Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

I am so happy that I chose to intern abroad in Cape Town with VAC; looking back, it was definitely a highlight of my Gap Year. Cape Town is an incredible city, rich in history and full of fun activities. Obs, specifically, has a lot of really cute coffee shops and thrift stores, and I loved exploring Lower Main.

Living in an environment surrounded by other like-minded Gap Year students who were passionate about their respective internships was truly inspiring. Even though we all had separate internships, we were experiencing Cape Town together, and I loved hearing about the different work everyone was doing.

I am particularly grateful for my time working with my internship supervisor. I learned so much from spending time in the office, attending high court sessions, writing and drafting opinions, reading cases, researching case law, and sitting in on client meetings. Witnessing my supervisor in every aspect of his job was an incredible learning experience. It was fascinating to learn about South African Law, especially after studying American Law, and being able to compare and contrast the similarities and differences. Some of the highlights of my internship included sitting in on client meetings and researching and analyzing case law relevant to the cases my supervisor was working on.

I not only learned a lot from my internship but also gained valuable life skills during this experience—like managing my free time, living with others, and navigating day-to-day life in another country. I stayed for 8 weeks, but I definitely could have stayed longer. It was the perfect amount of time to settle into my internship and environment, as well as do all the activities I wanted. Anything less would have been too short.

My favorite activities involved spending time outdoors—whether it was hiking, going to the beach, or just exploring. The sunsets in Cape Town are incredible, and I would highly recommend going to the beach for a sunset picnic. Additionally, the VAC staff were so kind and helpful; they were always there if I needed anything.

I came to Cape Town with an open mind, eager to learn about everything it had to offer. Now, as this program comes to an end, I find myself completely in love with this city. I spent my days at the beautiful beaches and participated in so many exciting activities through VACorps. One of the highlights for me was the trip along the Garden Route. I went bungee jumping, kayaked through stunning cliffs, walked with elephants, and had an incredible bonding experience with my peers on this program.

While exploring the breathtaking sights of Cape Town was a lot of fun, I also had the privilege of interning at GAPA. Working closely with the elderly women in Khayelitsha was such a rewarding experience. I deeply value being a part of an incredibly close-knit, loving community.

I’m honestly so sad to be leaving Cape Town because there’s still so much left for me to see and do. But I know for sure—I’ll definitely be coming back!

After considering several options for my gap year, I chose Cape Town because of its unique geography and culture, which promised a new and enriching experience. I knew I wanted to spend my gap year doing an internship to keep myself engaged in learning and to immerse myself in a completely new environment. Cape Town, with its beaches and mountains, offered the perfect backdrop for my adventure. The city has so many diverse parts to explore, allowing me to experience various cultures, observe nature, and meet interesting people. During my time in Cape Town, I engaged in a lot of self-reflection, which helped me identify my core values and determine what matters most to me as I transition into the next chapter of my life. Being away from my familiar surroundings forced me to become more confident in my independence and embrace the discomfort of the unknown.

I spent eight weeks in Cape Town, which felt like an ideal duration, though I wouldn’t have minded staying longer. By the end of my stay, I had grown comfortable with the city’s layout and my neighborhood, Obz, where I made many friends among the locals and found favorite spots like cafes and beaches. Before arriving, I had some uncertainty about my internship on the farm, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Watching the progression of produce from seed to harvest was uniquely rewarding. One highlight was meeting customers at the farm who were genuinely grateful for their fresh produce. I felt fulfilled being part of a community-serving initiative. The VACorps staff were supportive, always willing to help, and organized weekly activities that brought everyone together. I am grateful for the friendships I formed through the program and with people outside of it. Before coming, it’s helpful to learn about South Africa’s history, city layout, safety tips, and cultural nuances to fully appreciate the experience.

Before coming to Cape Town, I had never lived away from home or in a different country. This was the best gap year experience I could have had. I learned so much every day by exploring this amazing city, which I had never visited before. Additionally, I gained incredible work experience and discovered a lot about what I want to study when I start school next fall. This program provided exactly what I was looking for this fall.

My personal goals for my internship experience were to determine if content creation for social media and photography were interests I wanted to pursue at university. I discovered that I really enjoy this type of work and would like to continue it in the future. I loved my internship because it offered a mix of activities; sometimes, I even got to get in the water with clients and help teach, which was super fun. Through my work, I met clients from all over the world, which was both fun and interesting.

