Deanna Placa

Deanna studies Political Science and Developmental Studies at UCLA in the United States, with an interest in human rights. She joined VAC in June 2026 and completed an internship with a South African community development organization, where she gained experience working in a different cultural context and created a youth program designed to leverage youth knowledge and bridge intergenerational gaps.

I really wanted to go to Cape Town, South Africa because I wanted a different cultural experience. I study development, and Africa was a continent that interested me because of its colonial histories and development perspective. Being in South Africa formalized my want to work abroad and commit to the Fulbright program in the United States.

The most impactful moment I gained in Cape Town was the exploration of Ubuntu. The cultural necessity for community and mutual aid was incredibly insightful during my experience. Although I was here for eight weeks, which felt like such a short time, I think it was a good duration to get an understanding of South Africa both culturally and professionally.

During my internship, I gained community experience in a different cultural context. I created a youth program for my organization that could leverage youth knowledge and bridge intergenerational gaps. I am now wanting to pursue a Fulbright program abroad because of my experience in South Africa.

My advice for future interns is that you need to make the experience your own. Think about your personal passions and the contributions you can bring to the table, leverage those strengths, and bring them to your internship. Ask questions, give constructive critiques, and take initiative. I really appreciated the intellectual autonomy.

Most of all, I think I will miss the people. The people I met in South Africa were some of the most warm, curious, supportive, and welcoming people I have ever met.