Simone has a master’s in Public Health from Liberty University. She joined the VACorps program in June 2023 and participated in a public health internship at an NGO that supports and provides services to vulnerable mothers and babies.

These last two months have been nothing short of an amazing life experience. I have been here for two months, but I wish I could’ve stayed longer. I have grown personally and professionally. The VACorps staff have been so patient with all of us, and they have always been there to answer our questions and to make sure that we are enjoying our experience in Cape Town. I have learned so much at my internship and could not have asked for a better placement. Time flies so fast here, and I would tell any future VACorps intern to take advantage of most of their free time, especially on the weekends. Before arriving in CT, I created a travel guide that I used while I was here. I wanted to make sure that I got to see and do everything I wanted. There’s so much to see and do in Cape Town. I enjoyed all of the Monday night culture series and the Friday VAC activities. The team really takes their time to make sure we have the best experiences while in Cape Town. Having lived in South Africa before, I was very familiar with the culture and traditions in other provinces; however, I have learned so much about the history and culture in Cape Town. It was really eye-opening to see how poverty affects the different communities. As you prepare to arrive in Cape Town, it is important to do your own research on the history of the country and also the area where you will be working. The one thing I loved about living in CT was being able to see the mountains at any point in time. I will miss the friends I made in Cape Town, my supervisors at my internship site, and the VACorps staff, especially Kholi, Kuselwa, and Loyiso! Thank you, VAC, for the most incredible experience!