VACorps Professional Internship Program
Location
South Africa: Cape Town (Kaapstad)
Description
As a participant of our program, located in Cape Town, South Africa, you tell us what type of internship experience you are looking for and we will create a custom internship placement based around your specific interests. You will be placed within an environment where you will make a positive contribution to your host organization while gaining invaluable and distinctive international work experience. We find placements for any type of participant, regardless of area of study or professional focus. We only offer internships in Cape Town because, quite simply, this is the most beautiful and dynamic city in the world. Visit our program testimonials to learn more about why our participants regularly have life-changing experiences in our program.
Highlights
We are a professional internship program that only accepts the most serious and professionally focused applicants. Our participants work full time and are expected to make an impact at their internship sites. Central to our program philosophy is the concept of mutually beneficial experiential learning, through which the intern, partner organization, and the communities they serve, have the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop in dynamic and positive ways.
- Outside of your internship, you will be able to participate in our program's free weekly Friday Excursions. Excursions take place in the afternoon and are an optional, yet highly recommended, way to see a new part of the city every week while socializing with other interns in the program. The following are examples of previous Friday excursions: surfing lessons at Muizenberg Beach, hikes in Table Mountain National Park (Lion's Head, Boomslang Caves, Elephant's Eye, Constantia Nek, Cecilia Forest), wine tasting in Constantia, chocolate tasting in Franschhoek, picnics in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, champagne sunset cruises in Table Bay Harbor and the list goes on!
- All interns participate in a comprehensive 2-day arrival orientation.
- We offer regular community service volunteer opportunities.
- We offer free weekly Xhosa classes (one of South Africa's 11 official languages).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Our program only offers internship placements in Cape Town, South Africa. When you experience this city's astounding natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and historical importance, you will soon discover why this is the premier international internship destination. Read the following passage to learn more about why this city will remain in your heart long after you have left South Africa:
Cape Town, situated at the southern tip of the African continent, is emerging as one of the premier destinations for international business and tourism in Africa. Nearly two decades removed from Apartheid, the city is a frontier for business and humanitarian innovation. Countless organizations, businesses and institutions have launched in Cape Town to meet the demands of a growing economy and nation. By placing yourself in such an environment, you will gain incredible access to both a nation and a city still coming to terms with a new socio-political identity.
Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, surrounded by oceans and shadowed by a 3,000-foot mountain. The vistas are dynamic, breathtaking and surreal. When you are not working at your internship, you will have time to enjoy a variety of weekend adventure opportunities. During an excursion to wine country, you can sample some of South Africa's famous wines. Having lunch at the summit of Table Mountain or hiking the Twelve Apostles only requires a good pair of shoes and a hiking buddy. Visiting the District Six Museum and Parliament are great activities for the politically-minded participant. A perusal of one of Cape Town's African craft markets gives you the chance to barter with artists from across Africa. And if you've always wanted surf or scuba dive but never had the chance to do so, Cape Town is the place for you!