“Interning in Cape Town provided me with such a unique opportunity to gain both professional experience and the chance to explore a completely new place- one I’m not sure I ever would’ve made it to without this program. By far my favorite part of my abroad experience was all of the trips VACorp took us on, from different places in Cape Town each Friday to bigger trips like Cederberg and MozKruger. It was really nice to visit so many places without having to worry about the logistics of getting there and figuring out what to do once we got there. I am also super grateful that this trip pushed me outside of my comfort zone in so many ways because I feel much more prepared to face the world once I graduate college. I absolutely loved my experience in South Africa and I wish I could do it all again!” 

Let us know if you would like to connect with Emily!

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Moving to South Africa for 3 months was not something I deliberately set out to do; last summer when I started looking into studying abroad, I realized my school didn’t have any options that I truly was interested in and began searching for alternatives. I stumbled upon some “Intern Abroad” companies and somehow came across VAC – and that’s when I began to fall in love with the idea of venturing to Cape Town (especially after my 40-minute phone call with Oliver). Most of my friends decided to study abroad together in larger groups, all in Europe, but I didn’t want to country hop every weekend and I didn’t want to already know everyone prior to arriving. I wanted a unique experience that would make me a bit uncomfortable at times because when you go beyond your comfort zone, amazing things can happen. The experience I gained at my internship site was fantastic – I worked for Startupbootcamp AfriTech, a startup accelerator that assists FinTech startups across the continent in meeting investors, mentors, and potential partners, as well as Uprise. Africa, South Africa’s first equity crowdfunding platform. The amount of responsibility and ownership I was given was a bit astonishing to me; as a 19 (now 20) year old, there was no concern or thought given to my age – all that mattered was the quality of the work I was doing. I loved my coworkers and already miss rocking up to work every morning.
I think that overall the best part of VAC and the best part about South Africa, in general, is meeting so many different people. In a program like VAC or using a company like Rent-A-Room for housing, you will meet people from literally all over (some of my best mates here are from the Netherlands and some live 40 minutes away from me back in the States) and honestly make some longtime friends (which is great if you love to travel!). I lived in 197 Lower Main, the house with 17 people, and I would definitely recommend living there if you want to feel like you’re part of a family (fair warning, if you like it quiet then maybe a different house would suit you better). The trek to work was a bit far (I worked near the V&A Waterfront), but it was worth it – life in Obs is great; there’s a variety of food options, bars, etc.
If you’re coming to intern with VAC, maximize your time in Cape Town, in South Africa….there is so much to see and do and experience. I was only here for 3 months but I desperately wish it was longer. I also went on the MozKruger trip, which was INCREDIBLE. Mozambique is a hidden gem and the only way you will get to truly experience it is with the crew from VAC (I only say this because it would be so difficult and expensive without Sean & Jon (and Kim & Carmen!!!)…also, it wouldn’t be as fun). 100% get scuba certified and dive as many times as possible in Mozambique – no one else will have the same experience as you. I have seen some amazing Instagram posts showing off weekend away in Europe or astonishing Spring Break trips…but trust me, they can’t compare to Mozambique (or Kruger!!! We saw baby elephants and rhinos and cheetahs…AHHHH so cool!)

If you want to have a different experience and are up for an adventure (and are good when it comes to going with the flow), then VAC is perfect for you

” 

Let us know if you would like to connect with Sophia!

” Along with my journey around the world, I knew I wanted to see more diverse cultures. Coming from New York and traveling to Australia and New Zealand this past year you really get to learn a lot about the different cultures. Cape Town has its up and downs but there’s always new places to see and new things to do. My internship was probably my favorite throughout my journey. From working hands-on with editing films or doing graphic design, I can truly secure what I want to do in the future. Moonsport Tv treated me like family and I thank them for that. My internship being so close, there was always time for new activities. Through Vac with the culture series and Friday excursions, you always are treated like family. Not to mention making new life long friends along the way, No matter how long or short your stay is in Cape Town you will always have a different experience. From going on the garden route trip, which I highly recommend, you truly get to experience a new side of the world. From the people here and my roommates, I’ve learned so much about the different cultures around the world. Everyone has a different story and it makes you want to help those who need it. In the end, this is definitely an opportunity you should  take in life.” 

Let us know if you would like to connect with Matthew!

” I fell in love with the idea of coming to Cape Town for an occupational therapy internship, as it is tough to find OT internships without a complete degree. This opportunity combined my passions of traveling, experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, occupational therapy, and most importantly working with children with disabilities. My time at my internship site has been nothing short of amazing! No money or objects can replace the look of joy on a child’s face that you helped create. I have been so happy that my experience has been so hands-on and I have learned so much that I will use in the future. Not only have I learned a lot of occupational therapy skills, but I have learned so much about the culture. The way the school is run is so different than at home and it has been amazing to get to learn about the academics and teaching in Gugulethu. My first and last days at this school were full of emotion and tears from the love I felt while there. The school will always have a very special place in my heart and I am already thinking about when I will be able to return. 

My time in South Africa has absolutely been the best months of my life. Throughout these two months, I have been able to do more than I ever imagined including surfing, scuba diving, hiking, beaching, and exploring various markets and eaten some of the best food ever. The beauty of Cape Town in incomparable to any other place I have ever been. Most important are the friendships and memories that I have created while in Cape Town. People here are so open to meeting new people and are easy to connect with. 

