VACorps

During my process of finalizing and applying for an internship, Cape Town was always at the top of my list. Many of my friends and family had traveled and studied abroad, but South Africa stood out to me. I knew very little about the country’s intricate history—only the big headlines that tend to define it in conversation. I saw this as an opportunity not only to pursue my passion for travel and exploration but also to immerse myself in a completely new world.

This experience gave me the chance to reflect and learn more about myself—what drives me, what excites me. Almost immediately, Cape Town and the people I met brought out the best in me, breaking through the shy shell I so often find myself in. Though I had a strong hunch, my love for traveling and learning about new places and people was solidified. Even after three months away from home, my experiences here have only made me more eager to stay—and even more determined to keep exploring this massive, endless world.

That may be what I loved most about my time in Cape Town. Then again, I could just as easily say it was the friendships I made. Both through VACorps and my internship, the people I met shaped my experience in ways I’ll never forget. They made the transition to living in a completely new place feel effortless.

My internship at the Two Oceans Aquarium was truly a dream come true—one of many that unfolded during my time here. I was welcomed immediately and always made to feel like part of the team. I was given opportunities beyond my expectations and experienced so many unforgettable firsts, all of which will stay with me as I continue down the path of working with animals. This experience has prepared me immensely for my upcoming job search in the animal field as I look beyond university and graduation.

Overall, my time in Cape Town has been truly incredible, though even that feels like an understatement. I would encourage anyone to visit—and even more so, to do it as part of VACorps. They embraced us from the start, filling our time with new, unforgettable experiences that we would have regretted missing.

Throughout my stay, I’ve struggled to find the perfect sentence or phrase to sum up how I feel about this place and the people I’ve met. But the truth is, there’s just too much to fit into a single line. This experience has changed me in ways I may not even fully realize yet, and I hope that anyone who returns home from Cape Town can say the same—whether in big ways or small, for better or worse. Just that it happened.

My experience in Cape Town through the VAC program has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. I had the chance to immerse myself in a new culture and make incredible friends—both through the program and with locals. The work-life balance was perfect for me. The internship expectations were high, but the reward of showing up every day, giving it my all, and seeing the impact of my work made it more than worth it.

My internship gave me opportunities I would never have had at my level back home. I gained so much hands-on experience while still having plenty of time to explore, travel, and soak in the culture of a new country. I loved becoming a local in Observatory—having workers know my usual order was such a cool feeling. Plus, I got to experience Cape Town’s incredible outdoors through program discounts on local attractions and its close proximity to the beach, mountains, and dunes. Hiking Table Mountain and Lion’s Head at sunrise is something I’ll be bragging about for the rest of my life!

Beyond the adventure, I also got to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife—there was always something happening, from trivia nights and karaoke to jazz and jam sessions in different parts of Cape Town. The people here are some of the warmest and most welcoming I’ve ever met. I felt at home everywhere I went, especially within the VACorps community.

I would recommend this program to anyone who will listen, and I’m beyond grateful for the experience and the lifelong memories I’ve made.

I chose Cape Town because it offered a unique cultural experience unlike anything I had encountered before. I was drawn to the city after reading about its breathtaking scenery, welcoming people, and exciting activities. The opportunity to experience South Africa while also working at a school for children with special needs was something I couldn’t pass up.

I chose to work at the school because its mission resonated deeply with me. Their dedication to serving underserved students and providing physiotherapy to those in need aligned perfectly with my own values. Everything about this experience was incredible—from working with students to trying new foods and activities. The people were warm, friendly, and eager to learn about me, which made adjusting to a new place even more special.

In total, I spent 75 days in Cape Town and 50 days at the school. If I had one piece of advice for future participants, it would be to give yourself enough time on both ends of your trip. Having a cushion allows you to adjust to the change, plan big activities, and fully soak in the experience. Some internships can be quite demanding, so having that extra flexibility helps ensure you don’t miss out on the things you truly want to do.

One of the highlights of my time here was the organized weekly adventures. Traveling with a large group not only made me feel safe but also allowed me to explore incredible places while having so much fun. I’m especially grateful to the staff for making Cape Town feel like a home away from home.

I chose Cape Town for my internship because of its endless activities and opportunities! I was also drawn to the unique intersection of cultures and people. What I loved most about Cape Town? The people, the food, the activities—honestly, everything!

During my time at Retreat Healthcare Clinic, I gained invaluable personal and professional experience. Being immersed in a different healthcare system, with its own benefits and challenges, allowed me to witness firsthand how it operates while shadowing doctors and nurses. The staff at the clinic were incredibly kind and helpful, always taking the time to teach me and answer my questions despite their busy schedules. Some of the most memorable moments included witnessing a birth, speaking with patients and healthcare professionals about their experiences, and, of course, holding all the adorable babies!

What I’ll miss most about Cape Town? My friends at VAC 😢, the amazing food, and the breathtaking hikes. Eight weeks was the perfect amount of time for my internship, but I was so sad to leave—I would have loved even more time here! The weekly VAC activities were a highlight, allowing us to explore the city’s top attractions with our group, without the hassle of planning. Plus, I had plenty of free time on weekends, which I used to take unforgettable trips to Kruger National Park and the Garden Route.

Above all, I’m incredibly grateful for the VACorps staff and the team at Retreat Clinic for their generosity, warmth, and kindness.

I chose Cape Town because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and immerse myself in a culture with different values, languages, traditions, and art. The city’s rich diversity provided exactly that. I was also looking for a place with plenty to do outside of work, and Cape Town, with its blend of mountains, ocean, and vibrant city life, offered endless opportunities. I spent my free time hiking Lion’s Head and Table Mountain, exploring tidal pools in Camps Bay and Kalk Bay, and sampling incredible food at the Old Biscuit Mill and Oranjezicht Market.

I pursued two internships in Cape Town to explore different career paths that interested me. At a public hospital, I shadowed and assisted nurses and doctors treating patients from across Africa, gaining hands-on experience in admissions, assisting with births, and learning to apply casts. At the Women’s Shelter, I worked with abused women and children, leading both individual and group counseling sessions. This experience allowed me to connect with clients and their families on a deeper level.

My time in both settings helped me understand what I value in a work environment. I realized how important it is for me to engage in hands-on work while also forming meaningful connections with colleagues and the people I serve. Now, looking back, I’m grateful for the skills I’ve gained, the people I’ve met, and the personal growth I’ve experienced during this journey.