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
Riley Mahn
Dates of Participation: Between May 2009 & July 2009
"When I arrived in Cape Town last May I was excited, but also nervous that the summer wouldn’t be all that I had hoped for. Within a few days the VACorps program had already surpassed my expectations. Any homesickness I might have initially felt quickly faded as I got to know all the other interns and started navigating my way around Cape Town. All of the sudden two months didn’t seem like nearly enough time to experience all that Cape Town (and South Africa) had to offer. There is a limitless amount of things to see and do in Cape Town. Whatever your interests are, this city will be sure to have something for you.
My internship at Heideveld Community Health Clinic turned out to be extermely rewarding and I learned more than you could ever learn in a college classroom. I acquired hands-on experience in medicine that probably would not have been possible in the States. Initially, I worked at the clinic's intake desk, making appointments and helping with filing. After getting to know that staff and how the clinic runs its day-to-day operations, I progressed to working in other areas of the clinic. The nurses were awesome to work with and I was able to learn several medicinal procedures including drawing blood, giving injections, EKGs, wound care, and suture application. Gaining medical experience and knowledge wasn't the only benefit of the internship. Working in the community and getting to know your coworkers is also a great way to immerse yourself in South African culture.
Working at the clinic was an amazing exprience, but the activities outside of my internship were even more memorable. Whether I was playing a pick-up game with VAC's soccer club, attending a braai in one of the townships, hiking one of the various mountain peaks, or spending a night out on Long Street, there was never a dull moment in Cape Town. I never imagined that I would make such good friends with all the other interns and the VACorps staff as well. Exploring a foreign country is a bonding experience and it's impossible not to form friendships right off the bat. I still keep in touch with many of the VACorps interns and we plan on meeting for a reunion soon.
You will have a great deal of independence in Cape Town, but Oliver and the rest of the VACorps team are not far away if you ever need anything. My decision to spend the summer in Cape Town was last minute. Let's just say that I didn't have my parents' blessing and along with that no help to finance the trip. I went anyway, and it's one of the best decisions I have ever made. From my internship experience, to making lasting friendships, to exploring another country, it was an adventure and I loved every minute of it. My only regret was that I couldn't have stayed longer. Cape Town is absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait to go back some day."
-Riley Mahn particiaped in a medical internship in Cape Town with VACorps from May - July of 2009.
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