Internships in Cape Town with VACorps

When I first started traveling to South Africa alone, I was terrified I wouldn’t fit in or have fun. However, as soon as I arrived at the airport I immediately felt welcomed. The VACorps staff were super supportive, and I felt like I always had someone I could talk to or ask questions. While my internship at Retreat Clinic was great, what I loved the most were my fellow interns. Everyone was so open-minded and fun, there was always someone to explore Cape Town with. I only stayed for 5 weeks, and wish I stayed for much longer. I would recommend staying for at least 2 months to get the most out of your experience here. This was by far the best experience of my life, and I can’t wait to come back.

In the middle of COVID, I was looking for the opportunity to get off of Zoom and travel abroad during an off-term from University. Luckily, I learned about VACorps through a friend and inquired about the program. I had abroad planned through my university for the past winter, but they were canceled due to the pandemic. So, the opportunity to travel to an amazing place like Cape Town was an opportunity I had to pursue. The process was extremely easy and helpful, and I began working at the educational non-profit in the Crossroads Township. Throughout my time at my internship site, I learned both about the history of townships and South Africa, and the relationship between education/after-school programs and crime/gangsterism. As for my specific work, I worked with my friend and fellow intern Mateo, helping to grow the online presence of the organization through media and video. I filmed and edited Portraits of Crossroads, an interview series showcasing the most prominent members of the Crossroads community. During my time in Cape Town, the VACorps staff ensured a smooth transition into the city and constant support through my stay.

Going into college one of my main goals was to study abroad. Once my term in Buenos Aires got canceled, I feared that wouldn't come to fruition. I chose Cape Town somewhat on a whim; I knew it was a beautiful city and to be honest, I just wanted to go somewhere. I believe I could not have made a better decision. Everything worked out great, from my internship and getting to know my supervisor, to playing soccer with a local club, to surfing in Jeffries Bay. I truly had an amazing experience here and made many memories I will never forget. My time seems to have flown by and I feel like I could stay other several months without blinking an eye. I am so grateful to VAC for giving me this opportunity and I could not recommend it enough for those looking to have some sort of international experience.

I started my internship with VACorps remotely (due to difficulties traveling Coronavirus) for four months before moving on-site to complete my work. I was interning with the human rights program helping to deliver domestic violence prevention programs. Initially, I chose to intern in Cape Town with VACorps due to the relevance of the project with my career goals (in this regard, my placement was superb) and the exciting opportunity to travel and be immersed in another culture and way of life. I really enjoyed my project and felt like I was listened to, well supported, and allowed to explore the projects that helped me reach my internship goals.

What I was not expecting was the amazing activities and culture series that VACorps provided. They were a really nice way to get to do some fun activities and explore the beautiful sites that Cape Town has to offer. Kholi, Kuselwa, and Leanne at VACorps were very supportive and did their best to make sure that everyone felt happy and comfortable. I really appreciated their help and friendship upon arrival in Cape Town, meeting them was a very warm welcome to town.

All in all, I loved my time in Cape Town. The internship was everything I had hoped for and I believe it will help to kick off my career. Cape Town is truly beautiful and has something for everyone to explore, with beautiful hiking, beaches, and loads of interesting history. The local people and staff at VACorps are super friendly and make you feel right at home. I’d highly recommend this internship program!

At my current life-stage, I already knew that the common exchange program that was offered to me in Brazil wouldn’t meet my objectives, so I started looking for a different type of experience that would provide me not only the opportunity to immerse myself in a completely different culture but also improve my CV as well as build on my life experiences. When I started researching the VACorps program and had my first chat with a VACorps staff member, I knew this was the program for me. Being able to come to a different country and experience a different lifestyle was a dream come true, especially to a country where I could develop my English skills. The internship was also hugely beneficial. and gave me a different perspective for my future and my career. I am so grateful for my incredible experiences in Cape Town, which would not have happened without the VACorps program and the support of the VACorps staff.

The Internship was perfect. I had the opportunity to work with one of the top legal minds in Cape Town and had an invaluable learning/ practical experience during my time here. It was a pleasure working with genuinely good people, and the support from the VACorps staff was exceptional. Also, the cultural activities we attended on Mondays were wonderful and very informative and Friday activities were the perfect way to start the weekend. I made so many new friends and the only regret I have was that I couldn't prolong my stay.

Visiting South Africa was always a dream of mine. It seemed so far away but yet a place full of beauty and adventure. During this crossroad in my life, and as an adult changing careers I thought: what better place to end this transition than in a beautiful city like Cape Town. I saw various internship websites and when I came across VACorps and read about the various programs and testimonials of other interns immediately gave me lots of positivity and trust. Since the first email, I sent VACorps until the end of my application process to come to Cape Town everyone was so welcoming, patient and made sure I understood the whole process while making me feel safe and confident in my decision. I really enjoyed going to Cape Point on one of the weekly activities with all the interns and part of the VACorps staff, it was a beautiful and unforgettable experience. One of the biggest highlights of my trip was going on the Garden Route Tour, I had just landed from Spain 2 days before, and here I was 2 days later going on a beautiful safari with the whole team, it really made my trip start with a big bang! I loved every second of it, and I will treasure those memories forever. I always felt safe and taken care of by the team as well as my internship site felt like one big family. I never felt alone or unprotected being so far away from home. The warmth and kindness everyone showed me mean the world to me and a little piece of my heart will always remain in Cape Town.

I recommend all interns looking for an adventure of a lifetime, an unforgettable experience while learning and gaining experience in their respective careers to choose VACorps. Whether you are in your gap year or changing careers at a later stage of your life like me, this is a beautiful, unique, and enriching experience. I learned a lot at my internship practice at the psychiatric clinic where I worked, it has given me a better understanding of what to expect in my new career as a psychologist, and I have also learned a lot about myself. I am forever grateful for the guidance, support, and everything I learned during my internship. I always felt part of their team, I never felt like an outsider nor even as an intern. Thank you for making me feel valued and for teaching me about all the unique experiences the world of psychology has to offer. I still have much to learn as someone starting in the world of psychology, but if my experience at the Clinic is a small taste of what is yet to come, then I am very happy and excited about the future.

The last three months in Cape Town were undoubtedly some of the best of my life! The city itself is unrivaled in natural beauty. VACorps provides a program packed with interesting experiences, and the community we formed embarked on more adventures than some have in a lifetime. The summer months were heavenly with perfect temperatures for beach days, hikes, surfing, and pool parties. Cape Town is insanely trending with very cool venues. I loved every minute. I also really feel blessed to have worked at my internship site, a psychiatric clinic for adolescents, where each employee was professional and pleasant to work with. I’ll never forget the lessons I learned or the people I’ve met. Thank you VACorps for making so many dreams come true and for providing us with a community to experience it all with.