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Volunteer Adventure Corps 
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The VACorps Internship Program in Cape Town, South Africa Lauren Everitt
“South Africa Internship Cape Town.” I entered the terms into the Google search bar, sifted through the results, read over the intern reviews, clicked through the photos, and checked the prices. In fact, that’s exactly what you might be doing right now.
If I was eager to Google, I was hesitant to commit. But as my four-month internship (I extended it after three) and nearly a year in hindsight would demonstrate, VACorps was the best Google result I had ever turned up. I joined VACorps as a journalist intern. My journalism experience was limited, but after two years in the corporate world I knew the cubicle culture wasn’t for me. I was ready to pursue a lifelong interest in a country that held the lure of the unfamiliar.
VACorps arranged an internship with a leading Cape Town magazine, The Big Issue. I expected my role would involve switching out the stale coffee grounds and copyediting like its American counterparts. However, it quickly became apparent that in South Africa I was a bonafide journalist; within the first week Editor Donald Paul had us out in the field, press passes in hand.
During my stint as a Big Issue journalist I sat in on a round table discussion with some of astronomy’s leading minds as they debated the location of the world’s largest radio telescope. I also had the opportunity to interview Allan Boesak. I didn’t know much about him beforehand aside from a colorful Encyclopedia Britannica article, but I quickly came to realize that South African politicians can put Washington D.C. to shame in soap opera-worthy escapades.While the internship provided the outline for my jouney, the richness of South Africa colored my experience. The only fitting comparison for the cultural diversity is the landscape itself, which ranges from stunning beaches to thriving urban areas to breathtaking mountain vistas, all within a 10-mile radius. My only regret was that there simply wasn’t enough time to soak it all in.
The friendships I formed within VACorps completed the experience. My time in South Africa defied words (which feel inadequate even now), but the awesome thing about the program is that you share the experience with 20 or so others; within these friendships the descriptions are rendered unnecessary. The lasting relationships that I formed in the crucible of our shared kitchen over South African wine are perhaps the greatest gift I walked away with, and one that I continue to take advantage of through email exchanges and free couch accommodation in multiple states.
Had I flown into South Africa as an insolated traveler, my experience would have been much different. From greeting me at the airport, to arranging accommodation and providing essential local knowledge, VACorps was a safety net that didn’t smother. Sean and Oliver were readily available to dispense cautionary advice, recommendations and general Cape Townian saviness without the handholding. Ever responsive to the quick texted question on how to obtain a Zimbabwean Visa or the best pizza in Observatory, they put Rick Steves to shame.
My experiences abroad through the VA Corps program provided me with the affirmation I needed to pursue a career in journalism, and I am in the process of applying to graduate schools for my masters in the subject. As you continue your Googling, my best advice would be to follow the results of your search. It’s amazing how spot on key words can be. —Lauren Everitt. Austin, Texas. November, 2009.
-Lauren Everitt, pictured at right, participated in an internship in Cape Town from January-April of 2009. She is pictured here during the VACorps friday excursion to Crystal Pools. See more photos HERE.
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