Paris Boone

Paris is a recent graduate with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She joined the VAC program in January 2024 and completed a psychology internship at a mental health clinic for adolescents and young adults.

I chose to do my internship abroad in Cape Town to challenge myself and gain cultural exposure while building my personal and professional skills as a counselor. One of my main goals was to work with large groups, and I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to do so. I was able to improve in areas where I felt less confident, such as speaking up and taking on leadership roles, especially outside of my comfort zone. Initially, I felt reserved and nervous about expressing myself, but I appreciated how I was constantly encouraged to share my thoughts. I always felt free to ask questions or seek help from the entire staff.

During my first month, I struggled with homesickness, but everyone was incredibly supportive. The staff communicated with me in ways that boosted my confidence and made me feel like a valued part of the team. They also helped me meet all my school requirements by signing off on paperwork and meeting with me monthly.

I achieved another goal by observing professionals in various roles within my field, such as occupational therapists, psychologists, and nurses. The diverse experiences I gained exceeded my expectations, and I formed lifelong relationships along the way.

I am beyond grateful for everything I learned and for the genuine support and love I received. Even after my internship ended, I’ve been visiting the site at least every other week because I love it so much! 🙂 My journey here was more enriching than I could have ever imagined.

The sense of belonging I felt was the best part of the trip—being so far from home yet comforted by warm, smiling faces in every interaction made it truly feel like I had a family here. I also enjoyed the weekly cultural series and the open conversations about various topics and issues.

Originally, I planned to stay for three months, but I ended up extending my stay to six because I fell in love with the people of Cape Town. What I will miss most are the beautiful beaches, mountains, friendly faces, and delicious food.