Gap Year Program
Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town, South Africa
250+
Gap Year participants hosted since 2019
GYA Accredited
#1 Top Rated
Since 2007
A Gap Program Built Around a Customized Internship
KEY GAP PROGRAM FEATURES
Program at a Glance
PROGRAM TYPE
Fixed-date cohort Gap Year internship program
PROGRAM DATES
Jan 5 – Mar 5, 2027
Mar 14 – May 14, 2027
Aug 29 – Nov 19, 2027
PARTICIPANT AGE
Ages 18–20 years
PROGRAM COST
Program fee (1 term): $3,875
Program fee (2 terms): $5,525
Housing: $26 per day plus $1 per day electricity
PROGRAM LENGTH
8–10 weeks per term
Approx. 17 weeks across two terms
OPTIONAL TRAVEL
Kruger Park: approx. $1,550
A GYA-Accredited Gap Year Program
VAC is a Gap Year Association (GYA) Accredited Program Provider.
GYA accreditation involves an independent review of program operations, including participant safety, risk management, support, and program quality. It gives students and families an additional point of reference when comparing gap year programs.
YOUR JOURNEY WITH VAC
How the VAC Gap Program Works
1. Apply to the Program
Tell us what you are interested in exploring.
4. Arrive, Settle in, and Begin Your Internship
Settle in, attend orientation, and begin your placement.
2. We Develop Your Internship Placement
We work with suitable local hosts to explore a placement for you.
5. Experience Cape Town With Ongoing Support
Join the weekly program activities alongside your internship.
3. Prepare for Cape Town
Get practical guidance on housing, travel, and arrival.
6. Travel With Your Cohort
Optional group trips are available depending on your term.
YOUR INTERNSHIP
Choose Your Internship Field
Explore some of the fields available in Cape Town, or browse our full internship portfolio.
INCLUSIONS
What’s Included in Your Program Fee
Customized Internship Placement
Internship placement development and coordination.
In-Country Support Throughout Your Program
Guidance and support from our team throughout your stay as well as emergency support outside of business hours.
Weekly Program Meet-Ups
Regular activities with fellow participants.
Built-In Participant Community
A fixed-date group of fellow gap year participants.
Comprehensive Orientation
Practical guidance on transport, safety, and daily life.
Airport Arrival & Departure Services
Arrival pickup and departure transfer coordination.
Program Housing Coordination
Introductions to our housing partner and available room options. Housing is paid separately.
VAC Culture Series
Regular sessions exploring Cape Town and South African culture.
Additional costs: Housing, optional travel, flights, academic credit, and personal expenses are arranged or paid separately where applicable.
WHY VAC?
Why Choose VAC for Your Gap Year?
CAPE TOWN IS OUR ONLY DESTINATION
Cape Town is our only destination. Our relationships with local workplaces, housing providers, and communities are built here.
19 YEARS IN CAPE TOWN
Since 2007, we have helped international participants find their feet in Cape Town. Our office is based in Observatory, the same neighborhood where gap year participants live, so our team is nearby and easy to reach.
INTERNSHIPS BUILT AROUND THE INDIVIDUAL
We explore suitable internships with local hosts rather than asking you to pick from a fixed list.
THE SAME TEAM FROM START TO FINISH
The people you get to know before arrival are part of the local team you will meet in Cape Town.
INDEPENDENT, BUT WELL SUPPORTED
Live independently, knowing our team is nearby in Observatory when you need guidance.
LIFE IN AN EXTRAORDINARY CITY
Make Cape Town Your Home
A gap year is an opportunity to experience life somewhere new, and Cape Town is a remarkable place to do it. The mountains and coastline may capture your attention first, but it’s the people you meet, the perspectives you encounter, and the everyday experiences that make living here so memorable.
Extraordinary Nature on Your Doorstep
Table Mountain National Park sits right in the heart of Cape Town, just a short drive from Observatory. With mountains, forests, beaches, and spectacular coastal scenery so accessible, there’s an incredible amount to discover in your free time. Best of all, many of Cape Town’s most memorable outdoor experiences are free.
A City of Cultures, History, and Contrasts
Cape Town brings together an extraordinary diversity of cultures, languages, and perspectives. South Africa’s fascinating and complex history is woven into everyday life, and spending your gap year here gives you the opportunity to learn from local people and experience different ways of seeing the world. Some of the best moments happen unexpectedly: a conversation with your Uber driver, meeting local students, or discovering your favorite neighborhood café. Over time, you’ll develop your own routines, friendships, and connections with the city.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What does a typical week look like?
Your internship provides structure to the week, while VAC’s cultural activities, participant meet-ups, and your own free time give you opportunities to explore Cape Town, build friendships, and become more independent.
Monday – Thursday: Your Internship
Spend your working days gaining practical experience alongside local colleagues. Internships are typically for five to eight hours per day.
Friday Afternoons: Participant Meet-Ups
Spend time with fellow VAC participants and our team through organized activities and shared Cape Town experiences.
Monday: VAC Culture Series
Explore South African history, culture, and contemporary life through weekly sessions that help you better understand the country you’re experiencing.
Evenings and Weekends: Your Time
Explore the city, spend time with friends, enjoy the outdoors, or join optional trips and excursions.
You’ll Start With an Orientation
Your first days include an extended orientation before your internship begins. Your exact working hours will depend on your placement.
