Volunteer Adventure Corps

I stepped off the plane in Cape Town, South Africa at 10 pm local time, having slept maybe three or four hours total in the past 36. I was taking a leap of faith. I had no real idea of what to expect; I’d never been out of the United States before, and I was about to work in Africa for two whole months. At that point I could only hope it would be a summer (winter) that I could never forget, and now I can say it’ll probably be the most memorable and worthwhile summer (winter) of my entire life. Every person has a different story, a different experience, and honestly I don’t think mine could have been any better. From the internship, to experiencing the country and culture, to all the people I lived, worked, and travelled around with—every aspect of my life in Cape Town was amazing. I was also blessed enough to have been in South Africa during the world cup, which as you can imagine was incredible. Still, the focus on the world cup for half of the time I was interning left me with many undiscovered pieces of Cape Town and South Africa. There’s just a limitless supply of things to experience, and I hope to go back someday. By the way, VAC is awesome. I know that’s what your expecting a testimonial on their website to say, but seriously, I can’t imagine any better people or program to go through. They know the in-and-outs of Southern Africa and have what I believe is the perfect outlook on aiding interns with their experience. VAC helps you set everything up and then lets you experience everything on your own, being available whenever you need them without hovering. If you have the ability and desire to go to Cape Town, I’m telling you right now—GO. You won’t regret it.

My ten weeks in Cape Town, South Africa were invaluable! It was easily one of the greatest experiences of my life. Volunteer Adventure Corps provided me with an opportunity to do some of the most amazing things that I could ever see myself doing. VACorps provides so much more than is to be expected from an internship placement organization. Coming to South Africa I was seeking to gain some international work experience in the nonprofit section 21 business sector. My internship site, Heart Global in Woodstock, is a social business incubator designed to create and incubate sustainable business initiatives, all the while focusing on making positive social change. While the project I worked on was not exactly what I thought it would be, I learned more than I could have hoped to learn in a traditional classroom setting. Everything about the opportunity to work on the Grow South Africa project at Heart was humbling and eye opening from a business perspective as well as from a social perspective. As I was given more responsibilities, I found myself feeling invested in every aspect of the project's operations and anxious to gain feedback about my undertakings. The social environment that VACorps provides is definitely more than I was expecting. It was so interesting to live in the same house with people from so many different countries and areas of the world. Living in a house with other interns and students provides countless opportunities to socialize and also provides a wonderful support system. I have made some wonderful friends that I will have for a long time. The social environment that VACorps provides simply cannot be overestimated. All in all, I would encourage anyone interested to take the opportunity of a lifetime and join VACorps. You will not regret it!

suchIf I were to be completely honest, there’s an amount of skepticism that precedes a big decision to move to another country, even if for a few months. And it’s not always easy to have blind faith in a company that you’ve only corresponded with via email. But! I’m here to tell you that to keep that blind faith is the best decision I ever made. Even before arriving in Cape Town, the VACorps crew helped me every single step of the way. I went on to live in Cape Town for just under 6 months, and in all honesty, it changed my life! My internship site was fantastic, and showed me how much effort VAC puts into finding a site suitable to each of its participants. I knew I wanted to get into film making, and was hoping that my internship would reaffirm my decision, while giving me some serious hands on experience. And that’s exactly what it did. Fly on the Wall is a fantastic company, with a lot of great work to their name. Yet, they were amazingly helpful, and taught me every step of the way. I worked on an opera, music videos, pitches, editing and other post production while with them. Even though I was an intern, everyone went out of their way to make me feel right at home. VAC has this way of making sure all their participants are looked after, with follow up phone calls week after week, and fun Friday activities. They’re more than willing to go out of the way to help solve a problem, should one arise. In my 6 months though, I didn’t have a single one. Through the relationships established with my internship site and through the overall experience I had while in CT, I have decided to move back there and study film. Professionally and personally, Cape Town surpassed even the highest expectations I could’ve had, and I know the memories and friends from that short time span will last me a life time. Thank you VAC. You guys are all legends!

VAC was not the first internship program I participated in; however, the experience was one-of-a-kind. The organization was one of the few international placement agencies offering positions with a refugee service provider; an opportunity I was long looking for. The Cape Town Refugee Centre exposed me firsthand to issues surrounding forced migration and gave me a chance to work at both a refugee camp and the South African Department of Home Affairs. I could not have asked for a better introduction to human displacement than the responsibility of interviewing individuals from countries such as Zimbabwe, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The network of professional contacts I made paid off a few weeks after leaving Cape Town when I received an offer to be exposed to the work of the United Nations. "My experience living in Cape Town echoes the testimonies of many former VAC participants. The program combines the liberty to explore with a strong support system. The outcome for me was some incredible adventures: snorkelling with a whale shark, playing in a polo tournament, partying at Mzolis, catching my first wave surfing&The people I share these memories with are friends for a lifetime. "I recommend VAC to anyone interested in clarifying their professional goals and learning about life in another country. Cape Town is a fascinating destination given its history, culture, and stunning scenery. Participating in the program opened new doors and taught me that I can succeed outside of my comfort zone; rewards that are priceless.

Since I was 15 years old I have known I wanted to go to Africa. Years later, with only one year of college to go, I began searching for opportunities to make my dream a reality. Searching online for the perfect opportunity was overwhelming with so many options to choose from, but when I found the VACorps website I felt I found something unique. VAC combines the opportunity to intern in South Africa with weekly excursions, support that is there when you need it (offering an extra sense of security), and the immediate opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Going to Cape Town through the VAC program has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Every day was an adventure; from the Food and Wine Expo to holding the trunk of an elephant along the Garden Route, I loved every minute of it. Not only was I able to experience new things in a new country and make wonderful new friends with whom I still stay in contact, but I was also able to have the incredibly unique experience of interning for a South African NGO working with refugees and asylum seekers. My time at the Cape Town Refugee Centre was enlightening, eye opening, and at times challenging. I was able to see refugee camps first hand, offer financial assistance to parents struggling to pay school fees, and learn about the refugee plight. In the three months that I spent in Cape Town I learned more about myself than I could ever imagine, and it will remain a time in my life that I will never forget.

