Internships in Cape Town with VACorps

Cape Town is amazing, but would made the experience even better was VAC. From pre arrival to orientation, I was constantly supported. VAC's staff and the weekly activities were great. I would suggest that people budget before they come here. And definitely go to Mozambique, it's a once in a lifetime experience!

I think the application process was perfect. The effort to match the right internship site with the right person really shows.

And lastly, I enjoyed that I felt the support from VAC before I arrived, and the second I was on the ground. It eases the transition period.

Interning in Cape Town has been one of the most enriching, inspiring, and over-all remarkable experiences I have ever had. The places I've seen and the people I've been fortunate to connect with have really made this experience what it was. My internship site has blessed me with so much knowledge and understanding that I can now take out into the world. I am so thankful and so excited to bring these memories and experiences with me as I continue a life of exploration, service, and laughter.

My goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the immigration issues in South Africa. Through this internship I was provided with first-hand knowledge and experience concerning the xenophobia issues that plague Cape Town and all of South Africa. Working with women specifically, I gained a deeper understanding of the intersection between gender and foreigner.

VACorps was an amazing experience. I was able to do hands on work in a rapid growing business which was a once in a lifetime opportunity. VAC was incredibly helpful on setting up the internship and helping with any needs i have once I arrived, but once I got situated, VAC gave enough freedom so I could discover all Cape Town has to offer.

My tip would be to try and get Friday’s off or a half day on Friday. There is so much to explore in Cape Town and VAC does a good job showing Cape Town through the activities on Friday.

I came to South Africa because I wanted to understand its history and struggle, to understand how counsellors and psychologists apply western theories to people living in a country like South Africa and to explore this beautiful country. I tried to control my expectations, but even if you make a strong effort not to build expectations they magically appear. And I must say, both Cape Town and Hope House have gone above and beyond my expectations. Exploring Cape Town and its surroundings have been one of the most magical things I've ever done in my life, and it has given me a glimpse of how people live here, how they think and the historic context they live in. Regarding my internship placement at Hope House... it was such an amazing experience that I will cherish forever. I felt my supervisor's trust from day one, and that motivated me to give the best of me at anything I've done there. In two months I've counseled 9 clients (7-8 sessions each) and co-facilitated two different groups at Levana Primary and Lavender Hill High, and I couldn't be happier with how much I've learned from my clients and the learners, but specially from my coworkers at Hope House. The kindness and hard work of people working at HH inspired me every day. Specially my supervisor, Mandy. She is so talented at what she does, she is one of the most talented persons I've ever met. She treats everyone with love and she passes her wisdom onto everyone around her. You can tell she is one of the people in this world who really cares for people around her, and wants to support anyone in need anytime she has the opportunity to do so. I will forever be grateful to Hope House and VAC, for choosing such an amazing placement for me. Thank you!

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to. There is access to everything and always so much to do. I loved all the opportunities to be outdoors and find adventure. Through VACorps I have met so many wonderful people who have made exploring this country such a wonderful experience. From hikes and sunset beach picnics to shark cage diving and swimming with penguins, I was never bored and I have memories that will stay with me forever. VACorps was especially great because of all the wonderful staff and the cultural and friday activities. I learned and explored more than I ever could alone. Two and a half months is definitely not enough time in this beautiful city.

I chose Cape Town to explore what the medical profession would be like away from the United States. My experience was enlightening and exceptionally interesting, but more importantly, VAC internships set me up with a unique opportunity to meet amazing people through the program. I have made amazing friends and gone on adventures of a lifetime (especially the Mozambique trip), and I would do it again a thousand more times. I have seen myself change for the better in all aspects of my life, and I have this program to thank for that. I will miss the party block at 89/91 station road, and especially Rust cafe. My only advice is to actually prepare a budget for your time here.

I decided to choose Cape Town do intern at due to the amazing placement VAC was able to find for me. I loved interning at Inala mental health centre and was able to grow immensely both as a professional and as a person. I learned more about my skills in group work and individual work throughout my internship. I was tested in a practical way many of the things learned in school. It was a great opportunity to actually apply what i have been taught during my college career. I loved living at 91 station road. I met some amazing friends and was able to step out of my comfort zone and try so many new things. I loved the constant adventure that was always available in cape town. I loved the hiking, the views and the people i saw and met along my way. The weekly activities were a great way to become acclimated and meet new people who were also in VAC. I really enjoyed the activities offered and think that the staff did a good job picking things everyone would be interested in. My favourite activity was the vineyards and the outdoor movie.
My advise for people is to really budget out your trip before coming here, i ended up splurging more then i thought. Take every opportunity that comes your way and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, you wont regret it!

I chose Cape Town as a place to intern abroad because of all the different opportunities it had to offer and I was able to go do more programs in South Africa after my time with VAC and I wanted to do an internship to get some real work experience before going to college. I really loved seeing the Second Chance Theater with my internship site. What I loved most about living here is being able to go hike a mountain and then explore a city or go swimming at the beach, I loved always having something to do. I stayed for 6 weeks and I would advise another intern to stay for about the same time or longer but not shorter. I would say that they really need to prepare themselves for a bit of culture shock. It was definitely a change having to consider safety all the time and not being able to walk at night. The VACorps staff was extremely helpful during my stay and always available to answer my questions. The weekly actives were great and I was able to experience so many things that I probably wouldn't have done. The aspects of the VACorps program that I am most grateful for is that the VAC staff were so nice and welcoming and any time I had to come into the VAC office I was greeted by smiling faces and hugs. I also loved that the prgram alwasy pushes you out of your comfort zone to try new things.