Internships in Cape Town with VACorps

Name: Internships in Cape Town with VACorps
Brand: VACorps
SKU: 52139
Rating: 4.9 (230 reviews)

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Location

South Africa
- Cape Town

Length

4 to 12 weeks

Industry

Advertising Architecture Business Communications Computer Science Conservation and Preservation Economics Education Engineering Film Finance Healthcare History Human Rights Journalism Law Marketing Nursing Photography Psychology Public Health Social Work Sports Science Startups Tourism +15

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Program Details

Compensation

Unpaid

Timeframe

Fall J-Term Maymester Spring Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round

Housing

Apartment

Language

English

Age Min.

Pricing

Starting Price

2975

Price Details

For details regarding our latest program tuition & fees, please visit our website (www.vacorps.com/program-cost) or contact our admissions team directly (admissions@vacorps.com).

What's Included

Activities Some Activities Airport Transfers SIM cards Wifi

What's Not Included

Accommodation Meals Travel Insurance

Last Updated: Aug 21, 2023

Last Reviewed: May 08, 2024

Wish List

108 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

VACorps offers superior internship placements in Cape Town, South Africa. We commit all of our energy to one purpose – helping our program participants to have a professionally and personally rewarding internship experience in Cape Town. This is why VACorps unfailingly receives great reviews from not only our participants but also parents and university administrators. At the center of our participants' experience in our programs start with the careful selection of internships. Before they leave their home countries for Cape Town, participants will be in constant communication with members of the VACorps staff as we design peculiar details of their internship placements based on their academic, intellectual, and professional aspirations. We are Cape Town specialists, and all of our staff and programs are based in the mother city, simply because it is the most beautiful city in the world.

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Program Highlights

Professional internship placement in one of the world's most beautiful cities
Expert pre-arrival and in-country staff support (orientation, tour of the city, first-meeting at internship site, 24/7 emergency hotline and general support and guidance)
Weekly social excursions to help you explore Cape Town and its surrounds
Weekly workshops about South African culture
Enjoy plenty of travel opportunities to attractions like the Garden Route, Mozambique, Kruger National Park, and Cederberg Mountains

Popular Programs

Human Rights Internships in Cape Town

VACorps offers one of the most prestigious human rights internship programs in South Africa, facilitated and mentored by a US qualified lawyer who is currently a human rights policy advocate in South Africa. You will be placed with local organizations that provide services to victims of human rights violations. By working directly with service providers and the people they are trying to assist, you will gain exposure to the challenges associated with protecting and exercising one’s human rights.

VACorps counselling and psychology internships

Counseling and Psychology Internship in Cape Town

Our internship placements will give you unique access to counseling and social support services in South Africa. Whether you are interested in a counseling internship at an NGO, a clinical placement at a rehabilitation center, or an organizational psychology internship at a private company, we will find you an internship that matches your interests and objectives.

Business Internships in Cape Town

Cape Town is one of Africa’s largest business Centres and is home to many well-established companies, SME’s, social enterprises, NGOs, start-ups, and much more. Whether you are looking for experience in a fast-paced for-profit organization or would prefer to apply your knowledge and work for an organization that helps the underprivileged, VACorps will customize a business internship that will help you work towards your goals and objectives.

Technology Internships in Cape Town

Cape Town boasts a bustling tech start-up scene, and it is estimated that 60% of all African Tech startups have their feet firmly planted within Cape Town City Metro. A Technology Internship abroad will allow you to gain a unique perspective on the very important role the technology industry plays in a developing economy. As you gain experience, learn new skills and expand your network, you will also see how a different culture uses technology to address its own unique market needs.

Program Reviews

4.90 Rating

based on 230 reviews

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Rating Spread Intern

5 rating 90.87%
4 rating 8.7%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0.43%
1 rating 0%

Growth 4.95
Support 4.95
Fun 5
Housing 4.85
Safety 4.85

Good for Building your resume, Students, Adventure travelers

Showing 105 - 112 of 230 reviews

Deciding to join VACorps and to come to Cape Town was the easiest the best decision I have ever made. I learned so much while being here, and I have experienced immense personal growth. I have made so many new friends, and this experience has given me a new perspective on life. It also gave me insight and understanding into my future career path which I am very grateful for. The VACorps staff are all so amazing, and they truly care about your happiness and comfort while you are here. If given the chance to come back to Cape Town and work with VACorps again, I wouldn't even think twice about coming again!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

For anyone doing a medical placement, be open to all the different units where you will be rotated. It was the greatest experience because I made sure to openly communicate with the doctors and nurses what I hoped to get out of my time at the clinic. If you are having an issue, you can't hesitate to talk to someone about it because the directors at your internship and VACorp staff truly want you to feel comfortable and have a great experience.

