Kathy Waddell

Kathy joined the VACorps program in January 2024 as part of her GAP year and participated in a double internship placement at a NGO that supports vulnerable elderly people and a Human Rights Law Firm.

During my gap year, I sought a new and different experience, and Cape Town, through VAC, turned out to be the perfect choice. I’m deeply grateful for the challenges, learning opportunities, and cultural experiences I encountered. To my surprise, after just three months, Cape Town began to feel like home.

Thanks to VAC, I built lasting friendships, formed deep connections with my internship colleagues, and found a true sense of belonging. I worked at two diverse internship sites: Grandmothers Against Poverty and AIDS (GAPA) and the Refugee Legal Advocacy Centre (RLAC). VAC’s flexibility allowed me to gain invaluable experience at both. At GAPA, I bonded closely with the strong and caring “grannies” who feel like family. At RLAC, I took on significant responsibilities, such as writing court documents and meeting with clients, which greatly enriched my experience.

I chose to extend my stay by a month, which was beneficial for fully experiencing both internships. Though adjusting from living with twenty gap year students to a smaller group of interns was a shift, I wouldn’t change a thing and highly recommend extending if you’re considering taking on multiple internships.

The most memorable aspect of VAC was the people I met. The bonds formed with my fellow VAC participants are incredibly special, and I’m excited to maintain these friendships back in the US. VAC’s environment facilitated connections I wouldn’t have made otherwise, leading to some of my most valued relationships.

Cape Town itself is an extraordinary city with endless natural beauty, culture, and activities. I hope to return someday and continue exploring all it has to offer.