VACorps Internships in Cape Town

I found VACorps because I was looking for an independent study abroad program in Africa. I was interested in the program description and the description of Cape Town. However, I was convinced that I wanted to go when I read the testimonials of VAC alumni. People talked about receiving guidance and support and getting the opportunity to explore the city. This was true of my experience as well. After reading testimonials, I had high expectations and the experience I had met all of those expectations.

I chose to undertake an internship to make myself more employable - giving myself an edge over students with similar qualifications in the industry. I decided to do this in Cape Town because I thought completing a business internship there would be very interesting in such a rapidly growing economy. My favorite thing about interning in Cape Town was how relaxed everyone is - it is a very calm and friendly environment to work in. In my time here I learned that I am a lot more extroverted than I first thought - ever since I got here I just always want to be around people. On that note, the thing I will miss most is all of the amazing relationships I have formed here. The VAC staff were absolutely amazing - everyone was very welcoming and friendly - always with a smile and I really appreciated the care they took in introducing us to the neighborhood and ensuring that we knew how to be safe. The weekly activities were really fun although I feel like there was too strong a focus on wine tasting. I think the thing I most appreciated was the introduction to the neighborhood and the instruction on how to move about safely.

At my internships site, interns are given such amazing opportunities and responsibilities, regardless of qualification/experience, which I really loved. I also appreciated the large network of other interns that enriched my internship. The general tone in the office was serious and passionate but balanced with friendliness and humor, which made for a fun and impactful work experience. My most memorable moments included teaching a digital literacy course and when one of the clients from the Employment Access Program brought us flowers to thank us for helping him find a job.

I will definitely most miss the people I have met through VAC, RentARoom, and my internship site. I love Cape Town and how there is so much to see and do, but I am lucky that I am going to be back in the near future. I think my time in Cape Town taught me that I really love meeting and interacting with new and different people in work and outside of work. I am most grateful for the people at VA Corps. I really appreciated how quickly Kholi, Khuselwa, Loyiso, and the rest of the team were to care for and love all the interns. I also enjoyed how the VAC team hangs out and does activities with all the interns because it allows us to create lasting memories and build a strong, genuine bond.

I was interested in this program because of the reviews I read. Several people commented that it was a chance to work and travel at the same time in a beautiful environment. My experience met and exceeded my expectations. From the application process, the communication was clear, simple, and helpful. It was clear that the VACorps team was interested in helping me get placed in the best internship for me. When I got to the country, the in-country support was crucial in terms of helping me get settled. Throughout my internship, I loved getting to know my fellow interns and the staff during weekly meet-ups. VACorps gave me the tools to experience Cape Town and helped me do it well.

I spent five weeks in Cape Town but I would recommend six weeks to take into account the first-week being orientation week. I would have enjoyed one more week at my internship site.

I found the staff to be very supportive and friendly and quick to respond to any question or worries.

I enjoyed living in Obz, as its only small I got familiar with it quickly and there was plenty of choice of breakfast places and cafes for coffee and a variety of places to eat in the evening.
I loved that I was able to meet people who wanted to explore and try different activities whether that be hiking or going to a yoga class and even the bungee jump.

In my five weeks, I did see a lot and I did cram quite a few activities in that time, so my tip would be budget wisely and take more than you think you will need even if it is for a shorter time than you go.

I loved how many different markets there were and people making and selling some really delicious food that catered for vegetarians and vegans so much good choice.

My internship was eye-opening listening to the stories of the girls I worked with, they showed so much strength and resilience to some of the challenges they face and I wish them well. I could see the benefit and necessity of the work my internship site was doing

I have loved my time in Cape Town! I chose Cape Town as a place to intern abroad so I can learn more about policy and social issues in South Africa. I have loved working at PMG and learning about how government works in South Africa. I loved my internship placement, working with other interns, and my co-workers. I learned that I am much more capable and independent than I thought. This internship and work experience is one that I am very proud of, and I look forward to applying these skills to my work and school at home.

I am going to miss the people most! I have enjoyed time with my roommates, other VAC program interns, my co-workers, and the VAC staff! I will miss the wonderful people I have met in Cape Town the most. I spent 10 weeks at my internship, and I recommend a 10-week stay. That is enough time to get acclimated to Cape Town and your internship site. I am most grateful fort he weekly activities and support from the VAC staff.

My internship was one of the best experiences of my life. At first I felt as though I was paired with the wrong internship however after one day I fell in love with my surroundings. Every staff member and counsellor became my family and treated me as such. I have never felt so at home while being so far away. The work that I had to do was very tough mentally, however it helped me grow as a human being. I was able to learn compassion by doing and not by someone telling me. The unconventional ways that TZP councils women was eye opening and showed me that following a strict clinical path to for mental health is not always the best. I know that the methods and knowledge that I have learned from my internship will greatly help me in my future endeavours.

My experience here in Cape Town with VACorps was incredible. I met so many people, did so many amazing things, and learned so much about medicine. I worked at Retreat Clinic and it was truly eye opening the things I saw and got to help out with. The nurses and doctors I met were truly amazing and taught me so many things I wouldn't trade for the world. In my time here I fell in love with the city while gaining invaluable medical experience. While I was only here for a month, I am so grateful for my time here and will never forget what I learned. My VACorps internship helped me realize my love for material medicine for that I will be forever grateful. Also, I loved the weekly activities and cultures series' that allowed me to keep in touch with new friends and learn more about South African culture. Looking back I would've stayed for longer than 5 weeks.