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
Sam Gips
Dates of Participation: Between January 2011 & March 2011
“The past two months have been some of the best times of my whole life. I will never forget my experience here. I literally haven’t had a second to rest the whole time I have been here. It has been a nonstop adventure. And I wouldn’t have it had any other way.
One of the key reasons why my experience was so incredible was due to the amazing hospitality, kindness, professionalism and fun loving attitude of the VACorps staff. Never before the VACorps, have I been in a program where I could actually consider the staff of the program friends. The staff of VACorps went out of their way to make sure everyone had a great time. Cape Town is an amazing city but having the insight of the staff into the city was truly invaluable and gave us all an experience we never would have had on our own. It was also very comforting to know that if I ever had a serious problem there would always be someone there to help.
I believe that the Cape Town Refugee Center was definitely the right internship for me as well. Being able to interact and listen to the stories of so many fascinating people was certainly a powerful and moving experience. While CTRC was at times very frustrating, the lessons I have learned while working there will serve me well in the rest of my life.
My two months here in Cape Town have flown by. Although, it is very hard to leave, I know that the friends and memories I have made here will be with me for the rest of my life. I truly cannot put into my words my gratitude towards the staff of the VACorps. You guys have given me the experience of a lifetime. Goodbye for now, though I’m sure it won’t be too long before Cape Town calls me back again…”
-Sam Gips, pictured at far left, particiated in a refugee internship through VACorps from January-March of 2011.
Latest Flickr Photos
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