Tessa B

Tessa is an undergraduate history major. She joined the VACorps Program in June and participated in a Heritage & Cultural Preservation Internship at one of Cape Town’s most famous landmarks, the Castle of Good Hope.

I chose Cape Town because one of my professors recommended it. He’s a geographer who often spoke about different countries and cultures around the world. Inspired by that, I added Cape Town, South Africa to my bucket list. Choosing an internship here was also a way for me to test my adaptability in a new culture and work environment.

What I loved most about interning in Cape Town was how laid-back and humorous people were. They were lively, yet deeply committed to their work.

Through this experience, I discovered that I really enjoy talking with people. I’m open-minded to new things, and I’ve learned to embrace that trait. I realized I have the ability to form strong connections across the world.

Some of the best highlights from working at the Castle of Good Hope were learning isiXhosa and Zulu. Even though I had to adjust how I approached learning new languages, I feel I’ve carried an important piece of Cape Town with me. I also got to experience authentic South African food—like chicken feet! Most importantly, I built meaningful connections with my colleagues, especially with my boss, who taught me so much about the significance of the Castle of Good Hope.

Living in Cape Town was an unforgettable experience. I loved everything about it—the good and the bad. In many ways, it reminded me of Los Angeles, with its diversity and vibrant cultures.

And I will definitely miss ARMCHAIR and their trivia nights!