Samantha joined the VACorps Program in January 2024 and participated in a sustainable engineering internship at a solar company in Cape Town.

I chose VACorps because they were an incredible stepping stone for traveling abroad on my own. They first meet with you and introduce you to the program, then pair you with a program advisor who is incredibly helpful in finding an internship that aligns with your goals. Not only do they place you in a great internship, but they also provide housing options filled with roommates who are part of the program. Living in a house with others who are on the same journey—exploring the world, interning abroad, and meeting like-minded people—makes a world of difference. The individuals I have met in the program are some of the most incredible, kind, and amazing people I have ever met. I have truly made lifelong friends on this journey, thanks to VAC’s housing options.

Along with housing, VACorps makes it easy to explore and bond with the people you meet through their weekly activities. The program organizes excursions, taking the pressure off you to plan everything. They organize activities like surfing, city tours, wine tasting, market visits, and hikes, which allowed me to explore with ease and bond with fellow interns.

Not only are the housing, excursions, and overall experience amazing, but VACorps is also the most incredible organization for those looking to intern abroad alone for the first time. They provide a sense of security that is incredibly comforting when traveling so far from home at a young age while also giving you the freedom to explore on your own. There was a point during my stay when I became quite sick, and I was able to message Kholi, a member of the VACorps staff, who immediately organized a doctor’s visit for me. She came with me to the doctor and waited for my appointment to be over, which was a small act but made a world of difference when traveling alone. The staff and program are set up so well that I would recommend them to anyone and everyone!

I cannot articulate how incredible this experience was for me! The internship, friendships, and support were amazing. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be part of the program and will cherish these memories forever! 🙂