Rachael is studying PT at Pacific University and joined the VACorps program in July 2022.  She participated in an Physical Therapy internship at a school for children with special needs. 

“I chose to complete an internship in Cape Town because I knew I wanted another opportunity to study abroad and learn about physiotherapy in another cultural setting after having the opportunity to do so in Uganda. When I learned that my DPT program works closely with the VACorps and that this was a possibility for one of my clinical rotations, I jumped at the chance. I have greatly enjoyed my time working at my internship site. The kids are incredibly kind and amazing to work with, and the staff at the school are supportive and invested in helping students learn. I will never forget the two fourth graders who took the time to teach me Afrikaans as they were learning it in school. The VACorps staff is great, and the activities are so much fun! It is an exciting way to explore Cape Town and the surrounding areas with other students. I am particularly grateful for the Monday night culture series because it introduced me to aspects of South African culture I would not have otherwise experienced.”