Interning in Cape Town through VACorps has been an incredibly rewarding professional experience. I had the opportunity to work in a placement that aligned with my professional goals and allowed me to expand my skill set, including adapting to a new legal and cultural context. This experience deepened my understanding of how the law intersects with social realities and provided invaluable exposure to international perspectives on justice, policy, and human rights. The mentorship I received, along with a variety of hands-on work, strengthened my skills and confidence beyond what could be attained in a traditional classroom or internship setting.

Beyond the work itself, Cape Town offered a vibrant and diverse backdrop for professional growth. Collaborating with local colleagues allowed me to witness resilience, innovation, and community-driven change in action. I will carry the lessons I learned here into every stage of my career. VACorps provided phenomenal support and engaging activities that made this not only a professional milestone but also a personally transformative chapter of my life.

This was my second summer interning abroad—after spending last summer in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and solo traveling across the United Kingdom—and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to choose Cape Town for my second international internship experience. Over the past two and a half months, I held a dual placement that allowed me to work at the intersection of public policy, research, and community-led justice. My work supported efforts to institutionalize South Africa’s National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and to ensure that national commitments translate into meaningful, localized outcomes.

A major part of my role involved contributing to monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks. I facilitated focus groups with adolescents, analyzed emergent themes, and documented service delivery gaps—hands-on work that deepened my understanding of how policy impacts communities on the ground. I also contributed to research on NSP implementation across all nine provinces, analyzed departmental performance plans and budgets, and produced policy briefs aimed at improving policy localization. Throughout my internship, I participated in stakeholder engagements, court support systems, and community-led initiatives, giving me a comprehensive view of how justice systems operate at both institutional and community levels. One of my proudest accomplishments was delivering a final presentation synthesizing my findings and offering recommendations for future alignment and impact.

Beyond the professional experience, what made this summer truly special were the people—the friends I made, the VAC staff, and the broader Cape Town community. When I first moved into 73 Arnold, I hoped my roommates and orientation group would become close friends—and that hope exceeded all expectations. Some of my favorite memories include backpacking in the Cederberg Mountains, booking an Airbnb in Stellenbosch, attending the Springboks’ opening game, enjoying First Thursdays, hopping on the Franschhoek Wine Tram, and hiking Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head. Each adventure was unforgettable, and the people I shared them with made them even more meaningful.

To Ila, Esmee, Jordan, Maarten, and Ava—thank you for being some of the most incredible people I’ve ever met. And to the VAC staff, thank you for your support, care, and warmth; you help turn Cape Town into a true home for so many of us. To anyone feeling nervous about coming to Cape Town, know that the friends you make here—along with the VAC staff and community—will become your support system. They will shape your experience in the best possible way. Savor every moment.

Interning at a human rights research NGO in Cape Town was an incredibly rewarding experience. I chose Cape Town because I wanted to gain real-world experience in human rights, and South Africa—given its rich constitutional framework and history of social justice—was the perfect place to do that.

During my internship, I engaged in meaningful research, particularly on children’s rights, a field I’m deeply passionate about. After completing some foundational tasks, I was invited to contribute to one of the NGO’s official publications. This was a significant milestone for me, as it aligned with my goal of engaging in policy-relevant writing. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and approached this opportunity with the same care and commitment I brought to the rest of my work. Being surrounded by professionals dedicated to advocacy and policy reform was inspiring and gave me a deeper understanding of how law and development intersect to promote human dignity, equity, and justice.

Outside of work, Cape Town truly stole my heart. I’ll never forget seeing the African penguins at Simon’s Town, hiking to Cape Point with fellow interns, and going on a weekend safari that felt like stepping into a dream. These shared adventures created memories and friendships I’ll cherish for life.

The VACorps staff were phenomenal—always supportive, approachable, and genuinely committed to creating a meaningful experience for each intern. The weekly activities were not only fun but also helped us better understand South Africa’s history and culture.

I’m especially grateful for the community that VACorps fosters. Having that support system made a huge difference, both professionally and personally. Thank you, VACorps, for an unforgettable journey. I’m leaving Cape Town with new perspectives and a renewed passion for human rights work.

My experience in Cape Town was truly unforgettable. I’m incredibly grateful to the entire VACorps team for their kindness and support throughout my stay. From day one, they made me feel welcome, safe, and part of a community.

