Program Reviews

My time with the VACorps truly has been a life-changing experience. I came across this opportunity since it was one of the only countries with programs available during COVID, but I think that is just one example of the universe working things out for the best. If I could go back and have more options I would choose a placement in Cape Town one thousand times over. It is easy to look at doing a program like this and make an educated guess about how much you will learn and the different aspects of the culture you will be exposed to, but in reality, it's more than you could ever imagine. Being a part of a group of like-minded individuals who would take on a crazy journey like this just proves that the people make the place. The people in Cape Town are by far the most hospitable, welcoming, and friendly faces on the planet. All of the Vac-activities I got to be a part of ensuring that I experienced all the best South Africa has to offer. Plus, if you have activities you really want to do, the VACorps staff with make sure they put you in contact with the best people who will give you the best deals. Overall, if you are asking yourself why Cape Town, the real question would be "Why not Cape Town?" It's the most beautiful place on the planet with some of the most beautiful people to keep you company.

I chose to travel to Cape Town, South Africa to intern because I knew that the cultural immersion I’d have the opportunity to experience here wouldn’t be the same anywhere else in the world! I loved every single day at my internship site to the point where I worked extra. I enjoyed the tasks I was given, and the situations I was allowed to be a part of. I also enjoyed every nurse, doctor, counselor, pharmacist, and patient I was blessed enough to interact with on a daily basis. Being surrounded by such strong, intelligent, powerful women who look just like me was awe-inspiring and something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I learned that I am capable of so much more than I thought possible. I grew in stride every single day, from something different. This experience taught me to smile more, laugh always, and love easily and freely. I would advise anyone participating in this program to come for at least 8 weeks. Please come with an open mind + heart, but also a strong and dedicated work ethic. Be passionate about your internship as it can blossom into more than you could possibly imagine.

Cape Town has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Alongside all the activities to do here the VaCorps staff was awesome. They are inviting and supportive, but most importantly they make you feel like family. Because of this, the staff has made my time here something I hold especially close to my heart, and I honestly hope I will be able to come back to visit them. Working in Cape Town has also been extremely eye-opening for me. I did a medical internship at a local Cape Town clinic and have learned so much and would even go as far as to say that this was the best experiential learning opportunity I have had.

The VaCorps program truly lived up to my expectations and more. Not only was I able to work in the medical field and learn about how hospitals are run, but I made so many new lifelong friends. The VACorps staff was so loving and understanding of all of my desires for my work environment and put me in a clinic that catered to my own personal interests. One of my favorite parts about interning in Cape Town was being able to see the different cultures that make up the country of South Africa, specifically the culture series that the VaCorps staff had weekly. I stayed for about 2 months during the summer and I believe this was the ideal time spent here in Cape Town. The two months allowed me to get a lot of experience in the medical clinic as well as participate in all of the activities Cape Town had to offer.

Coming to Capetown was the best decision I ever made. I learned so much about myself and this community. Everyone is so accepting and made me feel so welcomed. I could not say enough great things about the staff and people I have met here through VACorps. I have made lifelong friends and had experiences that I could have never have dreamed of.

I worked in a clinic in one of Cape Town townships and learned more than I ever imagined. I have a better understanding of how they treat patients in another country, and I know for a fact that I want to be in the medical field one day. Coming here made me realize I have so much passion and get so much joy out of helping others. The nursing sisters that I worked with at the baby clinic were so caring and such great nurses. ​I learned so much from them.

Deciding to join VACorps and to come to Cape Town was the easiest the best decision I have ever made. I learned so much while being here, and I have experienced immense personal growth. I have made so many new friends, and this experience has given me a new perspective on life. It also gave me insight and understanding into my future career path which I am very grateful for. The VACorps staff are all so amazing, and they truly care about your happiness and comfort while you are here. If given the chance to come back to Cape Town and work with VACorps again, I wouldn't even think twice about coming again!

I was looking for a new start in life, so after considering a lot of countries and a lot of options, I felt the best place would be Cape Town. I was 100% right. VACorps gave me the opportunity to work in a fantastic Hi-tech startup with amazing, smart people and brilliant mentors. I learned about new technologies and gained outstanding skills and knowledge. After 2 months of working there, my host site offered me an official job at their Cape town office, which I accepted!

Cape Town is a city with a lot to offer. With endless outdoor options like hiking, going to the beach, wine tasting, paragliding, trail running, etc. The city also has an outstanding food scene and nightlife, which I thoroughly enjoyed exploring with my fellow program participants from all over the world. The VACorps Friday activities and weekend getaways were always interesting and fun.

I am so grateful for everything that VACorps and my internship company have offered me. Being here was such an exciting experience, and it was totally worth it. This experience exceeded all of my expectations. I feel like I have achieved all the goals I set for myself before coming to South Africa and more. I look forward to returning to Cape Town soon, and making the Mother City my home for the next few years!

I chose the VACorps program to both broaden my international experience and make new friends from all over the world with different backgrounds. I have had such a great time in this program and have experienced so much in Cape Town. The natural beauty of the city and the beautiful rich culture of its people is incredible. This is a place I will never forget. I stayed here for 2 and a half months, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. The weekly activities always are so much fun, and add to the sense of community here. Some advice I would give new arrivals is to try to go out and see as much as you can while you have the time. There is so much to both see and do.

I chose Cape Town because I wanted to experience the South African culture and learn more about what working in a different country would be like. I gained more independence and learned more about what I want my future career to look like. What I loved the most about living here was being completely submerged in the culture by living in Observatory. I will miss the people I have come to call family. I stayed for about 2 months and I wish I could have at least stayed one more month. The VACorps staff was more than helpful and kind. I can’t thank VACorps more than enough for the experience of a lifetime. This is a trip I will never forget.

I loved meeting new people the most. The connections I made here and the friends I made are lifetime connections I will never leave behind. My internship itself was amazing. I was able to witness the highs and lows of physical therapy and learn how to help people with minimal resources. I witnessed a wheelchair-bound woman learn to walk again after having her legs broken by a man because she refused him intercourse. What I loved most about living in Cape Town were the activities I was able to do all the time. There was quite literally never a dull moment. I stayed for 8 weeks and I would recommend that being the minimum for someone to come for. In preparation for coming, I would just try to have an open mind.