VACorps

Interning in Cape Town was a fantastic way to experience living overseas and embrace a different environment. One of my favourite things about living in Cape Town was having so many exciting things to do at your doorstep. From hikes on Table Mountain, to exploring different markets and restaurants around town, there was always something new and interesting to do. The VAC weekly activities also made certain activities more accessible and created a fun group environment to share many of these experiences with and this was truly appreciated. I spent 2 months interning at a public health research organisation in Cape Town. The organisation was extremely welcoming and got me involved with a variety of aspects of their organisation. This enabled me to gain valuable knowledge and skills that I can now apply to other internship and work opportunities in the future. Finally, the VAC staff were super friendly and always willing to help out with any issues that arose to make our stay in Cape Town as stress-free as possible. I would definitely recommend interning in Cape Town to anyone whose up for a fun adventure in a unique city.

I chose Cape Town because it was so far from home. It’s a developing nation nearly 20 hours away, and that distance represented a big change for me. But this year has been about trying new things and stepping outside my comfort zone—so I went for it. I don’t think I fully processed what that lifestyle shift would mean when I had my final conversation with Oliver and made the decision.

During my time here, I’ve learned so much—though it’s hard to put it all into words. I’ve grown a lot as a person, mostly from living with people who are very different from me and navigating life in a completely foreign environment. For the first time, I’ve been cooking for myself, shopping for groceries, and managing day-to-day life independently. Traveling in the fall helped build my confidence and life skills, but nothing compares to this experience.

I’m a much different person now than when I arrived, and this program has been incredibly impactful for my personal growth. I feel so much more ready for college life now that I’ve been through VACorps.

I decided to intern abroad because I wanted to combine new experiences with learning. I felt it was important to explore the medical field more deeply before starting college, which is why I pursued an internship. I chose Cape Town because it seemed like a beautiful city, and I was drawn to its mix of beach, mountains, and urban life.

What I loved most were the people I met and the wide range of activities we got to do together—everything felt so accessible for visitors.

I learned that I’m capable of being completely independent, even in a new country. What I’ll miss most is the everyday adventure of living in Cape Town. I never ended up where I thought I would be when each day began. I stayed for two and a half months, but I’d love to stay longer. I’m a little homesick now, but I know that once I leave, I’ll be homesick for Cape Town instead.

For anyone considering interning in Cape Town, my advice is: don’t come with expectations. My experience was totally different from what I imagined—and way more adventurous. We were told to buy what we needed here instead of bringing it all from home, and I didn’t listen. I definitely recommend taking that advice—everything is more affordable here, and you can find whatever you need.

I really enjoyed the weekly activities. They were a great way to get outside, hang out with friends, and unwind after a week of work. I’d recommend going on as many as possible.

I’m really grateful I had this experience. I feel lucky to have come with such amazing people and to have landed such an interesting internship.

The reason I chose to do an internship abroad is because I had an inner feeling that was the next thing for me to do that would help me to grow professionally, emotionally and spiritually. I also had a feeling to choose Cape Town for my internship. My dad has been many times to South Africa and he told me “You’ll probably want to move there”. I saw VAC online and once reading the website, I knew straight away this was what I wanted to do.

What I loved most about interning in Cape Town specifically, was being able to experience the people and the culture. From the amazing diversity of languages and history, to the majestic nature and scenery all around you, it’s one of the best places i’ve visited and am already envisioning myself living in Cape Town. What I learnt about myself being in Cape Town is that I am even more adaptable than I previously believed. I am someone who people tend to get on well with very easily and being in Cape Town has only amplified and illuminated that trait even more. I also learnt a lot about myself professionally. I know my purpose is to help people, so this experience has only fuelled my passion more and motivates me to push myself further out of my comfort zone so I can learn as much as possible and develop my confidence.

The best part about my internship site was being able to work with such amazing and inspirational women. I have never felt so loved and accepted. Everything that my host organization stands for is meaningful to me and their fundamental values such as compassion, love, faith, transformation, are all in line with my core values. If I’ve even managed to help one woman whilst i’ve been at the project that would be enough, but I know that the site helps so many more. This internship is something I will now always hold close to my heart. I want to continue to volunteer and help in anyway possible from overseas. I was only here for six weeks. Yes, key word “only”. Definitely stay for longer if you can, I wish I had done the 3 month program now and believe me you will wish the same at the end of six weeks!

Lastly, I am most grateful for the VAC staff. They are all super friendly and lovely individuals. From first line contact, Oliver, who went through the application process with me at the very beginning, to Loyiso who continued the application with me and picked me up from the airport, to Kholi and Kus who are the life and soul of the group activities, always brining positive energy with them wherever we go!

Thank you so much for this experience!!!
P.S. See you again when I move to Cape Town!

I chose the Cape Town study abroad program hoping for even the slightest bit personal and professional development, but I left with my heart completely full and forever changed. My placement, housing, and university experience equally impacted how well I integrated into the community, my new home-away-from-home. I'm grateful for my internship placement because it gave me clarity on my future career. As a public health student, I'm really passionate about making healthcare accessible and equitable. My fieldwork assignments allowed me to harness that passion, and turn it into impact. I connected with community centers who support at-risk populations and visited clinics in townships to manage our research project partnerships. I also really enjoyed the administrative side of my research clinic, helping out with filing, completing transcriptions, and other small tasks that supported my staff in the areas they needed me the most. Through my experiences of learning and collaborating with a team who encouraged and supported my professional development meant the world to me.

I loved my housing placement because we all came from different backgrounds, lives, and experiences. We became a family! We cooked together, enjoyed the pool, and explored Observatory hand-in-hand. I felt comfortable to be myself, and in the unique unfamiliar environment of interning abroad they were a sense of comfort I didn't expect to love so intensely. Being able to bond, especially during Friday activities, was amazing! I am really thankful for the VAC staff making each opportunity to embrace our intern community memorable.