I was looking for a new start in life, so after considering a lot of countries and a lot of options, I felt the best place would be Cape Town. I was 100% right. VACorps gave me the opportunity to work in a fantastic Hi-tech startup with amazing, smart people and brilliant mentors. I learned about new technologies and gained outstanding skills and knowledge. After 2 months of working there, my host site offered me an official job at their Cape town office, which I accepted!

Cape Town is a city with a lot to offer. With endless outdoor options like hiking, going to the beach, wine tasting, paragliding, trail running, etc. The city also has an outstanding food scene and nightlife, which I thoroughly enjoyed exploring with my fellow program participants from all over the world. The VACorps Friday activities and weekend getaways were always interesting and fun.

I am so grateful for everything that VACorps and my internship company have offered me. Being here was such an exciting experience, and it was totally worth it. This experience exceeded all of my expectations. I feel like I have achieved all the goals I set for myself before coming to South Africa and more. I look forward to returning to Cape Town soon, and making the Mother City my home for the next few years!

I chose Cape Town because I wanted to experience the South African culture and learn more about what working in a different country would be like. I gained more independence and learned more about what I want my future career to look like. What I loved the most about living here was being completely submerged in the culture by living in Observatory. I will miss the people I have come to call family. I stayed for about 2 months and I wish I could have at least stayed one more month. The VACorps staff was more than helpful and kind. I can’t thank VACorps more than enough for the experience of a lifetime. This is a trip I will never forget.

I loved meeting new people the most. The connections I made here and the friends I made are lifetime connections I will never leave behind. My internship itself was amazing. I was able to witness the highs and lows of physical therapy and learn how to help people with minimal resources. I witnessed a wheelchair-bound woman learn to walk again after having her legs broken by a man because she refused him intercourse. What I loved most about living in Cape Town were the activities I was able to do all the time. There was quite literally never a dull moment. I stayed for 8 weeks and I would recommend that being the minimum for someone to come for. In preparation for coming, I would just try to have an open mind.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

For anyone doing a PT or medical internship at a public clinic in Cape Town, as I did, be prepared for anything and everything. Have an open mind, be friendly, and be non-judgemental. I would also be prepared for a small language barrier. Most people's first language is Xhosa but after a couple of weeks, you should be just fine.

I wanted to develop myself in 2021, and VACorps paired me with companies where I got mentors that have really guided me, believed in me, and encouraged me through it all. Into the bargain, the beauty of this stunning city made this a wonderful experience as I have been able to explore and meet beautiful people in Cape Town. It feels like a dream to wake up in the morning to the view of the mountain and a beach 10mins away. The food is amazing as well. Some of my favorite experiences at my internship were being involved in the quiz night at my site and my supervisor offered to pay my Toastmasters membership. It made me feel like my efforts were seen, and I felt appreciated.

I would recommend this program to anyone who shares the same interests in personal development and also anyone who wants to travel and gain some life experience in an incredibly beautiful country with a rich culture and friendly people. I will miss everything about VACorps, Cape Town, and all the amazing people I have met along the way.

I thoroughly enjoyed every second of my time in South Africa even though Covid-19 limited what we could do. I did my internship at a local clinic in one of Cape Town's Townships, and achieved everything I set out to do. I gained a better understanding of how other countries structured their healthcare system, and got first hand experience of the type of care provided. Importantly, I felt that I was able to help the staff whenever I was capable of doing so.

I loved the variety Cape Town has to offer, whether it be food options, hikes, or other activities. I will miss exploring Cape Town with other interns. I believe that VACorps provides the best possible living situation for anyone traveling to another country alone. They went out of their way to ensure a great experience, and the friends I made while here are friends I will have for my life.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

For anyone doing a medical internship at one of Cape Town's clinics, I would advise them to interact with more than just the doctors. The nurses have a wealth of knowledge and are very open to explaining procedures if you take the time to form a connection with them.

