I chose Cape Town because of the beautiful scenery and the opportunity to work with a sports team for my internship. I had the great opportunity to work with experts in the field of sports physical therapy at a rugby club. From physiotherapists to strength and conditioning coaches, to health and wellness experts; I had amazing mentorship from every staff member. I learned and was able to practice a lot of different techniques that I hadn't yet learned in my program.  I was also made to feel so welcome from day one due to the welcoming nature of the staff and players. The high level of the athletes combined with the expertise of the support staff is unmatched in internships elsewhere.

VACorps was the key to having the best time possible during my internship in South Africa. The staff were welcoming, gave great advice and recommendations, and bridged the gap between my background and the local culture here in Cape Town, SA. Everyone who is a part of the VACorps program is so welcoming and treats you like family. I have learned so much from the weekly culture series and had endless fun on the Friday adventures. The country is spectacularly beautiful and the people are of the nicest I've met while traveling. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who is considering taking a leap and participating in an internship in this beautiful city.

I chose Cape Town because it seemed to be a culture that was unlike any other that I have experienced before. Additionally, I wanted to be able to experience the differences in the healthcare system and how physical therapy differs from what I am used to. VACorps definitely made my time here in Cape Town SO MUCH better than it would have been otherwise. The staff always go out of their way to make you feel welcomed, safe and supported. My favorite part of interning in Cape Town was making connections with my patients and those I worked alongside, from who I learned so much. I became more confident and independent in treating children and maintaining my own caseload. Additionally, I was able to work alongside other healthcare professionals and get more insight into their approaches to treatment. I was able to build rapport and relationships with each of my patients. I learned a lot about different games and activities, behavioral management, and age-specific approaches to treatment. Everyone I have met here has helped me shape a new perspective on life (work, friendships, relationships, abilities, etc). This experience helped me learn how to appreciate the little things, find beauty in everything, and take the time to make connections and get to know those around me. In addition to all the beautiful people I have met, the scenery and surroundings of the city are spectacular. Cape Town is a city like no other.

I had an incredible experience in Cape Town with the VACorps program. I did a physical therapy internship at a school for blind children, and I received a fulfilling fully independent caseload from day one. I will never forget the beautiful children I got to work with on my clinical site and the extreme joy I felt every day in their lives. I loved the beautiful outdoor playground that is Cape Town and hiking the gorgeous mountains and playing on the white sand beaches. I will miss the people I met here the most. Everyone is so kind and willing to look out for one another. Even in the poorest living conditions, everyone finds the beauty, joy, and fun of living.

I would recommend interning with VACorps to anyone who wants hands-on experience or wants to find their direction in life. On my first day as an intern I was given clients and accounts to work on, but I wasn't allowed to make coffee. It's backward from the typical internships I had in the US and it was a welcome change. I have a much better direction for my career and the experience to match. I've worked with a variety of clients and have made very helpful connections in my industry.

I know a lot of the people in the program were happy about having the on-ground support and the staff was so incredibly friendly. The VACorps activities showed me sides of Cape Town I wouldn't have bothered going to, but I'm very happy I did. I highly recommend VACorps to anyone looking to explore new cultures and gain work experience at the same time.

I would recommend interning with VACorps to anyone who wants hands-on experience or wants to find their direction in life. On my first day as an intern I was given clients and accounts to work on, but I wasn't allowed to make coffee. It's backward from the typical internships I had in the US and it was a welcome change. I have a much better direction for my career and the experience to match. I've worked with a variety of clients and have made very helpful connections in my industry.

I know a lot of the people in the program were happy about having the on-ground support and the staff was so incredibly friendly. The VACorps activities showed me sides of Cape Town I wouldn't have bothered going to, but I'm very happy I did. I highly recommend VACorps to anyone looking to explore new cultures and gain work experience at the same time.

Coming to Cape Town with VACorps was a huge leap of faith for me, having never been anywhere near South Africa before, but I would not trade my experience here for anything. The support I got from the VACorps staff, as well as the experience I gained at my internship site, exceeded every expectation I had and will be a memory I hold on to for the rest of my life. Through my time in Cape Town, I was able to take advantage of so much of what this beautiful country has to offer, especially through the activities that the VACorps facilitates for the interns. One of my favorite memories here was a VAC activity when our culture series was dancing and we had some young girls from a different township come to teach us to dance from Xhosa culture. This experience was one I never would have gotten if it weren't for the VAC and for that I am so thankful. I would truly recommend this experience to anyone considering it and would come back in the blink of an eye if I could.

If you have never been to Cape Town you should start packing right now. On one side the beauty of a city hugged by the ocean and the mountains, with stunning views and outdoor activities for any taste. A paradise for adrenaline junkies: paragliding over the coast, bungee jumping from one of the tallest bridges in the world, diving with sharks, or diving from the sky. If you are a more contemplative person who likes nature, you will find yourself admiring an ocean sunrise from the top of Table mountain or immersing yourself in the African wildlife, vis-a-vis springboks, lions, whales, and penguins.

On the other side a multicultural country with a convoluted history. You will directly experience the complex social fabric of the country and have the opportunity to have an impact on the local communities, embracing the spirit of ubuntu. You will live in Obz, a vibrant and liberal neighborhood, where you can hop from a pool bar and thrift shops to restaurants and coffee shops, where you will feel at home while meeting inspiring people. The people at the end are what make this experience priceless: your fellow interns will be your new friends, the VACorps staff your new family, and as you meet all these strong, interesting, and inspiring people, you will also meet your new self.

I loved living in Cape Town for the past 2 months; the people were so kind, the food was incredible, and you can't beat the views of Table Mountain, 12 apostles, and the beach. I chose CT because I have a friend who is South African and I've always wanted to come here myself. I learned so much about South Africa's culture and history, and I also learned about myself as I came here alone and met so many people from so many different backgrounds. I loved working with AU, I was able to be very hands-on and meet many locals, go into townships, and attend many events and activities. I really liked the family vibe at the office, and I had some really cool interns working with me. I even got to host my own mental health workshop with the youth that we work with! I will miss CT and AU so much, it's been the opportunity of a lifetime! The VACorps interns, staff, and activities were all lovely and truly made my time here. I am most grateful for the people I've met and had the opportunity to get to know while in Cape Town, and I will miss them dearly.