The internship itself far exceeded my expectations. I loved being able to work hands-on with patients and learn about medicine in under-resourced township communities. This experience helped me achieve my goal of gaining real-world clinical exposure while deepening my understanding of healthcare challenges in these settings. I also learned to navigate language barriers—something I encounter at home—and now feel far more confident communicating across them.

Beyond the internship, I had the chance to explore Cape Town’s many wonders—from the mountains and ocean to its incredible food and vibrant culture. I learned so much, gained valuable professional experience, and felt that my work made a meaningful contribution.

Overall, my time in Cape Town with VACorps was an experience I’ll always cherish. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking a rewarding internship abroad and the chance to immerse themselves in one of the world’s most unique and beautiful cities.

I chose Cape Town as my location to intern abroad because it offered the perfect balance of vibrant city life and beautiful nature, all within a diverse community where I could learn from many different perspectives. What I loved most about interning here was the opportunity to explore the city—whether through Friday activities or adventures with friends I met along the way.

During my time here, I learned that I’m much more open to trying new things than I ever expected. My advice: arrive with an open mind and say yes to opportunities—whether that’s joining activities or meeting new people.

The highlights at my internship site were the jokes, camaraderie, and relationships I built with the Tintoy team. I achieved my goal of making the most out of my time here, and I also gained a broader understanding of the media industry and the many career paths available within it.

What I loved most about living in Cape Town was how affordable it was to try new things and explore, especially compared to many other cities. I’ll miss the free salsa nights and Mojo Market the most!

I stayed for three months, and I believe that’s the perfect amount of time to get a well-rounded experience of Cape Town. To prepare, I recommend following event-related Instagram accounts early on and asking for recommendations from others. Creating a budget spreadsheet also helped tremendously. I started budgeting a year in advance and factored in cost of living, must-do activities like the Garden Route, and expenses for souvenirs.

The VACorps staff were very friendly, and the weekly activities were fun, interactive, and a great way to meet people. I’m most grateful for my housing roommates and the group of VAC participants I connected with as soon as I arrived.

For as long as I’ve been on this Earth, I’ve had a passion for being alive. For years, I couldn’t name it—I was simply the odd one out in my hometown, a roaming visionary trapped in a cage. Then one night, I dreamed of a mountain calling my name, singing to my soul. It wasn’t long before I realized that the mountain was Table Mountain, and that I was meant to come to Cape Town.

This place holds so much magic for anyone willing to listen—willing to receive it. And once I arrived, it felt like the pieces of my life finally started falling into place. All I needed was to take that first step, that leap off a mountain, and trust that I could fly.

When I decided to come here, I was also searching for my purpose and direction in life. Getting work experience felt like the most logical next move. So I placed my trust in the unknown, and in return, God aligned me with the best opportunities I could have asked for: the right internship, the right roommates, the right friends. Everything unfolded perfectly.

Interning in Cape Town is an experience you will never forget. I worked at one of South Africa’s most well-known art galleries, and during my three months here, I could not wait to wake up each morning and head to work. I loved my life here, and I loved what I was doing. If you commit fully to your placement, you’ll have an exceptional experience. The amount of growth I gained simply from showing up and doing the work was exponential.

During my time in Cape Town, I discovered how brave and courageous I truly am. I realized I am a never-ending roamer—and made peace with that. I accepted that even if I don’t fit the molds or expectations set by society, that doesn’t make me any less worthy of joy. If you’re reading this, chances are you see a part of yourself in these words. Our paths may differ from what society calls “normal,” but that’s because you and I are extraordinary.

There is nothing wrong with shining your light, however it appears. By following my dream—literally—and coming to Cape Town, I learned just how strong, independent, and resourceful I can be. I survived all the challenges of living alone in another country, and I returned ten times stronger.

If this message resonates, maybe it’s a sign that you, too, are meant to come here. Maybe it’s your time to evolve—and if so, that is perfect. My advice? Expect the unexpected. Let go of who you were so you can become who you are meant to be. Close your eyes and feel. Make it your mission to meet at least one new person every day. And when you look in the mirror each morning, be proud of the person you see.

You’ve read this far—why stop now? Maybe it’s time to surprise everyone, come to the tip of Africa, and collect some unforgettable stories of your own.

I wanted to intern in a dental clinic abroad to gain real hands-on experience—not only for my dental school applications, but also to grow personally and expand my knowledge. I had always wanted to travel to Africa, so I knew I’d be interning somewhere on the continent. South Africa, and Cape Town specifically, offered the perfect mix of vibrance and serenity—mountains and beaches, a lively college-town feel, and countless places to explore!

