Program Reviews

I choose to study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa to experience and learn about a new culture. Living in Cape Town for 4 months has been life-changing. I have left this program with more values and understanding than I ever thought I would. I recognize that I am blessed to have an amazing opportunity like this so if you have the chance to travel to Cape Town VAC is the way to go! I promise you won’t leave South Africa the same! (Also you are going to meet some amazing people & there is no way you will leave without a friend)

I chose to intern in Cape Town because of a professor I once had. He would always talk about how wonderful Cape Town was and how breathtaking the views were. Most importantly he talked about how kind and generous the people were. I have spent the last two months interning at a local biotech company, and I am so grateful for what I got to learn there and the new family it feels like I have. I am also appreciative of VACorps and how easy they made it for me to just come in and feel like I was part of something. I will never forget the people here or the experiences I have had and I will miss all of it. Cape Town is truly one of the greatest places I have ever been and I wouldn't change a minute of it.

I have been in Cape Town for almost 5 months now and looking back on the time I can say that it was a priceless experience that I will cherish my whole life. I was able to meet amazing people from all over the world, with whom I am still in contact with even though some of them left months ago and I am sure that we will stay in touch. For my personal life, this whole time was an incredible opportunity to grow, expand my horizons, and immerse myself in different cultures. My personal highlights were the wine tasting in Stellenbosch and honestly just the life with my great friends at 317 Lower Main. I was so thankful for the VACorps staff who were always there when I needed them and seeing Kus' and Kholi's beautiful smiles and their great moods whenever we did an activity always made my day.

For my professional life, it was extremely beneficial as well. I was an intern at a tech accelerator, which assists and accelerates disruptive startups in Africa. I was able to learn more and more every single week and was quickly accepted as a real team member by my amazing co-workers. It was definitely a time-consuming internship but personally for me it was exactly right. I felt that I could actually help and assist the team and in the second half of my internship, I got my own projects and was trusted to work independently. I would definitely advise everyone who is interested in working with startups or the world of VC to apply to VACorps. I am certain that everything I learned in my internship will prove invaluable for my future as I continue to pursue my professional goals.

In general, I can say that it was the best decision to come to Cape Town, for everyone thinking about it I would suggest coming around October/November to skip the winter if you are from the northern hemisphere.

VACorps is a magnificent program located in a magnificent city. I departed Cape Town after living there for three months. The time I have spent in Cape Town went by far too quickly, but looking back I have had so many unforgettable experiences. There is never a dull moment when living in Cape Town. Whether you like to hike, shop, skydive, scuba, or volunteer there are a million opportunities for this and infinitely more. I came expecting to only stay two months but ended up extending my trip since I couldn’t imagine leaving so soon. Through VACore I worked as a teach at a local school focused on integrating Zimbabwean students into the South African education system. On my very last day of internship, the staff put together a lovely celebration in my honor. All of the staff came together with food, drinks, and cake to wish me safe travels and to say thank you. I couldn’t express how grateful to them I was for this opportunity.

VACorps itself is a lovely program. The staff are so kind and welcoming. I was never afraid or homesick while here since I knew I had such strong support systems. The weekly activities were always a great time, getting together with all the students after a hectic week at our sites and getting to see new parts of the city. I have loved my experience with VACorps, I couldn’t have asked for a better program.

Cape Town and the VACorps have provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and experience for me. I came here as part of my process of deciding where my next step in life is, and I can now say with resounding enthusiasm that I have gained priceless insight into the world and life itself through this experience. While my internship wasn't the most productive, the life lessons I've learned, continue to become exponentially more valuable as I continue to grow and shape my view of the world. Overall it was a great experience and I have made friends that I will never forget, among both interns and VACorps staff members. (I'm talking about you, Kus ;) can't wait to come back!

I didn't know what to expect before leaving for South Africa, but VACorps truly exceeded all of my expectations. I appreciate the amount of freedom that VAC grants its students while still providing some structure and support. I feel like I've grown so much as a person because of the freedom we've had here, but I appreciate the moments that we spend altogether, most commonly at the Friday VAC Activities. The VAC program also creates the perfect balance of work and play, and I credit this balance to why I have absolutely loved my time here in Cape Town. VAC paired me with the perfect internship for my interests, and this real-world experience has informed me about what I want to study in the future, and I feel confident I will return to the States with a newfound passion and drive I didn't have before. When I'm not at my internship site, I am always exploring the beautiful city, and I never run out of things to do with friends. I've done a bit of everything, from surfing to wine tasting to hiking, and I could not be happier with the time I spent here. I spent 2.5 months in Cape Town with VAC, and it doesn't feel like nearly enough time. The people here are truly indescribable; I've definitely found a family with VAC.

During my gap year with VACorps in Cape Town, I've explored the unknown and stepped outside of my comfort zone. I've accomplished things that have scared me and have checked off some items on my bucket list. Cape Town's beauty is indescribable and the proximity to the mountains, beaches, and city and melting pot of cultures is like no other. While interning at a local radio station in Cape Town, I got to co-host a show with segments on health and wellness, human rights, gender, labour, and arts & culture.  I got to meet so many locals through interviews and opportunities here and as a result, I have a better understanding of South African culture. I've gained more insights into what career path I'd like to pursue, become more confident trying new things, and fostered familial relationships with my co-workers.  Most importantly, I've learned how to create a healthy work-life balance.

Interning in Cape Town was such a great experience! The city is incredible and there’s so much to do. I spent a lot of my free time outdoors exploring the beautiful mountains, beaches, and forests that make Cape Town so unique. I interned at a bicycle shop and had a great time learning how to build and repair bicycles while also learning valuable business lessons. The workplace environment was so much fun and made the early morning commutes worth it. Living and working in a city thousands of miles away from home came with challenges, but those experiences taught me a lot which will help me in college and beyond. I stayed in Cape Town for around 9 weeks and I think that was the perfect length. I will really miss my time here and I hope to visit again! soon!

I spent 2 months interning in Cape Town to complete a fieldwork placement for my Occupational Therapy degree. I chose Cape Town as it fit the requirements of my university for an international placement, but also because of the amazing weather and how many things there are to do here in the evening/weekends! I was placed at a residential facility for adults with intellectual disabilities, which was definitely out of my comfort zone, but it has done so much for my confidence to challenge myself, and I have loved the experience! My supervisor and everyone at my internship site were so welcoming, and I had the opportunity to help out with birthdays and Valentine's Day celebrations, as well as shopping trips with the residents, and the daily running of the therapy program. I am really sad to be going home - I will miss how friendly everyone in Cape Town is, as well as being able to go to the beach or hiking within a 10-minute drive! The VAC team was great at supporting me to find my internship, especially as my university had strict requirements and timeframes, and it was great to know there was always someone to help if I had any issues or questions in Cape Town. Thank you so much VACorps for such an amazing experience!!

The internship, the country, the people, the food, the landscape, and the wine, I enjoyed it all! From the moment that I stepped out of the plane, I felt the warm and amazing culture that is transpired by the people all over Cape Town and especially the community of people at VACorps. Not only did I enjoy my internship, facilitated by VACorps, but because of the weekly Friday activities, the weekend trip on the Garden Route, and the amazing community, I also got to experience all the gems of this incredible city. Beautiful memories, amazing experiences, and life-long friendships are what I take back home with me!