Program Reviews

After considering several options for my gap year, I chose Cape Town because of its unique geography and culture, which promised a new and enriching experience. I knew I wanted to spend my gap year doing an internship to keep myself engaged in learning and to immerse myself in a completely new environment. Cape Town, with its beaches and mountains, offered the perfect backdrop for my adventure. The city has so many diverse parts to explore, allowing me to experience various cultures, observe nature, and meet interesting people. During my time in Cape Town, I engaged in a lot of self-reflection, which helped me identify my core values and determine what matters most to me as I transition into the next chapter of my life. Being away from my familiar surroundings forced me to become more confident in my independence and embrace the discomfort of the unknown.

I spent eight weeks in Cape Town, which felt like an ideal duration, though I wouldn’t have minded staying longer. By the end of my stay, I had grown comfortable with the city’s layout and my neighborhood, Obz, where I made many friends among the locals and found favorite spots like cafes and beaches. Before arriving, I had some uncertainty about my internship on the farm, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Watching the progression of produce from seed to harvest was uniquely rewarding. One highlight was meeting customers at the farm who were genuinely grateful for their fresh produce. I felt fulfilled being part of a community-serving initiative. The VACorps staff were supportive, always willing to help, and organized weekly activities that brought everyone together. I am grateful for the friendships I formed through the program and with people outside of it. Before coming, it’s helpful to learn about South Africa’s history, city layout, safety tips, and cultural nuances to fully appreciate the experience.

I chose VACorps because they were an incredible stepping stone for traveling abroad on my own. They first meet with you and introduce you to the program, then pair you with a program advisor who is incredibly helpful in finding an internship that aligns with your goals. Not only do they place you in a great internship, but they also provide housing options filled with roommates who are part of the program. Living in a house with others who are on the same journey—exploring the world, interning abroad, and meeting like-minded people—makes a world of difference. The individuals I have met in the program are some of the most incredible, kind, and amazing people I have ever met. I have truly made lifelong friends on this journey, thanks to VAC's housing options.

Along with housing, VACorps makes it easy to explore and bond with the people you meet through their weekly activities. The program organizes excursions, taking the pressure off you to plan everything. They organize activities like surfing, city tours, wine tasting, market visits, and hikes, which allowed me to explore with ease and bond with fellow interns.

Not only are the housing, excursions, and overall experience amazing, but VACorps is also the most incredible organization for those looking to intern abroad alone for the first time. They provide a sense of security that is incredibly comforting when traveling so far from home at a young age while also giving you the freedom to explore on your own. There was a point during my stay when I became quite sick, and I was able to message Kholi, a member of the VACorps staff, who immediately organized a doctor’s visit for me. She came with me to the doctor and waited for my appointment to be over, which was a small act but made a world of difference when traveling alone. The staff and program are set up so well that I would recommend them to anyone and everyone!

I cannot articulate how incredible this experience was for me! The internship, friendships, and support were amazing. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be part of the program and will cherish these memories forever! :)

Before coming to Cape Town, I had never lived away from home or in a different country. This was the best gap year experience I could have had. I learned so much every day by exploring this amazing city, which I had never visited before. Additionally, I gained incredible work experience and discovered a lot about what I want to study when I start school next fall. This program provided exactly what I was looking for this fall.

My personal goals for my internship experience were to determine if content creation for social media and photography were interests I wanted to pursue at university. I discovered that I really enjoy this type of work and would like to continue it in the future. I loved my internship because it offered a mix of activities; sometimes, I even got to get in the water with clients and help teach, which was super fun. Through my work, I met clients from all over the world, which was both fun and interesting.

The people I met during my time with VAC have become lifelong friends. Everyone working at VAC was always available whenever my roommates or I needed anything, and they made Cape Town feel like home as soon as I stepped off the plane. The Friday and Monday activities were amazing because they allowed me to see everyone from VAC, have a great time, and share lots of laughs while participating in super cool activities. Overall, my time in Cape Town was transformative, leaving me with unforgettable memories, new friendships, valuable skills, and a clearer direction for my future studies and career.

