Occupational Therapy Internships in Cape Town

VACorps provides their interns with amazing adventures and loving attitudes. The first week for orientation was my favorite time, building relationships with other interns and the staff was wonderful. I enjoyed all the experiences I attended that VAC curated and facilitated for us. Our amazing hosts, Kholi and Kus, always made the excursions more exciting and comfortable. There are so many opportunities to learn about South African culture and places to explore with VAC with their culture nights and weekly excursions.

The internship VAC was able to connect me with was truly wonderful. I am so grateful to have experienced such a wonderful institution and to have been able to give back to the community with the services I provided. I am an Occupational Therapy student and I interned at an intermediate care practice for children with chronic illness and disabilities. I fell in love with the kids and the staff as they were the most welcoming and warm hearted people I have ever met. What I truly loved about the site is that they prided themselves on always greeting each other throughout the facility, no matter who you were. It allowed all of us who were new to greet others even if we didn’t know each other, provided comfort in knowing it was a safe space. After 2 months I felt as if I was a staff member of the institution, walking the halls, greeting everyone, hugging the kids, I felt at home. One nurse saw me as I was making my usual rounds and she said to me, “you look like you belong here, I hope you stay”. At that moment I realized this internship will come to an end and I was hit with a wave of grief. I have felt such intense emotions since I arrived in Cape Town, now that my time has ended I am filled with intense emotions once again.

For this entire experience I am truly grateful and humbled and appreciate all the support I was provided from VAC and my internship site. I highly recommend VAC to anyone who is interested in exploring Cape Town and has an interest in giving back to communities. Thank you VAC for everything, you hold a special place in my heart. Until next time, cheers 🙂

I spent 2 months interning in Cape Town to complete a fieldwork placement for my Occupational Therapy degree. I chose Cape Town as it fit the requirements of my university for an international placement, but also because of the amazing weather and how many things there are to do here in the evening/weekends! I was placed at a residential facility for adults with intellectual disabilities, which was definitely out of my comfort zone, but it has done so much for my confidence to challenge myself, and I have loved the experience! My supervisor and everyone at my internship site were so welcoming, and I had the opportunity to help out with birthdays and Valentine's Day celebrations, as well as shopping trips with the residents, and the daily running of the therapy program. I am really sad to be going home - I will miss how friendly everyone in Cape Town is, as well as being able to go to the beach or hiking within a 10-minute drive! The VAC team was great at supporting me to find my internship, especially as my university had strict requirements and timeframes, and it was great to know there was always someone to help if I had any issues or questions in Cape Town. Thank you so much VACorps for such an amazing experience!!

Interning in Cape Town for 2 months was the best decision of my life and I wished that I could extend my stay longer! After graduating from university with a BA Hons in Social Work I wanted the opportunity to travel whilst gaining more experience within another field that aligned with my social work values and skill set. VACorps placed me at a site where I was able to intern as an Occupational Therapist Assistant Manager. During this time I was able to build upon my managerial, professional, and personal development. This was achieved by working with a range of adults with learning disabilities and facilitating sessions, whilst maintaining a person-centered approach.

Traveling to South Africa alone seemed so daunting at first but I quickly become settled and am grateful for the easy transition when arriving. I cannot thank the program enough for the amount of support and guidance they have provided throughout my whole stay, they have been so accommodating and welcoming. By providing weekly activities, gave opportunities for the other interns to bond and make lifelong friends but also get to know the team on a personable level.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in South Africa and challenged myself to try things outside of my comfort zone including hiking, bungee jumping from the largest bridge, zip-lining, walking with elephants, and hosting our first South African "braai"!

I am so thankful for the memories made and those I was able to share them with. I would highly recommend VACorps to anyone who wants to work abroad with the support of a wonderful team behind them.

I came to South Africa because I wanted an opportunity to learn about occupational therapy in a context outside of the United States to see the similarities and differences of our scope of practice in another culture. I also wanted to learn how to provide care in a setting with different resources than I am used to so I can push myself, grow my skill set, and gain an outside perspective. Plus, South Africa seemed like such a beautiful, diverse country-what a perfect place to learn! I've been interning in the occupational therapy department a children's hospital, primarily in the neurology and neurosurgery wards, providing treatment to children with traumatic brain injuries and other neurologic conditions.I've also seen patients in the outpatient (day) clinic ranging from children with severe burns to children with Autism or developmental delays. Working here has really taught me about healthcare in another context and helped me learn how to provide the best care possible while navigating differences in culture, language, or resources.

Outside of work, I have absolutely loved Cape Town! I will never forget all of the beautiful views, wonderful people, and delicious food! I loved all there was to do! I explored so many markets, hikes, beaches, and I feel like I barely scratched the surface! It was always fun to have a weekly outing coordinated by VACorps as well. It was a fun way to see different areas with other interns. VACorps provided excellent support the entire time I was here, and I was amazed at how quickly I felt at home. Two and a half months certainly flew by, and I know that I will be back for more soon!