VACorps

I came to South Africa because I wanted an opportunity to learn about occupational therapy in a context outside of the United States to see the similarities and differences of our scope of practice in another culture. I also wanted to learn how to provide care in a setting with different resources than I am used to so I can push myself, grow my skill set, and gain an outside perspective. Plus, South Africa seemed like such a beautiful, diverse country-what a perfect place to learn! I've been interning in the occupational therapy department a children's hospital, primarily in the neurology and neurosurgery wards, providing treatment to children with traumatic brain injuries and other neurologic conditions.I've also seen patients in the outpatient (day) clinic ranging from children with severe burns to children with Autism or developmental delays. Working here has really taught me about healthcare in another context and helped me learn how to provide the best care possible while navigating differences in culture, language, or resources.

Outside of work, I have absolutely loved Cape Town! I will never forget all of the beautiful views, wonderful people, and delicious food! I loved all there was to do! I explored so many markets, hikes, beaches, and I feel like I barely scratched the surface! It was always fun to have a weekly outing coordinated by VACorps as well. It was a fun way to see different areas with other interns. VACorps provided excellent support the entire time I was here, and I was amazed at how quickly I felt at home. Two and a half months certainly flew by, and I know that I will be back for more soon!

I have just finished my remote internship where I was working on putting together a sports program design with a soccer academy for a group of underprivileged girls based in South Africa. Although I would have liked to visit Cape Town in person, I have still been able to meet some incredible people and truly experience the South African culture within the comfort of my own home. I feel I have made a difference in these girls lives whilst they have changed mine.

While participating in fun cultural workshops and weekly buddy chats with my new friend in South Africa, I was able to learn and experience as much of South Africa as possible remotely. The buddy chats were always the highlight of my week and are something I will truly miss. This experience has helped me gain perspective, think creatively, and explore my interests. I have had a great experience with Kaya Volunteer and VACorps from the very beginning of my program and can’t wait to visit South Africa in the near future!

If there was one phrase that described my remote internship experience in South Africa through VACorps and Kaya Responsible Travel, it would be “journey before destination.” While the end product (in my case a framework for a new sports development programme) was well worth the many weeks of hard work, it was the relationships that I formed along the way with people within and around the communities I was serving that set this experience apart.

I originally chose South Africa as a destination for an internship because even remotely, it is an ideal place to see the fruits of both domestic and international public health development programmes in action. What I was not aware of (and what ended up being one of my favorite parts of the experience) was just how rich and diverse South Africa is culturally while still maintaining a fairly universal workplace culture structured around familial relationships. From the moment I first interacted with my supervisor at my internship site and my “buddy” through VACorps, I felt known, valued, and appreciated in a way that I had not anticipated and very much appreciated. Specifically within VACorps, I was able to develop a close bond with my “buddy” Kuselwa Webu; she not only did an amazing enhancing the cultural learning experience but also provided a weekly opportunity to relax and chat informally about all things South Africa.

If I had to choose one thing that I liked the most about my internship, it would be the workplace culture. Somehow, my supervisor and my fellow interns and I created and maintained a workplace dynamic that always felt laid-back and non-intrusive while still pushing us to maintain the deadlines that we set for ourselves. This aspect of a workplace culture was quite unique for me, as it is quite different than anything that I have experienced in America. In terms of things that I will miss the most, I think that the unique workplace dynamics in place will be one of the most prominent.

Overall, I had an amazing experience interning through VACorps! I would highly recommend that they make an effort to continue working with my internship site in the future, and I hope that in the future, I can work with them again to visit South Africa in person!

Frantically needing a place to go VACorps came in with a stellar option in a matter of days over my past December break. Aside from receiving a placement at an amazing internship site, I was also in one of the most beautiful places I have ever traveled to. Never have I seen mountains and the ocean perfectly interact as they do here in Cape Town. I learned a lot about my professional self and a lot about how I strive in foreign environments. Aside from the internship, VACorps provided some amazing activities including a Wine induced camping trip. An experience I will never forget! What a treat to live in Cape Town for 2.5 months.

I came to Cape Town about three years ago but didn't get to stay long enough to do a lot of the things I wanted to do. When someone suggested VACorps to me as soon as I saw that the program was in Cape Town, I knew immediately that I had to come back to this beautiful city. VACorps was incredible throughout the entire experience. The process of applying on a very tight time span was incredibly easy and helpful, they made sure I had options in my internship in conservation, and they were very open and easy to talk to from the very beginning. I absolutely loved my internship, where I worked on the waterfront with an Eco-Tour group. I helped the captain around the boat and pointed out wildlife to the guests. It was incredible to learn about all of the city's conservation projects involving the ocean and sea animals. Unfortunately, because of Coronavirus fears, I only stayed for two weeks. However, those two weeks were absolutely amazing. Also, the activities VACorps puts on on Fridays are extremely fun! Overall, I am incredibly grateful to VACorps for giving me this opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and explore different subjects in a new city and an entirely different continent. They made the process so easy and fun and I wish more than anything I could stay longer. I will definitely be back!