'I arrived in Cape Town on the afternoon of January 11, 2009. I was groggy and dirty but happy to be somewhat stationary after such a long trip. Oliver from Volunteer Adventure Corps, liaison and on-the-ground internship coordinator, greeted me and welcomed me to Cape Town, got me settled in, and began rattling off an itinerary of planned activities. I was in South Africa! The excitement of this revelation was only the beginning of an incredible experience and I was ready to jump in with both feet. 'I went to South Africa without any grand expectations. Since I was much older than the traditional intern, I figured I would approach my younger cohorts tentatively so as not to make them or myself uncomfortable. Not imposing myself on them in any way, I planned to simply find my own fun and make my own friends. To my wonder and surprise, all of the interns extended their company and friendship generously. I gladly and happily accepted. The time we spent together defies explanation or the ability to accurately relay in words. Every single intern I met was intelligent, unique, fun-loving, honest and caring. Together we shared laughs as well as unique situations, all adequately managed while drinking generous amounts of fantastic South African wine. I became both mom and friend. My most profound love continues to go out to them all. They provided an experience that could only be enjoyed in this region of the world. The culture of South Africa is unique in that family, friends and community are given profound priority. Time and effort is made in fostering relationships and assisting where needed. This welcoming atmosphere spills over into the internship experience as friends, who quickly become family, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Cape winelands, lie around all day at one of the many beaches, spend a night out on the town, or sit up late at night around the kitchen table laughing. 'I interned at the Southern African Media and Gender Institute (SAMGI), which is a diverse organization employing people from Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Dubai, United States and South Africa and which relies heavily on the talents of each individual. Thousands of miles away from home, I was embarking on the type of life of which I had dreamed for so long and towards which I diligently applied myself. I had few desires for my internship and the work that I would accomplish other than placing my educational knowledge at the forefront of my duties. However, my supervisors were adamant that I contribute as an equal, and they maintained that I would be held to the same standards of performance as those expected of the full-time employees. My years of professional office experience and educational background was fully utilized and was adequate preparation for my duties that increased substantially as time progressed. 'One of the most profound experiences was the privilege of accompanying a SAMGI field instructor to Hawaqua (pronounced hä-vä-qua) Men's Prison. I thoroughly enjoyed assisting the trainer with the classroom exercises. The students were articulate, intelligent, and curious, which led to involved, enlightened, and jocular discussions. I found it very difficult to leave on my final visit before flying home. The students waved to me as they were being marched back to quarters while I stood outside the gate fighting back tears. These young men stole my heart as well as my imagination and I will cherish them always. 'Cape Town, South Africa, is a city eager for the abilities and contributions of talented individuals. It attracts people from all over the world. The people whom I have the extreme privilege to now call friends are lively, caring, jovial and passionate, living their lives within some of the most beautiful and culturally rich landscape in the world. These are a proud people for whom I hope the best of outcomes. I am truly grateful for the pleasure they have given me.'

When I decided I wanted to travel and live abroad in Cape Town, South Africa, I had no idea that my life could change to the extent that it did. From the second I stepped off the plane in Cape Town International Airport, I began a journey that has drastically impacted the person I am today. The experiences and things I have learned about myself are nothing I could have learned sitting in a lecture hall in Eugene, Oregon. Living in Cape Town and working at my internship created hundreds of opportunities for me to challenge myself and has really opened my eyes to a world I would have never seen. The wonderful thing about doing a professional internship in Cape Town is that you get to experience so much more than just an internship. Through living in shared living houses in the tight community of Observatory, you quickly come to feel like a local rather than just a visiting tourist. Not only are you living in a beautiful city that has endless new activities and places to explore. You also have the responsibility and expectations of a professional internship. I learned to try new things both inside and outside of my internship, such as teaching English in a high school, scuba diving and cliff jumping. 'Returning home with several letters of recommendations and some amazing crafts is only the beginning. With me I take home stories like hiking Lion's Head barefoot, wine tasting in Stellenbosch, and late nights of laughing at Babos, all which are things that I will never forget. From my time spent in Cape Town I did so much more than I ever thought was possible, and I wouldn't trade my experience and the relationships I formed for anything.

When the opportunity to participate in a professional internship in Africa presented itself to me, I had a feeling it would be the adventure of a lifetime. But the internship experience in Cape Town provided by VAC still managed to exceed my high expectations. From the very first email exchange; to my orientation; to meeting up on a Friday night for one of VAC's numerous organized activities; to simply unwinding and spending a night out on the town, the entire VAC staff especially Oliver and Sean went out of their way to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition to Cape Town. My internship at the South African Human Rights Commission was equally impressive. The staff at the Commission instantly made me feel like part of the team and I was given freedom to pursue my own interests, as they related to those of the Commission. I helped author an official policy paper, I was given the opportunity to visit Parliament two or three times every week to monitor legislation of interest to the Commission, and I participated in weekly corporate board room meetings, where I came to understand how the internal structure of a large corporation operates. My internship in South Africa was well worth the investment, as I was able to see up close the relationship between poverty and neo-liberal capitalism as well as the various interactions between intergovernmental organizations and NGOs. I now return home equipped with essential skills to further my career in the field of international relations, and with a leg up on the competition by having actually worked in a foreign country. These advantages have already become manifest in the form of a job offer I received from a prestigious economic development firm in New York. I only wish I could have stayed longer. Whether touring Stellenbosch's litany of wine vineyards; or hiking any one of the various mountains; or spending a Saturday night out on Long Street, you will never be bored in Cape Town. And throughout my entire time here, the VAC staff became more than just my contacts on the ground in South Africa: they became my friends. If there is any part of you that wants to do this, my advice is to just do it; it is such a valuable experience, and you will have so many regrets if you don't.

