Celina Valenzuela

Celina is studying toward a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at UCLA. She joined the VACorps program in June 2025 and participated in an internship at a women’s health startup.

I chose Cape Town for my internship because I heard someone describe their incredible experience here, and I was curious to see it for myself—especially the penguins! From the very beginning, VACorps exceeded my expectations. The internship was both flexible and local, which made it easy to balance meaningful work with exploring the city.

What truly stood out was how much I learned about myself. I discovered how much I love meeting new people and connecting across cultures. The VAC team made the entire journey seamless. They were welcoming, reliable, and always available to guide me through this new environment. Because of them, Cape Town quickly felt like home.

My highlights included the breathtaking views and unforgettable hikes. I also feel lucky to have worked alongside such amazing colleagues—especially Asanda, who was endlessly patient and kind while showing me the ropes. In just two months, I felt like I was able to experience almost everything Cape Town has to offer, and I’d recommend this program to anyone considering it.

VACorps creates the perfect balance between meaningful work experience and cultural adventure. Their consistency, efficiency, and warm environment truly set them apart. Rowan was instrumental in helping me find this internship, while Kholi became someone I connected with on a deeper level. And of course, Kus and Chris brought incredible energy and enthusiasm to every activity.