VACorps

I chose Cape Town for my gap year because it’s a place I’ve never been to before, and friends who have done gap year programs in South Africa before loved it, so I thought, why not? I decided to do an internship to gain work experience before starting college. There are many things I love about interning, one of them being the opportunity to learn more about myself and what I am capable of as an individual. I realized that I am a lot stronger than I thought and pushed myself to do things I would never have done before. I will never forget the lifelong friends I made at my site and will always be thankful for my internship.

While working was a huge highlight of my trip, living in Observatory and being able to walk everywhere was also amazing. Coffee shops and stores were so close by, and I loved every second of it. I will miss it when I go home. I stayed in Cape Town with VACorps for about three months. If you adjust quickly, I’d say that’s the perfect amount of time. For me, I wish I could stay longer because it’s just now starting to feel like home. What really helped me adjust to a new place was the staff and the group activities we did, which were definitely one of the highlights of my trip.

VACorps not only gives off a familial vibe but has actively transformed it into a reality for us. I am immensely thankful to VACorps for numerous reasons. The assurance that our entire household could depend on them during a frightening situation was profoundly meaningful and comforting.

I experienced a profound sense of satisfaction when I discovered my capability to engage in and successfully navigate activities that were entirely new to me. Witnessing my own growth and adaptability in tackling unfamiliar challenges provided a sense of accomplishment and fostered newfound confidence in my abilities. This revelation not only expanded my skill set but also significantly contributed to my personal development, highlighting the value of embracing and conquering novel experiences. Overall, this was an amazing experience with amazing people, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

I had an amazing experience with VACorps! My internship was a perfect fit, and I made wonderful friends while doing lots of fun activities. The Friday activities were always unique and exciting. My favorites were the day at Boulders Beach, the brewery tour, and the hikes! Monday culture nights were also fantastic, and I learned so much. I especially enjoyed trying food at Ivy’s Kitchen, the drumming night, and watching a movie at the office. I’m very grateful I found VACorps.

I interned at a marketing and brand management company and learned many new skills, like using a camera, creating social media plans, and meeting with clients. I also became much more confident in my business abilities and communication skills. I really appreciated how my boss encouraged me to explore Cape Town and took me to many cool places. The environment was very collaborative, and they gave the interns a lot of responsibility.

Overall, my time with VACorps was unforgettable. I gained valuable skills, made lifelong friends, and had experiences I’ll cherish forever. I highly recommend VACorps to anyone looking for a meaningful and fun internship abroad.

I chose to come to Cape Town because I wanted to explore a new place and its stunning landscapes and beautiful scenery were a big attraction for me. South Africa’s history fascinated me, especially since it relates to my career aspirations. Opting for an internship was my way of figuring out what I enjoy, particularly because I aim to work in diverse settings and cultures.

What I cherished most about Cape Town? Definitely the people. They’re incredibly warm and welcoming, and the community here buzzes with energy. Cape Town has been a classroom of self-discovery for me, helping me solidify my career path and appreciate diverse perspectives.

I owe a lot of this experience to Kus, Kohli, Rowan, Loyiso, and the rest of the VAC team. They made me feel right at home. The cultural series and Friday activities were fantastic opportunities to bond with fellow interns and delve deeper into South African culture.

Although I initially planned to stay for just two months, I’ve extended my stay by a month, and I am not looking forward to saying goodbye to this beautiful city and all the amazing people I have met here! I’d recommend anyone visiting Cape Town to stay for three months to truly soak in its beauty.

I’m immensely grateful for the enriching experiences at work, exploring townships and schools, and meeting inspiring colleagues. Cape Town and VAC hold a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to return one day.

I chose Cape Town initially to experience a culture more removed from the Westernized American and European cultures I had experienced prior. I am so happy to say that I did! My experience in South Africa was so warm, welcoming, and playful! It taught me that the workplace has a place for compassion, friendship, and silliness. I connected with many wonderful people who extended their friendship and homes to me as a visitor. In addition to this life-changing social experience, I was also able to use my time away from work to explore the beautiful nature of Cape Town like the beaches and Table Mountain! I also thoroughly enjoyed the Garden Route and visiting Kruger, and was able to see all the wonderful animals! Working with Kelly and the women of MOSAIC was inspiring and eye-opening into the realities of gender-based violence and social work here, and helped me shape my ideas about my future career. I will miss the kindness and friendliness of everyone in Cape Town the most! I stayed for 8 weeks and found it was just enough time to get comfortable here and experience what I wanted to. I would tell people to research South Africa and educate themselves so they can make the most of their experience here. I am so incredibly grateful for the VACorps staff and their love and support; they were the perfect family away from home!

After consulting with the VACorps staff, I confidently selected Cape Town as my preferred internship destination. Their support and guidance gave me the assurance to explore a new field of work, and their continuous assistance throughout my time in Cape Town was invaluable. I felt thoroughly prepared for every aspect of my internship. During my two-month stay, I worked at a marketing and brand management company, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with various non-profit organizations within the company's portfolio. Despite lacking a heavy background in marketing or business, I engaged in diverse projects and particularly enjoyed working in the townships. Cape Town offers an abundance of activities to fill your time, and the weekly organized events were both enjoyable and well-coordinated. I deeply appreciate the staff's unwavering availability and assistance. Cape Town offers a rich tapestry of cultures, providing an immersive experience unlike any other!