FAQs

Cape Town
Internship FAQs

Why should I pick the VACorps program over other internship providers in South Africa?

Our reputation has been built over nearly two decades of placing interns with organisations across Cape Town. Since 2006, we’ve developed strong local relationships and formal university partnerships that help us create thoughtful matches between participants and host organisations.

We focus exclusively on Cape Town, and our entire team lives here. The people you speak to before you arrive are the same people you meet once you get here, so there is a real sense of continuity from the start. That local presence shapes everything from the placement process to the support you receive while you are in the city.

Outside the internship, there is a whole Cape Town life happening around you. It is an extraordinary city to live and work in, with mountains, beaches, neighbourhoods, history and a pace of life that quickly becomes part of the experience. Weekly activities give participants a reason to get out into the city, try new things and spend time together, while the wider VAC community means there are usually familiar faces around whether you are heading for a hike, grabbing dinner or stopping by the office. Program housing is also available through our housing partner, which puts many participants close to one another and to the VAC team.

That experience has also earned VAC consistent recognition over many years. GoAbroad recognition dates back to 2015, while Go Overseas has named VAC a Community Choice Awards Winner every year from 2018 through 2025. Most recently, GoAbroad recognised VAC as a Top Rated Intern Abroad program in South Africa for 2026 and ranked us #1 among its Top Rated Gap Year Providers in 2025.

What does it mean that VACorps is a “cohort-based” program?

Unlike many other internship programs in the region that may have only a handful of participants at a time, VACorps operates as a cohort-based program. This means you’ll join a vibrant community of fellow interns who arrive, live, and explore Cape Town together—creating a shared, supportive, and highly social experience both inside and outside your internship placement. At most times of the year, the program includes at least 10 participants, while during the more popular periods (January–March and May–July), there are often more than 50 interns in Cape Town with VACorps.

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?

VAC does not facilitate paid internships for participants. Foreign nationals cannot legally receive compensation for work in South Africa without the appropriate permanent residency or work authorization.

There is a real advantage to an unpaid placement. Because your host is not hiring you to fill a salaried position, there is more room for the experience to be shaped around learning, professional exposure and contribution. You can get involved in the day-to-day life of the organization, learn from the people around you and gain a much broader sense of how the work is actually done. This often creates the conditions for a more varied, immersive professional experience than a narrowly defined paid role.

Why is housing not included in the program cost?

Because VACorps offers flexible scheduling (most participants stay in South Africa for 4 – 12 weeks), we have unbundled housing costs from the VACorps program fee. You will pay your accommodation fees directly to our housing provider, Rent-a-Room, who will only charge you for the exact number of days that you will be living in program housing.

To learn more about program accommodation and the latest daily rates, please visit our program housing page.

Can I gain credit hours for this internship?

We do not issue academic credit directly; however, we have a school-of-record agreement with Indiana University. If you wish to receive college credit for participating in the VACorps program, we offer a special for-credit session in partnership with IU that runs from June 1 to July 31. Please contact us for more information about the application process.

Do you offer any scholarships or discounts?

At VACorps, we offer a range of scholarships and discounts designed to recognize outstanding individuals and make our programs more accessible. Learn more about the opportunities available by visiting our Scholarships & Discounts page.

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?

Almost all of our program participants opt to live in our program housing together in the neighborhood of Observatory, otherwise known as “Obs” to local Capetonians. It’s located just south of the main city center and has everything you need. From grocery stores, great restaurants, lively cafés, and quick and easy access to public transportation. It also has a distinctly “college town” feel thanks to its close proximity to the University of Cape Town, which gives the neighborhood a youthful, vibrant energy.

What are the recommended arrival dates?

We recommend arriving on one of the “Best Arrival Dates” listed below whenever possible. This means you can take part in your VAC orientation alongside other participants who are also settling into Cape Town, learning their way around the city and beginning their programmes.

There is something particularly valuable about experiencing those first few days together. Past participants often tell us that some of their closest friendships began soon after they arrived in Cape Town. People who choose VAC tend to share a sense of curiosity and a willingness to experience somewhere new, and orientation creates an easy opportunity to meet one another, explore the city together and start making plans for the weeks ahead.

You can still arrive outside of the Best Arrival Dates, and we will make sure you receive the orientation and practical preparation you need. However, depending on the time of year, your orientation group may be smaller and you may even be the only new participant arriving at that time. If your travel plans allow it, arriving on a Best Arrival Date gives you the best opportunity to begin your Cape Town experience alongside other new participants.

Program Session Dates + BEST Arrival Dates for 2027

Session 1 (2027) January – April

BEST Session 1 Arrival Dates: January 17th, January 31st, February 14th, March 14th.

VAC “Winter/Spring” Gap Year Program dates: January 5th – March 5th. (Optional trip to Kruger Park from March 5th – March 10th)

VAC “Late Spring” Gap Year Program dates: March 14th – May 14th.

Session 2 (2027) May – August

BEST Session 2 Arrival Dates: May 16th, May 30th, June 13th, June 27th, July 11th, July 25th,

Session 3 (2027) September – December

BEST Session 3 Arrival Dates: September 5th, September 19th, October 3rd, and October 17th.

VAC “Fall” Gap Year Program dates: August 29th – November 19th.

