hostel lockers or securing your luggage in transit. Small TSA-approved.
We give you a personalised pre-departure guide
When you join and choose your destination, we send you a personalised packing guide specific to your internship city, company, and season. Nothing generic.
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