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Internships in Cape Town with VACorps

Name: Internships in Cape Town with VACorps
Brand: VACorps
SKU: 52139
Rating: 4.9 (291 reviews)

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VACorps

4.9 (291 reviews)

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Internships in Cape Town with VACorps

VACorps

4.9 · 291 reviews

Community Choice Award Winner

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

$3,175

Price Details

The VACorps program fee includes personalized internship placement based on each participant’s academic and professional goals, pre-arrival support, and comprehensive in-country support throughout the experience. This includes airport pickup, housing assistance, weekly cultural and social activities, 24/7 emergency support, and access to a network of fellow interns. Participants also benefit from orientation programming, local mentorship, and ongoing guidance from a dedicated Cape Town-based team committed to ensuring a safe, enriching, and rewarding experience.

What's Included

Activities Some Activities Airport Transfers SIM cards Wifi

What's Not Included

Accommodation Meals Travel Insurance

Last Updated: Jul 29, 2025

Last Reviewed: Jul 23, 2026

Wish List

132 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

VACorps offers exceptional internship placements in Cape Town, South Africa. Our sole focus is to ensure that each participant enjoys a professionally and personally rewarding internship experience. This commitment to excellence is reflected in the glowing reviews we consistently receive—not only from our participants, but also from their parents and university advisors.

At the heart of each participant’s experience is the thoughtful, individualized selection of their internship placement. Even before arriving in Cape Town, participants engage in ongoing communication with the VACorps team to design a placement that aligns with their academic background, intellectual interests, and career goals.

We are Cape Town specialists. Our entire team is based in the city we call home—because we believe Cape Town is not only the most beautiful city in the world, but also the most inspiring place to live, work, and grow.

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COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

This program offers meaningful internships in Cape Town with strong staff support, community, and weekly activities that enrich the experience. Some placements lack structure, so clear communication is key.

AI-generated summary from verified community reviews Read reviews →

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

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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 291 reviews

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Rating Spread Intern

5 rating 91.07%
4 rating 8.59%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0.34%
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 233 - 240 of 291 reviews

My time in South Africa with VACorps was a refreshing surprise. I come for a holiday, a break after graduation and I was not disappointed. The VaCorps staff go above and beyond to ensure you have a safe and fore-filling time in this beautiful country. The biggest surprise for me was that after my time here I did genuinely feel comfortable and a part of the community in Observatory. I have honestly loved my time here and would return in a heartbeat. As for my personal goals in my legal internship, wanted to achieve who expose to real client interactions. To witness and learn how to engage with clients as they are describing their problems, to be understanding but also to keep them on track. I was exposed to this on my first day and continued to be exposed to it during my internship. I also really enjoyed the shift in the back end of my internship to a greater focus on the refugee community as a whole, through the ride-along with a detective in Bellville and the day spent at a Zim school.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

If you're not going to be in an office for the majority of time at your internship, you need to be able to self manage your time and keep on top of your work. The massive benefit of this is that this means you have more time to explore South Africa but you need to at the same time keep on top of your work load and engage with your supervisor otherwise you're not going to feel like you gained much from the internship. If you can do that you'll love it.
Would you recommend this program?

Read my full story

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

I came to Cape Town as part of my university course requirements which stated that I had to work for a period of 3 months in my related field. Alongside my desire to leave my home country, after discovering the community, opportunities and support VACorps had to offer, I set my scopes on Cape Town. I loved the atmosphere of my work as they gave me a huge amount of responsibility that I would seldom get at home. In addition to this, the camaraderie I had with my colleagues was fantastic. A part of my experience that I will certainly look back on with fond memories will be the many many people from different cultures and backgrounds that I met during my time here. It certainly widens your scope and overall perspective of the world. I stayed for 3 months, however, found I could have possibly done another month or two following it.

The VACorps staff are an exceptional bunch of people. All of whom go above and beyond the call of duty for any person that requires it during their time in Cape Town. They are your friends as well as your guides and it really wouldn't be the same without each of them doing what they do!

Put yourself out there and ask to be involved in the various projects on offer. The amount you put in is what you get out.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

I did a 3-day road trip from Cape Town through Namibia in a rental car with two other interns from the VACorps program. We drove the equivalent of Connecticut to Wyoming on mostly unpaved roads around Namibia. 10/10 we would do it again!

