CISabroad - Intern in South Africa

Before choosing to come to Cape Town I had my heart set on going abroad to London. I was told the best place to get my hands deep in dirty in my major (social work) would be an internship in Cape Town. My college roommate was also from Cape Town. So when I heard that the most rewarding path was the one that lead to Cape Town, South Africa, I was intrigued. It just felt like more than a coincidence. I realized that I would get the opportunity explore and experience the culture and country of my best friend in the very same way that she was getting to do in my country back in America. While also getting to do real social work! So I made the decision and said what the heck. Let's go to Cape Town. I was skeptical at first. My dream had always been London. It didn't take much time to forget all about my past desire to travel to London once I actually arrived in Cape Town. In a few short days I was immersed in a culture that was not my own. Cape Town is a brilliant hodge podge of languages and cultures. I've spent 8 weeks in Cape Town and I haven't regretted a single moment of it. My internship with Khulisa Social Solutions allowed me to work side by side with the social workers, police officers, lawyers, and magistrates of the Cape Town Community Court. I actually got to work in the jail cells of the court. Never in my life would I have gotten to do something like that back in America. My time in Cape Town has helped me realize my strengths, weaknesses, biases, and has especially opened my eyes to the things I take for granted back at home. I came here two months ago absolutely terrified of what a summer in Cape Town would have in store for me. I am so thankful that I had the VACorps staff standing behind me throughout my entire journey. If I needed anything I knew I had someone to call. I'll never forget how Carmen held my hand to help me get down the mountain after hiking to Elephant's Eye Cave. If that doesn't give you an idea of how much VACorps cares then I'm not sure what will. Maybe its mushy to say this, but the VACorps staff and the interns have such a strong relationship. We are truly one big family. I am going to miss the relationships I've made here. And I am definitely going to miss the stunning scenery that Cape Town proudly displays. (Definitely won't miss the public transportation system) Just know that I am not the same person I was eight weeks ago. Not everything I've experienced in Cape Town has been good and beautiful. Some of it was downright uncomfortable. But those are the moments that I will never forget. Those are the moments that made my short time in the Mother City the best summer of my life.

I’ve been asked multiple times why I chose to go to Cape Town of all places for my experience abroad — I never truly had an answer, but knowing what I do now about living in South Africa, I would have never picked a different place to go! This country has SO much to offer: wildlife, activities, food, culture, diversity, language, adventure, experience, etc. And everything there is CHEAP! There wasn’t a single day that I didn’t do at least *something* while I was there. The housing was conveniently located and everyone in the program was within walking distance of each other. I went into the program not knowing a single person, and left the program with some of the most amazing lifelong friends (I even extended my stay by a week). The onsite VACorps and CISabroad teams gave us an orientation on our first day, checked in with us often, and hosted weekly activities - which was one of the best parts! I went surfing, skydiving, hiking, and sand boarding for the first time among a ton of other fun activities. The application process was easy, and both VACorps and CISabroad were helpful throughout. I recommend South Africa to anybody! If you’re even slightly considering going abroad, I’m telling you the answer is already YES!

Sidenote: if you go in the summer session, it's their winter/rainy season, so pack accordingly (unlike what I did RIP - but don't worry because there is a very nice and convenient mall downtown if you forget or need anything while you're there... trust me, we went there frequently).

To this date this trip and program has been the best adventure of my life so far. The first few days were rocky with getting adjusted, the CIS staff was helpful and they were there along the way! Going to Cape Town was the best decision I ever made, there is so much to do, so much fun to be had. Everyone whom I meet that tells me they love to travel, I tell them to go to Cape Town. The people that you get to meet and make connections with last a lifetime and all the people I sat down with and had a conversation with were so genuine and caring. I recommend this program to anyone looking for a non-stereotypical internship location. You still get just as great experience, if not better, and it’s a once in a lifetime trip!