I wanted to develop myself in 2021, and VACorps paired me with companies where I got mentors that have really guided me, believed in me and encouraged me through it all. Into the bargain, the beauty of this stunning city made this a wonderful experience as I have been able to to explore and meet amazing people in Cape Town. It feels like a dream to wake up in the morning to the view of the mountain and a beach 10mins away. The food is amazing as well. Some of my favorite experiences at my internship were being involved in the quiz night at my site and my supervisor offering to pay my toast masters membership. It made me feel like my efforts were seen, and I felt appreciated.

I would recommend this program to anyone who shares the same interests of personal development and also anyone who wants to travel and gain some life experience in an incredibly beautiful country with a rich culture and friendly people. I will miss everything about VACorps, Cape Town, and all the amazing people I have met along the way.

My time in Cape Town could not have gone better. Though the pandemic limited some of what we were able to do, it did not negatively impact my experience mostly because of the people that surrounded me. Before arriving, I was worried about whether I'd get along with everyone as it is a very diverse group of people, but later I learned there was absolutely nothing to worry about. I found my people here which also allowed me to grow as a person. With this being my first trip alone, I knew there would be challenges, but the VACorps staff and participants were there for me every step of the way. I've only been here for 6 weeks but it has already become my second home and wish I was able to stay longer! The internship placement at a clinic was great as well since I'm studying medicine which gave me the experience I couldn't have gotten in the US as an undergraduate student.

Questions & Answers

I’m a high school student and really want to get in the film industry and finding it hard to find volunteering. Any tips ?

Hi Erin, Thanks for the great question! South Africa is home to one of the largest commercial film industries in the Southern Hemisphere and we place VACorps program participants at a variety of different film production companies that operate in Cape Town. We accept gap year students (min age 18) so don't worry if you don't have any prior industry experience. All that is required is enthusiasm...

By VACorps Support on January 27, 2021

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I knew I wanted to travel and take a break after University, but I needed something that I could still put down on my CV. After looking at a couple of different options, I discovered VA Corps, which offered the perfect fit to my situation. Their programs were individually tailored to meet everyone's individual expectations for their experience in Cape Town. This was a major factor in my decision to undertake this program. The other factor of course being Cape Town's natural beauty and the opportunity to experience a new and different cultural outlook on life.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I will admit that initially the thought of traveling solo so far away to a completely new country for me was a bit intimidating. This feeling soon vanished as VA Corps was able to provide all the information I was looking for. Their online guide has a wealth of knowledge to answer all your questions, from information about immigration and flights to helpful hints about overcoming any initial culture shock you may experience. Their help in organizing not only housing but also finding your individual internship site means there is little for you to organize on your own.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

You need to enter this program with an open mind, willing to try new things, foods and experiences. I'm aware that this can be intimidating for some people, but VA Corps provide 24 hour support during your time in the program so there is little for you to worry about. So put yourself in new situations, eat new food and meet lots of new people. You are only in Cape Town for a short period of time; you need to make the most of it. If you don't, not only am I sure you'll regret it, but you'll probably also feel that you didn't get much out of the program. Don't be that person: be open to new experiences, put yourself out there and enjoy yourself.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Everyone's individual day is completely different; you might get up at 6 in the morning and spend the whole day learning at a clinic. On the other hand, you could get up at 9 and walk down to a coffee shop. Open your laptop and work on a case file till after lunch, then go for a hike. Everyone's day is different but everyone gets out what they put in.

Two of the large benefits of VA Corps program is that on every Monday evening you have the opportunity to attend a session where you learn about different aspects of South African culture. This could be a tradition food tasting, guest speaker on some of the struggle experienced in South Africa, a session about the different languages spoken or many other differing things.

The other major benefit of the program is that every Friday you have the opportunity to experience different activity with the group. Activities like wine tastings, trips to the Cape of Good Hope or seeing Penguins and Cheetahs. All of this means that week will be busy and enjoyable.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

One of the big fears before the experience is the worry that you're not going to fit in, that you're going to feel out of place and uncomfortable. I can tell you from my personal experience that this won't happen. You're going to be surrounded by lots of different people, from different countries all doing the same as you. You will fit in and you will become very good friends with many of these people. Cape Town itself can seem like an intimidating place but I can tell you that, after a week or two, it really isn't. If you use for common sense, you will feel comfortable very easily. It's a lovely place filled with many lovely people and you will get to see that.

What was your favorite experience during your time abroad?

I honestly have too many to choose from and they are all amazing in their own way. Experiences like getting to walk around Robben island and getting to see Nelson Mandela's cell were incredibly special. At the same time, even small things like talking with people who grew up under Apartheid is something that is going to stay with me for ever. On top of this, walking with Elephants and bungee jumping off a 216 meter tall bridge are things that I never thought I would do, as well as the 6 or 7 times I hiked Table Mountain.

