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
Sasha Riddle
Dates of Participation: Between January 2012 & April 2012
"As I sit at the airport and attempt to reflect on the past 10 weeks I spent in Cape Town, I can’t help but realize that I truly did not have one bad day. Of course, there were days that I was more tired then others or days with bad weather, but even those were little and few. There is something about Cape Town that makes every single day exciting and motivates one to constantly want to go out and take advantage of what this beautiful city has to offer. I feel extremely lucky to have been part of such an incredibly motivated and positive group of interns. There was never a single day that someone was not planning some type of activity, braai or adventure. Also, VACtivities were a perfect way to experience different parts of Cape Town, as well as bond and get to know other interns. The Hermanus and Garden Route Trips were both highlights to my experience. Not only was it a great way to see South Africa outside of Cape Town, but it was also a chance to really get to know other people in VAC. I feel really lucky to have had an internship where I was able to connect with my coworkers on a personal level. They have allowed me to realize that Documentary Film truly is what I want to pursue, and I am so thankful for that.
One of my favorite parts about my experience was getting the chance to become close friends with people from all over the world. Most nights, dinner would consist of a meal with people from different continents and several countries. Not only was I exposed to many South African cultures at work during the day, but I was able to come home to a “United Nations” of friends. This is something I will treasure for the rest of my life.
One’s experience in Cape Town is temporary, meaning, you should truly take advantage of every opportunity at work, at home, and with VAC. I think the best advice that someone gave me while I was in Cape Town was that I could sleep on the plane ride home….I think I’ll go do that now."
-Sasha Riddle, pictured at right, during the VACorps Friday Excursion to the Constantia Wine Country.
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.
