Reid Sperisen

Reid is studying Communications at UCLA. He joined VAC for an eight-week internship in Cape Town, where he completed a media and communications placement with a Western Cape conservation and environmental education nonprofit. His work included writing blog posts, press releases and social media content to support the organization’s conservation outreach and education initiatives.

I was really excited about the opportunity to expand my horizons by interning abroad in Africa, and I chose Cape Town because of its lively, diverse cultural setting and dramatic natural landscapes. From the ocean to the mountains to the lush greenery, the natural environment was easily one of my favorite parts of my time here. I loved days when I went to places like Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden or Boulders Beach and experienced surroundings I wouldn’t be able to find back in California.

My internship gave me the opportunity to work in media and communications within a conservation-focused organization. I developed press releases, blog posts and social media content to support its outreach and education work.

One project I really enjoyed was writing a piece about endangered leopard toads. Another of my favorite outputs was a blog post for World Snake Day. I had previously been quite prejudiced against snakes, so researching and writing that piece allowed me to learn a great deal about them.

I was also able to accompany colleagues on an overnight trip to a nature reserve, which was one of the highlights of my time in South Africa. It gave me the chance to see more of the organization’s conservation work outside the office and experience a part of the Western Cape I otherwise may not have seen.

I learned a great deal about myself in Cape Town, both personally and professionally. This was my first time traveling abroad, so it wasn’t always easy, but I think the experience gave me a greater degree of gratitude and cultural sensitivity, and certainly expanded my view of global politics. My internship also helped me identify elements I would like to have in a future work environment, as well as others that may not be as important to me.

I spent eight weeks in Cape Town from June through August. Even after two months, I still didn’t feel like I had seen everything I hoped to. I’m especially grateful for the warmth and generosity of the VAC team and for the activities they organized throughout my time here. The Friday meetups in particular gave me a really varied experience of life in Cape Town.