While here, I worked at the Khayelitsha Site B CHC Hospital, specifically in the dental department. During my internship, I gained valuable shadowing hours for my dental school applications, and the experience also fulfilled the global engagement requirement for my degree. I even had the chance to work as a dental assistant, which was incredible. What I’ll remember most, though, are the people. Every doctor, hygienist, assistant, receptionist, and security guard was kind, respectful, and welcoming. I’m so grateful for the amazing connections I made through this experience and proud to call Dr. Sukha and his team part of my dental family.

One of my favorite parts of the internship was comforting patients. While shadowing, I was often the hand they reached for when they felt nervous, and being able to help calm their fears—even in small ways—was truly heartwarming. Experiences like these reminded me why I want to pursue a career in dentistry and deepened my appreciation for the human side of care.

What I’ll miss most about Cape Town is always having something to do! Whether it was a beach day at Camps Bay, exploring a local market, or hiking a mountain, there was always an adventure waiting. I stayed for just about a month, but I’d recommend five weeks—after orientation week, you’ll still have a full month to work and explore the city, giving you plenty of time to experience everything Cape Town has to offer. One tip for living in Observatory: just like anywhere else, stay aware of your surroundings and make use of all the resources available to you—better safe than sorry.

Everyone at VAC was wonderful and clearly cared deeply about their students. The weekly activities were fun and a great way to connect with other interns, especially those living in different houses. I’m so thankful for VAC, particularly for the orientation week—it provided such a thoughtful introduction to Cape Town, covering both its historical and tourist highlights.

Spending the summer in Cape Town with VAC was the best decision I’ve ever made. I can say that without hesitation. I was able to shadow psychiatrists for over 300 hours—an opportunity that simply doesn’t exist where I’m from. Building relationships with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers taught me how to apply the concepts I’ve studied throughout my life. I learned that providing care is as much an art as it is a science, and I gained so much wisdom from the Sisters, physicians, and managers I worked with. A special thank you to Sister Hendricks, who deserves recognition for not only making me feel like family, but for doing the work of an entire mental health department. I heard countless stories and rediscovered my love for piecing them together—thank you, Sister.

I realized that the majority of patient treatment depends on the relationship you build with them—not just the medication. It may seem obvious, but if a patient doesn’t trust you or feel comfortable enough to open up, they won’t share the information that leads to healing. Without trust, even the most effective treatment on paper won’t work in practice.

I also came to appreciate how exceptional South Africa’s medical training is. Practitioners there encounter nearly every type of illness imaginable, offering a level of exposure rarely seen in the U.S. That experience, so early in my career, was incredibly valuable.

Beyond the hospital, I met people from all walks of life and learned about the social realities of Cape Town—gang violence, racism, and politics in the townships that often prevent access to care. I witnessed intense trauma cases, from stab and gunshot wounds to emergency births, and I even had the privilege of helping three beautiful children enter the world.

As if that weren’t enough of a life-changing experience, Cape Town itself is the most beautiful and diverse place I’ve ever been. The people, food, music, art, city life, hiking trails, countryside, and beaches—it’s everything I love in one place. My highlights outside of my internship include bungee jumping, Broke Klubhouse, hugging elephants on the Garden Route, meeting monkeys at World of Birds, Chapman’s Peak, getting a tattoo and piercing in Obs, trying every restaurant and vintage store I could find, braving the winds on Table Mountain, exploring farmer’s markets, and watching the sunset from a cruise. There’s so much to do—you’ll feel you’ve seen it all, but you’ve only just begun.

My advice? Be open, but stay cautious. Cape Town is breathtaking, but it also requires awareness. Stay for 1.5–2 months if you can—you’ll experience so much more. Don’t waste time at the mall; there’s too much to see. Write everything down—you’ll want to look back and relive it. Build meaningful connections at your internship site and cherish them; they’re what make the experience unforgettable.

Lastly, I’d be remiss not to mention the wonderful people and fellow interns I met. Everyone was so funny, open, and ready for adventure. I was lucky to live at 73 Arnold—thank you all for the memories and for making every moment outside the internship unforgettable. A special thank you to the VAC staff, especially Loyiso, Kholi, and Kus—you made Cape Town feel like home, even thousands of miles away. I miss all of you already.