Sadie M

Sadie joined the VACorps program in January 2026 as part of her gap year. During the program, she completed an engineering internship with a biotechnology startup in Cape Town.

I wanted to complete an engineering internship in Cape Town because of the city’s incredible natural surroundings. During my placement with an early-stage biotechnology company, I enjoyed learning how a growing business operates and taking on tasks that were completely new to me. I worked on grant applications, helped prepare an investment pitch, conducted research, and spent time in the lab. I also had the opportunity to join lab tours and attend industry events, which gave me a broader view of the field.

Cape Town pushed me to step outside my comfort zone in every way. Alongside the internship, I took on adventures like skydiving and bungee jumping and made the most of living close to the beaches and mountains. I will especially miss the friends I made, the welcoming community, and the support of the VACorps staff, who were incredibly caring throughout my time here.