Derya is a recent graduate of Istanbul Bilgi University where he earned his bachelor’s in International Relations. He joined the VACorps program in November 2022 and participated in a political science internship. 

“It was the first time I was away from my home for so long (6 months) and the first time in South Africa, but all I can say is it was everything I had hoped for and more entirely!

The internship opportunity I’ve got has helped me clarify whether I’d like to pursue a career in it or not; additionally resulting in many network opportunities and perhaps future colleagues as well!

Living in Cape Town; it’s the one thing I’m gonna miss deeply prior to my return immediately. The climate, multi-cultural structure of the society; things you can do in your free time, especially the people, who are extremely friendly towards you from day one.

The VACorps staff are like that second family you hope you’ll get when going into a foreign family, always by your side, always supportive and caring towards your journey in every way. 

I’m forever grateful to all who have greeted us like family, and can’t wait come to come back for a visit in the near future!”