I had a really great experience in Cape Town over the last couple of months—from the apartments we stayed in, to all the activities both in and outside the program, and of course my internship. I was very happy with where I ended up for my placement, as it allowed me to see so much more of Cape Town than I ever would have on my own. I worked in a school in Athlone and in Camps Bay, giving me the chance to interact with children across different communities and observe the cultural differences throughout the city. The people I met through my internship were incredible—people I will never forget. Knowing that if I come back to Cape Town I’ll have places to stay and familiar faces to reconnect with means a lot. They really welcomed me and made me feel comfortable during my time here. I’m also very happy with VAC. They allowed me to be independent throughout my stay while still offering guidance and opportunities when needed. Everyone I met through the program was fantastic. Overall, I had a unique and amazing experience in Cape Town. There were learning curves and some ups and downs along the way, but it was truly awesome.

My time in Cape Town has been the most unforgettable few weeks, and I am beyond grateful to have experienced it. I grew in confidence, learned from others, and immersed myself in a new culture. Whether it was stepping out of my comfort zone to meet new people, discovering my passion for teaching, or exploring everything Cape Town has to offer, this trip has truly changed my life.

I loved getting to know other interns from around the world and sharing so many new experiences together. Interning at the schools taught me more than I ever anticipated. I wanted international experience to help me pursue my dream of becoming a teacher, and working at Kiddies College and Observatory Junior School gave me exactly that.

I felt at home in the classroom—whether I was teaching at the board, walking around to help students at their desks, or making sure each child felt supported. One of my personal goals was to get to know each student individually and be someone they could rely on inside and outside the classroom. I enjoyed grading their work, helping them understand their mistakes, and showing them how to improve. Assisting with their concert dance at Observatory Junior School was another highlight.

I am most thankful for the people I met, the students I worked with, and the supervisors who guided me. Cape Town has so much to offer, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to experience it.

My time in Cape Town was incredibly rewarding, adventurous, and eye-opening. During my internship, I worked with a nonprofit organization based in the township of Langa, where I tutored high school students in algebra, physics, and trigonometry. This experience exposed me to both the challenges faced by the community and the inspiring, service-driven mindset of many local leaders. Beyond my internship, I took advantage of everything Cape Town has to offer. I hiked many trails, explored neighborhoods like CBD and Sea Point, and spent time at the beach with friends. I highly recommend doing an internship through VACorps because you can explore your professional interests while experiencing life in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

I came to Cape Town for two and a half months to intern with a local environmental organization. During my time there, I spent part of the week in the office supporting an education-based sustainability program, and the other part out in the field at various conservation sites. I enjoyed having this balance between outdoor, active work and more structured time at a computer. Everyone at my placement was incredibly welcoming and made me feel comfortable asking questions and being myself.

One of the highlights of my internship was spending a few days assisting penguin rangers in Simon's Town. I helped with nest counts, rescued abandoned eggs, and even did house calls to remove penguins from people’s gardens!

Outside of my internship, I really got to explore and fall in love with Cape Town. From the beaches to Table Mountain, there is so much to experience. Even after more than two months here, I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface. I can’t wait to come back and visit again!

I chose VACorps because I wanted to explore the field of psychology during my gap year — and in doing so, I was introduced to new areas of interest and experiences I never could have imagined! I absolutely loved the hikes, adventures, incredible food, rich history, and deep sense of community I found through the gap year program and throughout Observatory and Cape Town as a whole.

One of my favorite memories is planting lettuce on a sunny day with a breathtaking view of Table Mountain and the entire waterfront — something I’ll never forget. I also loved how accessible Observatory is, with its amazing restaurants, thrift stores, and vibrant live music scene.

I stayed from January to March, which felt like the perfect amount of time — I definitely wouldn’t have wanted it to be any shorter. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in such a beautiful, diverse place and to truly experience life in Cape Town.

The months I sent in Cape Town were so incredible and life-changing. I fell in love with this city thanks to the beauty of the landscape and the kindness of the people. Cape Town is now a second home to me and I have made friendships I know will last me a lifetime. I was able to experience a real corporate work environment during my internship with Port Commercial Real Estate, and I feel more prepared to start school in the fall.

To the people at VAC, I will never be able to thank you enough. And, to any prospective participants: you will not regret coming here, it truly is the best place on earth!!!!!!!

I had high expectations for VACorps during my gap year, and the experience exceeded them.

The support from the VACorps team was excellent. The orientation program grounded me in the culture and geography of the city and gave me a strong sense of what to explore and experience. The weekly excursions were fun, well-organized, and clearly communicated. I didn’t attend enough Culture Series events to comment meaningfully on them.

My internship was the highlight of my time in Cape Town. I was placed in a dynamic environment where I was given real responsibilities and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. I gained valuable professional experience and learned a great deal about everyday life in South Africa through my coworkers, as well as about the country’s politics and history through conversations with more senior colleagues. I also genuinely enjoyed the people I worked with and felt welcomed as part of the team.

Finally, I made real, lasting friendships here. The close-knit layout of the Lofts and the abundance of exciting things to do create the perfect recipe for forming deep bonds. The people I met were smart, adventurous, and kind—we even went skydiving together in the first week! I’ve never been surrounded by a group quite like this before.

I heard about VACorps through word of mouth—and it makes sense. People who do this program tell others to do it, too.

I chose Cape Town because I had heard incredible things about its culture and natural beauty. I wanted to improve my surfing and gain more independence before starting college. I also saw an internship as a great way to experience the workforce and learn what it’s like to live and work on my own.

What I loved most was the community I found at my internship. The people I worked with were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and over time, they became good friends. I learned that I bring a strong presence to any space and that I’m confident and capable on my own. I’ll never forget surfing with my colleagues and the braai we had together after work one evening — or the many fun nights spent with others in the program. Our weekend getaway to Hermanus is another memory I’ll cherish forever.

I stayed in Cape Town from approximately January 5th to March 5th. I’d recommend staying for at least two to three months — no less. The first week or two can be an adjustment, especially when it comes to the food, but just be prepared and give it time. The VACorps staff were amazing — always friendly, quick to help, and full of great recommendations. I really enjoyed the weekly activities, and I appreciated that while we had support when needed, we also had plenty of independence. I’m so grateful for everything this experience gave me.