For two and a half months I participated in an unforgettable internship in Cape Town through VAC. It's quite difficult for me describe my experience because English is not my mother tongue, though I will try my best! Well, I am civil engineer and VAC was able to find me an internship with Sea and Shore Projects, a civil engineering firm helping to build the stadium that will host the 2010 World Cup! I am Brazilian and besides that I love football........hauhauhahuahu!!! So this was an unbeliavable opportunity for me. Surely years from now, and after Brazil wins the 2010 World Cup, I will look back and remember this time as one of the most amazing periods of my life. Firstly, because VAC placed me in an excellent company and found me great accommodation, and secondly, because Cape Town is an amazing city where you can have a lot of fun. If you are looking for an internship in Cape Town, VAC will take amazing care of you!

An internship with VAC is one of those experiences that you have to live to fully understand its value. The written word doesn't do justice to my experience as an intern in Cape Town. To move across the world, to work in an unfamiliar business environment, and to live with students from all around the globe forced me to erase any boundaries that I had limited myself to in the past. Before I came to Cape Town to work as an intern at Obzside, I pictured myself working as a business woman in the US. However, this internship has helped me see that there is an entire world out there and that the US is just a tiny part of it. This has been a liberating journey for me, and the amount of personal growth and knowledge I have acquired by living and working in a foreign environment is immeasurable.

Having VAC arrange my internship with You & Your Money was so helpful. They did a great job of working through all the planning and logistical issues long before I arrived. Coming to a new country can certainly be stressful, having Sean and Oliver as a resource made all the difference in the world. There were so many things I wanted to spend my time doing, looking for reliable internship was not one of them. Working with VAC was such a great experience, not only are the people who work great, it attracts some really cool people from all over the world. My only disappointment was not being able to stay longer. My time in the VAC internship program definitely exceeded expectations. I enrolled in the internship program under different circumstances than the other interns because I first studied abroad at the University of Cape Town and only joined the program in June after finishing the semester. Going into this internship I assumed, despite assurances from the VAC staff, that I would be "pushing paper" most of the time-- basically not doing anything constructive. But that has definitely not been the case over the past 2 months. Johann Magerman the Director of the "Debt Activist" branch of Y&YM has allowed me to have free reign. In my first few days they said they would introduce me to everything Y&YM does and at the end of the week I would choose to what level and to where I would like to get involved. Y&YM has given me the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of activities. Attending forums on Debt relief, facilitating workshops, giving presentations, traveling, attending Financial Life Skills seminars, developing proposals, Interpreting legislation, writing reports, and conducting research, but most of all I have been able to participate and learn about the issues Y&YM and South Africa are faced with. I had my doubts going in, being that it was a small organization, I was concerned that they would not have the capacity to find a place for me. That has definitely not been the case. Like almost every NGO in South Africa they appreciated all the help they could get. The staff has been great and I hope to continue to stay in touch with everyone I met at You & Your Money. I would definitely recommend the VAC internship experience to any prospective applicants, particularly those who don't want to leave South Africa after having studied abroad!

Chances are, if you've made your way to the testimonials page of this website you're already on the cusp of the adventure of a lifetime. Go for it. Stop mulling it over and book your flight already. I interned for a premier adventure tourism company for two months, Cape Xtreme Adventure Tours, in a modest yet incredibly dynamic and effective marketing department based in Muizenberg. Under their tutelage I've taken home more skills and knowledge than in three full years of traditional university schooling. I've made contacts and memories that will stay with me for a lifetime. But VAC is more than an internship-placing organization; it's an experience. Oliver and Sean will go to any lengths to ensure that your adventure is tailor-made to fit your career aspirations. Their list of contacts is impressive. Their knowledge of Cape Town and surrounds rather, all of southern Africa and beyond is comprehensive. You'll find distinctly South African opportunities arise every week, from SCUBA diving to mountain climbing, from sampling the Cape Winelands finest Shiraz to enjoying the colorful township culture, food, music, and dancing in the Cape Flats. VAC's courteous and down-to-earth staff will be there to present you with these opportunities to add value to your internship. Take pause before you sign up, though there is one serious drawback to engaging in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; coming home after a few months in Cape Town will indeed be much harder than you'd expect.

VAC has an impressive list of internship placement sites offering interns a chance to work at some of Cape Town's best organizations regardless of what your academic focus may be. My internship at the Amy Biehl Foundation Trust allowed me to learn first hand about development and fundraising in the private sector and has been a huge asset while applying for professional positions back in the U.S. Within my first week at the site, I was given responsibility for multi-million dollar grants and was able to work with various embassies, consulates and South African and U.S government agencies in developing our fundraising proposals. My time at Amy Biehl has recommitted me to the mission of the foundation and I am continuing my work with the org. back at home by holding fundraisers and benefits in DC. Taking part in the VAC program definitely enriched my experience abroad. The program provides interns with a balance of being a strong support system and allowing for freedom and independence while exploring your new home. I was able to work and play with people from all over the world and through VAC have gained not only a vital internship experience but have also formed lifelong friendships with interns from the program. Participating in VAC allowed us an insider's look at life in Cape Town otherwise inaccessible to interns and students abroad. From delving into apartheid history at the District Six Museum, to sailing lessons at a local regatta, and helping to celebrate at a traditional Xhosa wedding, VAC and their knowledge of the city offers program participants a much deeper immersion into the culture and history of South Africa. The fact that me and several other interns plan to reconnect and plan our way back is a testament to our wonderful experience and having enjoyed every minute of my time I would highly recommend the VAC program to anyone heading to Cape Town!

