Internships in Cape Town with VACorps

Moving to South Africa for 3 months was not something I deliberately set out to do; last summer when I started looking into studying abroad, I realised my school didn't have any options that I truly was interested in and began searching for alternatives. I stumbled upon some "Intern Abroad" companies and somehow came across VAC - and that's when I began to fall in love with the idea of venturing to Cape Town (especially after my 40 minute phone call with Oliver). Most of my friends decided to study abroad together in larger groups, all in Europe, but I didn't want to country hop every weekend and I didn't want to already know everyone prior to arriving. I wanted a unique experience that would make me a bit uncomfortable at times because when you go beyond your comfort zone, amazing things can happen. The experience I gained at my internship site was fantastic - I worked for Startupbootcamp AfriTech, a startup accelerator that assists FinTech startups across the continent in meeting investors, mentors, and potential partners, as well as Uprise.Africa, South Africa's first equity crowdfunding platform. The amount of responsibility and ownership I was given was a bit astonishing to me; as a 19 (now 20) year old, there was no concern or thought given to my age - all that mattered was the quality of the work I was doing. I loved my coworkers and already miss rocking up to work every morning.
I think that overall the best part of VAC and the best part about South Africa in general is meeting so many different people. In a program like VAC or using a company like Rent-A-Room for housing, you will meet people from literally all over (some of my best mates here are from the Netherlands and some live 40 minutes away from me back in the States) and honestly make some longtime friends (which is great if you love to travel!). I lived in 197 Lower Main, the house with 17 people, and I would definitely recommend living there if you want to feel like you're part of a family (fair warning, if you like it quiet then maybe a different house would suit you better). The trek to work was a bit far (I worked near the V&A Waterfront), but it was worth it - life in Obs is great; there's a variety of food options, bars, etc.
If you're coming to intern with VAC, maximise your time in Cape Town, in South Africa….there is so much to see and do and experience. I was only here for 3 months but I desperately wish it was longer. I also went on the MozKruger trip, which was INCREDIBLE. Mozambique is a hidden gem and the only way you will get to truly experience it is with the crew from VAC (I only say this because it would be so difficult and expensive without Sean & Jon (and Kim & Carmen!!!)…also, it wouldn't be as fun). 100% get scuba certified and dive as many times as possible in Mozambique - no one else will have the same experience as you. I have seen some amazing Instagram posts showing off weekend aways in Europe or astonishing Spring Break trips…but trust me, they can't compare to Mozambique (or Kruger!!! We saw baby elephants and rhinos and cheetahs…AHHHH so cool!)

if you want to have a different experience and are up for an adventure (and are good when it comes to going with the flow), then VAC is perfect for you.

I chose Cape Town because it was a place I wanted to be for a long time seeing it is so far, not only this but I wanted to immerse myself within the multitude of different cultures that would surround me. I decided to do an internship to gain further experience in my field of study; nursing. My internship at Heideveld health clinic has taught me so many different skills I would never have a chance to practice in the US. What I loved the most about Cape Town was meeting so many new people from all over the world, whether they were apart of VaCorps or not. This is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been, and I was able to explore and adventure on top of learning new skills. I always loved how Cape Town provides endless adventures to take part in, such as hiking, surfing, etc. I've made so many lifelong friendships here which is what makes it so sad to leave. VaCorps did a great job in introducing each of the intern groups and setting up planned events. I loved how every Friday there was always something new and exciting planned out for us and more people to meet as we arrived at these excursions. Furthermore, after participating in the Mozambique trip, I was able to create more friendships with people I had yet to meet. Not only this but also I was able to adventure more and discover an entirely different part of Africa, the entire experience was surreal; from scuba diving to going on my first safari, there was never a dull day. I will definitely miss Cape Town and all it has to offer but I will be back soon! I am so grateful to have taken part in this opportunity to experience various different cultures and health care systems. I will be able to take this knowledge back to the US with me to further enhance my nursing studies. I am also so grateful for the VaCorps staff for making it so easy to adjust to the different lifestyle and few culture shocks.

