Community Choice Award Winner

Intern

Internships in Cape Town with VACorps

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

Hosted by

VACorps

4.9 (291 reviews)

Good for

Building your resume

Students

Adventure travelers

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

View Other Details

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.

Visit Site

Apply Now

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

Video and Photos

View All Photos

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

Leave a Review

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 281 - 288 of 291 reviews

I have participated in three service trips, participated in an internship program in London, and studied abroad and absolutely nothing compares to my internship experience in Cape Town. VACorps provides the perfect experience for young adults. All of the housing is located in a trendy, young part of the city and the houses are within walking distance of one another. The Foreign Exchange bar is also owned by the VACorps owner and you can even opt for catered, healthy dinners served at Forex to those in the program. Every Friday there is an activity - or vactivity - like going surfing, wine tasting, or to the Cape of Good Hope, and Xhosa classes are offered as well! There is a ton of freedom, but also plenty of guidance on fun local things to do and assistance when you need it. I had a bad allergic reaction and a VAC staff member guided me through getting to the hospital and the ENTIRE VAC team came to visit me that morning. The staff is so fun and always gives great suggestions! Almost all of my sixteen roommates loved their internships, and for those who didn't a back up plan was created efficiently and they were able to switch. My internship at Heart Capital was incredibly cool. If anyone is interested in social entrepreneurship, there is no better place to intern than Heart! I would encourage everyone to apply, South Africa is a beautiful country and Cape Town is an amazing city (mountains, beach, vineyards, trendy markets..what more could you want?!). VACorps was the best program I ever did and I would recommend it to all!

What would you improve about this program?

I wish there were more opportunities to travel outside of Cape Town through VACorps. I could not go on the trip to Mozambique because the dates did not work with my work schedule and was bummed to miss out! However, as far as Cape Town is concerned, VACorps was fantastic.

Cape Town was incredible. I have been to Europe and Asia but Cape Town stands far above them. The mix of culture and history and the placement of the city in such a beautiful spot is unparalleled. My internship allowed me to gain a lot of insight into how an up and coming business operates and because I worked right downtown, I was able to absorb everything the city had to offer and expand my horizons.

Via Volunteer Adventure Corps (VAC), I was able to gain access to an established social development company called Heart Capital, which built entrepreneurial businesses in the townships of South Africa. Working on the finance team for Heart Capital, I was able to learn a significant amount about the business side of impact investing as well as the social work that is required on the ground. It was a challenging experience, but one that I benefited from greatly.

As for VAC's program assistance, I couldn't have asked for anything more from an internship program. Unlike many other internship programs, which simply contact you with employer, VAC is there every step of the way. Their program assistants there are accessible 24/7, and they plan fun trips every Friday afternoon. In addition, they plan fun trips to other parts of Africa, often 2 weeks in length, that proved to be experiences! VAC also provided me with convenient and comfortable housing within Cape Town. I truly do no know of another internship company operating at VAC's level...

What would you improve about this program?

If there were any negatives to VAC's program, it was that I was unable to make many of their fun, unique Friday afternoon activities due to work obligations.

Interning with VAC changed my life. After graduating from Brown University, I was unsure about what job I wanted, where I wanted to live and what I would do. Interning with VAC not only confirmed by decision to not become a lawyer, but also made me realize that I wanted to live outside of the US for awhile and discover myself more. Two years later and I am now happily living in South Africa, going to the University of Cape Town to study International Relations and teach Politics and I have the best support system I could ever have asked for, living so far away from home. I am extremely lucky and feel like VAC happened to me for a reason.

Cape Town is funny. You fly there knowing absolutely no one, only that you have a place to stay and an internship. You know nothing of the wonderful experience you are about to embark on and I think that is what makes it so special. You go there practically blind and end up leaving a new family and piece of yourself in South Africa.

It's not just the experiences of shark cage diving, hiking table mountain, watching the sunset over Camps Bay or watching whales breach off of Cape Point. Your time there is spent sharing that with people you had no idea existed until maybe a few weeks ago. These people become more than your friends, housemates or co-workers. They become a part of you, and you them. The greatest moment is when you can turn to someone speechless of everything and have them smiling back at you, with no words needed.

My time in Cape Town was the most wonderful experience. I had done things I never would have imagines. I met some of the most extraordinary people. Never have I laughed so hard over a three month period or enjoyed the company of so many friends. There was never a moment I would've wished I was anywhere else. Having a place like there and people like that are what changes you. Thats what makes Cape Town so funny. You go there thinking you know exactly who you are and what you want and discover so much more.

People warn you that leaving is hard. You just only can smile and think, 'Sure, I have all the time in the world'. Time is an illusion, and my time in Cape Town was over before I even arrived. It flew by and I left wishing I had only a few more days. I left a different person than when I arrived. I had a greater sense of self, of the world, and the person I was supposed to be. For a place and group of people to make that change in you is special, and words can never express my love and gratitude for everything. That is why Cape Town is funny, it gives you all of this and expects nothing in return. So to Cape Town and my South African family thank you. Thank you for everything.

What would you improve about this program?

Housing and most all travel plans to and from were arranged with the help of the amazing staff. Budgets to eat and easy transportation was also made available. Using that list I felt completely prepared. However, there are awesome travel opportunities to other countries that are run through this program and I was not prepared for all the travel expenses. I know the plans come up with maybe a months notice, but a note explaining that is an option and estimates about the varying prices might have helped me better manage before leaving.

Having never been over seas before, VAC was a godsend in helping me become acclimated to Cape Town, South Africa. Thanks to VAC, I was able to go to Cape Town immediately part of a community of people where I could go hiking with, scuba diving with, dining with, and ultimately push myself to find new inner strengths. Through the program, I was able to take some Xhosa speaking classes, become a certified scuba diver, and intern for Black Media where I filmed/edited numerous events (surfing competitions, DJ conventions, music festivals, soccer tournaments, etc.)

Sure you could probably find many programs that provide similar services, but I guarantee you will not find people as inspiring and fun as the VAC staff. They are always looking to have a good time, and are willing to share that with everyone. On the other hand, When I had to go to the hospital for health concerns, VAC also made me feel comfortable and secure as they constantly checked in to see how I was doing. I went to Cape Town to gain an internship experience (which VAC also helped me locate and secure), but thanks to the VAC staff I gained so much more. When you are looking to join an internship program of any kind you should be looking for the ones that are going to cultivate your skills in all aspects of life. At its core, this is what Volunteer Adventure Corps strives for. I definitely recommend the program to anyone looking for an adventure.

What would you improve about this program?

Better communication before arriving in Cape Town as well as communication between the companies providing the internships.

My time in Cape Town sadly had to come to an end. Luckily, I left with all intentions of returning in the future. I am extremely grateful for finding a company like VAC to establish such an amazing experience for me. My routine of getting up at 8 o'clock every morning, making a pot of coffee, and heading into the Mother City on my scooter never got old. Some days I would head to Big Sky Productions where I was interning and other days I would travel to set and work on a photo or video shoot. My time in Cape Town has inspired me to finish school and venture back into the working world.

What would you improve about this program?

I would of loved to have better communication before I arrived. Once I got to Cape Town, everything was amazing but it was a little scary before I showed up.

VACorps offered a great experience overall. I spent my time doing a business internship with a startup and absolutely loved it. Some of the highlights were definitely:
- Hand picked internship sites that suited each program participant
- Beneficial work experience that informed my education and career path
- Beautiful city to live and work in
- Amazing people and sense of community
- VACtivities set the program apart from other options
- Solo travel opportunities were incredible
- Global network connections will surely impact my life beyond the VACorps experience
- The choice between structure and freedom

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...