Kathleen Hazen

Oregon, USA

2024

Kathleen is pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Pacific University. She joined the VAC program in July 2024 and completed a PT internship at a special needs school for children with cerebral palsy.

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My experience in Cape Town with VACorps was amazing, and even after 12 weeks, I found myself never wanting to leave. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by all the VAC staff and quickly felt at home. The orientation process made me feel comfortable and confident navigating Cape Town on my own, and the Monday and Friday activities were always fun. They offered a great way to experience Cape Town’s culture while meeting fellow interns through VAC.

I interned at a special education school for children with cerebral palsy, where I reached my goal of becoming more independent as a physiotherapy student and learned as much as I could from those around me—both about the diverse cultures in Cape Town and about physiotherapy. Working with the children at EROS was incredibly rewarding, and seeing their improvement during my time with them was so gratifying. 

The highlights of my trip included Cape Town’s stunning scenery and the countless outdoor activities, from hiking to exploring. I also appreciated the VAC staff’s excellent recommendations for experiences outside of the internship, allowing me to enjoy incredible adventures like the Garden Route and paragliding off Signal Hill—both of which were truly life-changing. There is so much to do in Cape Town that even if I stayed twice as long, I would still find new things to explore every week.

With the support of VAC, I had an incredible educational and life experience, and I built relationships I hope to maintain for the rest of my life. I can’t recommend this experience enough to future interns!