The VACorps staff has been absolutely incredible every second of my time here. The staff were always there to assist whenever I needed and always excited to help. The activities every Friday were an amazing way to bond with the other interns and staff members. The bond I have formed with the staff is indescribable and I look forward to coming back to visit them as soon as possible. I could not be happier with the VACorps program as a whole, my internship experience, and the staff members. I will miss the beauty, culture, and people the most. I have made some of the best memories and relationships in Cape Town that I know will last forever.” 

Let us know if you would like to connect with Isabelle!

“I chose Cape Town because I had just graduated university and I was looking for my next career move. I was
located in the United States with so many options but I wanted to move back to Africa. More specifically, I was
looking for opportunities in the tech industry and in the startup space. Cape Town was the perfect fit for me. I
chose to do an internship because I was curious about this industry given my corporate experience. I had an itch
and I could not shake it off until I gave this a chance. So I proceeded with an internship before I considered full-time
opportunities. I loved interning in Cape Town because it meant that I was never bored and a plethora of
opportunities in terms of exploring the city and neighboring spaces existed.  I will never forget Demo Day and the Investor Premiere which I spent most of my time at my internship site preparing for. Seeing all the work that we had done come to fruition was purely emotional and so fulfilling. I loved that it became home so quickly. No matter how long you’ve been away from Cape Town, this place grows on you quickly. I will miss the amazing food and the beauty that the city possesses. I stayed for 3 months and my biggest tip for anyone who is considering to come is just DO IT and when you get here, immerse yourself as quickly as you can because time flies. The VACoprs staff were so amazing and helpful & the activities were so well-thought and planned. It was a diverse range of things planned every week. The smooth execution of it all impressed me week in and week out. I love that VACorps staff became a family away from home.”

Let us know if you would like to connect with Janet!

“My internship provided an amazing experience which opened up a world of adventure, learning, and of connections which I would not be able to experience elsewhere. Coming to Cape Town allowed me to indulge in an experience which allowed me to contribute and learn from a community in a way that is unmatched throughout the world.”

Let us know if you would like to connect with Max!

“I have always wanted to travel to Africa, so when I was looking into VACorps this seemed like a great opportunity to do so. I was extremely excited but also a little scared to come here alone, but it has been the best decision of my
life. The thing that I love most about being an intern here is the endless opportunities you are given, that you
wouldn’t have the chance to do anywhere else. All the kids at the hospital I interned at lightened up my day and
gave me the confidence to know that I have chosen the correct career path. I loved getting hands on experience with them and seeing them grow, while also learning more about their culture. It was easy to feel at home here because everyone is so friendly and welcoming. I have learned to say yes to as many opportunities as possible but also that saying no is okay, to take chances, how to thrive on my own, and how to take a real quick shower. Most importantly I have grown so much both personally and professionally. Coming to Cape Town and then being here was overwhelming at times, but the staff at VACorps was there to help in any way possible. Since coming to Cape Town. I have gained a much greater appreciation for different cultures and how traveling the world teaches you more than anything else possibly can. I can honestly say these past eight weeks have been some of the best of my life and I am forever grateful for the opportunities VAC gave me! I’ll never forget all the great adventures and traveling I got to do here, the sunrises/sunsets, and most importantly all the amazing people I’ve met and the friendships made. I can’t wait to be back someday!”

Let us know if you would like to connect with Courtney!

“Cape Town is an amazing city unlike any other. No matter where you are in the city, you can look up to the mountains and know you are home. My time in Cape Town has shown me qualities about myself that I did not know I had in me. I would have never believed it was possible to summit one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, but I did it. I would have never believed I would encounter so many different people and histories, but I did. I would have never thought I could love a place so much for only being here such a short amount of time, but I do. VACorps is an awesome program that allows adventurous students to go abroad while still feeling right at home. The friendships that I have made on this trip will last a lifetime. This city is amazing and I believe everyone should experience it!”

Let us know if you would like to connect with Ashley!

“I had a couple of friends back home who had previously participated in the VACorps program and had recommended it to me as a really great program for Pre-Health intent. What I didn’t realize is how much Cape Town, the people, the culture, and the VACorps staff would help change my life. I feel like this experience was not only a beneficial, but a necessary component in my personal journey to professional, social, cultural, and personal maturity. Learning how to live in a country/city other than your home creates a sense of global awareness and recognition of personal privileges that I feel every human needs to develop at some point. 

The VACorps staff are amazing, and they create such a great framework for you to hit the ground running in Cape Town. They provide all the resources and support that you need so there is no need to worry about anything. Someone always has your back no matter what it is. All of the staff genuinely care about the students and want you to be in an environment where you are safe. Even more so, they want you to be in an environment where you are learning and growing as a person…and they will do whatever possible to help you get to where you need to be. 

If I had any advice to potential interns I would say by all means you gotta do this program!! I would also strongly emphasize the importance of self-awareness to future interns. By this, I mean recognizing your status as a visitor, recognize your privilege, and come with a disposition of learning and service. You will make life-long friends and memories here, and will learn an immense amount about different places in the world just by interacting, and enjoying the company of these new friends.”

Let us know if you would like to connect with Savannah!