Rachelle T

Rachelle studies Conservation at Oregon State University in the United States. She joined VAC in June 2026 and completed a conservation internship with a South African marine wildlife rehabilitation organization, where she gained hands-on experience caring for and rehabilitating marine birds while taking on leadership responsibilities across different areas of the organization.

I chose to come to Cape Town because one of my friends who had been here adored it, and I can see why! Between the beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and everybody I met, it’s hard to leave it behind.

The weekly opportunities put together by VAC let me connect with people outside of my internship, but still with the shared experience of learning abroad. I really appreciated the internship placement, weekly activities, Culture Series, and knowing that I could call VAC staff if I needed anything.

My internship gave me many opportunities to lead in different areas. I got to lead supporting stations like food prep and the cleaning station, while also leading stations working directly with the birds, like the rehabilitation pens.

The organization works to rehabilitate marine birds and educate the public about the birds around them and their own impact on the environment. My role was to help provide the necessary care to the birds so that they could eventually be released.

For future interns, most of the skills you learn on the job come with practice. Everybody on the team is rooting for you, so don’t be hard on yourself if you can’t get the hang of something the first few times.