I chose Cape Town for my gap year because it’s a place I’ve never been to before, and friends who have done gap year programs in South Africa before loved it, so I thought, why not? I decided to do an internship to gain work experience before starting college. There are many things I love about interning, one of them being the opportunity to learn more about myself and what I am capable of as an individual. I realized that I am a lot stronger than I thought and pushed myself to do things I would never have done before. I will never forget the lifelong friends I made at my site and will always be thankful for my internship.

While working was a huge highlight of my trip, living in Observatory and being able to walk everywhere was also amazing. Coffee shops and stores were so close by, and I loved every second of it. I will miss it when I go home. I stayed in Cape Town with VACorps for about three months. If you adjust quickly, I’d say that’s the perfect amount of time. For me, I wish I could stay longer because it’s just now starting to feel like home. What really helped me adjust to a new place was the staff and the group activities we did, which were definitely one of the highlights of my trip.

VACorps not only gives off a familial vibe but has actively transformed it into a reality for us. I am immensely thankful to VACorps for numerous reasons. The assurance that our entire household could depend on them during a frightening situation was profoundly meaningful and comforting.

I experienced a profound sense of satisfaction when I discovered my capability to engage in and successfully navigate activities that were entirely new to me. Witnessing my own growth and adaptability in tackling unfamiliar challenges provided a sense of accomplishment and fostered newfound confidence in my abilities. This revelation not only expanded my skill set but also significantly contributed to my personal development, highlighting the value of embracing and conquering novel experiences. Overall, this was an amazing experience with amazing people, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

I had an amazing experience with VACorps! My internship was a perfect fit, and I made wonderful friends while doing lots of fun activities. The Friday activities were always unique and exciting. My favorites were the day at Boulders Beach, the brewery tour, and the hikes! Monday culture nights were also fantastic, and I learned so much. I especially enjoyed trying food at Ivy’s Kitchen, the drumming night, and watching a movie at the office. I’m very grateful I found VACorps.

I interned at a marketing and brand management company and learned many new skills, like using a camera, creating social media plans, and meeting with clients. I also became much more confident in my business abilities and communication skills. I really appreciated how my boss encouraged me to explore Cape Town and took me to many cool places. The environment was very collaborative, and they gave the interns a lot of responsibility.

Overall, my time with VACorps was unforgettable. I gained valuable skills, made lifelong friends, and had experiences I’ll cherish forever. I highly recommend VACorps to anyone looking for a meaningful and fun internship abroad.

These last two months have been nothing short of an amazing life experience. I have been here for two months, but I wish I could’ve stayed longer. I have grown personally and professionally. The VACorps staff have been so patient with all of us, and they have always been there to answer our questions and to make sure that we are enjoying our experience in Cape Town. I have learned so much at my internship and could not have asked for a better placement. Time flies so fast here, and I would tell any future VACorps intern to take advantage of most of their free time, especially on the weekends. Before arriving in CT, I created a travel guide that I used while I was here. I wanted to make sure that I got to see and do everything I wanted. There’s so much to see and do in Cape Town. I enjoyed all of the Monday night culture series and the Friday VAC activities. The team really takes their time to make sure we have the best experiences while in Cape Town. Having lived in South Africa before, I was very familiar with the culture and traditions in other provinces; however, I have learned so much about the history and culture in Cape Town. It was really eye-opening to see how poverty affects the different communities. As you prepare to arrive in Cape Town, it is important to do your own research on the history of the country and also the area where you will be working. The one thing I loved about living in CT was being able to see the mountains at any point in time. I will miss the friends I made in Cape Town, my supervisors at my internship site, and the VACorps staff, especially Kholi, Kuselwa, and Loyiso!

I chose to come to Cape Town because I wanted to explore a new place and its stunning landscapes and beautiful scenery were a big attraction for me. South Africa’s history fascinated me, especially since it relates to my career aspirations. Opting for an internship was my way of figuring out what I enjoy, particularly because I aim to work in diverse settings and cultures.

What I cherished most about Cape Town? Definitely the people. They’re incredibly warm and welcoming, and the community here buzzes with energy. Cape Town has been a classroom of self-discovery for me, helping me solidify my career path and appreciate diverse perspectives.

