When planning your flight arrangements:

1. Select Ideal Arrival Dates: We kindly advise you to consult our program calendar and aim to secure your arrival on one of our recommended “Best Arrival Dates.”
2. Secure a Return Ticket: It’s important to ensure you have a return ticket, as customs authorities may request this upon your arrival.
3. Book Return Within 90 Days: Make certain that your return ticket is booked to depart within 90 days of your arrival.
4. Opt for Direct Flights if possible: We suggest booking a direct flight to Cape Town International. Connecting flights through Johannesburg can be tiring and inconvenient.
5. Direct Booking with Airlines: We recommend booking directly with your chosen airline, rather than using flight comparison websites like Expedia. This direct booking method allows for greater flexibility in case flight changes are needed.
6. Consider Layover Times: Pay close attention to layover schedules when booking your flight. Some budget-friendly options may come with extended layovers in Europe, Africa or the Middle East.
7. Popular Airlines to Cape Town: For travelers from the United States, Delta and United Airlines offer direct flights to Cape Town, and these are among the most preferred choices.
8. Reach Out for Assistance: If you have any queries or require advice on dates or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Program Duration

As a VACorps participant, you have the flexibility to choose your arrival and departure dates, (except when enrolled in one of our fixed-date programs).

Typically, most VACorps program participants stay in Cape Town for 2 to 3 months. Stays shorter than 4 weeks may limit your placement options, as many host organizations require a minimum commitment of 6 weeks. If your schedule is tight, your placement advisor will take this into consideration when presenting internship options. To fully maximize your experience, we generally discourage participation for less than 4 weeks unless exceptional circumstances prevent a longer stay.