Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

In a word my time in Cape Town, South Africa with VACorps was incredible! This was the first chance I've really had to live independently and it helped me to figure out what I want in life and who I want to be. I can't imagine who I would be without this place or this internship. I ended up extending my stay in Cape Town well beyond the end of the gap year program. In terms of my future career, learned what working for a non-profit is actually like and how adults attempt to balance work and life.

VACorps is a magnificent program located in a magnificent city. I departed Cape Town after living there for three months. The time I have spent in Cape Town went by far too quickly, but looking back I have had so many unforgettable experiences. There is never a dull moment when living in Cape Town. Whether you like to hike, shop, skydive, scuba, or volunteer there are a million opportunities for this and infinitely more. I came expecting to only stay two months but ended up extending my trip since I couldn’t imagine leaving so soon. Through VACore I worked as a teach at a local school focused on integrating Zimbabwean students into the South African education system. On my very last day of internship, the staff put together a lovely celebration in my honor. All of the staff came together with food, drinks, and cake to wish me safe travels and to say thank you. I couldn’t express how grateful to them I was for this opportunity.

VACorps itself is a lovely program. The staff are so kind and welcoming. I was never afraid or homesick while here since I knew I had such strong support systems. The weekly activities were always a great time, getting together with all the students after a hectic week at our sites and getting to see new parts of the city. I have loved my experience with VACorps, I couldn’t have asked for a better program.

Cape Town and the VACorps have provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and experience for me. I came here as part of my process of deciding where my next step in life is, and I can now say with resounding enthusiasm that I have gained priceless insight into the world and life itself through this experience. While my internship wasn't the most productive, the life lessons I've learned, continue to become exponentially more valuable as I continue to grow and shape my view of the world. Overall it was a great experience and I have made friends that I will never forget, among both interns and VACorps staff members. (I'm talking about you, Kus ;) can't wait to come back!

I didn't know what to expect before leaving for South Africa, but VACorps truly exceeded all of my expectations. I appreciate the amount of freedom that VAC grants its students while still providing some structure and support. I feel like I've grown so much as a person because of the freedom we've had here, but I appreciate the moments that we spend altogether, most commonly at the Friday VAC Activities. The VAC program also creates the perfect balance of work and play, and I credit this balance to why I have absolutely loved my time here in Cape Town. VAC paired me with the perfect internship for my interests, and this real-world experience has informed me about what I want to study in the future, and I feel confident I will return to the States with a newfound passion and drive I didn't have before. When I'm not at my internship site, I am always exploring the beautiful city, and I never run out of things to do with friends. I've done a bit of everything, from surfing to wine tasting to hiking, and I could not be happier with the time I spent here. I spent 2.5 months in Cape Town with VAC, and it doesn't feel like nearly enough time. The people here are truly indescribable; I've definitely found a family with VAC.

During my gap year with VACorps in Cape Town, I've explored the unknown and stepped outside of my comfort zone. I've accomplished things that have scared me and have checked off some items on my bucket list. Cape Town's beauty is indescribable and the proximity to the mountains, beaches, and city and melting pot of cultures is like no other. While interning at a local radio station in Cape Town, I got to co-host a show with segments on health and wellness, human rights, gender, labour, and arts & culture.  I got to meet so many locals through interviews and opportunities here and as a result, I have a better understanding of South African culture. I've gained more insights into what career path I'd like to pursue, become more confident trying new things, and fostered familial relationships with my co-workers.  Most importantly, I've learned how to create a healthy work-life balance.

Interning in Cape Town was such a great experience! The city is incredible and there’s so much to do. I spent a lot of my free time outdoors exploring the beautiful mountains, beaches, and forests that make Cape Town so unique. I interned at a bicycle shop and had a great time learning how to build and repair bicycles while also learning valuable business lessons. The workplace environment was so much fun and made the early morning commutes worth it. Living and working in a city thousands of miles away from home came with challenges, but those experiences taught me a lot which will help me in college and beyond. I stayed in Cape Town for around 9 weeks and I think that was the perfect length. I will really miss my time here and I hope to visit again! soon!

I chose to come to Cape Town because it is the city with everything. A large exciting city, with oceans, mountains, and fascinating people, Cape Town provides a plethora of opportunities for ambitious people. Diverse and educational, South Africa has a rich history that is easily explorable. I specifically loved how much I was able to do here, I worked in an underserved clinic and witnessed a mix of cultures united under one roof, I spent weeks on a farm in the heart of the city and learned more than ill ever need to know about plants and gardening. I will miss the sheer beauty no matter where I looked during my commutes to work each day. Three months was not nearly enough time, yet I still was able to experience so many incredible things, like scenic hikes, crazy surf days, world heritage sites, and so much more. The culture here is unmatched and so unique. Like any city, Cape Town has its flaws, petty crime, load shedding, etc. It is crucial to be aware of these things before arrival, along with this, VACorps staff will do their best to prepare you for living in such a bustling place with so many types of people. I am beyond grateful for the people I met while living here, whether that be my lovely roommates or hard-working co-workers.

It was a joy to be part of the VACorps program. My time in Cape Town was extraordinarily special, in large part due to the opportunities provided by VAC and the endless support of the VAC staff. My internship experience at a human rights NGO was transformative. I was able to immerse myself within a community and way of life, unlike anything to which I had ever been exposed. I made personal connections with the people in my internship, and I was welcomed into my internship organization with open arms. I learned and grew as a person during my time in my internship, and I was challenged to do and think about things that had never even crossed my mind. I regard my time in my internship as a true blessing. Beyond this, I was excited every week to partake in the Friday activities provided by VAC, each of which brought to my attention a new place within an aspect of Cape Town. The activities were well-planned, thrilling, and a great way to spend time with other people within the program. Additionally, as a woman navigating a new city on my own, it was comforting to know that the VAC staff would always be there, should I need anything. Because of the support provided by VAC, I was able to find a sense of independence in a new city and create a community for myself on my own, while knowing that I had people always looking out for me. VAC ensured that we would be safe during our time in Cape Town, that we would have a meaningful internship experience, and that we would be able to enjoy all the beauty and adventure that Cape Town has to offer.