The people I met during my time with VAC have become lifelong friends. Everyone working at VAC was always available whenever my roommates or I needed anything, and they made Cape Town feel like home as soon as I stepped off the plane. The Friday and Monday activities were amazing because they allowed me to see everyone from VAC, have a great time, and share lots of laughs while participating in super cool activities. Overall, my time in Cape Town was transformative, leaving me with unforgettable memories, new friendships, valuable skills, and a clearer direction for my future studies and career.

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 chose to intern in Cape Town because of its unparalleled beauty and diverse offerings, from the mountains to the gorgeous beaches and the vibrant culture of its people. I have had an amazing experience getting to know this city and have been so grateful to live here for the past two months.

I did my internship with an immigration law firm and learned so much during my time there. I was entrusted with significant responsibilities and felt that my contributions were both impactful and valued. I was able to draft documents, search for case law, sit in on trials, and deliver documents to the high court. This internship gave me immense insight into the field of immigration law, and I’m leaving Cape Town knowing that it is, in fact, something I am incredibly passionate about and cannot wait to pursue as a potential future career path.

I truly believe that the people make the place and will never forget the connections I’ve made here. Living with other interns made this experience so much more fun because I always had people to hang out with whether at our apartments, exploring Cape Town, getting food, or going out. Some of my favorite activities I did with my friends were taking the cable car up Table Mountain for sunset, visiting Robben Island, walking to our favorite restaurants in Observatory, wine tasting in the beautiful vineyards, seeing penguins at Boulders Beach, and exploring the city on the red bus tour.

The staff at VACorps are so helpful and supportive, and I knew that I could go to them with any questions or problems, or if I ever just wanted to say hi. The Friday activities scheduled by the staff were always a highlight of my week. Bringing together the gap year students and college students was a fun way to connect with even more people. One of my favorite Friday activities was our last one where we got to go out on a boat and see seals, dolphins, penguins, and a beautiful view of the city. Other favorites were visiting seal island, a surfing lesson at Muizenberg Beach, and exploring Cape Point.

Reflecting on my time in Cape Town fills me with gratitude and fond memories. The supportive community at my internship site and VACorps, coupled with unforgettable experiences shared with newfound friends, have left an indelible mark on me. I leave with a profound appreciation for this enriching journey and am already looking forward to returning to this extraordinary city.

I’ve cherished my time in Cape Town and am immensely grateful for the incredible experience provided by VACorps. When I was searching for gap year programs, VACorps stood out as the perfect blend of freedom and support. After spending 2.5 months here, I can confidently say I made the right choice.

Upon arrival, the VACorps staff ensured our comfort and readiness for life in this amazing city through thorough orientation. Even after orientation ended, the staff remained accessible for questions and recommendations. I appreciated the balance of working in an internship while also having the opportunity to explore Cape Town during our Friday activities. This experience taught me a great deal and fostered my independence.

Cape Town offers a plethora of activities, and I found myself stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things. Moreover, I formed meaningful connections with fellow students, thanks to the orientation and shared living arrangements. Their support and camaraderie added immeasurable value to my experience.

I did my internship at a marketing and brank management company. It was very hands-on, and not only did I learn a lot, but I felt like the work I was doing made a meaningful contribution to the company. I was given opportunities to work directly with brands and go to real life events to shoot content. I enjoyed seeing the posts I made on the different brands social media platforms. The work environment was wonderful, and I felt very included and a part of it. My supervisor was very supportive and made time for us to check in everyday, which was very helpful.

I owe much of my personal growth, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories to VACorps, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to others.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Cape Town and South Africa. I formed lifelong friendships and created unforgettable memories. Cape Town truly offers something for everyone, from its pristine beaches and expansive ocean views to its vineyards and beautiful mountains. It is undeniably an amazing place to visit.

The staff at VA Corps are exceptionally helpful and dedicated to the success of each student, ensuring they are placed in meaningful internships. During my time with a boating conservation company, I not only learned a great deal but also felt like a valued member of the team.

Beyond my internship, I had the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Cape Town and its surrounding areas. The possibilities for activities seemed endless, ranging from surfing, paragliding, and exploring sand dunes to wine tasting and immersing myself in the local culture.