Program Reviews

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

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!