Mia (pictured on the right) is studying Mathematics and Exercise Sports Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She joined the VACorps program in June 2022 and participated in a Sports Science internship. 

My two months in Cape Town were some of the best days of my life. I came wanting to experience a people and a place vastly different from my everyday life in the US and that is exactly what I got. I learned so much about myself, the world, and what I might want to do with my life. I learned to be more independent and confident in who I am and that traveling the world is one of the coolest things you could ever do.

I did my internship at the Neuro and Rehab department of a large Sports Science Center.  I believe I became more confident in myself in a professional workplace. I enjoyed learning about patients’ injuries and what rehab was necessary for each patient. It was also very interesting to see the difference between the field of biokinetics (which doesn’t exist in the US) and physical therapy. I haven’t been sure what I want to do with my life but after this internship, I have a little more certainty that I’d like to go into a similar field to this.

The people in Cape Town are all so kind and the types of people that the VACorps program attracts are all so amazing. I have made some lifelong friends here and had some truly life-changing experiences. The hiking (and all other outdoor activities) was by far my favorite part as well as simply getting to know a culture so different than mine through being in a truly South African workplace every day and exploring the beautiful city. I would not recommend coming for any less than 5 weeks if you choose this program! It’s truly an incredible place and you have to be here long enough to fully enjoy every aspect of it. The VACorps staff are very organized and kind and want what’s best for their interns. Everything about VACorps and Cape Town is amazing!