Isabel Sweeney, Connecticut, USA (2021)

Isabel joined the VACorps program in January 2021 as part of her gap year, and participated in a film and media internship at a community television station in Cape Town.  She will begin her studies in Communications with a concentration in Film and Media Studies at the University of Pennsylvania this year. 

“Being a part of VACorps has been amazing for a number of reasons. Not only did I learn about myself as an individual living alone, but I also learned about the unique cultures and people of South Africa. At my internship, I was given incredible opportunities and responsibilities that taught me more than 4 years in a classroom could have. I especially loved when I was thrown right into the deep end at my internship site and was asked to fill in for a guest on live TV on my second day of work. I loved the community here and the freedom, not to mention the insane landscape and natural beauty. I stayed for three months and enjoyed every second of it, though at some points I did feel very far from home. For interns coming in, they should know that they really will be living on their own and figuring out how to live independently. I loved every member of the staff and especially loved hanging out with Kholi and Kuselwa. I am grateful for the accessibility and generosity of the staff. No matter the issue, I was always able to text Oliver, Leanne, or any others with questions and the response was quick and helpful. I will miss everything about Cape Town but mostly the food and the group of interns at VACorps.”