Chloe Elton

Chloe, a pre-med student at Emory College, joined the VACorps program in September 2024 as part of her gap year, completing a dual internship at a public clinic and a women’s and children’s shelter.

I chose Cape Town because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and immerse myself in a culture with different values, languages, traditions, and art. The city’s rich diversity provided exactly that. I was also looking for a place with plenty to do outside of work, and Cape Town, with its blend of mountains, ocean, and vibrant city life, offered endless opportunities. I spent my free time hiking Lion’s Head and Table Mountain, exploring tidal pools in Camps Bay and Kalk Bay, and sampling incredible food at the Old Biscuit Mill and Oranjezicht Market.

I pursued two internships in Cape Town to explore different career paths that interested me. At a public hospital, I shadowed and assisted nurses and doctors treating patients from across Africa, gaining hands-on experience in admissions, assisting with births, learning to apply casts, and writing prescriptions. At the Women’s Shelter, I worked with abused women and children, leading both individual and group counseling sessions. This experience allowed me to connect with clients and their families on a deeper level.

My time in both settings helped me understand what I value in a work environment. I realized how important it is for me to engage in hands-on work while also forming meaningful connections with colleagues and the people I serve. Now, looking back, I’m grateful for the skills I’ve gained, the people I’ve met, and the personal growth I’ve experienced during this journey.