FAQs
Cape Town
Internship FAQs


Why should I pick the VACorps program over other internship providers in South Africa?
Our reputation speaks for itself. We’ve been in the business of placing interns at incredible organizations in Cape Town since 2006. We are one of the only programs in South Africa with formal university partnerships—a testament to the quality matches we create between interns and host sites. Unlike other providers, we exclusively offer internships in Cape Town, allowing our team to focus its talents on managing a single program location. We offer a variety of weekly activities that will help you engage the city’s vibrant culture while establishing friendships with other interns in the program. Participants also have access to our safe, secure, and affordable program housing.
GoAbroad.com rated VACorps as the Top Rated Provider in 2024 and GoOverseas.com awarded VACorps with three Community Choice Awards in 2024 (Categories: Support, Housing, and fun). Our amazing alumni are busy forging successful careers throughout the world thanks to their internship experiences in South Africa with VACorps. So yes, there are more than a few reasons you should consider our program if Cape Town is your top choice destination for an internship!
How much does the VACorps program cost?
For internships ranging from 1-3 months, we charge a flat fee of $3,175. To learn more about what’s included in this cost, please visit this page HERE.
What happens when I arrive in Cape Town?
A member of the VACorps team will personally meet you at the airport and transfer you directly to your accommodation. We recommend arriving on a Sunday, as your program orientation begins on Monday. The purpose of orientation week is to help you feel comfortable in the city that will be your home during your stay in South Africa.
This video explains what to expect during your orientation week.
Why are all VACorps internships unpaid placements?
We do not facilitate paid internships for VACorps participants. By law, non-citizens cannot receive compensation in South Africa without a Permanent Residency Permit or a General Work Permit.
On the upside, internship sites that are hosting you on an unpaid/voluntary basis are more likely to give you a meaningful internship role because they are not motivated to receive maximum “value” in exchange for monetary compensation. Paid internships often involve menial tasks and administrative responsibilities whereas the internships we create for our participants will deliver a far more meaningful and immersive professional experience.
Why is housing not included in the program cost?
To learn more about program accommodation and the latest daily rates, please visit our accommodation page.
Can I gain credit hours for this internship?
VACorps does not issue credits directly but our staff and internship sites will assist you with any paperwork your school requires in order to gain credit hours.
What is the VACorps African Union Scholarship?
Because VACorps is a proudly South African company that aspires to promote greater pan-African participation in our program, we offer a special $1,000 AU scholarship discount to anyone who can prove citizenship and currently resides in a country within the African Union.
Do I need a visa to enter South Africa?
Yes, but it’s a very simple process as they’re issued at the airport when you arrive (and free!). If you hold a non-American, Canadian, or UK passport, please ask our staff directly so we can advise you accordingly.
Where will I live?
Be sure to view our neighborhood tour and program housing videos on our YouTube channel.
What are the recommended arrival dates?
We recommend that you arrive on one of the “Best Arrival Dates” listed below to ensure that you will participate in your VACorps program orientation with other new interns who have just arrived in the city. Your orientation will be more enjoyable when experienced in a group and it’s always fun to explore a new city with other individuals, who like you, are visiting the city for the first time, and don’t know anyone in Cape Town.
Past participants have noted that some of their best friendships were established during their first few days in Cape Town. Remember that anyone accepted to the VACorps program is adventurous, open-minded, and culturally curious! So the program orientation is an ideal place to connect with fellow program participants and start planning adventures and excursions in Cape Town. If you arrive outside of our Best Arrival Dates, there is a chance you will be the only person attending the orientation and you may not establish friendships as quickly.
Program Session Dates + BEST Arrival Dates for 2025
2025
Session 2 (2025) May – August
BEST Session 2 Arrival Dates: May 4th, May 18th, June 1st, June 15th, June 29th, and July 13th.
Session 3 (2025) September – December
BEST Session 3 Arrival Dates: August 31st, September 28th, and October 12th.
*Please note that we do not accept program arrivals in December.
VACorps “Fall” Gap Year Program dates: August 31st – November 8th. (Optional trip to Kruger Park from November 8th – November 13th)
2026
Session 1 (2026) January – April
BEST Session 1 Arrival Dates: January 18th, February 1st, February 15th, and March 1st.
VACorps “Spring” Gap Year Program dates: January 6th – March 6th. (Optional trip to Kruger Park from March 6th – March 11th)
Session 2 (2026) May – August
BEST Session 2 Arrival Dates: May 10th, May 24th, June 7th, June 21st, July 5th, and July 19th.
Session 3 (2026) September – December
BEST Session 3 Arrival Dates: August 30th, September 27th, and October 11th.
*Please note that we do not accept program arrivals in December.
VACorps “Fall” Gap Year Program dates: September 6th – November 7th. (Optional trip to Kruger Park from November 8th – November 13th)
I recently graduated from college. Do I have to be enrolled in school to participate in the VACorps program?
Is there an age requirement?
Do you offer internships in cities other than Cape Town?
What is the weather like?
Are there any health concerns?
What does the name, VACorps, mean?
During our naming brainstorm, we looked at the fundamental elements of such an experience and came up with the following:
1) Participants would be volunteering their time at various organizations during their trip.
2) Participants would be signing up for a travel adventure.
3) Participants would be participating in the adventure within the context of a group of fellow travelers.
After bouncing a few of these ideas around, we came up with “Volunteer Adventure Corps” and after a quick search of available website addresses, we registered www.vacorps.com. And in 2006, an internship program was born.
I only speak English. Will this affect my internship experience?
How do I apply to the program?
Do I have to go on the VACorps Social Excursions?
What currency is used in South Africa?
Should I bring my cell phone to South Africa?
Which internship sites are the most competitive?
How much money should I budget for my living expenses during the duration of my internship in Cape Town?
Where can I get more information about Cape Town and the VACorps internship program?
Otherwise, Cape Town Magazine and Lonely Planet are great sources of information, in addition to our Go Abroad listing which showcases the program with alumni and staff interviews as well.
Is there high-speed internet in South Africa?
Will I be safe in South Africa?
Is Cape Town close to Big 5 safaris?
Do I need any shots or medical check-ups before I come to South Africa?
Can I do two internships?
Will I get reference letters from my internship site?
Can you offer a breakdown of my VACorps program tuition?
VACorps program tuition is distributed in such a way to ensure that you have a quality program experience in Cape Town. The following chart offers a breakdown of how your tuition is allocated:
- Staff Salaries – 29%
- Supporting Operations – 21%
- Outreach & Program Media – 14%
- Facility Costs – 7%
- Insurance & Compliance – 6%
- Program Development -5%
- General Transportation – 5%
- Program Activities – 3%
- University Partnerships – 3%
- Adminstrative Costs – 3%
- Charitable Giving – 2%