“I chose Cape Town to intern abroad because I wanted to gain international working and living experience, and I wanted to immerse myself in a culture that is very different from what I know. I have spent a lot of time studying African politics and history but I wanted to get a more holistic understanding of the current climate by seeing and experiencing it for myself first hand. What I loved most about interning at a refugee center in Cape Town was making connections with both locals and refugees from all over Africa. My intern experience made me grow personally and professionally because I learned to adapt to an unfamiliar working environment in an international setting. Considering that one day I want to work internationally, I gained invaluable skills by learning to work with asylum seekers from all over the world.

“Moments I will never forget from the refugee center are not only the welcoming staff but the harrowing stories from refugees, who never ceased to inspire and amaze me with their strength and courage. It is hard to pick just one thing that I loved about living in Cape Town for two months, but it was very empowering to learn to navigate and get around a foreign city on my own. I have fallen in love with Cape Town’s diversity and culture. I loved the VACorps program excursions and the staff because they were very helpful. I hope to be back again soon!”