I boarded a plane in mid-May having just finished my second year of law school. I left a great job and a set career path because I wasn't happy. And even though it felt like the right decision, coming to South Africa was a huge risk... But it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I interned at the Women's Legal Centre, an NGO that investigates and litigates gender equality issues on behalf of indigent women. These women are some of the bravest people I have met, having risked their own lives for the advancement and protection of women in South Africa. My work ranged from strategic litigation to comparative law research to producing arguments against prescription of damages by analogizing forced sterilizations with child rape. I attended a murder trial in Khayelitsha and consulted with a pregnant woman in her prison cell before submitting a request for bail. I was challenged and invigorated with each passing day; my purpose in being there was constantly inspired. Beyond working for a great organization, VAC facilitated a smooth transition into South African society. VAC not only served as a security net, but also coordinated housing, activities on Friday afternoons, and opportunities to travel across southern Africa. The staff is simply amazing and extremely committed to making sure people get the most out of their time in Cape Town. It is a phenomenal program and I would recommend it without reservations to anyone (even graduate students, like myself) who is thinking of interning in Cape Town. My summer in South Africa put me on a path I was always meant to be on and VAC enriched the experience in ways I could not have imagined… It won't be long before I return!

I could not have asked for a better way to spend my summer. My internship at Media Nova, a South African magazine publishing company, allowed me to participate in the design of four different magazines. I quickly learned that Cape Town is one of the most inspiring cities in the world and being surrounded by an office of designers really made that concrete. Designing layouts for Property Magazine was interrupted by weekend trips along the coast, morning hikes up Table Mountain, and working on my personal goal of eating at every single restaurant in Cape Town. VAC did an amazing job of making sure the transition went as well as it could. Orientation, Friday activities, and weekly check-ins assured that I always felt comfortable in this bustling city. There's no doubt that I would have extended my stay here in Cape Town if I didn't have to go back and finish school and I know VAC played a significant role in this amazing adventure.

Interning with VAC and living in Cape Town for the summer has been the best three months of my entire life. Not a lot of people get to say that they traveled across the world to live in a different country, and I am so thankful that I was able to have this opportunity. I spent my weeks here traveling around Cape Town, going on an endless amount of hikes, visiting every beach I could, eating at delicious restaurants, and making amazing life long friends. Without VAC I know my transition to living in a different country for three months would have been difficult. All of the employees did everything they could to make sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed. They were always there if I had questions, and never made me feel like I was alone on this journey. I am truly thankful for the experience that VAC has given me and words cannot describe how this summer truly changed my life.

Interning with VAC was an amazing experience that I would do all over in a heart beat. I had such a wonderful time that I extended my stay twice and only left because I was unable to apply for another visa extension. I wouldn't have a clue how to find housing, an internship or my way around the city if I didn't go through VAC. It's great living with other interns and meeting so many new people. The Friday activities are awesome and allow you to explore parts of Cape Town that you might not do on your own. I was also able to go on three VAC trips to Mozambique, Namibia and the Wild Coast. Interning with VAC allowed me to take these incredible trips and do things such as scuba diving, swimming with whale sharks, ocean safari's, kayaking down the Orange River or having dinner at a Xhosa Village. If you are looking for a internship program in South Africa 100% choose Volunteer Adventure Corps and try and stay as long as you can. Its absolutely worth it and truly a life changing experience.

Leaving the United States for the first time to travel to South Africa was exciting and nerve racking. There was a variety of significant information and details that were necessary to fulfill for my trip, and being a new traveler, I felt confident and comfortable with Volunteer Adventure Corps. They were extremely knowledgable and helpful throughout my pre-departure process. I needed credits from my school for this internship, and VACorps was great with communicating with my university, as well as through email. Additionally, VACorps was well organized with setting up appropriate internships that suited my requirements best. Because of VACorps, I was able to have the experience of a lifetime at a children's home and met some wonderful people and children that will have an impact on me forever! Throughout my time spent with VACorps, I was very pleased with the various activities and trips that were constantly planned. The Friday activities were always a good time whether it was hiking, wine tasting, a community garden, surfing, etc. Additionally, the Mozambique trip with VACorps was an amazing experience and well worth the travel. I was glad to have VACorps as a guide in regard to the Friday activities and the infamous Mozambique trip. Most of all what made these trips worthwhile was the enjoyment of the VACorps staff. Everyone here at VACorps was reliable, knowledgeable, fun, and pleasant. Overall, I was happy with deciding on VACorps as my leader to experience South Africa in every way possible!

During my sophomore year while looking at options for studying abroad I quickly realized that I did not want to study at a university. Instead of spending my time in a classroom I wanted to be in the field, working in a different culture, rather than worrying about studying for a test. I wanted to spend my energy getting to know individuals from all over the world rather than reading a textbook and VACorps gave me just that. Through my internship at FoodTents, an urban agriculture organization, I was able to work one-on-one with South African individuals discovering a different culture, different ways of communication, and the ins and outs of a non-profit organization. I had the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the organization while receiving internship credit for school. I believe that my internship experience through VACorps was an abroad experience that could not be matched by any study abroad program through any university. An abroad internship provides hands-on learning unlike any classroom, no matter the country. Beyond the internship, VACorps provides an inside look into the city of Cape Town. Instead of finding tourist attractions on our own, the VACorps staff was incredibly eager to share the local secrets of their beloved city with us. Every Friday they took us on a hike, wine tour, to build a community garden, or some other adventure that we could not have done on our own. Beyond the Friday excursions, the VACorps staff was constantly suggesting adventures of our own and even spending their own free-time showing us a Cape Town that was far beyond any travel book or touristy website. I cannot fully express how much the enthusiasm and passion of the VACorps staff impacted my trip and view of Cape Town. Their love for this beautiful city has been passed onto us, forever giving Cape Town a special place in my heart.