Standing in front of the Fish River Canyon. The World's second largest canyon

I chose Cape Town because I was always fascinated by the history and culture - and it did not disappoint! The program was helpful and there was always someone available to assist me if I needed anything. I would not recommend going to Cape Town without a program like VAC! Despite the fact that it was the winter, the weather was lovely and I was still able to do many outdoor activities. My internship sight was incredible and I had an amazing supervisor. It was an extremely meaningful and educational experience, and I will take away these lessons that I learned in my internship and in Cape Town as a whole into my career, education, and personal life moving forward! I did about six weeks and enjoyed it, though many people stay longer. The weekly activities are great and cover a lot of the bigger trips that I want to do, like Paarl/Spice Route, Muizenberg, Simon's Town, and Cape Point. I was a graduate student and there were several other graduate students and it was a meaningful work and social experience for a graduate student.

What would you improve about this program?

Try to coordinate graduate student social events and possibly housing to help us older interns and graduate students get to know each other. While Cape Town is a lovely city, interns need to not be so naive about risks and dangers and stop engaging in these risky behaviors.

I really enjoyed my internship with NICRO through VACorps. My supervisors at NICRO and VACorps were incredibly supportive and helpful in my professional growth. Kelly (VACorps) was so great in educating me about the NGO I was working at and guiding me in my work. I am thankful for her assistance. Venessa (NICRO) was an amazing mentor at NICRO and took me under her wing while I worked there. I enjoyed getting to know both of the supervisors and being able to help out at this wonderful organisation. I would recommend the program for those looking for a human rights law internship. The internship was great but it is more for someone who is flexible and willing to not always go into the office. I worked on the criminal record expungement database at NICRO and interviewed subjects using their intake tool. I helped put together and run a seminar they were planning.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

I would be willing to start projects on your own and take initiative as they are very busy and may not always have the time to give you instructions. I would get to know the internship supervisors as they are great mentors!

I was originally attracted to Cape Town because of its rich human rights history and beautiful nature. I wanted to do an internship because I felt like it would be the best way to get a true understanding of Cape Town, its history, and the problems that it faces today. I wanted to be able to interact directly with Cape Town residents and have the most authentic experience possible. This was probably my favorite part of interning here - getting to know the people here. Being in Cape Town has definitely been the most transformative experience of my life. I was presented with so many incredible opportunities that I would not have anywhere else, and I am super thankful for everything that I have been able to do here and all of the wonderful people, both from VACorps and my internship, that I was able to meet. I think that 8 weeks was the perfect amount of time to be here for - it's not too long where I felt like I've exhausted all of the things to do here, but not too short where I feel like I was able to do everything that I wanted.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Make sure you take initiative on what you are interested and what you want to do - your internship site will listen to you and accommodate your interests/needs. My internship was extremely unique and it's important that you really make the most of your time there. It is only rewarding if you put in the work and energy to make it rewarding, so make sure to be engaged and enthusiastic.

I came to Cape Town as part of my university course requirements which stated that I had to work for a period of 3 months in my related field. Alongside my desire to leave my home country, after discovering the community, opportunities, and support VACorps had to offer, I set my scopes on Cape Town. I loved the atmosphere of my work as they gave me a huge amount of responsibility that I would seldom get at home. In addition to this, the camaraderie I had with my colleagues was fantastic. A part of my experience that I will certainly look back on with fond memories will be the many many people from different cultures and backgrounds that I met during my time here. It certainly widens your scope and overall perspective of the world. I stayed for 3 months, however, found I could have possibly done another month or two following it. The VACorps staff are an exceptional bunch of people. All of whom go above and beyond the call of duty for any person that requires it during heir time in Cape Town. They are your friends as well as your guides and it really wouldn't be the same without each of them doing what they do!

What would you improve about this program?

Maybe widening the target audience's demographic. i.e. reaching out to a wider selection of nationalities and having an even greater international community here.

I have had the most amazing time with VAC! I first chose Cape Town as my destination because I had never traveled abroad by myself and wanted to experience a very different culture and lifestyle. What I have learned, seen, and taken in during my stay at Cape Town has exceeded my expectations beyond everything. I have been greatly exposed to the people, customs, and rich history of a deeply complex nation.

The aspect I loved most about my trip was that I had the ability to focus not only on professional development, but also my development as a traveler, global scholar, and just plain individual. I have learned the value of curiosity and to ask questions about many different things. I would advise people to come for at least a full 6 weeks to truly take in all that Cape Town has to offer as there are so many different things to do and even as I leave I am aware that there are many areas and avenues that I was not able to explore.

Be open to doing different things during your stay here-from going outdoors and taking hikes to explore food markets to attending exhibits- you have to do it all! The thing I loved the most about Cape Town was the amount and variety of different people I met along my travels, not just in VAC but in many different places. I have realized that everyone has a story and if you are fortunate and wise, you will take all the time to listen!

What would you improve about this program?

Nothing but maybe about the weather! I had no idea it would get this cold and did not pack enough sweaters. I did read the online guide but I was not prepared for the chilly mornings and nights.

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.

View Entire Interview

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.

View Entire Interview

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...