Simply put, there are too many things to chose from. The main thing, though, is that I loved my time in Cape Town and would do it again in a heart beat.

Jackie Berger

Mark McKown

2014 Alum

Josh Hoeg

2017 Alum

Rob Weidner

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Athena Lamberis

Program

Internships in Cape Town with VACorps

Athena has lived, worked and studied in over twelve countries around the world before graduating from Michigan State University in 2005. She loves diving into cross-cultural experiences, language learning and documenting beauty and creativity around every corner. Cape Town has been home since 2008, where her love for experiential education, natural spaces and the search for the next tasty meal collide.

Having been a semester abroad student in South Africa herself, she adds her own personal knowledge and enthusiasm for those ready to embark on their own learning adventure abroad!

Athena Lamberis - Education International

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my favorite travel memories was being in Athens during the 2004 Summer Olympics.

The city was pumping with so much energy from around the world. A casual stroll down the road felt like a global carnival. I passed by a corner where there was a scene of Brazilians were playing capoeira, while a band of Ugandan drummers danced past the group of Japanese fans cheering about a victory, all on my way to watch the sunset behind the Parthenon with friends from Mexico, Turkey, and Australia.

It was one of the most joyful cross-cultural experiences I have experienced in addition to celebrating solidarity and amazing human endeavors!

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Although I had lived in South Africa for 6 years prior to working with VACorps, the work and relationships I have been able to form these past 4 years have granted me a more in-depth exposure to different South African realities.

I have grown in compassion, become a better listener, and am more engaged in learning more about current issues that motivate leaders to make innovative business or organizational choices and create positive social change.

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What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I often receive the 'wish I was still there' emails and enjoy viewing the video collages students tend to make and share across their social media channels. The best stories for me, though, are the students that integrate their experience abroad directly into their lives. This has ranged from a legal intern student going onto working in the UN, a communications student producing their own local show, and a social work graduate who went on to initiate their own community project.

No matter what field of study the students are engaged with: it's always amazing to hear about how everyone's perspective abroad directly impacts the choices they make.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

This changes from week to week. Why? Because I am someone who is typically extremely inspired by passionate people and so many organizations and businesses in Cape Town have dynamic teams that motivate people to get involved!

The changing socio-political landscape of Cape Town makes diving into social justice advocacy programs important, but joining a start-up business incubator is also exhilarating. There are times I am inspired to assist in social work or counseling programs or even help produce digital media for youth development or sustainable community food gardens. I am always intrigued by environmental education and conservation programs because being surrounded by Cape Town's amazing biodiversity is like nowhere else in the world. Because I love learning more about languages and cultures, there is always something to contribute to that supports refugee and asylum-seeking communities and overall social cohesion in Cape Town.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Everyone involved with VACorps has a genuine interest in education and connecting students to exciting and engaging learning experiences. I have had the privilege to meet and get to know local leaders in a variety of fields who lead and manage operations that aim for positive social impact and innovations. I am proud that we support their initiatives, attend their events and think of creative ways for students to assist in achieving their vision for the greater good.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

The work we do is purposeful, and this drives the company to make positive decisions, additions, and adaptations to our program offerings. I believe this ability to reflect, improve and evolve as a team creates success and enhances the entrepreneurial spirit of a company. We depend on each other to bring positive and meaningful passion into our work and this, in return, is appreciated by each student that joins the program.

Kholosa Potwana

Program Advisor

Thomas Hill

Program Admissions

Carmen Rae Kingwill

Program Coordinator

Oliver Hagan

Director of Applications and Outreach

Location

Location:

Cape Town

Currency:

South African Rand

Weather:

Jan-Mar

79 F / 57 F

Apr-Jun

73 F / 46 F

Jul-Sep

66 F / 45 F

Oct-Dec

77 F / 52 F

Airports:

Cape Town International

( CPT )

Cape Town is a port city, the legislative capital of South Africa, the most southern city in all of Africa, and referred to as the "Mother City". It is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, reflecting its role as a major destination for immigrants and expatriates to South Africa.

About VACorps

The VACorps internship program creates tailored placements in Cape Town, South Africa. We consistently receive rave reviews from program participants, parents and university administrators alike because we devote all our energy to one purpose -- helping you have a personally and professionally rewarding internship experience in Cape Town. As a...