When my plane landed in Cape Town, all I could think to myself was “Wow, my dream of coming to Africa is finally here.” Ever since I was 10 years old, all I wanted to ... read more
"Alive. That is the word that comes to mind when thinking on my experience as a VAC intern in Cape Town South Africa. Every day was one of adventure, learning and life changing experiences. The ... read more
Bundled up at home in the Oregon rain, it's hard to imagine that only a week ago I was basking in the sun in the front yard of the Milton house. Cape Town is an ... read more
"I had an amzing time during my stay in South Africa. I interned at the Athone School for the blind in Bellville and was able to work with the skills department. I was able to ... read more
"From the day I landed in South Africa, until the time I reluctantly got on my return flight home, my world changed. The amount of amazing opportunities and experiences I had while I was living ... read more
"During my time in South Africa I had many wonderful experience. I did my internship at a school in Bellville. I met some wonderful people at the school. They helped me to learn and grow ... read more
"Pursuing a marketing internship at Gary’s Surf School in Cape Town, South Africa was just as cool as it sounds. When signing up, I envisioned working at the beach in summer time, surfing some waves ... read more
Isabelle Dinkela
Genre of Internship: Refugees
Dates of Participation:
December 2012 - February 2013
"Before I arrived in Cape Town, I had no idea about the city or the people but VAC gave me a warm welcome here and made sure that I had all the help I needed. ... read more
Markus Hierzberger
Genre of Internship: Education
Dates of Participation:
December 2012 - March 2013
"I came to South Africa with the main goal to improve my English, but also to meet a completely different culture and a lifestyle which isn't similar as back in Austria. To reach my first ... read more
"Upon reflection of my time in Cape Town, I realize there is so much I want to share yet so much I cannot put into words. Do I write about my drive to work every ... read more
"Having left Cape Town over two weeks ago I’d say this testimonial can be deemed tardy at best. However, in defense of being called lazy, I find the timing fitting for what I want to ... read more
Anna Klebine
Genre of Internship: Human Rights
Dates of Participation:
November 2012 - February 2013
"My time in Cape Town, although way too short at 6 weeks, was incredible. I'm at home in the cold in Chicago, still processing everything that I experienced over that month and a half, and ... read more
Precious Acker
Genre of Internship: Human Rights
Dates of Participation:
November 2012 - February 2013
"My experience in Cape Town exceeded my expectations, South Africa has truly become my second home. The spirit in Cape Town makes you feel welcomed and and the diverse group of people you meet through ... read more
Abby Ferguson
Genre of Internship: Child Welfare
Dates of Participation:
October 2012 - December 2012
"Coming to Cape Town I had no idea what to expect. I knew nothing about Cape Town, or Africa for that matter, when I left. I chose to go there more for my internship than ... read more
Will Stevens
Genre of Internship: Criminal Justice
Dates of Participation:
October 2012 - January 2013
"I came to South Africa under the misapprehension that I would leave the country with more answers about myself than questions. What instead happened was a complete reshuffling of how I see myself in the ... read more
Allison Boyer
Dates of Participation: Between January 2012 & April 2012
"Visiting South Africa was never on my bucket list, but when it was the only international internship opportunity that my university offered, I jumped at the chance to get out of the States. And I am so glad I did because I fell in love with Cape Town after the first few days of being here!
I enjoyed interning in the townships as it really opened my eyes to the struggles that people face on a daily basis. It’s so easy to just get caught up in my own life and my personal frustrations. There are so many people all around us that endure more suffering than I ever will, yet they can greet a stranger with a smile. My heart broke as I saw children who didn’t have parents to love them, enough food to eat, money to get to school, or who were sick and in pain. It was humbling to enter their shacks and be treated as royalty; the best they had to offer was what I would typically throw away back at home. These experiences often brought tears to my eyes as I was reminded how much I have been blessed, and how many opportunities there are to bless others, if only I look for them.
Living with people from around the world was such a great ! I love sharing cultures and describing our different traditions and ways of living. It was fun to learn new words in other languages and to help each other when trying to tell stories or describe things. I appreciated being able to meet so many new people just by hanging out with my housemates, or at the other VAC houses. We all made different friendships through our individual experiences here, and then these social circles would overlap, giving us the opportunity to develop that many more friendships.
The VAC staff has been such a support and encouragement as they go above and beyond to assist in making this the best exposure of living in a foreign country. They have been willing to help in any way possible, and have provided great stability and first-hand knowledge as we explore all that Cape Town, and the surrounding areas, has to offer. I am so grateful for the support that VAC has provided for me, and this experience has hopefully been only the beginning of my life in Cape Town."
-Allison Boyer, pictured at far right, during an afternoon of volunteer work in the townships as part of a VACorps Friday Excursion.
Latest Flickr Photos
Scroll down to view our Latest Flickr Photoset and check out what adventures we're up to in Cape Town and around South Africa.
