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
Michelle Pinter-Petrillo
Dates of Participation: Between January 2011 & April 2011
“During my sophomore year while looking at options for studying abroad I quickly realized that I did not want to study at a university. Instead of spending my time in a classroom I wanted to be in the field, working in a different culture, rather than worrying about studying for a test. I wanted to spend my energy getting to know individuals from all over the world rather than reading a textbook and VACorps gave me just that. Through my internship at FoodTents, an urban agriculture organization, I was able to work one-on-one with South African individuals discovering a different culture, different ways of communication, and the ins and outs of a non-profit organization. I had the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the organization while receiving internship credit for school. I believe that my internship experience through VACorps was an abroad experience that could not be matched by any study abroad program through any university. An abroad internship provides hands-on learning unlike any classroom, no matter the country.
Beyond the internship, VACorp provides an inside look into the city of Cape Town. Instead of finding tourist attractions on our own, the VACorps staff was incredibly eager to share the local secrets of their beloved city with us. Every Friday they took us on a hike, wine tour, to build a community garden, or some other adventure that we could not have done on our own. Beyond the Friday excursions, the VACorps staff was constantly suggesting adventures of our own and even spending their own free-time showing us a Cape Town that was far beyond any travel book or touristy website. I cannot fully express how much the enthusiasm and passion of the VACorps staff impacted my trip and view of Cape Town. Their love for this beautiful city has been passed onto us, forever giving Cape Town a special place in my heart.”
-Michelle Pinter-Petrillo participated in an urban agriculture internship in Cape Town from January-April of 2011 through VACorps.
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.
