Emily Gillespie

"Living and interning abroad is not something that you can convince anyone to do. But if gaining knowledge about yourself and another culture while acquiring hands-on experience is something you have written into your plans—and South Africa seems like an exciting new place to explore—then I highly recommend Volunteer Adventure Corps to you.

"Even before I started college I knew I wanted to study abroad.  But it was not until my sophomore year when I really started researching my options that I considered the idea of interning while living in a different country. It made perfect sense. Journalism is my passion, so how could I possibly pass up the opportunity to write for a magazine and live in the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa?  It’s been almost a year since I made that decision, and it is by far the best and most influential decision I have made thus far in my life. My time here has been invaluable. I have confirmed my professional future: I know now, more than ever, that this is what I want to do. I have grown as a person: I have met many people who have inspired me to become better, and others who have tested my limits. I have learned about a new culture: talking to people on the streets, in the mini-buses and experiencing their lives, I have seen first hand the humanity behind the facts you read in newspapers. I have learned to love a new culture and gained a new perspective on the world.

"Now, you might ask, why VACorps? VACorps for me offered the perfect amount of “cushion.” I felt independent to explore on my own—there were no rules or requirements aside from going to my job everyday. At the same time, I had a good balance of group activities and overall help, and I did not feel stranded or overwhelmed. The people that are there to help you are understanding and willing. Sean and Oliver have amazing vitality, and their excitement to show you their gem of a country is contagious.

"After living in Cape Town for five months, the most important memory I have taken away from this experience is of the people I met. The type of people that travel and live abroad are generally one and the same—they are all after a similar experience, looking at life the same way—and bonding with them is something almost impossible not to do. Wine tasting, hikes, weekend getaways, great conversation and nights on the town are memories that no one can take from me. I have made friends that would be perfectly fine with me calling them after a few years of no contact and saying, “Hey, I’m coming to Toronto! Want to meet up?” And their response would surely be, “Of course, you’re staying with me!”

Cape Town, South Africa is a city unlike any other. It offers beautiful mountains and beaches, extreme wealth and poverty, a history still trying to be overcome and an opportunity to learn at every moment. The word “grateful” does not even begin to sum up my feelings of my overall experience, but I am truly grateful for every ounce of what I have learned during my time in South Africa."  Emily Gillespie. Eugene, Oregon.  June 2009. 

-Emily poses on the edge of Lion's Head during our Friday hike in June 2009. See more photos from the hike HERE.