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
Chris Mitchell
Dates of Participation: Between September 2009 & December 2009
I arrived in Cape Town on the afternoon of January 11, 2009. I was groggy and dirty but happy to be somewhat stationary after such a long trip. Oliver from Volunteer Adventure Corps, liaison and on-the-ground internship coordinator, greeted me and welcomed me to Cape Town, got me settled in, and began rattling off an itinerary of planned activities. I was in South Africa! The excitement of this revelation was only the beginning of an incredible experience and I was ready to jump in with both feet.
I went to South Africa without any grand expectations. Since I was much older than the traditional intern, I figured I would approach my younger cohorts tentatively so as not to make them or myself uncomfortable. Not imposing myself on them in any way, I planned to simply find my own fun and make my own friends. To my wonder and surprise, all of the interns extended their company and friendship generously. I gladly and happily accepted. The time we spent together defies explanation or the ability to accurately relay in words. Every single intern I met was intelligent, unique, fun-loving, honest and caring. Together we shared laughs as well as unique situations, all adequately managed while drinking generous amounts of fantastic South African wine. I became both mom and friend. My most profound love continues to go out to them all. They provided an experience that could only be enjoyed in this region of the world. The culture of South Africa is unique in that family, friends and community are given profound priority. Time and effort is made in fostering relationships and assisting where needed. This welcoming atmosphere spills over into the internship experience as friends, who quickly become family, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Cape winelands, lie around all day at one of the many beaches, spend a night out on the town, or sit up late at night around the kitchen table laughing.
I interned at the Southern African Media and Gender Institute (SAMGI), which is a diverse organization employing people from Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Dubai, United States and South Africa – and which relies heavily on the talents of each individual. Thousands of miles away from home, I was embarking on the type of life of which I had dreamed for so long and towards which I diligently applied myself. I had few desires for my internship and the work that I would accomplish other than placing my educational knowledge at the forefront of my duties. However, my supervisors were adamant that I contribute as an equal, and they maintained that I would be held to the same standards of performance as those expected of the full-time employees. My years of professional office experience and educational background was fully utilized and was adequate preparation for my duties that increased substantially as time progressed.
One of the most profound experiences was the privilege of accompanying a SAMGI field instructor to Hawaqua (pronounced hä-vä-qua) Men’s Prison. I thoroughly enjoyed assisting the trainer with the classroom exercises. The students were articulate, intelligent, and curious, which led to involved, enlightened, and jocular discussions. I found it very difficult to leave on my final visit before flying home. The students waved to me as they were being marched back to quarters while I stood outside the gate fighting back tears. These young men stole my heart as well as my imagination and I will cherish them always.
Cape Town, South Africa, is a city eager for the abilities and contributions of talented individuals. It attracts people from all over the world. The people whom I have the extreme privilege to now call friends are lively, caring, jovial and passionate, living their lives within some of the most beautiful and culturally rich landscape in the world. These are a proud people for whom I hope the best of outcomes. I am truly grateful for the pleasure they have given me."
-Chris Mitchell, pictured on the left with fellow VAC participant, Liz Kaoh during a VAC Friday Activity in March 2009.
Latest Flickr Photos
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