David Flores

David, who is studying Social Work at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, joined the VACorps program in February 2025. He completed his social work internship at a community-based organization in Khayelitsha that provides care and support to vulnerable children and families.

My experience with VAC was wonderful—the perfect balance between planned activities and the freedom to explore Cape Town independently. From the very beginning, the VAC team provided thoughtful support and organized a variety of engaging experiences. During my time in Cape Town, I truly feel that I grew personally and became more independent.

As a social work intern, I had the opportunity to renovate the therapy space for the children at my internship site, transforming it into a more colorful and welcoming environment for their sessions with social workers. I also conducted grief counseling sessions for the staff, which was an especially meaningful part of my placement.

One of the most memorable aspects of my experience was meeting the other interns, the VAC staff, and my co-workers. The picnic at Kirstenbosch Gardens stands out as a highlight among many wonderful memories. What I’ll miss most are the helpful and friendly people of South Africa.

I stayed for three months and recommend that future interns review immigration laws early on, in case they decide to extend their stay. Overall, my experience was remarkable, and I’m deeply grateful for the time, support, and guidance I received. What an incredible journey!