Vanessa and others at VAC allowed me to have a best of both worlds experience in Cape Town. Getting to work at Gugulethu Hospital was a privilege and it wouldn't have been possible without them. I would never forget seeing Table Mountain where ever you go or going to beautiful wine estates or the wonderful locals I met. Thank you VAC for a great experience and memories that I will hold dear to..

Before arriving here I didn't know what to expect. But quickly I met so many wonderful people that I realized how the experience can be wonderful! I fell in love with South Africa and more especially of Cape Town. I have learned a lot about the culture. The diversity of people, landscapes, culture, weather and activities make this city unique ! I interned at the observatory junior school for 3 months. I was assisting teachers, helping with the garden, doing some fund raising, observing in the shine center and teaching astronomy ! I can't explain how wonderful my internship was but I can just say that now I want to be a teacher and come back as soon as possible to South Africa. You'll not have enough time with your own life to discover all you can discover in this country. If I have one recommendation to someone who wants to do an internship in SA just contact VAC. It's a wonderful organisation and a good way to discover the country and meet some people from all over the world. Just enjoy every moment, stay as long as you can and take every opportunity to discover this wonderful country. This experience changed my life and it's an awesome experience ! Thanks VAC for everything you have done and I hope to see you in the future !

Before arriving to South Africa, I was apprehensive as to what exactly I was getting myself into. When I was rushed to meet 20 new people my very first night, I quickly realized how exciting this experience would be. Apart from the laughter and the memories I've shared in Cape Town, I've also learned about the complex culture of South Africa. The diversity that exists in Cape Town creates a unique melting pot of people, culture, and traditions. It is truly special to live in a place with such diversity, not to mention the constant breathtaking views of the three peaks. From blaring minibus rides, to 5 hours hikes, to scuba diving within 2 hours notice, to drinking, eating meat, and dancing on a Sunday afternoon, I quickly became favorable to the Capetonian way of life. I interned with an environmental organization during my stay here, which focused on environment and education in various townships. Using education in gardening, I learned a lot about what it takes to sustain a productive garden in the developing world. Beyond the daily labor that was involved in working in the gardens, it was also interesting to see what it takes to run a non-profit organization. This insight will contribute greatly to my studies, and will cast me ahead in my future endeavors. I will leave South Africa with not only a greater appreciation for the world and what it has to offer, but also life long friends, memories, and a gazillion stories. Cape Town will always have a place in my heart, and I can guarantee that I will be returning. Thank you VAC for everything you've done, and expect a visit in the near future! YOH!

My time in Cape Town with VAC has been an incredible experience that has truly changed my life. Cape Town is the most beautiful place with so much to see and do… and amazing food! The outdoor friendly atmosphere gave me the opportunity to go on incredible hikes and enjoy beautiful sunsets on the beach. VAC also made it possible for me to get my scuba dive certification along with other VAC inters. We were able to dive not only in Cape Town but also in Mozambique! I went to Mozambique which was an incredible trip with beautiful untouched beaches, a different culture of Africa, and memories with great friends that I will never forget. The VAC staff is a wonderful group of people that without a doubt want to make each intern have the experience of a lifetime. VAC has been incredible at providing all sorts of activities and trips for their interns to experience as much as they can while in South Africa. It does not matter how long you are in Cape Town there is always something to do. I will always remember the great friendships that I have made with other interns and I am sure I will keep in contact with many of them. Cape Town has taught me a lot about myself and has opened my eyes to the world. In addition to experiencing the city of Cape Town, my internship provided me with the opportunity to experience a more impoverished area of the country. Interning at the Retreat Day Hospital clinic provided me with so many hands-on opportunities that I would not be able to do in the United States. I was able to draw blood, give injections, put in sutures and I was even able to end my internship by delivering a baby! The nurses and doctors at the day hospital were so nice and willing to teach me everything. Furthermore, the relationships I formed with the staff will always impact my life. I have learned so much while at Retreat and I could not have asked for a better internship! If you want to do an internship that will change your life contact VAC.

I'm so glad I chose VAC for my clinical internship experience in a township of Cape Town. They organized my internship site at Crossroads Community Clinic and Day Hospital and provided transportation everyday. The sisters and doctors were happy to show me how to draw blood and do simple suturing. The most valuable thing I learned at CCC was how to think like a doctor. From my observations of doctor-patient interactions, I gained an instinct to diagnose illnesses and think about treatments. It was like a puzzle game and I'm glad to have learned about what the doctoring process involves. CCC had different types of patients than I would have found in my small town in the States. I learned about infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, TB) and how they are managed in the South African context. This experience was priceless for me as I look to applying to US Medical Schools and making decisions about my career in rural medicine and serving the underserved. VAC also organized superb housing in Observatory with other interns and students. From my time in VAC, I would describe VAC interns as a funny intelligent movers and shakers of the planet. We have rockstar attitudes and a positive adventurous outlook on life. We are extraordinary passionate people. VAC also provides the perfect opportunity to work hard and play hard in Cape Town. Friday Activities involving wine tastings and hikes were superb ways for us to explore different parts of the city and to get to know other VAC Interns. Taking Ivy's Xhosa class was so valuable for me because I greeted the Xhosa speaking sisters this way everyday! Now I have a unique souvenir to take home. VAC also organized a legendary dive course and a legendary trip to untouched paradise waters in Mozambique. I would highly recommend this trip for VAC interns as it is a whole other part of Africa you get to see different landscape, culture, and lifestyle. I've had the time of my life and I've fallen in love with South Africa!

