Karen Nava Calderon

Karen Nava Calderon is a psychology student at Oregon State University from Oregon, USA. She spent 10 weeks in Cape Town interning with a nonprofit organization working to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, support survivors, and advance systemic change.

I chose Cape Town for my internship abroad because I wanted to experience a part of Africa. What I loved most about Cape Town was how much there was to do. There was music everywhere, delicious food of all kinds, and so many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Everything I could have wanted was here.

Cape Town is also an incredibly creative city. Every store, restaurant, and even bathroom seemed to have its own unique style. I loved being within about 20 minutes of the city, the mountains, and the beach. Even after living here for 10 weeks, I still feel as though I did not do nearly as much as I would have liked. My advice to future interns is to be open and willing to try new things, do everything you can, and explore as much as possible because time moves incredibly fast. Even in winter, do not forget to pack a swimsuit—you can still swim!

During my internship, I worked with a nonprofit organization addressing gender-based violence and supporting long-term systemic change. I learned more about the underlying issues connected to gender-based and sexual violence, including forced and coerced sterilization, and how organizations approach these complex situations. I will carry the knowledge and skills I gained into future professional settings and use them to contribute to change back home.

Living far from home for 10 weeks also helped me become much more comfortable with the unknown. I learned a great deal about life and culture in Cape Town, from local slang to different ways of living. I will never forget the people I met and the places I saw.

The VAC staff were friendly and welcoming, and I appreciated knowing that I could call them if I needed anything. I also enjoyed the weekly activities and Culture Series. One of the things I am most grateful for is the opportunity VAC gave me to form new connections. I met the people I spent my time with in Cape Town through VAC, and those friendships became an important part of my experience. I will miss the people, the music, and the creativity of Cape Town.