VAC January GAP Program - Pre-Arrival Information

Weather and What to Pack for Cape Town Summer

From January to March, Cape Town’s warm, sunny summer weather awaits, with daytime temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F) and clear skies perfect for beach outings, hikes, and city exploration. While the summer weather is generally fantastic, don’t forget to pack a few warmer items for cooler evenings and light layers. Cape Town has everything you may need, so pack light, and bring a couple of dressier outfits for nights out. For the most part, Cape Town is casual and outdoor-focused, so pack comfortable clothes and adventure gear. Please click here to download our recommended packing list.

Internship Dress Codes

Internship Dress Code varies by placement. Most sites lean toward smart-casual attire, and you’ll quickly gauge what’s appropriate after starting. Hospital/Clinic Sites usually require scrubs (any color), while School Sites expect more conservative wear—avoid short skirts, spaghetti straps, and jeans. Finance/Law Sites are more formal with business casual attire: men in long trousers, collared shirts, and closed shoes, while women often wear dresses, pencil skirts, or slacks. Creative Sites like media, film, and NGOs have relaxed dress codes where jeans and sneakers are typically acceptable.

Communal Living in Rent-a-Room Properties

VAC places program participants in Rent-a-Room properties in Observatory (Obs), a vibrant neighborhood ideal for students and VAC participants. Here’s what you can expect:

Communal Spaces: Each participant has a private room, with shared kitchens, lounges, and bathrooms. GAP students are housed together, spread across three or four different apartments/houses.

Basic Amenities: Rooms come furnished with Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and fully equipped kitchens. Linen and bath towels are provided; however, remember to bring your own swimming towel.

House Rules: Please be considerate of shared spaces, noise levels, and general cleanliness. A cleaning service manages common areas, but each person is responsible for their own space. Cleaning staff do not wash dishes, so housemates are expected to keep kitchens tidy.

Electricity: Electricity operates on a pre-paid system. You and your housemates will be responsible for purchasing credit and loading it onto the meter, typically following a rotation or roster created among yourselves.

Cooking and Cleaning: Many participants enjoy cooking meals either individually, or together. Alternatively, there are many affordable and convenient eat out or order in options in the Obs neighborhood if cooking is not your thing. Each house is responsible for ensuring that dishes are cleaned daily, as cleaning staff do not handle kitchen cleanup.

Discovering Obs: Your New Home in Cape Town’s Coolest Neighborhood

Observatory, or “Obs,” is a vibrant, artsy neighborhood that VAC program participants call home. Here’s why Obs is the ideal place to live, work, and explore:

Local and Lively: Situated on the cusp of the city center, Observatory, known as “Obs,” has a vibrant, bohemian vibe that attracts students, artists, and visitors from around the world. It’s filled with cozy cafes, international restaurants, thrift shops, and music venues, giving it a creative, youthful energy. Obs is home to many local and international students due to its proximity to the University of Cape Town, making it a dynamic and diverse community.

Convenience at Your Doorstep: Obs has almost everything you need within walking distance, from grocery stores and pharmacies to electronics shops. You’ll find it easy to settle in and access all essentials close to home.

Close to VAC HQ: The VAC office is conveniently located in the heart of Obs and just a short walk from all program housing. Many GAP students even stay in the same building as the VAC office, making it easy to connect with the team and other participants at any time.

Obs isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a creative, character-filled community that’s the perfect backdrop for your Cape Town adventure!

Cultural Experiences:

Museums and Galleries: Visit Zeitz MOCAA for contemporary African art or the District Six Museum to learn about Cape Town’s history.

Markets: Check out Neighbourgoods Market and Oranjezicht City Farm Market for local food, art, and crafts.

Robben Island: A must-see historical site, where you can tour the former prison of Nelson Mandela.

VAC Program Activities:

Weekly Culture Series: VAC organizes language lessons, food tastings, and interactive presentations to help program participants immerse themselves in South African culture.

Social Meetups: Regular gatherings and excursions give you the chance to build lasting friendships and connect with other participants.

What to Expect Leading Up to Your First Day at Your Internship Site

Pre-Arrival Email: Two weeks before arrival, you’ll receive a pre-arrival email confirming your flight details, orientation schedule, VAC terms & conditions, and emergency contact information.

Personalized Airport Pickup: We’ll send you a WhatsApp message before departure to introduce your pickup person. Upon arrival, they’ll take you to your program housing, where a Rentaroom staff member will help you settle in. If you arrive after 6 p.m., we’ll organize dinner.

Orientation: Your first week includes a tour of Cape Town, an introduction to the Obs neighborhood, a safety briefing, and an overview of the VAC program. We’ll send you your schedule in your pre-arrival email.

Starting Your Internship: Ten days after arrival, you’ll start your internship. A VAC staff member will accompany you on your first day to meet your supervisor and ensure a smooth start.