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
Justin Dybka

Dates of Participation: Between February 2012 & May 2012
"I came to this country not knowing what to expect at all. After being here for four months I can honestly say that it was and will be some of the best times of my life. There was very rarely a dull moment. It seemed like there was always something to do and new things to explore. If you are an outdoors person you will love it here. I enjoyed hiking, surfing and going to the numerous beaches the most. The city is amazing, unlike anywhere I have ever been. The scenery is fantastic, the people are friendly and it is rich in culture. As great as Cape Town was itself, the many people I met here were just as big a part of making the experience so amazing. From the day you arrive to the day you leave you are constantly going to be meeting new people from all over the world. The program attracts awesome people who are very adventurous and you will always be able to find others who are willing to get out and do something.
The staff at Volunteer Adventure Corps (VAC) were very good. You could always count on them to help you out and they made the transition to life in Cape Town very smooth. They really do feel more like your friends than people who work for you. The weekly activities were a good way to get out and see the area. I would also highly recommend going on one of the trips that VAC organizes. My internship at a civil engineering firm was exactly what I was looking for coming out of college. It started out a bit slow but by the end of my time I had a lot of interesting work and responsibility on projects all across South Africa.
This was a great way to gain some valuable work experience and do some travelling before I look to find a permanent job. I am very grateful for having this opportunity and am left with so many amazing memories. I will miss my time here very much and hope to come back soon. I also hope to keep in touch with all the awesome people I met out here."
-Justin Dybka, pictured during a VAC Township Braai.
































































































































