I recently graduated from college. Do I have to be enrolled in school to participate in the VACorps program?

No! Many VACorps participants are recent college graduates who join our program to gain meaningful professional experience and build their résumés before beginning full-time careers or graduate studies. We also regularly host seasoned professionals who are exploring a career change or taking a purposeful career break.

Is there an age requirement?

You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the VACorps program. Exceptions to this rule will be considered if you have graduated from high school and also have permission from your guardians to participate in the VACorps program. The average age of VAC interns is 20-23 and 18-19 in our Gap Year programs.

Do you offer internships in cities other than Cape Town?

We’re based exclusively in Cape Town, which allows our staff to dedicate all their time and energy to enhancing our interns’ on-the-ground experience. We offer comprehensive support, and our offices are conveniently located right here in Observatory!

What is the weather like?

Since Cape Town is a stunning coastal city, it enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate — think warm, dry summers and mild, green winters. If you love sunshine, you’ll feel right at home here; the city basks in bright, golden light for most of the year. From beach days and mountain hikes to sunset picnics overlooking the ocean, Cape Town’s weather invites you to spend as much time outdoors as possible.

Are there any health concerns?

Although South Africa does have a high incidence of HIV/AIDS and TB, there is no reason to come into contact with these illnesses throughout your time in Cape Town. We will cover this in much greater detail upon your arrival and during your orientation, but otherwise, there are no health concerns you need to worry about.

What does the name, VACorps, mean?

You may not be aware that our program name, VACorps, is an abbreviation for Volunteer Adventure Corps.

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?

English is widely spoken in South Africa and you do not have to know another language to participate in our program. If you work at an internship within the townships, you will encounter Afrikaans or Xhosa, two of South Africa’s 11 official languages. Xhosa classes are offered to all participants as part of our weekly program activities & cultural series.

How do I apply to the program?

Before offering you the opportunity to apply to the VACorps Program, our Admissions Team will ask you several questions to learn more about you as a prospective candidate. We will invite qualified candidates to submit an application to the program, a process that involves a questionnaire submission and video interview.

Is this program suitable for a recent high school graduate planning to take a gap year?

Absolutely! We host pre-college gap year cohorts every January–March and September–November. Please see this page for more information about the specific program details.

What currency is used in South Africa?

The currency in South Africa is called the Rand. It is currently very weak against the US Dollar, Euro, and pound making travel to Cape Town more affordable now than ever before. To stay up to speed with current exchange rates, we recommend the reliable XE.com

Should I bring my cell phone to South Africa?

VACorps will provide you with a South African SIM Card or eSIM upon your arrival in Cape Town and show you how to purchase airtime/data for use here.

Which internship sites are the most competitive?

Our most competitive internships are our medical, counseling/psychology, and human rights opportunities. Make sure you apply months in advance if these categories are of interest to you.

How much money should I budget for my living expenses during the duration of my internship in Cape Town?

Please view our Example Participant Budget document to get a better sense of the costs you will encounter as an intern living in Cape Town.

Where can I get more information about Cape Town and the VACorps internship program?

Connecting with VACorps program alumni is one of the best ways to get more information about the VACorps program! Be sure to read our program testimonials or you can request to contact some of our past alumni directly. We are happy to assist with this!

Is there high-speed internet in South Africa?

Yes! There’s 5G & LTE connectivity in addition to high-speed internet in all of our program homes, numerous internet cafes, and our office has a fiber network, which our participants are more than welcome to use before and after work.

Will I be safe in South Africa?

One of the perks of joining the VACorps program is that our staff is based exclusively in Cape Town to fully support our interns throughout their time in South Africa. We do everything we can to assure a sense of safety and well-being while in the city, from safe & secure housing options, airport pickup, comprehensive arrival orientation, tour of the city, 24/7 emergency hotline and full staff support.

Is Cape Town close to Big 5 safaris?

Yes and no. There are numerous private game lodges which have The Big 5, but for a real African safari, you’ll need to head to Kruger National Park or north to Botswana or Zimbabwe. Ask your Admissions Advisor for more information if you’re interested as we can help you with travel planning and booking.

Do I need any shots or medical check-ups before I come to South Africa?

You don’t need any special immunizations before traveling to South Africa, though it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor or a travel health clinic for personalized advice. Cape Town has some of the world’s cleanest and freshest drinking water, and there is no risk of Yellow Fever or Malaria in the region.

Can I do two internships?

Yes! Please ask your Admissions Advisor for further details.

Will I get reference letters from my internship site?

At the end of your internship, we recommend that you kindly ask if your site feels comfortable or qualified to provide a reference letter. It’s useful to give them reasons why you are asking, i.e. graduate school application, for future employers, etc. and preference is given to interns who go above and beyond what is asked of them.

Can you offer a breakdown of my VACorps program tuition?

The VACorps internship program is a service, not a product. You will benefit greatly from the experience, dedication, and care provided by our staff and a majority of our costs are related to salaries, benefits, and training in addition to the supporting operations required to run our program. We put in a considerable amount of time and effort in building and maintaining relationships with the local organizations where we place VACorps participants, and each internship placement is designed with great care and consideration. Our in-country team is committed to helping you have an amazing experience in South Africa and will actively support you throughout your stay!

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%