Being an intern with VAC gave me an incredible opportunity that I wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. I've seen and experienced so many amazing things that most people in their lives would never be able to and I'm so grateful for what VAC has given me. Interning with VAC solidified in my mind what I want to pursue in my future. I've loved my time in South Africa, learning about the culture and meeting new people, and it's made me want to return as quickly as I possibly can.

My last day in the states included packing up my apartment, walking the graduation ceremony at U of O, and having a final dinner with my family. The following day I hopped on a plane to ZA. I was not expecting that my trip would include a trip to Mozambique, paragliding off of Lion's Head, Swimming with Dolphin's and Whale Sharks, and making life long friends. Now my time has come to an end and I am quite sad that this adventure must come to an end. Hands down VAC has made my stay in Cape Town worth while. I have been able to experience more things that this beautiful city has to offer during the Friday activities. I also had the chance to take a 10 day trip to Mozambique! If it wasn't for VAC, my stay in ZA would be completely different and I am thankful for them. The staff is super fun and a great resource to have. Not to fret, I shall be back eventually! Until then...Cheers!

When I first thought about interning in South Africa, so many what-ifs ran through my mind. I knew everything would be different than what I was used to back home. The Volunteer Adventure Corps staff immediately put me at ease. Oliver and Vanessa answered all my questions ahead of time, and I knew before I left that I would be well taken care of once I got to Cape Town. My experience here confirmed my initial impression of VAC. The VAC staff was always there to answer any questions I had about my internship, about the city, anything. My internship with the Southern African Media and Gender Institute really allowed me to grasp the intricacies of working in an NGO in South Africa, a country in such a unique position in the world in terms of human rights, politics and other social issues. This experience could not have been replicated anywhere else in the world. The connections VAC has in the Cape Town community are invaluable. Interns work in every type of organization all around the townships and the city. And you live with them. One of VAC's many strengths is the diversity you are exposed to as an intern. People from around the world with varying interests all come together as a result of VAC. Moreover, VAC offers all of its interns the change to explore Cape Town, through the Friday activities, and the whole of southern Africa, through the longer trips. I went on the Sardine Run trip, which was unbelievable. We swam with sharks and dolphins, saw traditional Xhosa villages, ate traditional meals, and experienced life in the Eastern Cape. My internship this summer was amazing and I have stories that will last a lifetime--all thanks to VAC!

The past two months have been some of the best times of my entire life. I will never forget my experience here. I literally haven't had a second to rest the whole time I have been here. It has been a nonstop adventure. And I wouldn't have it had any other way. One of the key reasons why my experience was so incredible was due to the amazing hospitality, kindness, professionalism and fun loving attitude of the VACorps staff. Never before the VACorps, have I been in a program where I could actually consider the staff of the program friends. The staff of VACorps went out of their way to make sure everyone had a great time. Cape Town is an amazing city but having the insight of the staff concerning the city was truly invaluable and gave us all an experience we never would have had on our own. It was also very comforting to know that if I ever had a serious problem there would always be someone there to help. I believe that the Cape Town Refugee Center was definitely the right internship for me as well. Being able to interact and listen to the stories of so many fascinating people was certainly a powerful and moving experience. While CTRC was at times very frustrating, the lessons I have learned while working there will serve me well in the rest of my life. My two months here in Cape Town have flown by. Although, it is very hard to leave, I know that the friends and memories I have made here will be with me for the rest of my life. I truly cannot put into my words my gratitude towards the staff of the VACorps. You guys have given me the experience of a lifetime. Goodbye for now, though I'm sure it won't be too long before Cape Town calls me back again.

Choosing to intern in Cape Town with VAC was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. During my time in South Africa, I was introduced to a wealth of experiences that I would never have been afforded without the guidance of the VAC team. Oli, Sean, and Vanessa go above and beyond to ensure that you get the most out of your time in Cape Town. To anyone considering applying to VAC, consider some of the things that made my experience unforgettable: -Getting SCUBA certified -Hiking Devil's Peak, Elephant's Eye, Boomslang Caves, and Constantia Nek -Exploring the National Gallery, Slave Lodge, and District 6 Museum -Going to the Biscuit Mill every Saturday morning for gourmet food -Surfing in Muizenberg -Visiting the Cape of Good Hope -Going wine tasting in Constantia -Eating at Mzoli's in Guguletu My internship, also gave me a number of opportunities that I would not have otherwise been presented with had I decided to stay in the states this summer. As an intern at ODAC, I attended sessions of the Ad-Hoc Parliamentary Committee for the Protection of Information (Secrecy) Bill. I also conducted research for ongoing projects that the office was involved with and got to assist a senior researcher on a business trip to Polokwane to present a workshop on the Protected Disclosures Act. I was able to build relationships with some of the foremost specialists in Freedom of Information Law. While this was my first introduction to formal legal work, I realized early on that a career in the legal industry is definitely for me. All things considered, the greatest memories that I will retain of my time with VAC will be the trips that I took with the fellow interns. In June, I spent a week in the Eastern Cape for the Sardine Run and In July I was in Mozambique. While on these trips, I got to know the other interns on a whole new level and I know that I will keep in touch with them for years to come. VAC is truly one of a kind and it would be a mistake to miss out.