I owe a lot of this experience to Kus, Kohli, Rowan, Loyiso, and the rest of the VAC team. They made me feel right at home. The cultural series and Friday activities were fantastic opportunities to bond with fellow interns and delve deeper into South African culture.

Although I initially planned to stay for just two months, I’ve extended my stay by a month, and I am not looking forward to saying goodbye to this beautiful city and all the amazing people I have met here! I’d recommend anyone visiting Cape Town to stay for three months to truly soak in its beauty.

I’m immensely grateful for the enriching experiences at work, exploring townships and schools, and meeting inspiring colleagues. Cape Town and VAC hold a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to return one day.

I chose Cape Town initially to experience a culture more removed from the Westernized American and European cultures I had experienced prior. I am so happy to say that I did! My experience in South Africa was so warm, welcoming, and playful! It taught me that the workplace has a place for compassion, friendship, and silliness. I connected with many wonderful people who extended their friendship and homes to me as a visitor. In addition to this life-changing social experience, I was also able to use my time away from work to explore the beautiful nature of Cape Town like the beaches and Table Mountain! I also thoroughly enjoyed the Garden Route and visiting Kruger, and was able to see all the wonderful animals! Working with Kelly and the women of MOSAIC was inspiring and eye-opening into the realities of gender-based violence and social work here, and helped me shape my ideas about my future career. I will miss the kindness and friendliness of everyone in Cape Town the most! I stayed for 8 weeks and found it was just enough time to get comfortable here and experience what I wanted to. I would tell people to research South Africa and educate themselves so they can make the most of their experience here. I am so incredibly grateful for the VACorps staff and their love and support; they were the perfect family away from home!

After consulting with the VACorps staff, I confidently selected Cape Town as my preferred internship destination. Their support and guidance gave me the assurance to explore a new field of work, and their continuous assistance throughout my time in Cape Town was invaluable. I felt thoroughly prepared for every aspect of my internship. During my two-month stay, I worked at a marketing and brand management company, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with various non-profit organizations within the company's portfolio. Despite lacking a heavy background in marketing or business, I engaged in diverse projects and particularly enjoyed working in the townships. Cape Town offers an abundance of activities to fill your time, and the weekly organized events were both enjoyable and well-coordinated. I deeply appreciate the staff's unwavering availability and assistance. Cape Town offers a rich tapestry of cultures, providing an immersive experience unlike any other!

VACorps provides their interns with amazing adventures and loving attitudes. The first week for orientation was my favorite time, building relationships with other interns and the staff was wonderful. I enjoyed all the experiences I attended that VAC curated and facilitated for us. Our amazing hosts, Kholi and Kus, always made the excursions more exciting and comfortable. There are so many opportunities to learn about South African culture and places to explore with VAC with their culture nights and weekly excursions.

The internship VAC was able to connect me with was truly wonderful. I am so grateful to have experienced such a wonderful institution and to have been able to give back to the community with the services I provided. I am an Occupational Therapy student and I interned at an intermediate care practice for children with chronic illness and disabilities. I fell in love with the kids and the staff as they were the most welcoming and warm hearted people I have ever met. What I truly loved about the site is that they prided themselves on always greeting each other throughout the facility, no matter who you were. It allowed all of us who were new to greet others even if we didn’t know each other, provided comfort in knowing it was a safe space. After 2 months I felt as if I was a staff member of the institution, walking the halls, greeting everyone, hugging the kids, I felt at home. One nurse saw me as I was making my usual rounds and she said to me, “you look like you belong here, I hope you stay”. At that moment I realized this internship will come to an end and I was hit with a wave of grief. I have felt such intense emotions since I arrived in Cape Town, now that my time has ended I am filled with intense emotions once again.

For this entire experience I am truly grateful and humbled and appreciate all the support I was provided from VAC and my internship site. I highly recommend VAC to anyone who is interested in exploring Cape Town and has an interest in giving back to communities. Thank you VAC for everything, you hold a special place in my heart. Until next time, cheers 🙂