The role of the higher education sector in fostering economic development has been understated or even not acknowledged by many. In the past, these institutions were regarded as elitist institutions of privilege, disconnected from societal needs and economic endeavours that are aimed at economic development. Internships are one type of role played by these institutions in improving not only the economy of a country, but also that of local communities making a strong argument that these institutions do not necessarily exist as 'closed' elitist entities. While a detailed discussion on the role of higher education in Local Economic Development is beyond the scope of this article, internships represent a valuable component in terms of engaging, educating and up-lifting the communities. An internship provides interns with an opportunity to close a gap between theory and practical reality. The culmination of these efforts is seen a