Program Reviews

I chose Cape Town because my brother Quentin had already gone through VACorps and loved it and had the time of his life. I really enjoyed my internship at the University. I learned numerous valuable lab skills and practices and would recommend interning there to anyone with a STEM major. I was able to grow my scientific background and knowledge, learned numerous lab skills, and how to operate new lab equipment I've never used before. I also learned a lot about the process of research in an open information research group and what needs to be done to follow protocol to ultimately get reliable data to publish.

I loved how much there is to do in Cape Town, from the beaches to the mountains to the city. I learned to be more confident in myself and lean into who I am. I will miss all the people I met down here the most. I stayed for two months, and I would recommend that people stay as long as possible.

I chose to do a film and media internship in Cape Town as I was curious to explore Africa and thought it would be a good place to start. I’m interested when it comes to South African media content, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know a different side of the city - the one that foreigners seldom get to see, especially when we filmed outside in locations like Khayelitsha. I’ve learned I can work in a different environment and adapt pretty quickly. Friday’s activities were always different and enjoyable. I’ve stayed for 3 months exactly and I would advise people to stay a minimum of 2 months so they can explore the city and its surrounding areas.

VAC staff were very present and involved in the weekly activities (Mondays and Fridays), and I’ve enjoyed my time with them. I’m definitely grateful for the number of people, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with while I was in the Vacorps program.

Coming to Cape Town, South Africa has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life. It is the most diverse and beautiful city with endless things to do and explore. The VACorps program allowed me to establish the most wonderful friendships with like-minded people, that I know will last a lifetime. I will be forever grateful for this program and my time in South Africa, and I am very sad to say goodbye to the VACorps staff and all the other wonderful people I have met during my time here.

My major requires me to participate in a minimum of 8 weeks of "international experience". Most students choose to study abroad, but I prefer hands-on and service learning. I chose Cape Town as I wanted to teach and South Africa was one of the only international internships that offered to teach in English. Cape Town had so much to offer- even with COVID restrictions and a lockdown. Everyone was super welcoming and friendly. Although we primarily stuck to "touristy" things, I jumped at every opportunity to learn about the history and the townships, going to visit Kholi and the children at Bathande when I could. Additionally, I was able to learn about the immigrants from Zimbabwe from my internship which added another layer of perspective to the history and hardships within the borders of South Africa. The activities were so fun and the support from VACorps was amazing.

Originally, I was supposed to stay for the full 90 days but had to cut my trip a week short due to university needs and am very sad to leave.

I did a remote internship with a human rights organization based in Cape Town and had an amazing experience. I did not necessarily think that my internship would be based out of Cape Town, or South Africa for that matter. However, I have always been interested in learning more about the social, cultural, and political aspects of the African Continent. What better way to broaden my horizons than choosing to intern with a human rights group in South Africa? Although at times it was hard (i.e. time difference) to communicate with staff/volunteers in Africa Unite, it got much easier as I progressed through my internship. You really can effectively work with people that are dispersed throughout the world. I liked that I was able to take on many challenging projects during the day, knowing that I could relax in the evening hanging with friends/family in the community in which I grew up. I do hope to actually travel to South Africa in the future, it would be nice to actually get to shake the hands of the people I was fortunate to work with. There were two major things that I took away from my experience. First, time management is key. I have for the most part been able to get tasks done, but this internship further taught me to hone in on those skills. Second, the ability to communicate is paramount. I initially had a hard time understanding those that I worked with. However, I pushed myself and did not hesitate to ask people to restate what they said if it was necessary. My favorite project was organizing a webinar, asking experts and human rights organizations based out of Mozambique to talk about the current crisis the country is experiencing. I would like to thank VACorps for coordinating with my internship site to give me such an fantastic experience!

Travelling away from home to a totally different continent is a little daunting. Once I met Loyiso at the airport I felt an instant sigh of relief. The VACorps staff are so kind and thoughtful. Kus and Kholi have been amazing. I was worried I would have to plan so much of my stay myself but I am very glad that the amazing staff coordinated Friday activities and was always messaging in the WhatsApp group chat. Sean was so awesome and showed us a different side of South Africa. I would have never been willing or able to do so many hikes without him. I truly just appreciate the energy in this office. It is very apparent that the entire staff wants the interns to have a good time and actually learn at their internship sites.

I worked at a public clinic in one of Cape Town's townships, and I would highly recommend it to anyone working in the field of public health, kinesiology, or medicine. As I gained the trust and respect of the staff at the clinic I was given more and more responsibility. I met so many students from UCT and UWC. Since I have such a huge interest in the infectious disease I knew I needed to come to South Africa and see the healthcare system with my own eyes. A lot of work needs to be done since this country has one of the highest HIV rates in the world. When I get back home, I want to continue my work with HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Stigma needs to change and science needs to advance worldwide for more treatment and prevention options.