Along with my journey around the world, I knew I wanted to see more diverse cultures. Coming from New York and traveling to Australia and New Zealand this past year you really get to learn a lot about the different cultures. Cape Town has its up and downs but there's always new places to see and new things to do. My internship was probably my favorite throughout my journey. From working hands-on with editing films or doing graphic design, I can truly secure what I want to do in the future. Moonsport Tv treated me like family and I thank them for that. My internship being so close, there was always time for new activities. Through Vac with the culture series and Friday excursions, you always are treated like family. Not to mention making new life long friends along the way, No matter how long or short your stay is in Cape Town you will always have a different experience. From going on the garden route trip, which I highly recommend, you truly get to experience a new side of the world. From the people here and my roommates, I've learned so much about the different cultures around the world. Everyone has a different story and it makes you want to help those who need it. In the end, this is Definity an opportunity you should take in life.

I originally was not planning on coming to Cape Town but it was recommended to me during my interview and I decided to just take a chance and try it. I had never traveled to Africa before and was excited to explore a new place. When I was first paired with my internship I did not think that it was going to be a good fit. I was completely terrified to start work at my internship site, it was so far outside of anything that I was comfortable with and I definitely did not think that I would enjoy it. I ended up learning so much about myself and my field that I would've never expected. My time at my internship made me not only a better student but also a better person and it was completely unexpected. My internship transformed from something I was dreading to something it hurts to leave. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Cape Town.

Cape Town stood out to me when I read up on the public health internship opportunities available. After researching the history of South Africa and the beauty within the country, I couldn't help but put cape town down as my top pick in interning abroad. Living in Cape Town for three months has provided with me with life long friends, cultural knowledge, adventure, an impactful internship, and a desire to come back. My internship at Ottery Youth Care Centre has changed my perspective of life and will forever have a place in my heart. By implementing a garden project, creating a health curriculum, and getting to know the learners, I feel like I have fulfilled the best experience at my internship site. VAC has provided many opportunities with traveling abroad to keep the stay fun and eventful. I want to thank VAC for providing this internship and helping along the way!

I was done with my undergrad but wanted to boost my resume for graduate school. I was afraid I had missed this opportunity but was delighted once I found VACorp. The process was insanely easy and fast. I was expected several weeks of dialogue before hearing any news about even accepted into the program. By one month, I already knew when and where I would be working. Everyone here has been so helpful and genuinely wanted to best (and safest) experience possible. I did not feel belittled or like I was at summer camp while here. I was given tips and resources for what I would do and given free rein. I am honored to have met the fellow interns, locals, and co-workers. I have so many experiences that I can take with me to help me in my academic and personal life thanks to VACorp.

I spent one month interning in Cape Town and it has been one of the best travel and professional experiences of my life. This is truly an amazing and cosmopolitan city with so much to do and see--you will never get bored. I really enjoyed my work at Ihata Shelter; I learned so much and was exposed to so many different things that. I got opportunities that would not have been available to me in Canada and I am truly grateful for them. The VAC staff is really supportive and nice. They are always here for you when you need them and they try hard to ensure you have a memorable experience. I'm really glad I did this internship program.

I really enjoyed my medical internship working at Retreat Community Health Centre. | was able to circulate through the different departments at the clinic including trauma, emergency, maternity, obstetrics, chronic disease etc. I was also able to watch and assist with medical emergencies and my personal highlight at my internship sight was being able to watch and assist with deliveries and newborn check-ups. I was here for a total of eight weeks and loved every minute of it. I will definitely miss all of the amazing people that I've met here and living so close together in Obs. One of my favourite tings that I did here was the Garden Route trip where I got to walk with African elephants and bungy jump off of the worlds highest bungy bridge. Throughout my entire stay here, the VAC staff was always very helpful and planned amazing weekly activities for us. I am most grateful for the VAC program for my internship placement and for enabling me to meet such amazing friends here.