From my very first day and night in Cape Town, I felt a deep sense of nostalgia. Whether gazing out of my bedroom window, strolling the streets of Obs, or absorbing the air, water, and mountains, it felt as though I had been here before. This sensation was both confusing and comforting. Even before meeting the people who would become my friends and family, I felt a strong sense of belonging.

This feeling was only reinforced during orientation and throughout the following three months. As I explored the city on tours and rode the red bus, I felt my life unfolding and expanding in ways I had never experienced before. I was introduced to new sights, sounds, thoughts, and emotions—nearly overwhelming, yet empowering as I saw myself growing more capable.

I worked at a communications agency focused on partnering with brands that drive positive change. The environment was incredibly welcoming, inclusive, and spiritually enriching, with a team dedicated to improving the lives of others. Although the hours were manageable, the impact was profound. The office was small and intimate, providing a comforting, homey atmosphere.

Lucky opportunities allowed me to travel and meet fascinating people across Cape Town and South Africa. For instance, I accompanied my boss to George for a two-day shoot in February, which offered a chance to explore the countryside and broaden my perspective on both South Africa and myself. I also completed a short documentary about gardening in the townships, which is a valuable addition to my filmmaking portfolio and a key marketing tool for Life Brand and the client.

As I continued to embrace new activities, experiences, and people, I immersed myself fully in every moment. Now, three months later, I am the same person I was when I arrived, but only because of my time here. The coincidences and experiences make me wonder if this was all chance or fate. I am profoundly grateful for this place, these people, and this experience.

VAC is such an amazing program! Through this program, I have been connected to great people, adventures, and an amazing internship. I’m so grateful for this experience. I learned confidence communication, faith and gained insight into new cultures and the way of life in Cape Town.

When I was doing research VAC was so clear and made the process so easy. It stayed true to its words and made my stay so smooth and fun! Thank you to all the vac people!

To others who will be joining this program in the future, make the most of your time! It will go by fast but dive into it quickly and deeply. Make connections with your coworkers they are amazing people.

I chose VACorps because they were an incredible stepping stone for traveling abroad on my own. They first meet with you and introduce you to the program, then pair you with a program advisor who is incredibly helpful in finding an internship that aligns with your goals. Not only do they place you in a great internship, but they also provide housing options filled with roommates who are part of the program. Living in a house with others who are on the same journey—exploring the world, interning abroad, and meeting like-minded people—makes a world of difference. The individuals I have met in the program are some of the most incredible, kind, and amazing people I have ever met. I have truly made lifelong friends on this journey, thanks to VAC's housing options.

Along with housing, VACorps makes it easy to explore and bond with the people you meet through their weekly activities. The program organizes excursions, taking the pressure off you to plan everything. They organize activities like surfing, city tours, wine tasting, market visits, and hikes, which allowed me to explore with ease and bond with fellow interns.

Not only are the housing, excursions, and overall experience amazing, but VACorps is also the most incredible organization for those looking to intern abroad alone for the first time. They provide a sense of security that is incredibly comforting when traveling so far from home at a young age while also giving you the freedom to explore on your own. There was a point during my stay when I became quite sick, and I was able to message Kholi, a member of the VACorps staff, who immediately organized a doctor’s visit for me. She came with me to the doctor and waited for my appointment to be over, which was a small act but made a world of difference when traveling alone. The staff and program are set up so well that I would recommend them to anyone and everyone!

I cannot articulate how incredible this experience was for me! The internship, friendships, and support were amazing. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be part of the program and will cherish these memories forever! :)

I had an amazing experience with VACorps! My internship was a perfect fit, and I made wonderful friends while doing lots of fun activities. The Friday activities were always unique and exciting. My favorites were the day at Boulders Beach, the brewery tour, and the hikes! Monday culture nights were also fantastic, and I learned so much. I especially enjoyed trying food at Ivy’s Kitchen, the drumming night, and watching a movie at the office. I’m very grateful I found VACorps.

I interned at a marketing and brand management company and learned many new skills, like using a camera, creating social media plans, and meeting with clients. I also became much more confident in my business abilities and communication skills. I really appreciated how my boss encouraged me to explore Cape Town and took me to many cool places. The environment was very collaborative, and they gave the interns a lot of responsibility.

