Cora Holland

Cora joined the VAC program in January 2026 as part of her gap year. During the program, she completed a media internship with a community-based radio organization in Cape Town

My internship in Cape Town gave me the chance to experience community radio from the inside. One of my favourite parts was interviewing people and getting comfortable speaking on air. I also learned how much preparation goes into producing a show and how a community radio station uses its platform to share important local information and respond to what people in the community need.

The experience taught me a lot about journalism, but it also helped me think more seriously about my own future. Being in a real working environment showed me some of the things I would like to pursue in my career, as well as things I know are probably not for me. That kind of clarity was one of the most valuable things I took away from the internship.

I’m very grateful I chose to participate in VAC. I adored Cape Town, and I really appreciated the balance of the program. There was plenty of support when I needed it, but I still had the freedom to build my own experience and become comfortable living and working in the city.

For anyone considering a journalism or radio internship, I would say be prepared to put yourself out there. If you are willing to talk to people, ask questions and get comfortable behind a microphone, there is a lot you can learn.