VACorps

Participating in an internship with VACorps in Cape Town was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I chose Cape Town because I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone while being in a place that is vibrant, culturally rich, and community-oriented. I didn’t just want to study counselling and mental health, I wanted to experience it in a real-world setting, contribute meaningfully, and grow both personally and professionally.

During my internship with a community-based mental health organization, I was trusted with real responsibility from early on. I conducted counselling sessions, supported clients through complex emotional experiences, and worked alongside dedicated professionals. The work was challenging but deeply purposeful, and it helped me build confidence, trust my instincts, and better understand the kind of practitioner I hope to become.

Living in Cape Town made the experience even more meaningful. The city’s natural beauty provided balance alongside the emotional intensity of the work, while exposure to different social realities deepened my empathy and perspective. The VACorps team was incredibly supportive throughout, and the weekly activities created a strong sense of community. This experience not only shaped my professional goals but also changed how I see myself and the work I hope to do in the future.

I chose to intern in Cape Town because of its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking mountains. I wanted to immerse myself in a new environment while gaining meaningful professional experience for my future. What stood out most to me was the people both the friends I made and my colleagues at a community-based media organization. They truly made the experience special. I will especially miss the sunny weather and everything the city has to offer, from local markets and summer concerts to surfing and hiking. I stayed for three months, which I would highly recommend, as there is so much to experience.

During my internship, I focused on improving my public speaking and communication skills. I particularly enjoyed reporting on a workshop focused on media and social impact, where I explored topics like the spread of misinformation. It was a great opportunity to engage with meaningful content and grow professionally.

The VACorps team was exceptional throughout my stay. They provided consistent support while still allowing me the independence to grow. Their guidance made the transition into a new country feel seamless, and the weekly activities offered the perfect balance between structure and freedom. Looking back, this experience pushed me to grow both personally and professionally, and I am very grateful for it.

Participating in an internship with VACorps in Cape Town was the highlight of my gap year. I was drawn to the city for its natural beauty and vibrant culture, but the experience exceeded all of my expectations and quickly felt like a second home. The program provided a strong sense of support while still allowing for independence, and the combination of a meaningful internship, cultural activities, and a close-knit group made it incredibly special. The orientation period was a standout, helping us settle in, explore the city, and build strong connections from the start.

During my time here, I completed a medical internship in a community-based healthcare setting, where I shadowed in a fast-paced emergency care environment. I gained valuable hands-on experience and worked closely with doctors who became important mentors. Being involved in real clinical work allowed me to truly envision a future in medicine and reaffirm my passion for this path. Some of the most memorable moments came from working in high-pressure situations and taking on real responsibility, which helped me grow both professionally and personally.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to live independently, work toward my career goals, and experience life in such an inspiring city. This experience has had a lasting impact on who I am, and it is something I will carry with me moving forward.

I chose Cape Town as my internship destination because it felt like the perfect place to grow both personally and professionally. I was able to spend plenty of time outdoors, exploring my active side, while also gaining insight into the business environment, especially through my work with a company focused on commercial real estate. It was a great balance of learning and experiencing something new.

What stood out most to me was the kindness of the people I met and the range of experiences I was able to have. The VACorps program provided a strong support system and made it easy to build friendships and feel at home. I also really valued getting to know my coworkers and seeing Cape Town through their perspective. Over time, I noticed myself becoming more confident and more comfortable speaking up for what I want.

​I chose VAC because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and gain real-world experience in a field I’m passionate about before starting college. I had never worked a full-time job before, so this was a chance to understand what that would be like while also exploring a new city. Cape Town stood out to me as a beautiful place with a rich culture that felt both different and accessible.

During my internship with a conservation-focused organization, I worked on restoring a critically endangered ecosystem and supporting environmental education initiatives in the local community. I loved being able to do meaningful, hands-on work and spend time outdoors, even when it meant getting a little dirty and stepping outside of what I was used to. One of my favorite parts was working with local school groups and seeing how excited they were to learn about conservation. I also really enjoyed creating social media content and researching new species, which helped me better understand and appreciate the environment around me. While this may not be the exact path I choose in the future, it gave me a strong appreciation for the work that goes into creating real environmental change.

Living in Cape Town was an incredible experience. The summer weather was beautiful, and there were endless opportunities to be outside whether at the beach or hiking. The people were welcoming, and I always felt comfortable and included. The VACorps team was incredibly supportive and easy to reach whenever I needed help, which made a big difference. I also loved the weekly activities, which helped us explore and connect with the city in a deeper way. Overall, this experience taught me so much about myself, my interests, and the kind of impact I want to have in the future.