Dietitian and Nutrition Internships with SportsDietitian South Africa

At Sports Dietitian South Africa, we pride ourselves on offering dietitian and nutrition interns a unique and enriching learning experience. Based in one of the most beautiful and culturally diverse countries in the world, our internship program is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical, real-world application. Whether you are a local or international intern, we provide an environment that fosters growth, hands-on experience, and a deeper understanding of the field of nutrition and dietetics.

What We Offer to Our Interns
Our internship program is tailored to ensure that interns gain a broad and practical experience in various aspects of nutrition and dietetics, particularly in sports nutrition. Some of the key components of the internship include:

1. Hands-On Experience in Sports Nutrition
Interns have the opportunity to work directly with athletes, swimmers, runners, and triathletes, assisting in creating tailored nutrition plans to optimize their performance and recovery. Interns also learn how to conduct body composition analyses, evaluate dietary intakes, and provide evidence-based recommendations.

2. Exposure to Corporate Wellness Programs
Interns may be involved in delivering corporate wellness sessions, educating employees on the importance of nutrition for productivity and overall health. This experience helps interns develop skills in public speaking, program planning, and nutrition education in a corporate setting.

3. Community Nutrition Projects
We are committed to giving back to the community. Interns often participate in community outreach programs, educating individuals in underprivileged areas about nutrition, food security, and healthy living. These initiatives give interns a sense of the broader impact of nutrition in South Africa and enhance their cultural competence.

4. Individualized Mentorship
Our team of experienced dietitians provides one-on-one mentorship throughout the internship. We guide interns in developing their professional skills, understanding client-centered care, and applying clinical knowledge in real-world situations.

5. Research and Development Opportunities
Interns may assist with research projects, product development, or educational material creation. This helps them stay up-to-date with the latest trends in nutrition science and apply research findings to practice.

6. Collaboration with Your University
We work closely with your university to ensure you meet all the requirements of your internship program. From completing necessary tasks to gaining practical experience, we help you align with your academic objectives and strive to help you achieve excellent marks during your internship. Our goal is to not only help you excel in your career but also support your academic success.

Why Intern with SportsDietitian South Africa?
A Culturally Diverse Experience
South Africa offers a melting pot of cultures, lifestyles, and dietary habits, which provides interns with a unique opportunity to learn how to work with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds. This experience builds empathy, adaptability, and cultural awareness.

Focus on Practical Learning
We emphasize practical, hands-on learning experiences that prepare interns for real-world challenges. Interns graduate from our program feeling more confident and capable in their abilities to work in diverse nutrition and dietetics fields.

Build Your Professional Network
Interns work alongside a network of experienced dietitians, athletes, sports coaches, and community leaders, fostering valuable professional relationships for the future.

A Gateway to Sports Nutrition
If you’re passionate about sports nutrition, this is the perfect opportunity to dive into the field. Our program offers a first-hand look at what it takes to work in high-performance nutrition for athletes.

What We Expect from Our Interns
We welcome dedicated, enthusiastic, and motivated individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to our team. Interns should have a strong foundation in nutrition and dietetics, a willingness to take initiative, and a passion for helping others improve their health and performance through proper nutrition.

Join Us for an Internship Experience Like No Other
If you’re looking to gain practical experience in a supportive, diverse, and dynamic environment, an internship with SportsDietitian South Africa is for you. Together, we’ll help you build the skills and knowledge you need to excel in your career, support your academic achievements, and make a real difference in the lives of others.

We treated our interns to a unique culinary experience at Mojo Restaurant in Kirstenbosch, where they had the opportunity to try South African delicacies, including Mopani worms. A memorable outing filled with flavor and culture!

