What program participants Love Most About VAC: Testimonials and Experiences

VAC | October 2024

A Life-Changing Experience in the “Mother City”

The VAC Program is an experience that participants describe as nothing short of transformative. Rachael calls her two months in Cape Town “the most life-changing and incredible months of my life,” where she built meaningful friendships and immersed herself in rewarding work. Similarly, Joey reflects on his stay as “by far the most fun, rewarding, and life-changing three months,” capturing both personal and professional growth in a city he grew to love.

The diversity of experiences at VAC spans fields like medicine, human rights, sustainability, and media. Grace, a human rights law intern, says her program participantship not only enhanced her skills but also introduced her to South African political dynamics, creating connections she describes as “unforgettable.” Hadil, a medical intern, achieved her goal of deepening her cross-cultural medical knowledge. In marketing, Hilary felt empowered by her practical experience in branding, and Michelle was grateful for her hands-on learning in the field. program participants like Emma also valued the connections they made, recognizing how VAC equipped them with practical tools that will benefit their future careers. These experiences show how VAC empowers program participants with professional insight, fostering growth that is both personal and career-oriented.

Making a Meaningful Impact

At VAC, program participants make lasting contributions to communities, finding purpose in work that extends beyond traditional program participantship experiences. Olivia, a conservation intern, described her project at the V&A Waterfront as “extremely rewarding,” seeing firsthand how her efforts supported sustainable practices in the local community. Similarly, Nick, who worked with the SACLA health project in Khayelitsha, provided home-based care and delivered essential medicines, resulting in a “direct impact… within the community” and underscoring the tangible value of his role. For human rights intern Hashini, the work “felt real and important, not just for me, but for the community I was serving,” while Ella recalls the diverse “mix of cultures united under one roof” in her clinic work, which gave her a profound sense of purpose.

Countless Adventures: Exploring the Culture and Scenery of the World’s Most Beautiful City

Cape Town offers VAC program participants a dazzling blend of natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and a vibrant cultural scene. Madison captures the city’s spirit, describing it as “unlike any other city in the world,” where outdoor adventure and cultural immersion go hand in hand. With diverse activities like hiking, surfing, and exploring, Allison found each day in Cape Town to be as “captivating as the last”, sharing her love for “visiting Kirstenbosch, trying new restaurants, and thrift shopping.” Giselle embraced the city’s adventure-filled lifestyle, with weekends spent “shark cage diving, mountain hiking, and exploring the city with amazing people,” ensuring every moment was packed with adventure and excitement.

For many, the natural beauty of Cape Town becomes a defining aspect of their experience. Simone’s sunrise and sunset hikes on Lion’s Head left her in awe, while Emma says, ‘There’s so much beauty in this city, from the beaches to the mountains, each view more breathtaking than the last.’ Shelby sums up her time perfectly, noting, “It’s impossible not to fall in love with the city’s charm and the incredible adventures it offers.” These reflections reveal how Cape Town serves as the ideal setting for exploration, adventure, and memories that stay with program participants long after their Cape Town journey comes to an end.

See more stories and reflections from past VAC Program Participants on our Testimonials Page

Make Cape Town Your Next Adventure

The VAC program is a journey that combines professional growth, cultural immersion, and personal connections in a city as remarkable as Cape Town. Every day is filled with learning, adventure, and opportunities to make a difference. If you’re looking for an Internship Program  that will shape your career and expand your world, come to Cape Town and discover for yourself the power of this one-of-a-kind experience. VAC is waiting to welcome you to the Mother City.