Roxana Sierra

Roxana studies Criminal Justice and Political Science at Indiana University in the United States. She joined VAC in May 2026 and completed a human rights and public policy internship with a South African community organization supporting older adults, where she gained experience in public policy research, advocacy training, and raising awareness about older adults’ rights and policy implementation.

I chose Cape Town because of its beautiful landscapes and diverse culture. During my internship with a community-based organization supporting older adults, I was welcomed into an inclusive and compassionate environment.

Over time, I realized that I had been placing too much pressure on myself and began to recognize my own strengths and capabilities. Some of the most memorable moments were taking part in social activities with older community members and visiting different locations for advocacy training. I valued working with an organisation that prioritised dignity, care, and meaningful human connection. The experience helped me overcome self-doubt and strengthened my connection to the career I hope to pursue.

Outside of my internship, I loved Cape Town’s beaches, oceans, and cultural diversity, and I will especially miss the wonderful friends I made. I stayed for two months, but I would recommend staying longer to make the most of the experience. My advice to future interns is to remain open-minded while discovering the city. The VAC staff were consistently welcoming, encouraging, and supportive, and the activities provided a great way to connect with other interns.