Alex Schmidek

Alex Schmidek, from Massachusetts, USA, participated in a sports marketing internship through the VACorps gap year program from January – March 2025. He will be attending Bucknell University in the fall of 2025.

I chose Cape Town because I had heard amazing things about the city’s culture and natural beauty. I wanted to improve my surfing skills and become more independent before starting college. I also thought an internship would be a great way to get a taste of the workforce and experience living and working on my own.

What I loved most was the community and the people I worked with. The other employees were incredibly welcoming and friendly when I first arrived, and now we’re all good friends. I learned that I have a strong presence in any environment and that I can be confident on my own.

I’ll never forget the times I went surfing with my colleagues, as well as the Braai we had one evening after work. I also shared countless memorable moments with the other people on our trip. We recently went on an Airbnb weekend getaway in Hermanus, and that’s something I’ll always remember.

I’ll definitely miss everyone at my internship and the warm, friendly atmosphere that surrounds Cape Town. I stayed from January 5th to March 5th, approximately, and I’d recommend staying for two to three months—anything less might feel rushed. The first week or two can be tough while adjusting to the local food, so be prepared for that.

The VAC staff were incredibly kind and accommodating. They were always available to help whenever needed and gave great recommendations. I also enjoyed the weekly activities they organized. What I really appreciated, though, was the balance they struck: we had the freedom to be independent, but they were always there to support us when necessary.