Gap Year Program
GAP Year Internship Program
250+ Pre-College GAP Participants hosted since 2019
The Ultimate GAP Year Experience
The VACorps GAP Year Internship Program offers the perfect blend of professional skill-building, cultural immersion, and unforgettable adventures—all set in the stunning city of Cape Town. This unique, college-level experience is designed specifically for pre-college students, with no prior experience required.
If you’re ready to take a break from the traditional academic path and focus on your personal and professional growth, the VACorps GAP Program is your chance to develop the independence and skills you need to thrive in college and beyond.
The supportive community at my internship site and VACorps, coupled with unforgettable experiences shared with newfound friends, have left an indelible mark on me. I leave with a profound appreciation for this enriching journey and am already looking forward to returning to this extraordinary city.
Key Program Features
Customized Internships
Gain hands-on experience in your chosen field, from sustainability to film, human rights, healthcare, business, marketing and more.
Comprehensive Orientation and 24/7 Emergency Support
Our orientation is fun and interactive, giving you everything you need to settle in while getting out and about in the city. We keep classroom time short and focus on showing you around the city. From essential health and safety tips to local insights, you’ll gain the confidence to explore Cape Town safely and independently. Plus, we’re available 24/7 and just a call away if you ever need assistance!
Career Readiness Workshop
As part of your orientation, you’ll partake in the LeadMe Academy “Career Kickstart Workshops”, where you’ll learn practical skills like goal-setting, creating a standout LinkedIn profile, and turning your Cape Town internship into a career-launching opportunity.
Weekly Program Meet-ups
VAC staff lead weekly activities where you will have the opportunity to explore the best of Cape Town, from hiking Table Mountain, surfing in Muizenberg, and sailing in Table Bay.
Independent, Community-Based Living
The fixed-date program brings together a diverse group of pre-college participants, all set for an incredible adventure. You’ll have your own room in one of three shared apartments in the same building, creating a close-knit community where it’s easy to connect, collaborate, and explore your new surroundings together.
What to Expect
The VACorps GAP Program offers pre-college students a perfect blend of support and independence. You’ll gain valuable pre-professional work experience while having the freedom to explore South Africa’s vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. All of this happens within a structured, supportive environment alongside a dynamic group of international participants.
After a week-long orientation, you’ll start your internship, working four days a week. While some internships are more demanding than others, a typical workday lasts between 5 to 8 hours. Every Monday, we host our Program Culture Series, where you’ll dive into various aspects of South African culture and have a chance to catch up with friends and staff.
We use Friday afternoons for our weekly program meetups, where we enjoy one of Cape Town’s amazing adventures together. Weekends are yours to relax, explore, or join optional group activities and weekend trips.
Program Details
2026 Winter/Spring Program Dates: |
Jan 6th – March 6th, followed by an optional 6-day Kruger Safari (Mar 6 – Mar 11) |
2026 Late Spring Program Dates |
March 15th – May 16th, followed by an optional 6-day Kruger Safari (May 16 – May 21) |
2026 Fall Program Dates: |
August 30th – Nov 14th (optional 5-day trip to the Chobe River in Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe from Oct 30 – Nov 3) |
Program Tuition Fee: |
$3675 |
Program Housing Cost: |
$26 per day |
Optional 6-day Kruger Park Trip (Spring) |
$1550 including flight to Johannesburg (approx.) |
Optional 5-day trip to Victoria Falls & Chobe River (Fall) |
$1850 including return flight to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe(approx.) |
This was the best gap year experience I could have had. My time in Cape Town was transformative, leaving me with unforgettable memories, new friendships, valuable skills, and a clearer direction for my future studies and career.
Gap Year Internship Program Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience for the internship?
No, our internships are tailored to your skill level and interests.
Is Cape Town safe?
Yes! Like most big cities, Cape Town has its challenges, but sticking to basic safety tips and following our local advice will help you stay safe. We provide comprehensive safety guidance and 24/7 support to ensure you are comfortable navigating the city independently.
What does the program cost include?
Your program fee covers your orientation, internship placement, weekly adventures, weekly cultural workshops, and on-the-ground support. Your program fee excludes airfare, accommodation food and other living costs.
Where will I live?
All Gap participants stay in shared apartments located in Observatory, a vibrant suburb just outside Cape Town’s city center. Each participant has their own private room. Bathroom, living and kitchen areas are shared with fellow program participants. All program houses and apartments are located within walking distance of each other and the VAC offices, as well as nearby amenities like restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies etc.
Please note that housing is billed separately from the VAC program fee.
Click here for more information on program housing
For more FAQ’s please click here
VACorps is proud to be one of only 26 gap year programs worldwide to have achieved Gap Year Association (GYA) Accredited status. The Gap Year Association is the official Standards Development Organization (SDO) for gap year education in the United States, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. This accreditation signifies that the VACorps Gap Year Program meets the highest internationally recognized standards for educational quality, student support, ethics, and operational excellence in experiential learning.
To maintain its role as an SDO, GYA regularly updates its Standards of Best Practice in Gap Year Education, drawing on input from a diverse group of experts in experiential education, risk management, and related fields through its Standards & Accreditation Committee. As a GYA Accredited Program Provider, VACorps receives formal recognition within GYA materials, is authorized to display the GYA Seal of Accreditation, and is eligible to participate in GYA’s College Credit Program, allowing gap year students the opportunity to earn college credit. This accreditation reflects VACorps’ ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and delivering a rigorous, meaningful gap year experience.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Looking to gain valuable pre-professional experience while exploring one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations? The VACorps GAP Program combines professional growth with unforgettable adventures, offering a truly transformative gap year experience.
Hear It from Past VACorps GAP Year Internship Program Participants
Take a moment to watch these video testimonials from past GAP participants. They share how the VAC GAP program changed their lives, shaped their careers, and gave them experiences they’ll never forget. Their stories say it better than we ever could!
Please visit our testimonials page for more reflections from past participants
Spencer Meyers
New York, USA
Spencer spent his gap year in Cape Town, South Africa, where he interned at a local television station! Hear what he has to say about his time with VACorps in Cape Town.
Alena Powell
New York City Metropolitan Area, USA
Alena spent her gap year travelling across 10 countries on four continents! One of her stops was Cape Town, South Africa, where she interned at a local radio station. Hear what she has to say about her time with VACorps in Cape Town!
Samantha Brabeck
Reading, Massachusetts, United States
Sam spent her gap year in Cape Town, South Africa, where she interned as a counselor at a maternal health clinic. Hear what she has to say about her time with VACorps in Cape Town!
Explore your gap year
Cape Town, South Africa
If you want to learn more about taking a gap year in Cape Town, South Africa, head to here