Gap Year Program

VAC Gap Program Schedule and Itinerary

Discovery adventure and purpose during an immersive 10-week internship experience in one of the world’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities. Designed for students taking a meaningful break before university, the VAC Gap Year Program blends professional development, cultural learning, and outdoor exploration. Scroll down for a week-by-week overview of the VAC fixed date Gap Program.

Orientation Week

Orientation Week is all about learning by doing. Instead of spending hours in a classroom, you’ll get out and experience Cape Town firsthand—through walking tours, cultural activities, and interactive workshops. It’s a fun, practical introduction to life in South Africa that helps you feel confident, connected, and ready to make the most of your internship experience.

Orientation Schedule

Arrival Day

Our team will meet you at Cape Town International Airport and transfer you to your program housing. To make your journey smoother, we’ll connect participants who are booked on the same flights so you can travel together. After settling in, you’ll have time to rest, unpack, and start getting to know your surroundings. We’ll provide dinner for you that evening so you can relax and recharge after your travels.

Safety Briefing, Walking Tour & Signal Hill Your orientation begins with a welcome presentation and safety briefing at the VAC office. Then, enjoy a guided walking tour of Observatory, followed by lunch at a local café. In the evening, we’ll take a scenic sunset walk up Signal Hill and enjoy a packed dinner overlooking the city.

Program Overview & Cape Town City Tour

Today’s session includes a deep dive into the program structure and your upcoming internship experience. Afterwards, take a walking tour of Cape Town’s vibrant city center, exploring historic landmarks and finishing with lunch at one of our favorite local spots.

Food Jams Cooking class

Get hands-on in the kitchen with a fun and interactive cooking class hosted by Food Jams! Designed especially for VAC gap year students, this session covers basic cooking skills in a relaxed and social setting. After the cooking’s done, sit down and enjoy the meal you’ve prepared together. It’s a great way to pick up new skills—and enjoy a delicious lunch! The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax or explore.

VAC Featured Speakers & Alumni Morning

Gain valuable insight and inspiration at this special session where former VAC interns and local changemakers share their stories. You’ll hear from successful entrepreneurs, professionals, and past participants who offer practical advice on how to thrive in your internship, navigate Cape Town’s unique working environment, and make the most of your gap year experience. These talks offer a broader global perspective and will challenge you to think critically about your role in a changing world.

Hop-On Hop-Off Red Bus Tour

Take in the best of Cape Town at your own pace with a ticket for the city’s iconic red double-decker bus. Popular stops include Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Constantia Wine Farms, and Camps Bay Beach. The tour ends at the V&A Waterfront — the perfect spot to enjoy dinner before making your own way home.

Township Tour

Gain a deeper understanding of Cape Town’s cultural and historical landscape through an immersive township tour. This eye-opening experience offers personal stories, community insights, and a look at local initiatives that shape daily life in these areas.

 

First Meeting at Your Internship Site Your placement advisor will schedule your first meeting and accompany you to your internship site, where you’ll meet your supervisor to discuss expectations and goals. Before visiting the site, we’ll have a short discussion at the VAC office to help you prepare.

4 day Garden Route Adventure (optional extra, not included in your program fee)

Experience one of South Africa’s most famous road trips on this unforgettable 3-day Garden Route adventure, designed especially for VAC gap year students. You’ll explore a breathtaking stretch of coastline, visit charming towns, and experience the natural beauty that makes this region so iconic. From canoeing through lush forests and ziplining to walking with elephants, and even optional bungee jumping, this trip is the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and fun. It’s an epic way to kick off your time in South Africa.

Internship Placement (Monday–Thursday)

Once Orientation Week wraps up, you’ll begin your internship and settle into a weekly routine that blends hands-on experience with cultural learning and fun. From Monday to Thursday, you’ll be based at your internship site, gaining practical experience in your chosen field. It’s an opportunity to learn, contribute meaningfully, and grow within a real-world professional setting. While the workload can vary depending on the placement, most participants finish their day between 3:00 and 4:00 PM, leaving plenty of time to unwind or explore the city.

Culture Series – Every Monday Evening

Kick off each week with the VAC Culture Series—an optional, interactive session held every Monday at 6:30 PM at the VAC offices. These evenings explore South Africa’s history, politics, identity, and current events through engaging talks, traditional dance performances, local guest speakers, and even food tastings. It’s a dynamic way to deepen your understanding of the country and connect with its rich cultural landscape.

Weekends – Your Time, Your Adventure

Weekends are yours to enjoy! Relax at home, explore the city, hike a mountain, hit the markets, or plan a weekend getaway—the choice is yours.

VAC Weekly Meetups – Every Friday Afternoon

Every Friday afternoon, VAC staff lead a planned outing to help you explore more of Cape Town. These weekly meetups include hikes, beach trips, visits to iconic landmarks, and other memorable activities. Each experience is designed by our team and led by staff who join in on the fun, making it a great way to see the city, try something new, and connect with fellow interns along the way.

Final Week: Kruger Park Safari

(optional, cost not included in program fee)

End your South African adventure with a 6-day safari to the iconic Kruger National Park. This once-in-a-lifetime trip includes guided game drives, bush walks, and peaceful nights spent in nature. You’ll explore one of Africa’s top wildlife reserves and have the chance to see the Big Five up close. The trip ends in Johannesburg, so be sure to book your return flight home from Johannesburg, not Cape Town. It’s the perfect finale to your gap year experience.