Having a love of travel, it was only a matter of time before I wound up in South Africa. Of course, a lot of questions came to my mind as well as the minds of my family and friends. Now that I am nearly finished, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. One gets to see a corner of the world not many others do. I was able to go to Mozambique, Joburg, and the Eastern Cape Province during my 3 months here all because of the opportunities VAC presented to me. VAC took my personal interests and my business degree and found me the perfect internship site. I was doing relevant work in a fun atmosphere. Never did I do the typical intern job of fetching coffee, or filing a stack of random papers. I did work that not only increased my knowledge of the particular field but also affected the company. This is truly a once in a life time opportunity that any internship back home will never be able to match.

My internship in Cape Town shaped me in ways I was not expecting. I had the experience of a life time and hope that everyone who is able gets an opportunity to experience South Africa the way I was fortunate enough to. I interned at Heideveld Community Health Center in Heideveld Township. Working in the township allowed me to get the most out of Cape Town's beautifully rich culture. I became close friends with many of the hospital staff, and was able to participate hands-on to help patients in ways not possible in the States. In return, it cemented my decision to pursue a career in medicine and gave me an invaluable experience that I will stay with me forever. From living in Observatory to travelling to the Wild Coast of South Africa, VAC helped me to feel comfortable during my stay. There was never a time when I felt lost or alone, and I always felt like I could ask them for ideas on a good hike to try or even the surfing report for the weekend. I feel that VAC invested in me their time and consideration, and I was able to invest mine in South Africa. Words cannot describe what I have gained from my experience.

My experience in Cape Town has changed my life forever. From the moment I arrived at the airport, to the final time I was dropped off, I grew as a person and a professional each and every moment. I can attribute all of this amazing growth to the amazing VAC staff. Whether it was a 2am phone call looking for some good late night food, or finding an idea for another amazing weekend excursion, every staff member was only a phone call and 5 minutes away. The comfort I felt thanks to the VAC is a testament to their dedication to the program and their individual commitments to each and every participant. I am a computer security undergraduate at the Pennsylvania State University. The VAC went above and beyond to create a unique internship program for me that challenged the knowledge I gained in school to create a skill set that has become an invaluable discussion topic at every interview I go to. My jobsite was incredibly welcoming and so supportive of allowing me every opportunity to experience any aspect of Cape Town I could. Between Friday VAC excursions, weekend trips with my roommates and other VAC participants, drinks with my coworkers, and my internship itself, the only thing I was lacking was more time! My roommates have become lifelong friends, and the VAC staff are people I will continue to admire for a long time. I suggest this opportunity to everyone I meet, and encourage anyone with an open mind and an eagerness to grow as an individual to reach out to the VAC and see what opportunities they can create for you. My only regret is that I can’t do it all over again.

When I decided to spend my summer in South Africa, I was embarking on something I had never done before and needless to say, I was a little nervous. Having never traveled to Africa before, I was not sure what to expect and was looking for an organization that could help orient me around Cape Town and make sure I got the most out of my trip to Cape Town. Volunteer Adventure Corps (VAC) provided an excellent framework that helped me plan amazing trips around my work schedule. My 2010 summer in South Africa was the perfect balance of education, exploration, and fun that I will treasure forever. My internship was at the Retreat Community Health Clinic. Most of my time was spent in the trauma room shadowing doctors and assisting in various procedures. Eventually, I had earned their trust and ended up being allowed to suture and place IV lines on my own. It was very fulfilling to be the only one caring for the patient, to be their doctor (at least, that's how they perceived me). One patient even told me that I was the best doctor he had ever seen. Of course, that could have been the morphine talking (he had suffered a dislocated shoulder). They say the summer between your first and second years of medical school is your last so go do something you enjoy. On the other hand, there are those who say that spending that summer doing research is an excellent way to make a residency application stand out later on. I believe I have accomplished both of those things. My VAC experience in Cape Town was nothing short of incredible. Everything from the internship to the people I lived with to the food was amazing. Not to mention that I caught a few World Cup games!

I had never been to Africa, only Europe, so I wanted something totally new, and that was part of my drive for searching here. VAC was the first thing I noticed when I decided I wanted to go to South Africa during summer 2010. Working in Cape Town through VAC was the most amazing experience of my life. From the very beginning, VAC was very quick to respond to e-mails and extremely helpful. They always answered any questions I had. The staff is amazing! I was in for such a pleasant surprise when I got to Cape Town. I flew in on a beautiful day in May, and the whole ride to my new Milton home from the airport, I am pretty sure my jaw was on the floor with amazement of how beautiful all of the mountains were I had no idea! Even after being there for 2.5 months, I still felt like Table Mountain looked fake and painted when I would get off at the minibus station. The view of the 12 Apostles from Camp's Bay or Lion's Head, the view from Boomslang Caves, and the views from the top of Table Mountain were just unreal. I would sit at the top of Devil's Peak or Lion's Head, relaxing, talking, and looking at the view with interns, only to look down at my watch and realize way over an hour had gone by. There's always something to do in Cape Town and there's an amazing view from anywhere. Hiking the mountains, Old Biscuit Mill on Saturday mornings, Camp's Bay, Cape of Good Hope, Simon's Town, going to a few World Cup games, braais at Andrew and Ivy's in Nyanga, Garden Route, all of the amazing food everywhere, and hanging out with my Milton crew in the bright orange house were just a few of my favorite things. The whole list is too long! I worked with a registered dietitian that works for Philani and Etafeni in the townships of Nyanga and Khayelitsha. Philani and Etafeni are organizations with different segments to them. Both have a creshe (day care center), clinic, and then have an area that teaches HIV positive mothers how to because self-sufficient by teaching them skills such as weaving or making jewelry. Part of the week I would sit in with the dietitian and doctor at the clinic. Many of these kids are malnourished, sometimes because of lack of food and other times because they have diseases like TB and HIV that wear down on the body. I would sit in and observe and listen to her recommendations to these township women for feeding their children. They are provided lots of supplements by the government so I was able to learn a lot about the government as well as the medical/nutritional purposes of these supplements. I learned a lot about HIV/AIDS and nutritional effects on the body that I wouldn't have easily been able to do in the US. The other part of my job was to help out in the creshe kitchen to help prepare food for the children and observing and taking note of the portion sizes. I would then report back to the dietitian I was working under. Part of this was to also make sure that too much wasn't being prepared, then thrown out, because these organizations are under very tight budgets and need as little waste as possible. The other part was to see if the kids were getting too much or too little of certain foods and what the different servings of each were. I would recommend VAC and the city of Cape Town to anyone, and I would gladly talk to anyone about it. My fellow interns were great, and I have made many great friendships that I know will last. It was absolutely the most amazing experience and I hope to make it back to Cape Town one day!

