Kylie Jeffrey
Genre of Internship: Occupational Therapy
Dates of Participation:
March 2013 - May 2013
"In my undergraduate I did a 3 week winter break study abroad trip to Cape Town where I learned all about global inequities and racial inequality in Cape Town. Needless to say I fell in ... read more
"It still hasn't hit me yet that I'm actually back in America even though it's been a week. After I graduated college, like most 20-somethings, I wasn't exactly sure of what I wanted to ... read more
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
Jennifer Reynolds
Dates of Participation: Between August 2011 & November 2011
"There’s no easy way to sum up my experiences here. Everything I’ve done, everyone I’ve met and all the places I’ve been have been amazing. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. As I packed to begin my South African journey the same questions kept playing in my mind 'What am I doing?' 'What made me think this was such a great idea' and 'What have I just gotten myself into?!' After getting here I realized that there was really no reason to be worried about any of that.
Life in Obs is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. From living on Station with housemates from all over the world, to having restaurants you want within walking distance, and a train that will take you to anywhere around Cape Town you want, makes life seem like it couldn’t get any better. Obviously it can, because that’s just Obs. Living in Cape Town in general was one of the most phenomenal 13 weeks of my life, an unforgettable journey through experiencing a mix of cultures, food (mainly food!), the sights, and a little work here and there(or so it seemed). My time overall in Cape Town was more like a 3 month vacation than anything and I still was able to fill all my internship requirements for school. What could be better?
Working at Athlone School for the Blind was such a great fit for me, my supervisors welcomed me and the kids there loved the new attention from someone so different. One of the first questions I got at the school was “Are you from the same planet as me?!” I’ve gained more knowledge and experience than I ever could have dreamed of getting back in the States and the only difference was being in another country. Seems pretty easy…I should do this all the time!
All-in-all, living in a city that recently has become home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World is something I would never trade. The VAC staff welcomed me in and became more than just supervisors, they became friends. I have gained lifelong memories, friends and experiences being here and now the question simply is “When do I get to come back?!”
-Jennifer Reynolds participated in an occupational therapy internship with VACorps from August to September of 2011.
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