ACCOMMODATION
Program Housing
VAC connects gap year participants with Rent-a-Room, our housing partner in Observatory, where the VAC office is also based.
Participants can review available properties and rooms before choosing an option that suits them. Gap year participants have their own bedroom in a property shared with other VAC participants.
Housing is arranged and paid separately from program tuition and is currently $26 per day plus $1 per day for electricity.
Shared living area in Loft F1, one of the Observatory apartments dedicated to VAC Gap Year participants.
Private bedroom in Loft F1, one of the Observatory apartments dedicated to VAC Gap Year participants.
Shared kitchen and living space in Loft G7, one of the apartments dedicated to VAC Gap Year participants.
OPTIONAL ACADEMIC CREDIT
Earn College Credit During Your Gap Year in Cape Town
VAC offers two optional pathways towards acedemic credit: a structured summer program through Indiana University and a flexible, year-round option through the University of Montana in partnership with the Gap Year Association.
The best fit depends on your academic goals, eligibility, and internship dates. Both options involve additional coursework and fees, and any transfer of credit must be approved by your home institution.
BEYOND CAPE TOWN
Optional Travel
Depending on your term, you can extend your Gap Year experience with an optional group trip alongside other VAC participants.
Kruger National Park
A 6-day safari, offered after the Winter/Spring cohort (5–10 March 2027) and during the Fall cohort (29 October–3 November 2027).
Approx. $1,550
GAP YEAR PARTICIPANT STORIES
Hear from past gap year interns at VAC
Dylan Spivack
Dylan Spivack is a Humanities student at Oberlin College from Winwood, North Carolina. She joined VAC as part of her Gap Year and completed an internship with a Cape Town nonprofit supporting women and children affected by domestic violence and abuse. Her…
Jeffrey M
Jeffrey joined the VACorps program in January 2026 as part of his gap year. During the program, he completed an internship in sustainability and social justice with a community-based organization in Cape Town.
Sadie M
I wanted to complete an engineering internship in Cape Town because of the city’s incredible natural surroundings. During my placement with an early-stage biotechnology company, I enjoyed learning how a growing business operates and taking on tasks that were completely new to…
Mathias S
I chose Cape Town because it offers a unique mix of innovation, nature, and cultural diversity, making it an inspiring place to gain international work experience. I decided to pursue an internship to build practical skills and better understand what kind of…
Tania R
I had a really great time in Cape Town. During my internship with a public health research organization, I felt welcomed from the start, everyone was incredibly kind and supportive. I spent much of my time working on data cleaning and learning…
Lesley G
I had a great experience during my time in Cape Town. I chose the program because of the location, the internship opportunities, and the chance to be part of a group. While I was here, I made the most of everything the…
Gap Year Internship Program Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior work or internship experience?
No. Many participants are entering a professional workplace for the first time. We take your background, interests, and experience into account when exploring suitable internship opportunities.
How are internships arranged?
No. Many participants are entering a professional workplace for the first time. We take your background, interests, and experience into account when exploring suitable internship opportunities.
2. How are internships arranged?
We take time to understand your interests and goals, then work with suitable local host organizations to explore placement opportunities. Placements depend on your background, host availability, and the opportunities available. A particular organization or role cannot be guaranteed.
What age do I need to be to join?
The VAC Gap Year Program is designed for participants aged 18–20. If you’re unsure whether the program is suitable for your circumstances, you’re welcome to contact our team before applying.
Can I join for one term or both?
Yes. You can participate for one term or combine two consecutive terms for a longer experience in Cape Town. Each term runs on fixed dates, with approximately 8–9 weeks per term. Current dates and fees are listed in the Program at a Glance section above.
Is accommodation included in the program fee?
No. Housing is arranged and paid for separately. VAC connects participants with our housing partner in Observatory, where gap year participants can choose from available rooms in shared properties. Each participant has their own bedroom.
How does VAC help participants manage safety in Cape Town?
Participant safety is an important part of how we run our program. VAC provides a comprehensive arrival orientation with practical guidance on navigating Cape Town, transportation, and everyday life. Our local team is available throughout your stay, including after-hours support for urgent situations. We also help participants develop the awareness and judgment needed to enjoy Cape Town independently and responsibly.
What if I am unsure which career I want to pursue?
That’s one of the reasons to consider a gap year internship. Experiencing a real workplace can help you discover what interests you, what you enjoy doing, and what you might want to study next. You don’t need to arrive with a fixed career plan.
Will I meet other gap year participants?
Yes. The program runs on fixed dates, allowing you to arrive alongside other gap year participants. You’ll have opportunities to connect through orientation, weekly program activities, shared housing, and time spent exploring Cape Town together.
Will I have time to explore Cape Town outside my internship?
Absolutely. The program combines internship days with cultural activities, group meet-ups, and free time. Weekends are generally yours to explore independently, spend time with friends, or join optional activities and trips. Your exact internship schedule will depend on your placement.
10. What happens after I apply?
Once you’ve applied, our team will review your interests, background, and goals to assess whether the program is a suitable fit. We’ll then guide you through the next steps, including exploring internship opportunities and preparing for your arrival in Cape Town.
For more FAQs, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Ready to Spend Your Gap Year in Cape Town?
Build your gap year around meaningful work experience, new independence, and life in a city that will challenge, surprise, and stay with you long after you leave.