To state ambiguously that the episode of my life spent in Cape Town as a VACorps intern was fantastic, splendid, or any other similar adjective would veritably do my memory an injustice. The internship, working and integrating myself into Retreat Community Health Centre for two months, was truly singular, in that I was not only blessed with an incomparable, at least from my point-of-view, medical internship locale, but also with sisters, doctors, and staff at said clinic who were welcoming and lucidly willing to educate me in their procedures, protocols, culture, patients, and lives. I was given a plethora of opportunities to experience the full field of vision to which the clinic aspired, serving the people via providing relevant measures of health assistance to the surrounding communities. Whether it be aiding in the Minor Operations Theatre, Triaging the constant influx of unbooked patients, observing the CNP’s or doctors in their assessments of patients, or moonlighting a twelve-hour night-shift, the various and ample venues of being gainfully employed sufficed to garner a thorough and indubitably well-rounded experience as the days waxed. I have definitively acquired a practical exposure to the less-modernized medical field that is admirably invaluable. My sojourn in Cape Town has really revealed in me a passion for serving the disadvantaged community health clinics where there is a perpetual need.

“Why do you want to go all the way to South Africa to do an internship?” Someone asked me before I departed for Cape Town. The multitude of answers that came to mind at the time was nothing compared to the amount of answers I have now that my nearly 3 months in South Africa is coming to a close. The reasons provided by VAC were true enough: adventure, opportunity, fun, and personal growth. But to come in expecting all these things to happen in a prefabricated, planned, and impersonal way is to set oneself up for disappointment and blindness to the unique experiences you will find with an open mind. VAC reminded me of this during orientation, that during the unexpected, during the surprising experiences we truly learn the most. I was convinced of this when I had a miscommunication or mishap around town, when I missed a train and ended up having an interesting impromptu conversation on a minibus, when seeing the different (or surprisingly similar) ways my coworkers responded to situations, when I questioned my mortality, then felt surprisingly peaceful after bungee jumping over 700 feet from a bridge, or chatted with a local plumber and his kids at a braai. It may be a cliché when I say “it’s the little things that count”, but it’s only a cliché because of its inherent truth. I must admit I was a little apprehensive about going through an agency to get an internship, and having them help me through the nitty-gritty of living abroad. I feared I would be whisked away in a nice car to a sterilized hotel room and pampered, given an itinerary planning out every minute of my time and dictating who I would spend it with. But that is not what VAC does, rather they help you with the little things. There is an airport pickup, not from a sniveling limousine driver, but a warm, everyday guy in his own car as if he’s your buddy from way back. Sure, they arrange housing, but not at the Ritz, rather with other people who have the same adventurous mindset as you, with a wide variety of interests; even a dinnertime chat with a roommate can hold a gem of learning about something you’ve never thought about. VAC is there as a family would be, not to constrain your choices, but to give you opportunities to learn on your own, and advise you how to stay safe. They are there to help you when you need it, but not to take steps for you that you need to take on your own. They are a friendly, personable bunch of people whose company you will enjoy, and whose honesty and support of your independence will help you get the most out of whatever you choose to do in South Africa.

Molo!! Much thanks to the VA Corps’ talented crew who did an extraordinary job in matching me up with the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation’s Clinical Trials Unit at the UCT School of Medicine for my final Masters of Public Health (Global Epidemiology) internship at the OHSU School of Medicine/School of Nursing in Portland. The efforts of Oliver and Joan gave me the opportunity to return to Cape Town, where I had previously volunteered at the Masiphumelele Clinic in a primary medical care capacity, rather than facing a summer with USAID or a similar policy-making body in a desk-tied position on the East Coast. For his efforts, I personally forgive Oliver for his unfortunate choice of the University of Oregon for his undergraduate degree. Not only were Oliver and Joan instrumental in making the contacts that lead to my successful internship; Vanessa, Jon, Gabriela and staff did an extraordinary job (with great patience) during my stay in Cape Town anticipating and meeting my personal living needs (and many of my “wants”!). Landing a reasonably-priced apartment just 97 steps from my internship site at the UCT Med School at the height of the craziness of the World Cup was very much appreciated. My internship with the DTHF exceeded my expectations. Not only was I able to work closely with a talented group of study investigators and coordinators, which appealed to the public health/global epidemiology side of my brain; I also found myself at the centre of terribly significant legal and ethical issues incumbent in clinical trials sponsored by global pharmaceuticals in under-resourced countries, which appealed to the lawyer side of my brain. These experiences are of critical value for my current and future work in global health. With immediate particularity to my clinical trial exposure at DTHF and the completion of my Master’s degree, next month I begin a one-year, post-graduate certificate program in Clinical Trials at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy in Seattle. Go Huskies! Kendall Williams, Gleneden Beach, Oregon, May-July 2010