Carla Zitta

Carla studies at the Medical University of Graz in Austria, with an interest in internal medicine and surgery. She joined VAC in February 2026 and completed a medical internship at a South African community healthcare facility, where she gained exposure to pathologies that are uncommon in Austria and experienced healthcare in a different cultural and socioeconomic setting.

I wanted to experience new possibilities abroad, both culturally and to gain medical experience before finishing university. I met incredible people and felt so welcomed that Cape Town truly became a second home for me. I will always remember this time and the adventures I had here with VAC. I will definitely come back. Cape Town and the people from VAC have a place in my heart.

During my internship, I got to see pathologies that are not common in Austria and work with people living in different circumstances. It gave me the opportunity to experience healthcare in a very authentic way and close to traditional culture and changes in society.

My advice for future interns is to be friendly and willing to see and learn. The people who work there really appreciate your curiosity. I really appreciated the internship placement, the support and knowing I could call VAC staff if I needed anything, the weekly activities and the Culture Series. The Culture Series was very interesting and gave me the opportunity to dive into the culture.

From the beginning, I felt really safe and welcomed. The orientation was a good start to daily life and provided important information. I also liked having direct contact before coming to Cape Town, so I could meet the people beforehand.