Overall, my time with VACorps was unforgettable. I gained valuable skills, made lifelong friends, and had experiences I’ll cherish forever. I highly recommend VACorps to anyone looking for a meaningful and fun internship abroad.

These last two months have been nothing short of an amazing life experience. I have been here for two months, but I wish I could’ve stayed longer. I have grown personally and professionally. The VACorps staff have been so patient with all of us, and they have always been there to answer our questions and to make sure that we are enjoying our experience in Cape Town. I have learned so much at my internship and could not have asked for a better placement. Time flies so fast here, and I would tell any future VACorps intern to take advantage of most of their free time, especially on the weekends. Before arriving in CT, I created a travel guide that I used while I was here. I wanted to make sure that I got to see and do everything I wanted. There’s so much to see and do in Cape Town. I enjoyed all of the Monday night culture series and the Friday VAC activities. The team really takes their time to make sure we have the best experiences while in Cape Town. Having lived in South Africa before, I was very familiar with the culture and traditions in other provinces; however, I have learned so much about the history and culture in Cape Town. It was really eye-opening to see how poverty affects the different communities. As you prepare to arrive in Cape Town, it is important to do your own research on the history of the country and also the area where you will be working. The one thing I loved about living in CT was being able to see the mountains at any point in time. I will miss the friends I made in Cape Town, my supervisors at my internship site, and the VACorps staff, especially Kholi, Kuselwa, and Loyiso!

I chose to come to Cape Town because I wanted to explore a new place and its stunning landscapes and beautiful scenery were a big attraction for me. South Africa’s history fascinated me, especially since it relates to my career aspirations. Opting for an internship was my way of figuring out what I enjoy, particularly because I aim to work in diverse settings and cultures.

What I cherished most about Cape Town? Definitely the people. They’re incredibly warm and welcoming, and the community here buzzes with energy. Cape Town has been a classroom of self-discovery for me, helping me solidify my career path and appreciate diverse perspectives.

I owe a lot of this experience to Kus, Kohli, Rowan, Loyiso, and the rest of the VAC team. They made me feel right at home. The cultural series and Friday activities were fantastic opportunities to bond with fellow interns and delve deeper into South African culture.

Although I initially planned to stay for just two months, I’ve extended my stay by a month, and I am not looking forward to saying goodbye to this beautiful city and all the amazing people I have met here! I’d recommend anyone visiting Cape Town to stay for three months to truly soak in its beauty.

I’m immensely grateful for the enriching experiences at work, exploring townships and schools, and meeting inspiring colleagues. Cape Town and VAC hold a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to return one day.

I chose Cape Town initially to experience a culture more removed from the Westernized American and European cultures I had experienced prior. I am so happy to say that I did! My experience in South Africa was so warm, welcoming, and playful! It taught me that the workplace has a place for compassion, friendship, and silliness. I connected with many wonderful people who extended their friendship and homes to me as a visitor. In addition to this life-changing social experience, I was also able to use my time away from work to explore the beautiful nature of Cape Town like the beaches and Table Mountain! I also thoroughly enjoyed the Garden Route and visiting Kruger, and was able to see all the wonderful animals! Working with Kelly and the women of MOSAIC was inspiring and eye-opening into the realities of gender-based violence and social work here, and helped me shape my ideas about my future career. I will miss the kindness and friendliness of everyone in Cape Town the most! I stayed for 8 weeks and found it was just enough time to get comfortable here and experience what I wanted to. I would tell people to research South Africa and educate themselves so they can make the most of their experience here. I am so incredibly grateful for the VACorps staff and their love and support; they were the perfect family away from home!

After consulting with the VACorps staff, I confidently selected Cape Town as my preferred internship destination. Their support and guidance gave me the assurance to explore a new field of work, and their continuous assistance throughout my time in Cape Town was invaluable. I felt thoroughly prepared for every aspect of my internship. During my two-month stay, I worked at a marketing and brand management company, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with various non-profit organizations within the company's portfolio. Despite lacking a heavy background in marketing or business, I engaged in diverse projects and particularly enjoyed working in the townships. Cape Town offers an abundance of activities to fill your time, and the weekly organized events were both enjoyable and well-coordinated. I deeply appreciate the staff's unwavering availability and assistance. Cape Town offers a rich tapestry of cultures, providing an immersive experience unlike any other!