I would not change this experience for anything in the world. My 5 weeks here were the best and I advise all incoming interns to stay for 5 weeks or longer if able.
I worked at a public clinic in one of Cape Town's townships, and I would highly recommend it to anyone working in the field of public health, kinesiology or medicine. As I gained the trust and respect of the staff at the clinic I was given more and more responsibility. I met so many students from UCT and UWC. Since I have such a huge interest in the infectious disease I knew I needed to come to South Africa and see the healthcare system with my own eyes. A lot of work needs to be done since this country has the highest HIV rates in the world. When I get back home, I want to continue my work with HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Stigma needs to change and science needs to advance worldwide for more treatment and prevention options.

I would not change this experience for anything in the world. My 5 weeks here were the best and I advise all incoming interns to stay for 5 weeks or longer if able.

I originally chose Cape Town as my intern abroad destination solely based on the VAC program and the comfortability I felt speaking to the VAC staff beforehand. Although I only stayed for 6 weeks, the friends and relationships I made during my time there I know are ones that will last a lifetime. After completing my internship, my interests in my future studies were confirmed - I feel now that I can confidently apply to graduate school knowing exactly what my end goal is. I loved the dynamic of the city, the other interns, and the VAC staff that made the first week transitioning to life in Cape Town a breeze!

When I first began the search for an internship last fall, I never dreamed that I would spend three months in Cape Town. By the Lord's providence, this was the only internship that ended up front and center, and I realized that spending the summer abroad may be a very real possibility. There really is no place like Cape Town. Naturally, Cape Town is the most beautiful place I have been in.

My internship was with a surfboard startup company in Muizenberg. I am studying mechanical engineering but am extremely interested in small business, so this internship was a perfect combination of the two. I also got the opportunity to surf quite a bit while I was here - something I had never had the opportunity to do before either. I enjoyed the full Cape Town experience - from hiking Table Mountain to surfing in the Indian Ocean to Culture Series and the vast number of Friday Activities that allowed me so many new and exciting opportunities. I am so grateful for the people of VACorps - without the program establishing a group of interns here to befriend and live 3 months with, I would not have made it in Cape Town. The program advisors care so much and have become some of my dearest friends and people I have learned so much from.

I could write forever about my Cape Town experience, but there are not enough words to express the lessons I learned the memories I will take with me when I leave. I would not trade any of them for the world.

I was interested in Human Rights, and was asking for a placement where it would be incorporated with law. One of my other goals was to get to know the people and culture. Unfortunately, my internship was remote only - and I would totally understand that, due to Covid and the lockdowns.

But: 1 - I asked for an internship where I could be on site. I was fine with some remote work, but I really wanted to get to know people here. As a result, the only South Africans I got to know where those who worked with VAC and Uber drivers. I had interesting chats, but I wanted to meet South Africans, ideally some who work in the legal/human rights field and get to know them and their lives and motivations.
And 2 - I'm pretty sure the internship is always remote work, I don't think there even was a work place for interns. We did go to court a couple times, but once it was closed, the other time was to drop off papers, and then it was just to ask for a rescheduling. So no real cases or true legal insight.

I realized quickly that this internship placement wasn't for me - there were about 8 other interns, almost all of them working remotely, all doing the same tasks. It was boring, and one of the interns I spoke to even considered studying something else, because it didn't appeal to her at all and she was really worried that law was the wrong choice. I would have been too, if I hadn't done an internship right before I came to Cape Town. So, two weeks in I asked for another internship. Unfortunately, it was not possible to find another placement, so I spent 2 months doing almost nothing and having a holiday. It was nice, but far too expensive - if I wanted a holiday, I could have had a far better trip for much less money.

I met a lot of people though, and learned a lot about the US - far more than I learned about South Africa. The staff at VAC were great, and always there to assist or just for a very nice chat. Of the other interns some had great and amazing internships, others not so much - and some didn't care because really, they just came to party. So it is quite a toss up whether you land a good internship or not, and for that amount of money I wouldn't risk it. So unfortunately, I cannot recomment VACorps.

I was looking for professional experience, and I wanted to know if human rights was a field I'd want to work in in the future. I wanted to experience South Africa and get to truly know the people, their problems and the good things. I was very disappointed that none of those goals were met after spending 2 months and a small fortune there.

I am really thankful for being part of this program. I enjoyed every moment in Cape Town. This was one of the greatest experiences of my life and I will remember it forever. This experience taught me a lot about life and myself. I have grown in confidence, improved my English, and this experience will definitely help me a lot in the future. For me, the best part of this program is meeting all the incredible people, from all over the world.  I loved meeting people from so many different cultures and countries and found it very interesting.  Now we are a family and I am so thankful to VACorps for giving me this opportunity and introducing me to such an incredible community of people to explore this beautiful country with