Program Reviews

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.

I am very grateful that I chose to participate in the VACorps program. It was supportive while still allowing space to grow independently, which made it a great experience overall. I truly enjoyed my time in Cape Town and found my internship with a community-based organization both meaningful and insightful.

One of the highlights for me was interviewing people and engaging directly with different perspectives. Through this experience, I learned a lot about what I do and do not want in my future career, which has been incredibly valuable moving forward.

I decided to come to Cape Town as an opportunity to gain valuable experience, broaden my perspective, and better understand how different communities function. I was especially interested in working hands-on in the medical field and supporting underserved communities. During my internship with a community-based healthcare organization, I had the chance to work closely with medical professionals and actively engage in clinical work, which gave me a much deeper understanding of how healthcare operates in practice. While I came here focused on developing my academic and career interests, I did not expect to have so much fun or make such meaningful connections. The people I met both in the workplace and among the other interns brought diverse perspectives that I learned so much from. This experience became a perfect balance of professional growth and personal enjoyment, and it will definitely be one of the highlights of my gap year.

Cape Town is an incredibly beautiful and scenic place, and spending time here was a welcome change from colder seasons back home. I loved hiking, relaxing at the beaches, and exploring the local restaurants and cafés around the city. Living here also taught me a lot about myself, especially the importance of budgeting and being there for friends when they need support. I will really miss the warm weather, the nightlife, and the late-night conversations and debriefs with friends.

During my internship with a sports and community-focused organization, I learned the basics of athletic training and gained a better understanding of how important time management and a willingness to learn are in a professional setting. I stayed for about two months, which felt like the perfect amount of time to settle in and experience the city. The VACorps staff were incredibly kind and supportive, and they helped make the experience both memorable and meaningful.

I chose Cape Town as a place to work abroad because of its beautiful landscapes and incredible wildlife. During my time here, I had the opportunity to intern with a local seabird conservation and rehabilitation organization, where I helped care for several species, including the African penguin. I loved exploring Cape Town and the surrounding towns, spending time at the beaches and mountains, and meeting the many kind people who live here. The culture and art throughout the city are also truly inspiring.

I spent six weeks living and working here, which felt like the perfect amount of time, though I would have happily stayed longer to explore more of the country. One of the most rewarding parts of my internship was working directly with the birds, feeding them, assisting with care, and helping during rehabilitation. A highlight was attending a penguin release along the coast, where I watched several birds I had helped care for return to the ocean. I am especially grateful for the support from the VACorps team, who made the experience even more meaningful and were always there if I needed anything.

After three months in Cape Town, I can say it has been one of the most meaningful and almost magical experiences of my life. During my time here, I had the chance to see many different sides of the city from its beautiful coastal areas to communities facing real challenges. This experience helped me better understand South African culture, the strong sense of unity among people, and also the realities of inequality and poverty that still exist.

Through my internship with a community-focused mental health organization, I gained valuable hands-on experience, including observing mental health assessments, supporting counseling work with a local family, and participating in outreach projects with children in nearby communities. Outside of the internship, exploring Cape Town’s incredible nature and landscapes became one of my favorite parts of the experience. I will especially miss the weekly activities, the unpredictable but beautiful weather, and the amazing people I met along the way. The VAC team made the experience truly special, always supporting us and helping us get the most out of our time in Cape Town.