Internships in Cape Town with VACorps

VACorps has been such an amazing experience, I have learned so much real-world experience that will prepare me for when I enter the workforce soon. Not only have I learned a lot about my career, but I have also learned so much about myself. This experience really teaches you how to adapt to new situations and new cultures and make the best out of them. The weekly activities were so fun, you can really tell that the VACorps team cares about your experience. Even with the many restrictions in place due to COVID we were still able to have the most amazing adventures. I have certainly learned so much about African culture that I cannot wait to tell my family and friends about back home. The people you meet during the internship period are incredible and it's amazing to have experienced an opportunity like this one.

I had the most amazing experience with VACorps and will never forget this trip! I was able to learn about marketing through my internship and gain valuable experience and build my resume while also having more than enough time to explore all of Cape Town with the amazing friends I met here. I really enjoyed how much my internship company trusted me to make content and run different accounts, and felt I learned so much by taking on these responsibilities. I liked how personal this program is, and the VACorps staff really tried to find an internship for the experience I was hoping to gain.

I chose to go to Cape Town because I figured it was different than any other place I'd been to before and it did not disappoint. The opportunities in and around Cape Town seem to almost be limitless. There is definitely something for everyone, such as hiking, wine tours, great restaurants, museums and so much more. Coming from a suburban background, I also found it very exciting to be living in a large city like Cape Town. I thought that three months was the perfect amount of time to get a taste of what South Africa has to offer. Additionally, I will miss the friends I have made here in South Africa.

The staff at VACorps were super friendly and accommodating to people's needs. They would help solve any problems as they arose for the interns. The weekly events that were put on were always a blast! I am super grateful for all the time and energy the VACorps staff put in to make everyone's experience the best it can be.

Interning in Cape Town for 2 months was the best decision of my life and I wished that I could extend my stay longer! After graduating from university with a BA Hons in Social Work I wanted the opportunity to travel whilst gaining more experience within another field that aligned with my social work values and skill set. VACorps placed me at a site where I was able to intern as an Occupational Therapist Assistant Manager. During this time I was able to build upon my managerial, professional, and personal development. This was achieved by working with a range of adults with learning disabilities and facilitating sessions, whilst maintaining a person-centered approach.

Traveling to South Africa alone seemed so daunting at first but I quickly become settled and am grateful for the easy transition when arriving. I cannot thank the program enough for the amount of support and guidance they have provided throughout my whole stay, they have been so accommodating and welcoming. By providing weekly activities, gave opportunities for the other interns to bond and make lifelong friends but also get to know the team on a personable level.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in South Africa and challenged myself to try things outside of my comfort zone including hiking, bungee jumping from the largest bridge, zip-lining, walking with elephants, and hosting our first South African "braai"!

I am so thankful for the memories made and those I was able to share them with. I would highly recommend VACorps to anyone who wants to work abroad with the support of a wonderful team behind them.

I recently graduated college with my Bachelor's in Public Health and wanted to get some experience in global health before pursuing my master's degree. I chose Cape Town because, unfortunately, they have. a high prevalence of HIV and I wanted to look at infection control. I was placed with Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation and got to learn about the clinical trials the site is doing to combat HIV and provide vaccination. Overall, I learned a lot from my internship site, the country, and the people who I met. My internship showed me that I want to pursue my master's degree in infection control and prevention. It was an amazing experience for me and I am grateful I came out here.

I chose Cape Town because my brother Quentin had already gone through VACorps and loved it and had the time of his life. I really enjoyed my internship at the University. I learned numerous valuable lab skills and practices and would recommend interning there to anyone with a STEM major. I was able to grow my scientific background and knowledge, learned numerous lab skills, and how to operate new lab equipment I've never used before. I also learned a lot about the process of research in an open information research group and what needs to be done to follow protocol to ultimately get reliable data to publish.

I loved how much there is to do in Cape Town, from the beaches to the mountains to the city. I learned to be more confident in myself and lean into who I am. I will miss all the people I met down here the most. I stayed for two months, and I would recommend that people stay as long as possible.

I chose to do a film and media internship in Cape Town as I was curious to explore Africa and thought it would be a good place to start. I’m interested when it comes to South African media content, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know a different side of the city - the one that foreigners seldom get to see, especially when we filmed outside in locations like Khayelitsha. I’ve learned I can work in a different environment and adapt pretty quickly. Friday’s activities were always different and enjoyable. I’ve stayed for 3 months exactly and I would advise people to stay a minimum of 2 months so they can explore the city and its surrounding areas.

VAC staff were very present and involved in the weekly activities (Mondays and Fridays), and I’ve enjoyed my time with them. I’m definitely grateful for the number of people, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with while I was in the Vacorps program.

Coming to Cape Town, South Africa has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life. It is the most diverse and beautiful city with endless things to do and explore. The VACorps program allowed me to establish the most wonderful friendships with like-minded people, that I know will last a lifetime. I will be forever grateful for this program and my time in South Africa, and I am very sad to say goodbye to the VACorps staff and all the other wonderful people I have met during my time here.