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
Elli Mathis
Dates of Participation: Between May 2011 & July 2011
"My time in Cape Town with VACorps has been an incredible experience that has truly changed my life. Cape Town is the most beautiful place with so much to see and do… and amazing food! The outdoor friendly atmosphere gave me the opportunity to go on incredible hikes and enjoy beautiful sunsets on the beach. VACorps also made it possible for me to get my scuba dive certification along with other VACorps inters. We were able to dive not only in Cape Town but also in Mozambique! I went to Mozambique which was an incredible trip with beautiful untouched beaches, a different culture of Africa, and memories with great friends that I will never forget. The VACorps staff is a wonderful group of people that without a doubt want to make each intern have the experience of a lifetime. VACorps has been incredible at providing all sorts of activities and trips for their interns to experience as much as they can while in South Africa. It does not matter how long you are in Cape Town there is always something to do. I will always remember the great friendships that I have made with other interns and I am sure I will keep in contact with many of them.
Cape Town has taught me a lot about myself and has opened my eyes to the world. I have enjoyed learning about South Africa and meeting so many different people. In addition to experiencing the city of Cape Town, my internship provided me with the opportunity to experience a more impoverished area of the country. Interning at the Retreat Day Hospital clinic provided me with so many hands-on opportunities that I would not be able to do in the United States. I was able to draw blood, give injections, put in sutures and I was even able to end my internship by delivering a baby! The nurses and doctors at the day hospital were so nice and willing to teach me everything. Furthermore, the relationships I formed with the staff will always impact my life. I have learned so much while at Retreat and I could not have asked for a better internship! If you want to do an internship in South Africa I would highly recommend contacting VACorps for an internship that will change your life!"
-Elli Mathis, pictured left, participated in a medical internship through VACorps from May-July of 2011.
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.
