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
Agnes Sokol
Dates of Participation: Between April 2008 & July 2008
"VACorps has an impressive list of internship placement sites offering interns a chance to work at some of Cape Town’s best organizations regardless of what your academic focus may be. My internship at the Amy Biehl Foundation Trust allowed me to learn first hand about development and fundraising in the private sector and has been a huge asset while applying for professional positions back in the U.S. Within my first week at the site, I was given responsibility for multi-million dollar grants and was able to work with various embassies, consulates and South African and U.S government agencies in developing our fundraising proposals. My time at Amy Biehl has recommitted me to the mission of the foundation and I am continuing my work with the org. back at home by holding fundraisers and benefits in DC.
Taking part in the VACorps program definitely enriched my experience abroad. The program provides interns with a balance of being a strong support system and allowing for freedom and independence while exploring your new home. I was able to work and play with people from all over the world and through VACorps have gained not only a vital internship experience but have also formed lifelong friendships with interns from the program.
Participating in VACorps allowed us an insider’s look at life in Cape Town otherwise inaccessible to interns and students abroad. From delving into apartheid history at the District Six Museum, to sailing lessons at a local regatta, and helping to celebrate at a traditional Xhosa wedding, VACorps and their knowledge of the city offers program participants a much deeper immersion into the culture and history of South Africa. The fact that me and several other interns plan to reconnect and plan our way back is a testament to our wonderful experience and having enjoyed every minute of my time I would highly recommend the VACorps program to anyone heading to Cape Town!"
-Agnes Sokol, who is pictured furthest to the right, interned at the Amy Bielh Foundation from April to July, 2008
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.