Hosting lively beach exercise classes to support community wellness and help manage chronic diseases.
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Engaging in gardening to support local food production while providing nutritious lunches—a hands-on effort to nurture both the community and its well-being.
Going to CPD (Continuing Professional Development) events
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Hosting informal beach discussions on healthy eating and balanced lifestyles
Preparing healthy lunches together using homegrown vegetables from our backyards, while teaching children how to incorporate them into their meals.
Doing sugar, cholesterol, blood pressue and DNA sampling tests
Doing body composition analysis using an Inbody scale
I worked as an intern for Hanlie for a few months and got to see how she works firsthand. She is a very kind and involved person. She makes sure every client gets personalized advice based on their activity level, current diet, and preferences. If you're looking for a dietitian who can help you achieve your goals regarding sports, but also weight loss or disordered eating, and honestly everything in between, I would absolutely recommend Hanlie. I am very lucky to have been able to learn from her.
Chiara Ode - Dutch
Intern
As part of a postgraduate opportunity offered by my university in Hungary, I was fortunate to gain overseas experience in the field of dietetics. My dream destination was Cape Town, South Africa, and to make this a reality, I reached out to eight different organizations in the area. Out of all of them, Hanlie, the head of Sports Dietitian, was the only one who responded., I was thrilled to receive a prompt and enthusiastic response, her positive attitude and eagerness to welcome me as part of her team made the start of the application process encouraging. I vividly recall contacting various organizations via email on a Friday, hoping for responses by the following Monday. To my surprise, Hanlie responded on the same day, expressing her excitement at having an intern join her team. She mentioned this was not the first time she had taken an intern under her wing, which made me even more comfortable going through with the application. With her guidance, I sent through my CV, and she efficiently handled all the necessary university paperwork. Her promptness ensured that I started my internship without any delay. Upon arriving in Cape Town, I had a scheduled meeting with Hanlie and her colleague, Anri. Their warm welcome, big smiles, and calm demeanour instantly made me feel at ease. During our initial discussion, they outlined my responsibilities and duties with the company and assured me that they were always available to answer any questions or provide the support I needed. I spent a total of four months with Sports Dietitian, and I sincerely wish I could have stayed longer. The experience was transformative, offering me countless opportunities to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. During my time there, I was deeply involved in client consultations, both in-person and online. I was entrusted with preparing detailed client reports using the company’s online system, which sharpened my skills in analyzing and documenting client progress. One of the most eye-opening aspects of my experience was working with Sports Dietitian's DNA testing and counselling services. This was entirely new to me, and as I learned to interpret DNA results, I gained valuable insights into crafting personalized diet plans for clients with unique health, athletic, and performance goals. My learning also extended to understanding the strategic use of dietary supplements for athletes, including how to recommend and tailor them to fit daily training regimens. I also came to understand how we can formulate personalized mineral shakes tailored to clients' individual needs. Furthermore, the internship significantly enhanced my professional development. I participated in weekly journal clubs, where we discussed the latest scientific research as well as attended nutritional talks hosted by renowned local food brands like Futurelife. This internship expanded my understanding of sports nutrition while instilling confidence in applying my knowledge in practical settings. Hanlie and Anri’s dedication and passion for their profession inspired me deeply. Their mentorship helped me develop skills I would not have acquired during my university studies. Moreover, I witnessed firsthand the positive impact of their work on clients, as well as the tangible results that motivated me to implement many of their teachings into my own daily life. My experience at Sports Dietitian was nothing short of remarkable. I would wholeheartedly recommend their services to any athlete seeking expert dietary advice. Additionally, for students or professionals looking to gain hands-on experience, this team offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in the field of dietetics.
Dori Kovacs - Hungarian
Intern
During my internship with Sports Dietitian, I was able to dive deep into the practical side of sports nutrition, a field I was eager to explore after completing my BSc in Dietetics. I joined the team to broaden my knowledge and gain hands-on experience, and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding learning experiences of my career so far. I attended both in-person and virtual consultations with athletes from South Africa and abroad, observing how Hanlie and Anri worked with clients to reach their performance goals. I helped prepare detailed client reports using the online system, which really sharpened my skills in data analysis, progress tracking, and communication. I also learned about the role of supplements in sports nutrition and even how to formulate personalized mineral shakes to suit each athlete’s needs. Beyond consultations, I got involved in recipe development for online clients, joined the team for a nutrition talk at a local triathlon club and presented a talk to employees at UCT for their wellness week. This gave me first-hand experience of the impact that nutrition education can have in different settings. I also learned to create individualized diet plans for different sports, including carbo-loading and race-day strategies. Throughout the internship, I worked closely with a supportive and inspiring team. Weekly journal clubs kept me up to date with the latest research, and being included in the day-to-day workings of a dietetics practice provided me with the understanding of what is meant to be a dietitian with a keen interest in sports nutrition. Overall, this internship gave me the confidence and practical know-how to apply my knowledge in real-life settings. Hanlie and the team's passion for their work was contagious, and their mentorship motivated me to grow not just as a dietitian but as a professional who truly wants to make a difference in people’s health and performance.
Kira van Niekerk - South African
Intern
During my internship with Sports Dietitian, I had the opportunity to learn and grow enormously, even though my entire experience was completed online. In fact, doing it remotely became a huge positive — I was able to join consultations, discussions, and learning opportunities from anywhere, while still receiving constant support, guidance, and mentorship from the team. I observed real sports nutrition consultations virtually and saw how individualized nutrition plans can make a real difference in clients’ health, performance, and everyday lives. I assisted with preparing client reports and other practical tasks, which strengthened my clinical thinking, communication, and confidence as a developing dietitian. What made the experience truly exceptional was how welcoming, involved, and open the team was. Despite the distance, I always felt included and part of the practice. The dietitians consistently made time to answer questions, explain reasoning, share knowledge, and encourage learning at every step. Their passion for their work and for developing future professionals was inspiring. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and highly recommend Sports Dietitian to any student wanting hands-on, real-world exposure to sports nutrition — even through online learning. The experience showed me that distance does not limit growth when you are guided by such an experienced, supportive, and dedicated team.
Tiffany Eden - South African
Intern

Are you a passionate dietitian with a love for sports? Join our team! Kindly fill in the form below, and we’ll contact you with more information on internships and pricing.