Internships in Cape Town with VACorps

Choosing to intern in Cape Town through VAC was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my career and personal growth. Working with a nonprofit focused on supporting pregnant women allowed me to collaborate with passionate individuals who truly make a difference while developing valuable skills in assessment and counseling. The experience was not only professionally rewarding but also deeply fulfilling on a personal level, as I worked closely with expectant mothers, helping them navigate this crucial period with guidance and support.

VAC provided outstanding support throughout my internship journey, from finding the right placement to ensuring I had everything I needed while I was there. The weekly check-ins and social events organized by VAC made me feel part of a community and helped me build connections with other interns from around the world. The team was always approachable, and it was reassuring to know I could reach out to them anytime I needed advice or assistance.

Cape Town itself is an incredible place to live and work, with its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and welcoming people. I fell in love with the city’s mix of adventure and warmth, and it quickly felt like a second home.

Cape Town was an incredible experience! Everyone at the VAC was welcoming and supportive throughout my time there. They did a fantastic job organizing fun and diverse activities every Friday, where I had the chance to meet many new people and get to know Kus and Kholi well. 🙂

I completed a Physical Therapy internship at an outpatient rehabilitation facility that serves both the private and public healthcare sectors. I worked independently and was exposed to a variety of complex patients. The staff at the clinic was incredibly helpful and welcoming, making me feel comfortable asking anyone anything; they were always willing to assist. It’s a great clinic, and I learned so much!

One of my biggest personal achievements during this internship was boosting my confidence. Being completely independent pushed me to trust my instincts and capabilities. I struggled with confidence in my skills before this internship, but I’m leaving with a much stronger sense of self-assurance.

I packed so many activities into my time here and definitely kept busy! Some highlights included hiking to Table Mountain (a must-do), exploring all the restaurants at the Waterfront (I loved Den Anker and Sevruga), visiting various weekend markets (Old Biscuit Mill, Oranjz, Muizenberg), enjoying plenty of wine (the wine tram in Franschhoek was both beautiful and fun), and, of course, experiencing the breathtaking views along the Garden Route (plus bungy jumping!).

Spending 10 weeks here felt just right, but if you’re visiting in winter, make sure to bring warm clothes, especially for sleeping! I will truly miss everyone at VAC and have cherished every conversation I had with them. They were an amazing highlight of my trip. I had the experience of a lifetime and can’t wait to come back and visit!

I chose Cape Town as the place to intern abroad because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and travel to a new place! Cape Town is BEAUTIFUL! Truly, it is the best place to visit!

My internship as an elective student at UCT in the audiology department at Groote Schuur Hospital was AMAZING! The staff and students were so friendly! We enjoyed learning from each other and sharing our stories every day. All of my supervisors challenged me to think deeper and apply my knowledge with each patient we saw. They trusted me to help teach their students and guide them through clinical procedures. The biggest highlight at my site was being able to observe two ear surgeries in person! It was the BEST day of my life!

Reflecting on my stay, I can see how much I have changed as a person. I am more open-minded, more outgoing, and more accepting of change. I would recommend VACorps to anyone who wants to grow as a person! Cape Town and VACorps will forever hold a special place in my heart!

My time in Cape Town is one I will never forget. With wonderful people, great food, stunning scenery, and fun activities, this is definitely the hardest place for me to say goodbye to. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with smiling faces and enthusiasm from the staff. They not only ensured I felt safe and cared for but also treated everyone they encountered with kindness.

My internship was at a medical clinic where I spent time in the Mother and Baby unit. Witnessing new life enter this world is a blessing beyond belief, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of such an intimate experience—one that the mothers and I will never forget. I formed lasting relationships with patients and staff at the clinic that will always stay with me. Through my internship, I had the opportunity to empower women during labor and realized that even a simple gesture, like holding someone’s hand, can mean the world to another person.

Outside of work, I cherished watching sunsets from Signal Hill, enjoyed exhilarating hikes (I highly recommend Lion’s Head Mountain), and experienced the unforgettable Garden Route Safari. During my time here, I grew immensely as an individual, cultivating relationships that will last a lifetime while also stepping out of my comfort zone and facing my fears. Cape Town has profoundly impacted who I am as a person, and I feel good knowing that I made a positive impact here as well.

I chose Cape Town because I absolutely love it here. I visited last year, fell in love with the city, and knew I wanted to come back and work. Especially in film, the city offers so much opportunity. What I loved most was the projects I got to work on. Filming a documentary about the U20 Rugby World Cup winners was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Being part of creating a documentary that’s now been seen by thousands of people has been an absolute pleasure. The connections I’ve made through this experience will last a lifetime.

I learned that no matter where I am, I love working in film and collaborating with like-minded creatives from around the world. What I'll miss most are the people, especially at my internship, where I was surrounded by amazing friends. I stayed for three months, which was on the longer side, but I enjoyed it because I had friends here already, even after the other VAC friends returned to the USA.

The VAC weekly activities were an awesome way to explore the surrounding areas and learn more about Cape Town. It was also a nice break from work. Everyone at VAC is so welcoming and friendly, and it was truly amazing to be a part of that.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Cape Town. My internship was fantastic, and I felt I gained exactly what I was hoping for. My favorite part of interning in Cape Town was the opportunity to experience a culture different from that in the States. I appreciated the legal research I conducted on the ongoing conversation about Expropriation without compensation in South Africa. It felt incredibly relevant to the real issues currently facing the country and beneficial for my personal goals regarding my legal career back in the States.

There were plenty of opportunities, both within my internship and outside of it, to immerse myself in the culture of Cape Town and its surrounding areas. I believe the three-month duration of my stay was ideal for experiencing the local culture.

The VACorps staff were awesome—super friendly, easy to talk to, and, most importantly, very accessible in case of any issues. Overall, the program was very well organized, and I felt confident reaching out if I ever needed assistance.

God’s Own Country is how I would best describe Cape Town! Blessed by the vast nature, incredible culture, beautiful people and friends, I had the most surreal experience of a lifetime in Cape Town- I would gladly do it all again starting from my first full day riding in the Red Bus City Tour to the Cango Caves at the end of the Safari Garden Route. I have to say I was a little worried staying here for a solid 2 months as I thought it was large chunk of time, but it genuinely flew by in the wink of an eye! Looking back, we did so much and had a true adventure because at the end of the day it was an immersive cultural and internship experience whereby I am leaving South Africa fulfilled and content with more than I came: a lovely bunch of friends, strong network connection, and gorgeous memories!

I chose to intern with VA Corps to gain valuable experience in medicine. As a pre-med student focused on cultural awareness in healthcare, being immersed in South Africa's healthcare system was both educational and eye-opening. At my internship site, I connected with the staff and learned a great deal from their unique perspectives on medicine and patient care. I encountered a variety of trauma cases, child deliveries, vaccinations, and more. My time at the Retreat Clinic has given me a broader understanding of medicine and enhanced my medical knowledge overall. I particularly enjoyed working in the Maternity unit, where I had the incredible opportunity to witness two births. Building relationships with both the staff and patients allowed me to learn a lot, and this experience reaffirmed my passion for women’s healthcare.

In addition to my internship, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Cape Town with the friends I made through VA Corps. The Friday activities, ranging from wine tastings to surfing, provided fantastic opportunities to see the city and connect with other interns. I also spent time hiking, shopping, and trying a variety of new foods! My time in Cape Town helped me form friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime!