At VACorps, we aim to support participants in having a safe, meaningful, and growth-filled experience in South Africa. To help ensure this, all applicants must meet the following admission requirements.

Health and Wellness

Participants must be in good physical and mental health. A general health check-up before arrival is strongly recommended.
If you have any ongoing medical or mental health conditions, please disclose them during the application process so we can plan ahead and explore any necessary support.

Work Commitment

Participants are expected to meet the work requirements of their host organization—typically 4–5 days per week, 6–8 hours per day. These internships are educational in nature and may vary depending on the host organization’s needs.

Professional Conduct and Work Ethic

We expect participants to approach their internships with professionalism, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Your contribution should be meaningful and respectful of your host organization’s mission.

English Language Proficiency

Participants must have basic English skills to communicate effectively during their placement.

Voluntary Participation

Participation in the VACorps Program is voluntary. We do not accept applicants who are court-mandated or required to complete community service. This program is designed for individuals who are self-motivated and eager to grow personally and professionally.

Medication Management

If you take prescription medication, you must be able to manage it independently. VACorps staff are not medical professionals and cannot assist with dosage, storage, or administration.

Age Requirement

All applicants must be at least 18 years old by the time they arrive in South Africa.

Personal Qualities

We look for participants who are:

• Open-minded and adaptable

• Resilient and eager to learn

• Comfortable with independence and self-direction

• Willing to take initiative without constant supervision

Living abroad can be both exciting and challenging. A spirit of curiosity, flexibility, and self-awareness will help you make the most of your time with us.

Respect for Diversity

VACorps welcomes participants from all backgrounds. We expect everyone to be respectful of differences in race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, political views, and socioeconomic status. We believe that intercultural learning thrives in inclusive, open-minded communities.

Essential Eligibility Criteria (Additional Considerations)

To ensure every participant is set up for a safe and successful experience, VACorps maintains the following essential eligibility criteria:

Mental Health and Therapeutic History

If you are currently under the regular care of a psychiatrist or mental health professional, you must receive written clearance from your provider confirming you are fit to travel internationally and take part in a semi-structured program that may involve emotional or logistical challenges.

We are able to accommodate participants who require ongoing therapy, but this must be discussed in advance. You may:

• Continue therapy remotely with your current provider, or

• Request our assistance in finding a suitable in-person therapist in Cape Town.

In either case, advance notice is essential so the necessary support can be arranged.

Physical Health Conditions and Medical Clearance

If you are managing a chronic or ongoing health condition — including those requiring monitoring, medication, or procedures — you may be asked to provide confirmation from your healthcare provider stating that you are fit to travel and participate in the program.

This helps ensure that:

• Your condition is stable enough for international travel

• You have a care plan in place

• We can assess whether accommodations or support may be needed in Cape Town

Participants should not plan to undergo elective procedures or begin new medical treatment while in the program. If you’re unsure whether your condition should be disclosed, please reach out — we’re here to help.

Physical Accessibility

While we strive to be inclusive, our ability to accommodate physical disabilities may be limited by the infrastructure of host organizations, housing, or transportation in Cape Town. If you have accessibility needs, please disclose them during the application process so we can work with you to determine what’s possible.

Independent Living Skills

Participants must be able to manage their personal care, finances, medication, and time without daily supervision. While our staff are available for general support, the program is not designed to provide ongoing caregiving or intensive oversight.

Transparency and Honesty

We ask all applicants to be honest about any medical, psychological, or emotional challenges that may impact their participation. Full disclosure helps us work together to ensure a safe and supportive experience for everyone.